It’s nearly February and for me that means that the time to start seeds is rapidly approaching.

In less than three weeks I will be planting my tomatoes at the end of the month during the full moon.Nearly four years ago I purchased some organic Wheatgrass seed, it was a really good heirloom variety so I saved some.  At first I had them stored in the pantry, then they got moved.  As it happens, I forgot all about them.  

Starting Seed is Easy

Upon re-discovering them last week I had little confidence that they were any good.  But since I am still a few weeks away from starting tomato seedlings I simply could not resist getting something growing!

So I soaked the seeds, rinsed them well, folded them up in a damp towel, and then rinsing them a few times a day.  It wasn’t until the start of day four that they showed any sign of life. I know that it has been a few years but it seems that they sprouted much faster before. Perhaps the hull had toughened up over the years? (Or maybe it’s my memory)

I had almost given up hope to tell you the truth.  But they finally sprouted and are going strong.

When starting seeds it helps to remember that they germinate at different times and under different conditions, depending upon the species. 

You could give up on celery seed and plant something else if you are unaware that they have a very slow germination rate.  (Celery can easily take three weeks to finally sprout and if the soil or growing media is not kept moist they wont budge at all).

Some seeds germinate very quickly under cool temperatures and you are probably familiar with some of them if you have ever grown sprouts in your kitchen. 

Starting tomato seeds requires warmth and humidity to germinate.

Other seeds need to be soaked and some need to have their hulls nicked or abraded to encourage germination.  Some seeds even need heat to break their dormancy

It is simply beyond the scope of this blog post to give you a crash course in DIY germination but I hope that it piques your interest into learning or trying something new this year.

Now someone asked,  “What is Wheatgrass and why do you grow it?” When I say wheatgrass, I am referring to organic wheat seeds that are grown to a height of four to six inches and then harvested for juicing.

Wheatgrass juice is used for increasing red cell count, cleansing the liver and other internal organs as well as the gastrointestinal tract. From my own experience I believe that it is one the most beneficial plants to juice to increase your health.

Growing it fresh on a window sill or a counter-top you know it’s free of GMO’s and chemicals.  And of course, Nothing Beats Fresh! The other reason is the cost.  Just a few ounces of frozen wheatgrass will run you close $20.  Another way to think about it is that is about $180 per gallon!

Suddenly buying some certified organic wheatgrass seed and a tray doesn’t seem like that much trouble! If there is only one thing that you choose to do for your health, try wheatgrass. It is a scientific fact that wheatgrass contains more enzymes, minerals and nutrients per serving than any other vegetable or fruit know to man!

Some of this seed will be placed in a tray of my garden soil and when it grows to four and six inches high I will trim the tops and run them through my juicer.
The rest will be allowed to grow to maturity and left to ‘go to seed.’  That way I will be able to save the seed for even more trays.  It is a very good investment from my perspective.

The other night, I took some sprouted seed and being very careful, made a small slit in rock wool and tucked the roots is.  One of the roots
happened to escape, just look all the hairs on the root. 

It wasn’t until I began chatting with some aeroponic growers that I discovered some of the
tricks that they use to increase germination rates.

One method is that after rinsing, the seed is folded in a damp paper towel and then put in a plastic baggie and hung in a dark place. 
When the seed has germinated, it is carefully placed in rock wool and placed into the aeroponic system.   

These folks have raised the bar on starting seed indoors to an art and have nearly a 100% germination rate. It does take more time than poking holes in the dirt, dropping in seed, covering and then watering. But what if you don’t have many seed to waste?

When roots start coming out the sides and bottom of the rock wool the seedling is ready to be transplanted. 
It can be placed into an aeroponic (or hydroponic) system.  Then they are transplanted into a larger container or are prepped for transplanting outside.

It’s not too late to get seed so what are you waiting for? 
Have you made a list of your favorites yet?
Got a sketch of your plot and know what is going to go where?
If you still need seeds let me encourage you to visit

At it’s most basic definition, it means soil it is capable of supporting life. But even more to the point it is soil that is alive.

In order for our garden soil to be truly fertile it must be populated with diverse micro-organisms such as fungi, bacteria, nematodes, protozoa and earth worms.

These most basic life forms perform the necessary function of converting fertilizer and organic matter into food for our plants.

That is why they are so important to have in our soil! Beneficial microbes also produce a lot of polysaccharides. This is like a glue that holds the soil together and increase aggregate structure.

Let explain soil fertility in a different manner.
“soil chemistry + organic matter + microorganisms = soil fertility”

Years ago, I remember seeing a depiction of The Cycle of Life in an elementary Science book. It showed how every living thing comes up from the earth and eventually it all returns back to where it came.

I think we all can remember seeing similar pictures at some point. But what is missed too often is that a similar life cycle is also functioning at a micro level in our soil.

