Crop Notes
Garlic Scapes Are Not the Same Harvest as Garlic Bulbs
The curled stalk on hardneck garlic is a separate harvest opportunity. Identify the scape without mistaking it for a sign that the bulb is ready.
SOIL · CROPS · FARM PRACTICE
Good growing starts below the surface.
A practical agriculture journal about soil, water and the observations that help growers make better decisions.
Begin with the soil →
Fresh from the field
All articles →
Vegetable Growing
Check the Tomato Type Before Removing Its Side Shoots
Identify whether a tomato is a cordon or bush variety before pinching out growth, and keep uncertain shoots until you can check.
Vegetable Growing
A Bolting Lettuce Is Changing Its Job in the Garden
Recognise lettuce moving toward flowering, review growing conditions and plan the next sowing without expecting bolted plants to reset.
Growing Food
A Courgette Flower Does Not Always Become a Courgette
Distinguish male and female courgette flowers, observe pollination conditions and keep a useful record before assuming that every fallen flower signals a problem.
Growing in Containers
Roots Circling a Pot Are a Reason to Review the Next Container
Inspect a container plant’s root ball and drainage needs before choosing the next pot, with room for species-specific care rather than a universal size jump.
Soil & Seedlings
A Hard Soil Crust Can Hide What Is Happening to Your Seedlings
Inspect a crusted seedbed before adding water or disturbing the surface, separating a dry-looking crust from the moisture and seedlings underneath.