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The Most Important Crops in the World

People cannot exist without plants, and some plants would not exist without people. Around the world, large societies thrive on a foundation of agriculture. Read on to learn about the crops that sustain the diversity of cultures across the globe, providing the bounty that ensures human survival.

Potato

The Potato is native to North America and in the United States. Potato products are the second most consumed food. This starchy tuber is a staple in diets around the world and is considered the fourth most important worldwide crop.

Wheat

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is a grass species that is commercially grown for cereal grain. Approximately 95% of all wheat grown in the world is Wheat. This species is grown for human and animal consumption.

Maize

Maize (Zea mays) is a well known domesticated cereal grain first domesticated in Mexico. In much of the world it is also called corn. Worldwide cultivation of Maize surpasses other prominent grains like wheat and rice. Maize must be planted in the spring due to its intolerance for cold weather.

Sweet potato

While most assume that the Sweet potato is a potato, it is not considered nightshade. However, sweet potatoes and potatoes both belong to the order of Solanales. Its culinary use is wide and can be fried, baked or boiled.

Barley

Hordeum vulgare or Barley is an important cereal grain that’s grown globally. It’s commonly used in soups, stews, breads, and as a source of malt for alcoholic beverages like beer. The economic value of its trade globally is over $33 billion.

Sorghum

In many countries, Sorghum is used to make bread. It can also be popped, similar to popcorn. As a staple of diets in many areas, Sorghum also provides cereal, is eaten along with rice, and even made into tortillas. It can be brewed into alcohol, and in the United States is used as animal feed and as a source of bio-based ethanol.

Soybean

Soybean (Glycine max) was domesticated by the Chinese 6,000 to 9,000 years ago. In the eighteenth century, Europeans used Soybean for ornamental purposes. It’s a versatile plant grown both for consumption and as an ingredient in manufactured products. It was even used by Henry Ford to make plastic parts for his Model T.

Pearl millet

An important subsistence crop, Pearl millet is hardy and drought-tolerant. Also known as Cenchrus americanus, it grows well near deserts where the rainfall is low. It has been cultivated in the United States since the 1850’s and there are records of this important crop being grown since 2000 B.C.

Garden pea

Pea (Pisum sativum) is an annual vegetable that makes a hardy, cold weather crop. Also known as the green pea or garden pea, it grows from 1 to 1.5 feet tall. Peapods form after the first year and both peas and pods are edible and can be eaten cooked or raw. Excellent in stir fry, tender tips, called pea shoots, are also edible.

Cassava

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) comes from South America but has become a major source of carbohydrates for many peoples around the world. This is especially true in low-income areas since it is cheap to grow. Only when properly cooked the starchy root of it is edible. The rest of the plant is poisonous if eaten. Cassava’s natural starches are also useful in laundry products, and it is under investigation as a source of biofuel as well.

Oat

The Oat (Avena sativa), a member of the grass family, is one of the most widely cultivated plants on earth, being used as a food crop, as livestock feed, and as an ingredient in cosmetics (especially lotions and soaps). Oats are nutrient-rich and provide more protein and fat than other grains. The plant is best grown in temperate climates with cool, wet summers, so the leading oat producers include Russia, Canada, and Spain.

Rice

Rice, also known as English Rice, is a type of grass grown for its rice. It is known to be easy to genetically modify. It is grown as short grain, long grain, and broad grain types of rice.

Hyacinth bean

Hyacinth bean (Lablab purpureus) is a bean plant native to the tropics of Africa. Its beans are consumed as a food and it is also referred to as the butter bean or the poor man’s bean. Young pods are consumed widely as a vegetable in Asia. If not properly cooked, Hyacinth bean is toxic.

Banana

Banana (Musa acuminata) is an edible evergreen perennial plant native to Southwest Asia. Some people may perceive Edible banana to be a tree, but it is a perennial plant. Banana is one of the earlier domesticated plants by humans in the history of evolution. The cultivation of these plants for fruit is a major industry. They are also cultivated as ornamental plants.

Common buckwheat

Common buckwheat, or simply buckwheat, is grown for its grain-like seeds or as a cover crop in gardens and fields. It is also grown to improve the quality of soil and can be “chopped and dropped” to serve as mulch. Buckwheat seeds can be ground into gluten-free flour.

Rye

Rye (Secale cereale) is a fast-growing annual that will grow from 3 to 6 feet tall. Its tiny flowers grow along a spiked flower stem. Flowers develop into one-seeded fruits. It is cultivated for its seed which is used to make flour, rye bread, rye beer, crisp bread and oats. It is the most popular small grain for cattle forage.

Coconut palm

Coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) is a broadleaf evergreen native to the Western Pacific tropical islands. In the United States, Common coconut palm grows in Hawaii, Southern Florida, and Texas. This tree produces coconuts.