Land development, tillage and chemical applications have all but destroyed natural populations of these in our soil. The good news is that we can restore it.

Compost is the most common way microorganisms are increased in our soil.

Bokashi compost is even a more effective method due to the fact contains an even more diverse combination of organisms. (beneficial bacteria, fungi and yeasts)

Modern farming methods simply are not sustainable. These methods which employ synthetic chemicals destroy the basis for soil fertility. Chemicals kill off the very micro-organisms needed to grow healthy crops.( And guess who is eating these chemically treated, nutritionally vacuous foods?)

I’ve said for years that “what you’re growing – can’t be any more healthy than the what it is being grown in.”

However, it is Baron Justus Von Liebig credited with the discovery what is now known as the ‘Law of Minimums.’

Von Liebig proved that soil having a deficiency in any one element would result in deficient growth, even if the other elements are in abundant supply. It’s all about balance.

Remember, Organic Gardening Is A Process. Not an Event!

I understand that it can often seem confusing deciding exactly where to start and please understand that you really don’t need to have to drive yourself to frustration.
So until you have gained the confidence from experience it is much simpler to purchase a really good quality inoculant that already contains all the ingredients that you are going to need to lay the foundation for really great soil.

It will take the guess work out of it for you and it is about the closest to “instant” that you are going to get.

There are a lot of products on the market that make these type of claims but there is only one that I am going to share with you because, quite honestly, it is the only one I trust enough.

There are several reasons for that. The most important factor is that it always works and I know that the bottle you get is going to be the exact same laboratory tested recipe that I get.

The second main reason is that it is the most complete recipe of organic inoculants that I have found. The trade name is EM·1® microbial inoculant. Who better to trust than the people who originally discovered it?

It is a true organic soil amendment that provides a broad spectrum of beneficial microorganisms, enzymes, trace minerals, vitamins, and various organic acids, all essential components for healthy soil and plants.

EM-1 is a great way to enhance your soil fertility.

These microbes will support the growth of other beneficial organisms like mychorrizae, worms, and beneficial insects already in your soil. It is great for your organic garden and turf application as well. You can even use it as an accelerant when starting a new compost pile. It is that good.

It is extremely easy to use, just fill the reservoir of a hose-end sprayer, then apply it to your plants. Your average quart size sprayer will treat about 1/8 acre so it goes a long, long way.

That equals about two tablespoons per gallon. Only apply it once per week throughout the growing season, you won’t really need any more than that. You will want to spray your plants in the evening, after the heat of the day when it is cooling down.

Since microbes convert organic matter to a usable food source for plants, your fruits and vegetables will not only taste better but they are going to be more nutritious as well and that is the whole point, isn’t it?

It is a process of fermentation that preserves all of the nutrients, minerals and trace elements contained in organic waste.

Once it is incorporated into your soil it quickly breaks down rapidly providing an excellent fertilizer for your organic vegetables.

Two weeks in a bucket and the bokashi is done

Unlike traditional composting that uses aerobic bacteria to breakdown organic matter, this method uses anaerobic bacteria.

There is no heat, methane or carbon dioxide produced during fermentation.This makes it much higher in carbon than traditional composting methods.
You do not need to turn it or add water and you never have to be concerned with carbon to nitrogen ratios!

Simply add your kitchen scraps, press them down firmly and sprinkle a covering of Bokashi Bran over the top and put the cover back on.

It does not get any easier than that!

Bokashi compost allows you to recycle all your organic waste!

As long as you are careful to keep your bucket’s contents as compacted as possible and covered in an airtight container at all times, you can compost every bit of organic waste that your household generates.

I mean every bit of it, from orange peels, small bones, cheese, fish scraps, hair and even nail clippings.

Starting your own Bokashi bucket will naturally process all of your households organic waste into a form that is easily broken down in your soil. It is the ultimate in recycling!

The secret behind Bokashi Bran is that it is inoculated with billions of friendly anaerobic bacteria in each square centimeter.

These are the same types of bacteria that are used in making pickles, bread, cheese, wine and even your favorite yogurt. They are totally safe!

Inside your bucket this bacteria ferments your organic waste instead of composting . Bokashi Bran is made by inoculating wheat or rice bran with EM-1 (the EM stands for “Effective Microorganisms”)

This is a proprietary formulation of several strains of yeast, photosythetic bacteria and lactic acid bacteria. EM-1 is pathogen free and does not contain any form of GMO’s.

Once it is introduced into your soil these microorganisms go to work helping your plants grow healthy while assisting in overpowering disease pathogens.

“Effective Microorganisms” is a term that was coined by Dr. Tuero Higa, who first discovered and pioneered the field of combining several species of bacteria and yeast in a single liquid culture.

