31 posts tagged with "Gardening"

Growing Blueberries: Introduction​

Blueberries are a rewarding fruit for home gardeners and beginners. These shrubs (often called berry “trees” in landscaping) produce nutritious, antioxidant-rich berries each summer.

To grow blueberries successfully, you need to meet their basic needs: full sun, acidic fertile soil, and consistent moisture. With patience, blueberries can bear fruit within 2–3 years and continue producing for decades.

We’ll explain where and how to plant blueberry bushes, how to prepare the soil (including blueberry soil pH), the best fertilizer (organic compost), and essential care steps (watering, mulching, pruning) to keep your blueberry plants thriving.

Growing your tomatoes can be one of the most rewarding gardening experiences. But did you know that your juicy tomatoes could carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella if not done carefully? With reports like the Salmonella outbreak tomatoes in the US and the UK, understanding how to grow tomatoes safely is more important than ever.

Whether you're a novice or a seasoned green thumb, this guide walks you through every step, from choosing seeds to harvesting and storing to ensure your tomatoes are delicious and safe to eat.

Introduction to Compost​

What is Compost?​

Compost is decomposed organic matter from kitchen scraps, garden clippings, leaves, and other biodegradable materials. It's often called “black gold” because it can enrich soil, promote plant growth, and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.

Through natural decomposition processes involving microbes, heat, and moisture, compost turns waste into nutrient-rich humus that's ready to nurture plants.

Benefits of Using Compost​

Using compost can significantly improve your garden in multiple ways:

• Improves soil structure – making it looser and better for root development.

• Enhances moisture retention – reducing the need for frequent watering.

• Boosts soil nutrients – releasing them slowly to support steady plant growth.

• Reduces waste – keeping organic materials out of landfills.

• Supports beneficial microbes – which help break down nutrients and fight diseases.

7 Urgent Emergency Tips for Safe & Smart Home Recovery After Floods​

Floods can strike without warning, leaving behind chaos and damage. Proper recovery after the floods isn't just about cleaning up—it's about doing it safely and strategically. From avoiding polluted water after floods to knowing how to compost properly, here are seven emergency tips to help guide you through recovery.

Introduction to Full Moon July 2025​

The full moon in July 2025, often called the Buck Moon, appears on July 21, 2025. This celestial event not only dazzles the night sky but also offers a unique opportunity for gardeners: plants rooted just before the full moon may thrive more robustly and yield stronger harvests.

Tropical Storm Chantal and Its Potential Impact​

What Is a Tropical Storm Warning?​

A tropical storm warning is issued when sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph are expected within 36 hours. It serves as an urgent call to action for residents and gardeners alike to secure their homes, yards, and most importantly, their plants. When you hear a warning from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), it's time to act fast.

Overview of Tropical Storm Chantal​

Tropical Storm Chantal is currently tracking over the Atlantic and is projected to move toward the southeastern U.S. coast, bringing high winds, heavy rains, and coastal flooding. While it may not escalate to a hurricane, its impact on low-lying gardens can be devastating.

Latest Updates from the National Hurricane Center​

The NHC has placed South Carolina, including Myrtle Beach, under observation. Current models from the hurricane tracker suggest the storm may make landfall with intense rain bands. Gardeners need to stay informed through trusted sources like NOAA, which updates every few hours.

Myrtle Beach Weather Alerts and Storm Projections​

Myrtle Beach is expected to experience high tides and gusts that can uproot shallow-rooted plants. Flash flood warnings may also affect the coastal soil structure. If you garden near Myrtle Beach, prepare now before the weather takes a turn.

Are Tomatoes Safe to Eat Now? A Look at Food Safety Concerns​

In recent years, more people are asking, “Are tomatoes safe to eat now?” And that concern is valid. Supermarket tomatoes often travel thousands of miles before reaching your plate, making them susceptible to contamination along the way. From harmful pesticides to bacteria like Salmonella, it's become clear that not every tomato is grown under safe conditions.

Recalls and foodborne illness outbreaks related to tomatoes have occurred multiple times in the last decade. In 2025, there are three FDA Recalls including Tomato Recall due to Salmonella. Contaminated water, poor hygiene during harvesting, or unsafe handling during transport can all introduce risks to your health. While washing produce helps, it doesn’t always remove invisible chemical residues.

In fact, tomatoes consistently rank high on the Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” list—foods most likely to contain pesticide residues. So if you're concerned about what’s in your food, growing your own tomato plant could be the safest—and tastiest—solution.

Gardening might feel a bit overwhelming at first—there's soil to prep, plants to choose, and care routines to learn. But don't worry! With a little encouragement and the right guidance, anyone can create a flourishing garden.

In this guide, you'll discover easy-to-follow gardening tips for beginners, learn how to plant a garden from scratch, and nurture a variety of stunning garden plants. Ready to grow? Let's dig in! 🌿

Overview: How to Plant and Take Care of Different Types of Plants​

While composting is generally a good practice for reducing waste and enriching soil, it's important to be cautious when dealing with potentially contaminated materials. The FDA Tomato Recall Salmonella outbreak highlights the need to take extra precautions to protect your health and prevent the spread of salmonella.

Image Credit: FDA|Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Cucumbers(May 2025)

A multistate outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo infections is under investigation by the FDA and CDC. The source is traced to cucumbers from Bedner Growers, Inc., in Boynton Beach, Florida, distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc.

In the last few days, an outbreak of Food Safety Corcern has been spreading across the United States, affecting hundreds of millions of residents and agricultural industries, over 200 infection cases reported in 15 states.

Image Credit: FDA|Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Cucumbers(May 2025)

As a gardening enthusiast, I’m really concerned about how salmonella intrudes into our vegetable garden and how we can get rid of it, whether from soil, compost, water, fertiliser, plants, or grown fruits and vegetables. And I do hope that those who have been infected by salmonella in the US get the best treatment and recover soon. No more infection cases increased!