Peanut

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) is an annual that can grow from 18 to 24 inches tall. It is a legume crop grown mostly for its edible seeds. Golden yellow flowers bloom in spring and seed begins to develop after flowers fade. The peanut pods grow underground. Cultivated and harvested peanuts and peanut oil are used in a variety of products.

Broad bean

Broad bean (Vicia faba) is a fruit-bearing flowering plant related to the pea. Its origins are unknown. The Broad bean is also called the Fava bean or the faba bean. This plant is widely cultivated for human consumption and has a broad range of culinary uses.

Quinoa

Chenopodium quinoa is a dicotyledonous annual plant, usually about 3–7 ft high. It has broad, generally powdery, hairy, lobed leaves, normally arranged alternately. The woody central stem is branched or unbranched depending on the variety and may be green, red or purple. Each panicle has a central axis from which a secondary axis emerges either with flowers (amaranthiform) or bearing a tertiary axis carrying the flowers (glomeruliform). The fruits (seeds) are about 2 mm in diameter and of various colors—from white to red or black, depending on the cultivar.

9 Common Species of Holly

Holly trees make a glorious addition to any garden, and not just over the festive season! With their prickly leaves, glossy sheen, and striking red berries, what’s not to love about a Holly? Hollys come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, so we’ve put together this list of the 9 common species you simply need to know about.

Yaupon

Yaupon is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to North America. Leaves and stems of this plant were widely used by Native Americans for making ritual drinks that would induce cleansing of the body through vomiting, hence the Latin name Ilex vomitoria.

Inkberry

Inkberry (Ilex glabra) is a species native to the eastern United States. Inkberry is valued for its flavorful floral blossoms which are used as commercial ingredients in honey. Its leaves can be turned into a tea which is popular in East Asia.

Japanese holly

Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) is an evergreen shrub native to China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Japanese holly is a flowering plant, and its flowers transition into berries during the summer season. This plant is popularly planted as an ornamental shrub and can be grown as a Bonsai tree.

American holly

Ilex opaca, commonly known as American holly, is a medium-sized evergreen tree, commonly found in southeastern areas of North America as an understory tree in humid forests. Its bright red fruits are poisonous to humans but are a very important source of food for numerous species of birds.

Common winterberry

Common winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is a berry species commonly grown in eastern gardens within the United States. Common winterberry is valued for its ability to grow in temperate climates and the colors it provides as an ornamental plant. The Common winterberry is also called Michigan holly.

Mountain holly

Mountain holly (Ilex mucronata) is a deciduous shrub related to other forms of holly. It serves as a host for Columbia silkmoth caterpillars. Grows around swamps and bogs in eastern North America. Iconic red berries appear in late summer or early fall and attract birds.

Common holly

Common holly (Ilex aquifolium) is an evergreen tree or shrub, recognized by the characteristic shape of its leaves and bright red berries. Its natural habitat is understories of oak and beech forests. Common holly is widely used in landscaping in temperate regions. Thick crown and prickly leaves make this plant excellent for hedges.

Kurogane holly

Kurogane holly (Ilex rotunda) is one of the most attractive hollies and is an evergreen that will grow to 50 feet tall. Native to Japan, it has been growing in the United States for some 200 years. It blooms in April with bright red berries ripening in October to December, offering a stunning display for winter.

Chinese holly

Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta) is an evergreen shrub native to China and Korea. The Chinese holly is often grown ornamentally in gardens and is considered easy to grow and maintain. The Chinese holly bears fruits that are thought to be superior to other holly species.

10 Plants Most Poisonous to Children

While the natural world may always make the best playground, there are some species out there that can cause major problems for children. Read on to learn about the worst offenders of the toxic world, and learn to identify them so you can keep your children far, far away.

Angel's trumpet

Angel’s trumpet is a showy and unique addition to any garden and is prized for its flowers which have a trumpet shape and a variety of colors including yellow, orange, white, pink, or red. Use extreme caution, however, as all parts of Angel’s trumpet are poisonous when ingested.

Bittersweet

The species known as Bittersweet is a semi-woody vine found in forests, marshes, shrublands, and hedgerows. All parts of the plant contain alkaloids (especially the bright red berries), which are extremely poisonous to humans and livestock if ingested. In spite of its toxicity, Bittersweet was hung as a talisman in the past to ward off witchcraft.

American pokeweed

Although its berries look juicy and tempting, the fruits and the root of American pokeweed are toxic and should not be eaten. American pokeweed is considered a pest species by farmers but is nevertheless often grown as an ornamental plant. Its berries can be made into pokeberry ink as well.

Black nightshade

Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is a highly toxic plant and caution should be exercised around this plant. It’s said that Black nightshade fruits can technically be consumed if they are fully ripe and properly cooked and prepared. Generally though, due to the danger they present, no one would ever want to try to eat this plant.