That all happened while he was a professor at the College of Agriculture in Okinawa, Japan back in the late 1960’s. There are no other formulations that contain Dr. Higa’s discovery. (EM-1 is patent protected)

While relatively unknown here in the United States, Effective Microorganisms have been in use for a half of a century on nearly every continent and over a 150 countries around the globe!
When it came time to buy some to try for myself I went to Teraganix they are the only laboratory licensed to produce and distribute EM-1 in the United States and they have been doing so since 1992. And who better to get it from the the folks who invented it?

What can I expect with mybokashi bucket?

Your waste is not going to decompose, it will retain relatively the same bulk as it had when it went into the bucket.

It will not turn black or rot. Nothing is broken down and therefore nothing gets wasted. The entire contents will become inoculated with Effective Microorganisms.

Then it is ready to bury it in your garden where it then will break down very rapidly. When your bucket is full, press it down to remove excess air and then apply another slight layer of bran. Then set it aside for two weeks. That’s all here is to it!

When you remove the cover, you will probably notice white fungus growing on the top, this is a good sign! It is a visual indicator that it is fermented properly.

After two weeks you will see white fungus growing.

I do not fill my buckets all the way to the top because it is just too heavy to lift them. I dig a hole in one of my raised beds, empty a bucket, then cover it back up with about four inches of soil.
I have observed that after about two weeks, other than a bit of orange peel or a large piece that wasn’t cut up, there is little that I can see that hasn’t been decomposed. It is usually teaming with worms!

Finished Bokashi is also excellent for container gardening. Add a few inches into the bottom of a container and then cover the remaining space with soil and plant as usual. It will feed your plants all season long without the need for fertilizer.

Depending on how much you plan on using you can either purchase pre-made Bokashi Bran or you can save some money buy making your own! It is a very simple process and is actually quite an enjoyable project to involve the kids with as it is Non-Toxic!

Bokashi Bran Recipe: (Large Batch) Ingredients

• A small bottle of EM-1 from Teraganix (under $16)A 50 pound bag of either rice bran or wheat bran. You can find it at most any cattle feed store. I use the wheat bran because it is about half the cost of rice bran ( under $15 including tax)
• 3 gallons of distilled water (under $1 each)
• 1 bottle of molasses (under $5 at most grocery stores)

Instructions to Create your Bokashi Compost:

1. Place a tarp (8’x10’) on a flat surface such as your drive way or garage floor.
2. In a large 5 gallon bucket, empty the 3 gallons of distilled water. (Use distilled as the chlorine in drinking water may very well kill off all the microorganisms before you even get started and you don‘t want any other contaminants like fluoride either)
3. Mix 1/3 cup of your EM-1 (Effective Microorganisms) and 1/3 cup of molasses.
4. You can stir it up sufficiently in about 20 seconds with your clean washed hands.
5. Slowly pour the mixture over the wheat bran that you have spread out fairly evenly on the tarp.
6. Now the fun part! Simply mix it up well using nothing but your hands.

When it is all mixed you should be able to take a handful and squeeze it without anything dripping down your arm, if not mix it up little more. You are done when it is moist enough to hold its shape after you squeeze it yet somewhat crumbly.

Now that it is all mixed up start loading it into black plastic garbage bags being careful not to fill them in to heavy to lift safely or tear.

For added security, I double up the bags. Important, squeeze ALL the air out of the bag before you twist it up and tie it off! Remember we are growing anaerobic bacteria in there, excess air will only slow the process.
Once you have it all bagged up, put it in an undisturbed location and allow the microorganisms to inoculate all the wheat bran. I ended up with about 6 good sized bags.

Bokashi bran drying in the sun

After two weeks, lay out your tarp again and empty all your bags. Spread it out evenly and allow it to dry out in the full sun. Stir occasionally, three or four times over the course of the day.
Once it has dried sufficiently, put it back in a coupe large lawn & leaf bag and store it. I use a 35 gallon plastic barrel. The barrel has a removable top and a locking band that holds it in place. Remember to squeeze out all the air before you seal up your bag before you tie it off.
You now have enough Bokashi to keep a couple buckets going at all times throughout the year. You can also add Bokashi bran in with potting soil or directly into your garden to help replenish microbes in the soil.

Bokashi Bran Recipe: Small Batch Ingredients

• 2 ½ pounds of bulk wheat or rice bran from you favorite organic store
• 1 ½ teas spoons of EM-1
• 3 tablespoons of molasses.
• 3 cups of distilled water

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients together as detailed above. Store it in a couple large zip-lock baggie and then roll it up and put it in another bag.
2. Place in a warm, dark location for at least two weeks. Then empty the bag and spread it out to dry well before re-storing. Small batches are perfect for those with limited space or simply want to test a small batch before attempting a larger batch.