Common foxglove

Common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is a herbaceous flowering plant naturally found in forests, heaths, and mountain grasslands. Common foxglove produces clusters of purple to white tubular flowers, with numerous dark spots on the inner surface. They are very attractive and commonly cultivated for ornamental purposes.

Italian arum

Native to the Mediterranean, the Italian arum is cultivated as an ornamental plant and has been naturalized in a variety of places, including the Caucasus region, Argentina, and the United States. The berries and leaves are considered to be poisonous and should avoid ingesting.

Common holly

Canada yew

Canada yew (Taxus canadensis) is a conifer tree native to northeastern North America. Canada yew produces poisonous toxins called taxanes. All parts of this plant are toxic.

Southern Indian azalea

Rhododendron indicum is a small semi-evergreen flowering shrub native to East Asia, colloquially known as Southern Indian azalea. It produces a great number of lovely pink flowers during the blooming time, which is why Southern Indian azalea is often used for ornamental purposes. There are many cultivars of this gorgeous plant and some are used for bonsai.

Oleander

Nerium oleander, colloquially known as Oleander, is a shrub or a small tree, known for its majestic pink five-lobed flowers and deep green lanceolate leaves. Oleander is one of the most poisonous popular decorative garden plants, so it is advised to keep small children and pets away from it.

11 Colorful Ornamental Grass for Fall

Fall colors are always beautiful, but what if you can have them at home? We have chosen the best colorful ornamental grasses for you to grow at home. Liven up your garden with beautifully rich fall tones.

Hair-awn muhly

Hair-awn muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris) is an ornamental grass that features pink and purple blossoms. This species is known to attract beneficial insect species and is also considered an excellent wildlife habitat plant due to its clumping behavior.

Switchgrass

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a flowering perennial grass native to North America. Planting Switchgrass is becoming more popular recently because the plant can sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and contribute to preventing further global warming. In addition, Switchgrass can be used in industrial contexts to produce chemicals like ethanol and butanol.

New Zealand flax

New zealand flax (Phormium tenax) is an ornamental perennial that offers colorful accents year-round. Its sword-like leaves change color in fall and red or yellow tubular blossoms appear in late spring through early fall attracting hummingbirds. This low-maintenance plant prefers full sun to partial shade and will grow to 3 to 8 feet tall.

Chinese silver grass

Chinese silver grass is a perennial grass that can grow 3–7 ft. It forms dense clumps from an underground rhizome. The Chinese silver grass is grown mainly as an ornamental grass, with silvery leaves and flowers that vary in color based on the cultivar. Be careful where you plant this type of grass; in some zones it can become invasive.

Blawing-grass

Blawing-grass (Molinia caerulea) is a perennial bunchgrass native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. It grows at low and high elevations, and prefers moist soil with a low pH. Blawing-grass is a hardy plant, though, so it will grow in less ideal conditions as well. The purplish color of its spikelets has lent it another name: purple moor-grass.

African fountain grass

African fountain grass (Cenchrus setaceus) is a grass plant also commonly called crimson fountain grass. It grows throughout East Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Crimson fountain grass is drought tolerant and the existence of it increases the risk of fires. Crimson fountain grass is often considered to be an invasive species.

Vetivergrass

Vetivergrass grows to 5 ft high and form clumps as wide. The stems are tall and the leaves are long, thin, and rather rigid. The flowers are brownish-purple. The leaves can become up to 10 ft long and 0.3 in wide. The panicles are 6 in to 12 in long and have whorled, 1 in to 2 in long branches. The spikelets are in pairs, and there are three stamens.

Prairie dropseed

Prairie dropseed is an attractive prairie grass that is well-suited to create borders in home gardens because it helps suppress weeds. In the wild, it has become endangered in some areas. It grows small pink or brown flowers that smell faintly like cilantro or sunflower seeds. Prairie dropseed attracts many birds, but also tends to bring in grasshoppers.

Hakone grass

Hakone grass (Hakonechloa macra) is also called “Japanese Forest Grass.” It’s an ornamental grass that loves moist and shady places to grow. Hakone grass grows in a dense mound and grows up to 2 feet tall. It provides ground cover in shaded areas.

Pheasant's tail grass

Pheasant’s tail grass is a highly prized ornamental grass that provides year-round interest. Its best feature is fountain-like foliage that changes color from green to yellow, golden, and red as the seasons progress.

Feather reed grass

Feather reed grass (Calamagrostis acutiflora) is an ornamental, perennial grass that will grow from 3 to 6 feet tall, when in bloom. Also called the Karl Foerster. Feather reed grass grows in dense clumps and pink flowers bloom in early June, then turn gold in late summer. It prefers full sun, requires very little maintenance, and is a good garden plant.

11 Autumn-Planting Bulbs for Your Garden

Take your pick of these spectacular bulbs that are simply perfect for planting in your garden in the fall season. When winter has passed, you’ll be in for a treat as your bulbs grow and produce beautiful spring blooms!

Garden dahlia

The Garden dahlia is a common spring flower that comes in a wide range of colors. The flowers themselves are unscented and attract pollinators (like bees) using only their bright coloration. Garden dahlia plants were grown by ancient Aztecs and it is now the official flower of Mexico. It is genetically related to garden plants like sunflowers and zinnias.

Crown imperial

Regal crowns of flowers perch atop tall stems of the Crown imperial, or Fritillaria imperialis. Bulbs can be planted in mass plantings, flowerbeds, and container gardens. These striking flowers grow from bulbs and bloom in early spring. The skunk-like fragrance is a great pest repellent.

Snowdrop

A herald of spring, the Snowdrop grows up to around 7–15 cm tall. Sprouting from bulbs, the drooping bell-shaped white flowers are accompanied by two slender, erect leaves. These flowers have been noted throughout history, with references going as far back as the fourth century.

Wild daffodil

Wild daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) is a perennial flower that grows from bulbs. It is a common ornamental plant, famous for its pale-yellow flowers with a bright-yellow central trumpet. In the wild, Narcissus pseudonarcissus can be found in forests, grasslands, and rocky terrains. Its bulbs and leaves are poisonous when ingested.

Easter lily

Lilium longiflorum, commonly known as Easter lily is a perennial bulb, famous for the beautiful fragrance of its large, trumpet-shaped white flowers. It plays an important role in Christianity, as it symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus Christ celebrated during Easter (hence the common name). Easter lily is most often cultivated for cut flowers.

Autumn crocus

Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) is a flowering plant native to the coast of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Its flower stalks grow up after a period of time after its leaves die out, so you can see its flowers or leaves but never both. Consumption of Autumn crocus is toxic and is particularly poisonous to cats. Autumn crocus is not the source of saffron. Saffron is produced by another species in the crocus family.

Spanish bluebell

Spanish bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica) is a flowering perennial that originated on the Iberian Peninsula. The Spanish bluebell has paler and bluer flowers than similar species the common bluebell. It is often cultivated as a garden plant.

Common camas

The Common camas (Camassia quamash) is a perennial wildflower that grows from bulbs and is native to western North America. The plant was used as a food source by Native Americans and was documented by the explorers Lewis and Clark. Very cold hardy, this flower grows well in moist loam and clay soils.

Armenian grape hyacinth

Armenian grape hyacinth is an easy to grow spring favorite flower. These little bell-shaped blue flowers grow in clusters under trees, in pots, and also work well in cut arrangements. These little beauties can thrive in both full sun or part shade, as long as soil is moist but well-draining. For a striking visual effect, plant at least 25 bulbs close together. Armenian grape hyacinths are deer and rabbit resistant.

Calla lily

The Calla lily is a well-known ornamental plant with several cultivars receiving the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. The most common cultivars include ‘Crowborough’, ‘Green Goddess’, ‘Pink Mist’, and ‘Red Desire’. They are popular as a cut flower or a rhizomatous herb in the warm gardens.

Giant onion

Giant onion, Allium giganteum, or ornamental onion, is a member of the Amaryllidaceae family. This hardy perennial grows large purple clusters of tiny florets. It’s the largest of the ornamental onions, and although it produces onion-like fragrances, it is not grown for consumption.

How to Make Your Cut Flower Last Longer

Arranging cut flowers is fun and rewarding, but many cut flowers die quickly because they are not given proper care. Here are some tips to help extend the lifespan and improve the health of your fresh-cut flowers.

Arranging cut flowers in your home is one of the most rewarding aspects of tending to a flower garden. Unfortunately, many cut flowers die very quickly because they are not given proper care.

Most people just accept that cut flowers don’t last very long. However, there are some tips you can take to extend the life of your fresh-cut flowers. Some simple tricks such as keeping the vase clean, or adding a bit of sugar to the water can add a lot of life to your spectacular blooms.

If you have some marvelous flowers to display and want to get the most out of them, then try following the tips in this article. Even just doing one or two of these tips can greatly improve the health of your flowers and extend their lifespan.

Use a Clean Vase

Always use a clean vase for your cut flowers. A dirty vase will carry bacteria that may spread to your flowers and decrease their life span. This can be avoided by cleaning your vase thoroughly with soap and water well before you begin to arrange your flowers.

Along with cleaning, you should also ensure that the vase you use is the proper size for the flowers you wish to showcase. A well-sized vase allows you to create a more visually appealing display while making sure each flower has access to an adequate amount of water.

Cut Stems Diagonally

What many people forget when arranging cut flowers is that they should cut the stems before placing them in a vase. Cutting the stems will help your flowers collect all the water they need to prolong their vitality.