They don’t need to be staked up and they are not deterred by the heat and humidity here in the Mid-South. There is one caveat however, they don’t do well clay, but then again what does? So if you live in a region where there is clay and no topsoil, then you are going to have to build a raised bed or get creative if you are going to cultivate these delicious tubers.

This year I have decided to try something a little different. I have been intrigued by some of the results that I have seen my friends around the country achieve with growing in various containers and grow bags. Last Winter I had the idea to build three large raised beds and use four foot high wire fencing and then lining the side with landscape fabric and just keep adding mulch as they grew.

I knew I would have to begin on a raised bed foundation to get the needed drainage they would require but as I began pricing metal fencing, I quickly dismissed that option. Buying new plastic trash cans and then spending my time drilling in a bunch of drainage holes did not make a lot of sense to me.

Since I had already begun using hydroponics grow bags for many of my vegetables this year, I decided to use what I had left over and experiment with my heirloom potatoes as well. These bags have a black interior and a white exterior and are 6 ply thick and come with about a dozen or so holes in the bottom to allow for drainage.

I put in about six inches of white sand into the bottom of the bag. The bags tended to be a bit unruly and did not want to stand up very well, so I just rolled the top down a few inches to make it easier to deal with.

After I had all the heirloom potatoes chitted and ready to plant, I laid the seed potatoes on the sand and then covered them with a few inches of compost that I had made over the winter in my raised beds.

As you can see by the accompanying photos they have taken right off. Now that they have grown up, it is time to add some mulch to “hill them up” and unroll the top of the bag to it’s full height. Mulch is probably a misnomer to be honest.

When we talk about mulch we are usually referencing shredded wood that we use around shrubbery and the like. In this case when I say mulch, I am talking about is a light mixture of organic matter made up of some combination of hay, grass clippings, leaves and even saw dust. Ideally I would like to have used a mixture of grass clippings, leaves and a bit of saw dust.

Unfortunately I used up all my leaves in my raised beds last year and I have not used my table saw in quiet some time, so I am forced to just go with grass clippings. (I am making a mental note of that to remember this come fall)

Since my tractor does not have a bagger installed I am going to have to use my push mower to get some grass clippings. With the temperature already pushing one hundred degrees this morning I am not very excited about that but I will just have to chalk it up to tuition expense and try to plan a little better in the future.

Okay! I mowed the side lawn and got just enough grass clippings to fill in the most pressing needs. The grass clippings will quickly turn brown and break down in the heat and in doing so will lend their nutrients to the bag.

Why do I need to hill up potatoes? There are a couple of reasons for this whether they be grown in a garden with suitable soil or in a raised bed.

The predominant reason being that your plant is going to develop “tubers” on the stem.

Think of these tubers as “buds” that will eventually grow into an adult potato. The more tubers, the more abundant your harvest. Hilling or “earthing-up” your potatoes not only helps encourage a larger harvest but will protect them from exposure to the sun, which will turn the skin green.

Contrary to popular belief, eating these are not going kill you (or I would have long since departed) However they can have a biter taste. In areas where they are sown directly into suitable soil, hilling up your plans will also help keep the weeds down.

Watering throughout the growing season on a regular basis is a must for a healthy plant and a productive harvest of nice looking spuds. If they get dry for an extended period of time the skin can crack you can get some strange looking growth. Sudden watering after a long drought can also cause knobs to start growing. These are not going to hurt your spuds, but it can make peeling a challenge.

I have mini sprinklers and bubblers set up my raised beds. I simply do not have the time or inclination go out and water on a consistent basis, especially with the sweltering heat we get here. They would quickly burn up without a cool drink a couple times a day. You can now purchase mini irrigation systems most anywhere and for the cost they just can’t be beat. For about $40 (not including a timer) you can build a decent no-frills system to take care of an average sized garden. They come in mighty handy especially when it’s time to for you to go on vacation.

But if such climate is not readily available then a sheltered and protected lawn in property and office can make a massive distinction in its growth. If you are growing it indoor then favorable conditions can be artificially duplicated with the aid of very simple tools like shade.

This will add up a small price but from time to time it is worth going for a small much less concerned about the spending budget as the expertise of colorful manifestation will definitely pays off in the end.

What ideally suits Japanese maples? Nicely, very first of all the soil plays a essential role in the growth and overall life. The acidic and neutral soil is the best match for this incredible plant.

In case of danger of direct excessive sunlight, a proper shading mechanism ought to be arranged. Steady moisturizing will make sure the proper blossom of this exotic plant.

As with each and every rule there are usually some exceptions, this is accurate for our sweet maple tree as well. Take the example of Red leafed range, the much more you maintain them away from sunlight the a lot more they tend to turn out to be green. You can effortlessly see this is the violation of the rule that most of the varieties follow but this adds diversity to the range which spreads across 1000.