However, the way you cut your stems matters too. You should cut the stems diagonally as this increases the surface area of the stems, which means that they can absorb more water.

Prune Your Cut Flowers

Most gardeners believe that pruning is a task exclusive to tending outdoor plants. However, that could not be further from the truth. In fact, pruning your cut flowers will go a long way towards increasing their longevity. By removing dead and damaged parts of your flowers, your flowers will be able to focus their energy on new growth. This will not only make them look more attractive, but also help them survive a bit longer.

Furthermore, you should always remove any leaves or petals that have become submerged in the water. This will reduce the likelihood that your cut flowers will contract a fungus or another disease.

Find the Ideal Location for Your Cut Flowers

Finding the right location for your flowers will also play a significant role in how long they will last. At this stage, it is most important to avoid a few specific settings that will be a detriment to your flowers. Do your best to keep your cut flowers away from:

Direct sunlight, air vents, radiators, and similar utilities can all cause your cut flowers to dry out prematurely. But what is more surprising is that placing your flowers near fruit will harm them as well. While fruits ripen, they emit an airborne substance called ethylene. Ethylene triggers the aging mechanism in flowers, which means they will begin to wilt more quickly than normal.

Store Flowers in a Cool Place at Night

Have you ever noticed that the flowers in a flower shop sit in an area where the air around them is very cool? That is because professional florists know those cool temperatures are best for preserving blooms. Take this knowledge to heart and find a way to store your cut flowers in a colder place.

A good approach to this tip is to store your flowers in a cold room at night. At times, it is permissible to put your cut flowers in the fridge at night. However, some fridges may be too cold for your flowers. Regardless, finding a cool place for nighttime storage will promote longevity.

Add Sugar and Bleach

An interesting practice to prolong the life of your flowers involves adding sugar and bleach to the water in your vase. The sugar will act as a food source for your flowers, while the bleach will help ward off any bacteria that could harm them.

There is no need to add excessive amounts of sugar and bleach. Just use a small amount of both in your cut flower’s water, and you can expect your flowers to last just a bit longer than you might expect.

Change Water Often

A final tip for improving the lifespan of your flowers is to replace their water regularly, preferably daily. Doing so will make it so that your flowers are never sitting in dirty water that could harm them. Clean water also keeps your vase clean, which further helps to keep your blooms vibrant and beautiful for as long as possible.

Curb Appeal With a Halloween Theme

Popular holidays like Halloween are a great time to enhance your home’s curb appeal while showing your holiday spirit. With the proper décor, lighting, walkways, and vegetation, you can enhance the appeal of your home while setting a spooky scene.

Creating and improving curb appeal is a worthwhile endeavor for any homeowner. The way your home looks from the street determines how inviting it is and ultimately influences the value of your house and landscape.

When a popular holiday is coming up, enhancing curb appeal becomes more than a chance to make your home look stellar in a general sense. It is an opportunity to show your holiday spirit as well. This article will show you a few ways that you can boost your home’s curb appeal while setting a spooky ambience for Halloween.

Add Some Seasonal Décor

Setting out a few seasonal décor items is a great way to make your house and yard look welcoming. Houses with such displays also reveal that their owners take time to care for their home and make it look its best. Both of those outcomes can go a long way in elevating the curb appeal of your home.

To make one of these seasonal displays for the fall and Halloween season, here are a few classic autumn items you can use:

Each of these items can be emblematic of fall when used the right way. Feel free to get a bit creative with the décor pieces you use, and soon you will have a lovely autumnal display that is ready for Halloween.

Remember too that you should change these displays as the seasons change. That means you can make themed arrangements for the winter, spring, and summer months too.

Make Sure You Have Enough Lighting

Drive through a neighborhood at night, and you will notice that some homes look more attractive than others. You may not notice that the common feature that many of those homes have is outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting can be as effective as any other landscape element at making your house look fantastic once the sun has set.

Fortunately, landscape lighting has another primary benefit. Along with looking great, landscape lighting can make your property much safer. Here are a few types of lights that you should consider for your home’s curb appeal:

Effective landscape lighting will make it easier to see and move through your landscape at night without being too bright or overbearing. Landscape lights also let you highlight the most important aspects of your house and yard.

When Halloween arrives, that lighting becomes all the more essential. As each trick-or-treater arrives at your home, the lighting you arranged will lead them easily to your front door. You can even add colored lights or use them creatively with your Halloween décor to add to the ambience.

Keep Walkways Clear and in Good Condition

Another somewhat subtle landscape element that can add a lot to your curb appeal is your walkways. Most homeowners park their cars in a garage or driveway then often use a side entrance to get inside. This means that they could go a while without using their front walkways. However, these walkways are what many new visitors to your home will use to access your front door.

Walkways that are well-designed and well-maintained have a surprising impact on the overall appeal of your front yard. These paths can take many forms and appearances. However, they all should achieve these fundamental goals:

Although you may not use your front paths very often, you should not neglect them. When a holiday like Halloween comes around, and numerous people are trying to get to your front door, you’ll be happy to have a quality path system that will take them there.

Furthermore, you can utilize this space to set a spooky scene before your trick-or-treaters arrive at the door. This is a great place to add décor and lights to show your visitors your Halloween spirit.

Plant Trees with Vibrant Fall Colors

One of the best tips for improving curb appeal is to grow some trees in your front yard. If maximizing your appeal in the fall around Halloween is your goal, you should consider a few specific tree varieties.

What you should look for are trees that have bold fall leaf colors. The following species are sure to add an eye-catching burst of color to your fall landscape:

Each of those trees gives you the astounding fall leaf color that you desire. But if you are worried that these trees may lose their leaves before Halloween, there is no need to worry. A few bare branches waving in the wind will only add to a spooky feel that is only fitting for the holiday.

How to Carve a Perfect Jack-O’-Lantern

Creating the perfect jack-o’-lantern takes more than just a pumpkin. You’ll also need the right tools to carve that perfectly ghoulish, grinning face. Luckily, we have easy to follow steps that will turn you into an expert pumpkin carver.

For some people, Halloween is a state of mind. If they could, they would have their Halloween decorations up all year round. Of course, you can’t have Halloween without the traditional jack o’lanterns. The simple shapes of the traditional jack-o’-lanterns might seem easy at first glance, but if you’ve ever tried to carve one, then you probably know that it’s a lot harder than it looks. Luckily, if you follow the instructions below, you’ll finally be able to carve a perfect jack o’ lantern.

Materials

You can’t carve a jack-o’-lantern without the proper tools. To create the perfect jack-o’-lantern, you will need:

A pumpkin
Large spoon or ice cream scooper
A medium knife
A small serrated knife
A medium bowl
Newspaper or tarp
Dry erase marker
Candle
Masking tape

Finding the Perfect Pumpkin

The first step in creating a perfect jack-o’-lantern is to choose the perfect pumpkin. Though technically any pumpkin will do, it’s best to be a bit picky and find one that is high-quality. Below are a few tips to help you find the perfect pumpkin:

Look for soft spots and cuts. Make sure to check all parts of the pumpkin as these are signs that the fruit is rotten.
Check out the stem and make sure that it is at least two inches wide and nice and green. Both are good indicators that the pumpkin is fresh.
Get a pumpkin that is orange throughout. Avoid green or brown spots as this indicates that the pumpkin is either under- or over-ripe. This will make the pumpkin harder to carve.
Carefully inspect the area around the stem for discoloration. Discoloration and dull spots are signs of frostbite.
Don’t avoid odd-shaped pumpkins. While it’s always nice to get that perfectly round pumpkin, sometimes the strange shapes can give your jack-o’-lantern more character.
Don’t carry the pumpkin by the stem! It might seem sturdy, but it’s not a handle. The last thing you want to do is find the perfect pumpkin and then accidentally drop it.

These tips will not only help you find a high-quality pumpkin that will last longer throughout the season but also ensure that your carvings look great.

Preparing Your Pumpkin

Once you have your pumpkin, it’s time to prepare it. However, you don’t want to carve it too early. Wait a few days before you plan on displaying it. Otherwise, your pumpkin will start rotting and caving in. If you want to keep your house festive for as long as possible, buy several backup pumpkins to carve later in the month.

Now onto the preparation! If your pumpkin is dirty, wash it with some warm water and soap. Next, lay down newspaper or some tarp in the room you plan on carving. You should choose a room with linoleum or concrete flooring as it will be easier to clean than carpet. Better yet, carve outdoors! Make sure to set all of the materials out in one place so you can finish carving in one sitting.

Carving the Pumpkin

Once you have your workstation set up, it’s time to start carving! The most important thing is to take it slow. Not only will you get better results, but you’ll also avoid accidents. Follow these steps to get a great jack-o’-lantern:

With your medium knife, cut around the pumpkin's stem at a 45-degree angle or cut a hole at the bottom.
Scrape out the insides with a spoon or ice cream scooper. Set aside the pumpkin seeds as you can cook them up into tasty snacks.
Draw your own design on paper or find a template online that you can print out. Once you’ve found the design you like, tape it to the pumpkin.
Use your small serrated knife to cut out the design. Position your knife at a perpendicular angle along the chosen design and use a sawing motion to carve out each shape. Remove any loose pieces of pumpkin and throw them out.
Clean up your edges
Insert a candle inside your newly minted jack-o’-lantern and then proudly display it on your porch or windowsill!