In some rare varieties if you decrease the quantity of water, you will get surprised with the intensification in colors throughout the autumn.

There are some illnesses that should be kept in mind whilst growing Japanese maples to steer clear of any worst scenario. Verticillium is a massive threat as it wilts the leaves which can ultimately lead to the total destruction of the plant.

There is no regular answer for this issue, various individuals recommend distinct remedies. But the golden rule of prevention is much better than cure wins over these hints. Attempt your perfect not to plant the young maple tree into an location which is identified for this illness. If there are dead stems, neatly trim them to steer clear of any further spread of issue.

Use of a fantastic fertilizer often assists in such situations as they present instant burst of nutrients which increase the defense mechanism. If the ground soil is entirely useless, Attempt to use massive pots and take soil from anyplace else which is not associated with any sort of illness. Don’t worry if you need to have to plant the bigger trees, they can also be planted into the pots as they have non-intrusive roots.

Trimming and pruning is an essential element in the life of Japanese maples, as they not only maintain them tidy but decrease the chances of catching any illness. The pruning is accomplished during the year, often on the weekly basis. Professionals suggest the full fledge pruning to be completed in the inactive seasons of the trees.

From time to time it occurs that maple trees look rather Nicely from the exterior looks but a closer look throughout trimming can supply you the suitable quantity of info required to stay away from any poor factor happening with the lively plant. It is not significant for pruning to take professional support anybody can effortlessly discover it in couple of tries. And it can be accomplished whenever you have spare time.

Tomatoes need to be started from seed indoors under a grow light, and they’re not ready to put in the beds until they’re 8 weeks old.  I’ll do a separate post about seed starting in a later post.  I have found great plants in the local home improvement garden centers and other local nurseries.

One problem with these plants, however, is that they’re often either mis-labeled or the plants cross pollinated.  In other words, I’ve been surprised when the “beefsteak” I purchased turned out to be an Early Girl, or Celebrity or other type of tomato. They’re all good; it’s just that when you raise your plants from seeds, you know exactly what you’ll get.

Tomato plants fall into 2 categories, determinate and indeterminate.  Determinate plants are smaller than indeterminate, and produce their fruit all at once. Roma, bush tomatoes and some others fall into this category.  Indeterminate plants grow tall, some up to 9 feet!  They produce fruit over a longer period of time, usually throughout the season. Beefsteaks are usually indeterminate plants.  These take up the North end of most of my beds.  I like to have at least 6 tomato plants growing, and like to stagger the crop, so I plant Sweet Baby Girl tomatoes which ripen first, then I’ll also have Early Girl or Fourth of July, early 4″ tomatoes which will ripen while I’m waiting for the beefsteaks to mature.

It’s important to cage the plants.  I know some people stake them, but the beefsteaks grow so tall that two cages are a lot easier.  As the tomato grows, I just tuck the branches in to the cages. I secure the cages to the trellis so that the wind doesn’t blow them over.

I put the large two beefsteak plants at the North end of the bed, and put smaller, determinate tomatoes in the South end so they don’t shade the beefsteaks.  I tuck herbs like parsley in the front, basil in the middle, thyme and dill in the back, and onions and marigolds around the rest of the bed. These are all great companions to the tomatoes.

Tomatoes like to be planted deeply

 For this reason, I plant them lying down (the tomatoes, not me!)  Simply determine where you want your plant and dig a trench the length of the plant as deeply as you can. Strip off the lower branches of your plant, leaving 3 or 4 branches at the very top. Carefully lay the plant in the trench (tomato vines will break easily), water it well and cover it with soil, leaving the top of the plant poking out. Place a stick or marker where you put the root ball of the plant so you don’t accidentally dig there. Everywhere you stripped the branches off, roots will grow. This will give your plants a great foundation.

I know you organic snobs out there will hate this, but I fertilize with Miracle Gro for Tomatoes.  I mix it in the sprayer with an organic kelp fertilizer called Sea Magic, and if I spray the plants once a week, I get a ton of fruit.  Both work well as a foliar feed (meaning that the leaves absorb the nutrients) as well as a ground feed.

It’s important to succor the plants once the fruit begins to form. What I mean by this is that I’ll trim off the branches that don’t have blossoms or fruit on them, I’ll strip off the bottom branches, and I’ll try to encourage one or two main vines to grow. This concentrates the energy of the plant to growing the fruit.

I usually harvest the tomatoes when they begin to blush. If I don’t, sometimes bugs begin to munch on them.  Green tomatoes are also delicious lightly breaded and fried in a little butter.