Conclusion

Making the perfect jack-o’-lantern doesn’t require amazing artistic abilities, but it does require a bit of time and some planning. With that said, it’s getting much easier to make awesome carved pumpkins as there are dozens of different design templates you can download and print online. If you don’t want to use your cooking knives, there are dedicated pumpkin carving sets available to buy. These specific sets are safe for kids so the whole family can make their own jack-o’-lanterns. No matter what you use, carving jack o’lanterns is a timeless and fun way to celebrate the spooky Halloween season.

Flower of the Week: Zonal Geranium

Zonal geranium’s flowers grow densely at the top of the plant and cluster into a small flower ball. The flowers are white, orange, pink, or red, some muted, some bright, and come in a variety of shapes, so it’s easy to find one you will like. Its leaves are round with serrate or ruffled margins, and patterned as well, so it’s attractive even when it’s not in bloom. Some species of the genus are fragrant, and they can become an indispensable element in the kitchen.

Zonal geraniums are native to southern Africa and spread to Europe through trade voyages in the 17th century. They are now one of the most common potted flowers around the world. A new trendy variety is cultivated almost every year to take the market by storm. Bring it home to fully appreciate this beauty from thousands of miles away, and let this little darling bloom on your windowsill.

Distinguishing Zonal Geraniums from the Fragrance

Zonal geraniums appear in many literary works of the 19th century. Although both zonal geranium and cranesbills are colloquially known as geraniums, we can distinguish them via the textual description of their fragrances. For example, George Eliot, in Scenes from Clerical Life, used the fragrant geranium in gin as a metaphor for the arrival of the sweetness of spring.

In real life, these aromatic zonal geraniums can be used in baking or bartending to add layered depth to foods and beverages. However, not all zonal geraniums are fragrant, so if you happen to have grown unscented zonal geraniums, don’t question whether you’ve bought a fake one.

A Mosquito-Repellent Scam Involving Zonal Geraniums

At the end of the last century, a zonal geranium variety called “citrosa geranium” claimed to have been genetically engineered to repel mosquitoes by its aroma. It became wildly popular in the U.S. and Canada, with one plant selling for up to $14. But later, researchers found that the plant’s aroma didn’t work as a mosquito repellent, and mosquitoes rested directly and harmlessly on this geranium.

Pelargonium graveolens is also called mosquitoe-repellent grass

Many websites still sell this geranium, but its description has changed from “able to repel mosquitoes” to “proven unable to repel mosquitoes.”

We Learned about Color Blindness from It

British chemist John Dalton is known for founding atomic theory and seen as the father of modern chemistry, but his work on color blindness was also pioneering. Being color blind himself, Dalton realized that what others saw as pink zonal geraniums were closer to sky blue in his eyes.

Dalton documented the differences between his and other people’s vision, and eventually presented the first systematic study of color blindness at the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society in 1794. Dalton’s deuteranopia, or color blindness, is therefore known as daltonism.

The rainbow colors in the eyes of people with daltonism.

Can I Grow Zonal Geranium Well?

Zonal geraniums prefer a warm environment, with winter temperatures around 5-10°C. If you are in a colder area, consider growing it indoors. Geraniums like ample sunlight and can tolerate shade, so you can grow it indoors on a windowsill.

Zonal geranium grows best in fertile, well-drained soil. It can tolerate moderate drought, so wait until the soil surface is dry before watering it. Less frequent watering is required in winter. It can be fertilized every two weeks in spring and summer, and an application of potash fertilizer before flowering will encourage blooms. After flowering, deadhead spent flowers to reduce nutrient consumption.

Size: 30-60 cm (1-2 ft) tall

Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 9-12

Light: Full sun to half sun

Soil: Fertile, well-drained

Bloom time: Summer or fall

A Beginner’s Guide to Saving Seeds

Saving seeds may seem complicated, but the process is surprisingly straightforward. This article will show you which are the best kinds of seeds to save as well as the steps to get started for optimal results.

One of the best ways to improve your self-sufficiency as a gardener is to learn how to save seeds. Not only does this save money every growing season, but it gives you complete control over the garden crop. You can even select the traits that are most important to you, ensuring a nearly perfect crop year after year.

To start saving seeds, you will need to know which seeds to save as well as when and how to save them. The process of saving seeds might seem overwhelming to start, but with a bit of practice, you’ll soon be a pro. Here’s is everything you need to know about saving seeds.

Three Questions for Choosing Which Seeds to Save

Before you can start saving seeds, you need to understand what kinds of plants you’re working with. It’s important to understand the pollination methods of your plants as well as when they will produce seeds. This will help you figure out which seeds are the best for saving. Here are three questions to ask when deciding on which seeds to save.

How Does it Pollinate?

Plants differ in their pollination methods. Some species, such as tomatoes, are self-fertile, meaning that they produce seeds solo. They don’t need another plant to pollinate them, as every individual has all the necessary reproductive parts.