And one main rule: NEVER REFRIGERATE TOMATOES!  This ruins the flavor and texture.  There’s an enzyme that breaks down under 40 degrees and you’ll lose that great flavor. They’ll do just fine in a basket or large bowl on the counter.

One summer a friend of my parents invited us up to his cabin for a vacation.  On his property, he had planted a corn field.  With instructions to his wife to get the pot of water boiling, we hiked out to his garden to harvest some sweet corn for dinner.  Each corn stalk sported one or sometimes two ears of corn.

 We plucked what we needed, and then we kids were given the ears of corn and told to run back to the cabin.  With all of us shucking corn, we were able to get the corn into the boiling water within 10 minutes of picking it.  It was so sweet, I remember it to this day, decades later. From the moment it’s picked, the sugars in corn begin turning to starch.  When you grow your own corn and can cook and eat it fresh, it is the sweetest corn you’ll ever eat.

Corn is an interesting crop. It’s best to plant it in blocks to facilitate pollination. Each ear of corn sends out silk. Each strand of silk is attached to an undeveloped kernel of corn on the cob. If that strand of silk does not get pollinated, that kernel of corn will not develop.

The pollen forms on the tassels at the top of the stalk.  It’s large and looks a little like wild rice.

When the wind blows, the pollen drops from the tassel onto the silk, which hold it long enough to pollinate the ear.  If you grow a single row of corn, it’s going to be difficult to pollinate, even if you do it by hand.  You can pull the loose kernels of pollen off of the tassels and sprinkle it onto the silks manually if you want to help it along.

You can plant corn in a staggered pattern that will yield 4 to 6 ears of corn a week for four weeks.  Here’s how:

To grow a little corn field in a 4×4’ bed, you’ll want to plant one row at a time for a staggered crop.

Corn likes to be planted deeply, so get 16 disposable cups that are about 6” tall and cut the bottoms out of them. Divide your bed into 16 square feet.

Beginning with the northernmost row, dig a hole in the center of each square so that you can put one of the cups in it, with the top of the cup even with your soil line.

Now, take a pencil and poke a hole into the dirt in the bottom of each cup so that it’s about 4” deeper than the bottom of the cup. Place two corn seeds into the hole, push them down with the pencil, and fill in the little hole at the bottom of the cup.

Fill the cup with water and move on to the next square. When the corn sprouts and grows above the soil line and the top of the cup, remove the cup and fill the hole in with soil.

If both seeds have germinated, cut off one of the plants below the soil line. You now have one row of corn planted at a 10” depth, which will give added stability to the plant.

As soon as the seeds germinate and the seedlings are about 2” high, it’s time to plant the second row. Don’t wait too long, or you’ll have pollination problems later.

Continue with the next 2 rows, planting as soon as the seedlings from the previous row germinate. What you’ll end up with is a tidy little corn field, with each row producing 4 to 6 ears of corn, and they’ll mature at a staggered rate as you planted them.

Corn loves nitrogen rich soil, and beans are a wonderful companion to corn. Beans develop nitrogen nodules on their roots and are considered a “green” manure.  As you plant your corn, you can plant 4 to 6 beans of the vining variety in a circle around each cup. The corn stalk will provide a support for the beans, and the beans will provide nitrogen for the corn. The corn stalk roots grow deeply; the bean roots are shallower so they won’t compete for space.

You will thank me for this if you do it.

Happy Gardening!

I am going to give you a basic biodynamic compost recipe. You can build it in a nice square anywhere, or in a designated location. I like to have all four sides of it, at least three, accessible. You can build it more evenly, get to it easier for good watering and really do conscious building of it with all the elements to get the best results come spring. Build a big one so you will get lots of great compost for a long time. And high enough to keep some of the animals out of the kitchen scraps that will go in the middle.

You want a “boxspring” base using branches, that will be edged with green matter, and the center filled with straw and manure with kitchen scraps in the middle.  All the ingredients are important to getting magical compost in spring so include them all. Watering the layers while you build it is important to get the composting process started once it’s all closed up….and important to start watering it again come spring.  You will be amazed at the rich soil that you will find at the bottom of this pile in spring when you make an opening at the bottom to shovel it out.

So here is my treasured compost recipe for you.

Compost Pile

• 80% manure and straw
• 10% green matter
• 10% food compost and topsoil mixed with blood meal and kelp meal

1. Create compost “box spring” with branches
2. Edge with green matter
3. Fill with straw and manure

Build in layers:

• Manure
• Green matter
• Straw
• Rew shovels of top soil mix with blood meal and kelp meal
• Spray with water well to soak
• Repeat process above numerous times
• Add food compost to center

let this sit all winter and in spring, start to water the pile

Dut a hole at the bottom on one side of pile to retrieve compost for garden

go feed your garden soil with this for a happy abundant garden

I really hope you will go out and build a compost pile. It is putting life force back into the ground, and there is magic in the dis-integration. Everything has a purpose under the sun, including us. I believe with all my heart that every answer to every question can be found in Nature.

Happy composting!

The typical garden hose has come a long way. Many see it as nothing more than a long tube that carries water to the garden. Today hose manufactures have taken the simple design to the next level providing some top-notch hoses.   You can now say goodbye to the frustrations of storing and working with a long garden hose. 

Garden hose for a pressure washer are3 designed for a multitude of uses, many of which have nothing to do with gardening. These special hoses are installed on the pressure to provide optimal cleaning efficiency. 

So, how do you find the best garden hoses for a pressure washer?  Well, you need to consider several factors.  These include the hose material, length, the pressure it can withstand, and how it will connect to the pressure washer and other compatible products.

Best Garden Hoses for Pressure Washer reviews

Pressure washer releases a powerful, highly concentrated jet of water to remove dirt effectively while using less water.  Well, an appropriate garden hose, coupled with a pressure washer, works wonders.

You can clean a lawn, patio, driveways, while watering plates and flowers, and the combo does countless jobs as well.

To find you the best, we have searched through every pressure washer brand/models to list the best rated and make it easier to purchase the right one. 

Based on their functions, prices, water flow, and user reviews here are our 10 personal best picks

YAMATIC 3200 PSI Pressure Washer Hose

For a full water washer, YAMATIC Pressure Washer Hose is a perfect pick. 

Why will you love this Pressure Washer Hose?

It’s made of high quality and non-kink durable material that can withstand 8,700 burst pressure pipe and 3200 PSI working pressure.  This makes it suitable for both low power electric and high powered gas pressure washer.

The hose meets RoSH standard, thus safe for your health and the environment.   Its creative and high-quality material brings optimal durability and 2 xs wear-resistant.  This makes it the best choice for commercial and residential use.  Besides, it’s designed with a heavy-duty brass make of ABSA material which is rust-resistant and easy to load and unload as well.

Yamatic uses upgraded unmarked technology for non-friction and non-slip resistance, which allows smooth water flow through the ¼ inch diameter.   It’s versatile for superior performance. The 50 ft. hose will match and replaced your typical garden, although the over gets damaged under high temperatures.

Overall, YAMATIC pressure washer is a high-quality hose, leak, kink, slip, and rust and friction resistance for flawless operations.  The 2x wear-resistance makes it best for surface plus use, while the RoHS quality built quality assure of healthy and earth safe service.

 Sun Joe Pressure Washer Hose

For a garden pressure washer hose that will work with an average electric or gas-powered washer, Sun Joe SPX-25 HD is an excellent pick.

Why will you love this pressure washer hose?

Although the hose was designed for Sun Joe water machines, it’s entirely compatible with any SPX series pressure washer.  But for Sun Joe machines, it’s the best option. 

For a 25 feet long hose and 2.4 pounds in weight, it’s flexible and easy to move around. It uses 22-mm M22 connections which make it’s a great choice to many. 

The hose utilizes a simple design, made from quality material for durability and kink resistant. The garden hose can withstand pressure up to 2300 PSI, which is more than enough for residential use. 

Overall, it’s an affordable hose, a great replacement if you’re looking for 25 extra feet to hose around your property.

Greenworks Universal Pressure Washer Hose

You want a pressure washer hose that is incredibly transportable, premium built quality, optimal water flow and smooth operation.  Greenworks is the ideal choice for all your projects.

Why will you love this pressure washer hose?

It’s made of durable material that can withstand wear and tear while providing water pressure of up to 2000 PSI using an electric washer.   The hose connection is compatible with a variety of high-pressure washers though a high-end attachment ¼ inch diameter for optimal water flows.  Any washer with up 2000 psi will run smoothly with no noise.  The 25 feet hose is easy to use, reliable and dependable.  At the same time, it provides stable performance.

You can use it horizontally or vertically and fix-in both ways, which is quite comfortable.  Besides, it comes in two different attachment tips. Also, contain 3-nozzle sizes, a soap dispenser and long-range hose.

Overall, Greenworks Universal Pressure Washer Hose is affordable, straightforward maintenance and comes with a rotational brush and surface cleaner.  Thus, you’re sure of the best garden hose for pressure washer.  However, don’t use it in hot weather as this affect its durability.

Briggs & Stratton 1/4-Inch Pressure Washer Hose

Briggs and Stratton is a company known for superior products which include pressure washer’s hoses. You might think this 1/4-Inch hose cost a premium price, but the 196006GS is the best for the money.

Why will you love this pressure washer hose?

This ¼-inch and the 25-foot long hose is compatible with any 22mm pressure washer machine.   Its lightweight, perfect fit at just 1.9 pounds, which is easy to carry around while the pressure tolerance is impressive.  It can withstand 3000 PSI.