Other crops, such as corn, require pollen from another individual. Therefore, the same crops need to be planted nearby each other to ensure successful pollination. These crops must also be isolated from other varieties to prevent any cross-contamination.

As you probably guessed, self-pollinating plants are much better for saving seeds than cross-pollinated crops. Fewer plants are required and there is less work involved. There is also a reduced risk of cross-contamination, so you know exactly what variety will be produced.

Will the Seeds Grow Similar to the Parents?

Most garden plants fall under two categories: open-pollinated and hybrid. Open-pollinated crops will retain their distinct characteristics so long as an individual of the same variety pollinates them. Therefore, you can predict the characteristics of every future plant from the saved seed.

Hybrids work differently. They are made by crossing plants from two different varieties or species. The seeds from hybrid plants won’t grow true to the parent variety, even when pollinated by the same variety.

As you can tell, open-pollinated crops are much easier to work with than hybrids, as you know exactly what variety will sprout from the seeds you save.

When Will the Plant Produce Seeds?

Plants are categorized as annuals, biennials, or perennials, depending on when they flower and seed. Annuals will grow, flower, produce seeds, then die all in a single season. Biennials have a life cycle that is two years long, meaning they will not produce flowers, fruit, or seeds until their second year. Perennials produce seeds for multiple years in a row but may take longer to get established.

The easiest plants to save seeds from tend to be annuals since they produce seeds in their first season and don’t take a long time to establish. Once you become a pro at saving seeds, you can save the seeds of biennials and perennials as well.

Eight Steps to Save Seeds

The process of savings seeds can be quite intimidating. However, we’ve compiled some tips and steps to help you succeed. Here are eight steps to successfully save your seeds.

1. Make Your Goals Manageable

If you’re new to seed saving, it’s best to start small. Choose a few easy crops, like peas, beans, tomatoes, or lettuce. Each is a self-pollinating annual that produces plenty of seeds per plant. Going any bigger your first year may overwhelm you.

2. Keep Open Pollinated Varieties Apart

If you’re growing several varieties of a single type of plant, it’s crucial to put space between them to prevent unwanted cross-pollination. These requirements can vary by species. Some, like lettuce, only need a few meters between them. Others, like corn, may require larger isolation distances or other pollination barriers.

3. Plant Enough for Both Food and Seed Production

A beginner seed saving mistake is not planting enough to make the process worth your effort. Some plants only produce a few seeds each, and many open-pollinated varieties require a large population size to ensure there’s a good mix of genetic diversity. Therefore, a large crop is required to harvest enough seeds to save for next year.

Keep in mind you often can’t eat the plants you’re saving seeds from. For example, lettuce only produces flowers once it’s bolted and turned bitter. Therefore, you should grow more plants than you need so that you can save a few for their seeds.

4. Let the Fruit “Over Ripen”

Growing vegetables for their seeds is a different process than for food, as the seeds aren’t always ready when the fruit is. For example, tomatoes, squash, green beans, and cucumbers are all eaten when the seeds are still immature, and harvesting them at this time means they won’t germinate. In these cases, you’ll need to wait for the plant to fully mature before taking it off the vine.

5. Harvest Only from the Best Plants

When it comes to saving seeds, you only want to use the best plants you grow. That way, you’re passing on their superior genetic material. So, if you always save seeds from the biggest, earliest, or most disease-resistant tomatoes, you’ll be selecting those traits so that they become more common over time.

6. Extract the Seeds: Dry vs Wet

Plants will produce seeds in either wet or dry fruit, and the harvesting strategy differs between them. Seeds from dry fruit can be collected as soon as they mature. Thresh, winnow or otherwise process them to remove any casings.

The process can be more complicated for wet fruited varieties. Wait until the seeds are fully mature (research the specifics for each type) and extract the seeds from the flesh. The wet extraction process differs based on the species.

7. Dry the Seeds to Prevent Mold

Now it’s time to thoroughly dry the seeds to ensure that they won’t become moldy. Keep the seeds spread in a single layer on a tray that gets natural light for a few days, or use a dehydrator at its lowest heat setting. Test whether a seed is dried by pushing a fingernail into it. If it gives, it needs more time.

8. Store the Seeds for Next Season

After drying, store the seeds in envelopes or glass containers and keep them in a cool, dark, dry place. Closets and basements both work well. Include labels that display the variety and year harvested to keep things organized, and you’ll be ready for planting once the weather warms.

So long as you store seeds correctly, they should stay viable for many growing seasons. You can perform a germination test in the spring before planting by adding a few seeds to a wet paper towel and monitoring them for a few days to see how many sprout.

Save Your Own Seeds for a Superior Garden

Saving seeds takes some time upfront, but the process is well worth it for saving money and selecting the traits that matter to you. Start saving seeds this season, and you’ll be grateful for the effort next spring.