While durability could be an issue, and feels a little stiff at times, considering its weight, versatility, and water pressure you will get some good m out service of this pressure washer hose.   Besides, it’s designed for dual O-rings as well as ¾ connections which make it ideal for gas pressure washers.

Overall, it’s a healthy 3000 psi max, but just for cold pressure washers

 Apache Pressure Washer Hose

Tired of lugging around with a heavy hose, then you must purchase buy Apache 10085591.

Why will you love this pressure washer hose?

Apache 10085591 fits in this category due to its thermoplastic rubber body. It’s lightweight (5 lbs) which is almost 60% lighter than rubber hoses. For a 50 foot long, much more flexible, and compatible with both gas and electric pressure washers, it’s incredible. It can tolerate 3700 PSI working between -4 degrees and 140 degrees Fahrenheit is making it one of the best heavy-duty washing hose.

Although it won’t work with hot water, you dint have to worry about pressure reducing inside the hose.

Most importantly, the hose is designed to last fitted with bend restrictors as well as scuff resistance making it your go-to hose in the long run.

Overall, it’s the best garden hose, for the right pressure washer machine, the Apache 10085591 can outmatch any rubber hose you might have used in the past

Simpson Cleaning Monster

For a reliable pressure a washer hose that doesn’t mark cement or pavements consider SIMPSON 41028; Known as “Simpson monster hose” it’s designed to specifically replace your current hose, at 50-ft, QC fittings with 4-inch bend protector.

Why will you love this pressure washer hose?

The name monster is in no way an exaggeration.  It boasts some serious power with a gas-powered pressure washer.   The hose can handle up to 45000 psi of water pressure made possible by its strong inner lining plus dual over braid technology. Braided with polyester, and the covered by steel braids and polyurethane on the outsides allows it to handle more pressure while providing more power. It’s perfect for cold water operating temperatures for up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Overall, SIMPSON 41028 is built to last with clear non-marring. Most importantly, it’s easy to set up with a 3/8 inch male quick connect plug and a 3/8 inch female socket compatible with most gas pressure.

Dramm 17001 ColorStorm Rubber Garden Hose

Dramm ColorStorm series is known for its touchiness.  The garden hose is made with EPDM rubber which is quite durable.

Why will you love this pressure washer hose?

The Dramm 17001 is built to last, as EPDM rubbers durability equals that of a garden hose. It won’t crack or separate for a long time.  Besides the hose has an acid-resistant capability.

At 5/8 “x50’ and can be between 40 and 80 pounds per square inch makes. It’s the best pick for residential water pressure.  Besides, it can withstand 120 psi making is suitable for any pressure cleaning job.

Overall, it’s the best pick for a vibrant homeowner, comes in six different colors from red, orange green, yellow, blue and berry.  You will love this garden pressure washer hose.

 Tool Daily High-Pressure Washer Hose

For an affordable and efficient hose with high-pressure capabilities consider Tool Daily.  It’s relatively cheap, but of high quality and the best for residential pressure washing works. 

Why will you love this pressure washer hose?

Tool daily high-pressure washer hose is 1/4 Inch X 50 FT in size, M22 14 mm/ M22 15mm with a pressure capacity of 3600 PSI. This makes it a suitable replacement for most brands. It designed for an M22 female connecter but also make M22 fitting with the right converter.  

For brand from china, it’s quite impressive, with top accessories such as gun, nozzle, wand, foam cannon and coupler among many. 

The 3600 psi working pressure makes sure the washer machine gives you the best cleaning result. It works for both hot and cold water. 

Overall, it’s affordable, and the quality beats some of the more expensive branded garden pressure washer hoses in terms of longevity and performance. 

Teknor Apex Neverkink

Teknor Apex is quite strong and will survive the sharp teeth of your dog.   The hose is strong and very strong and popular for its patented kink-free technology called NTS-non torsion system. 

Teknor Apex guarantees no kinks and tangles.

Why will you love this pressure washer hose?

The hose uses a powerful gauge power coil on the fittings making sure the hose doesn’t leak water from the connections.   Besides, the hose can handle up to 2300 lbs of force supposedly one of the toughest in the market. 

It also has antimicrobial protection—a patented technology that guards against molds and mildew.   Similarly, it’s super flexible, bent up to 45 degrees without any issue. Also, the features take the hose in tight places boosting its maneuverability.

Overall, it’s among the best garden pressure washer hose, comes in several shapes and sizes (3/4-inch and 5/8-inch) and available in 50, 75, or 100 feet in length. On the downside, you can’t use it for drinking water or with a hot water pressure washer.

Flexzilla HFZPW3450M Pressure Washer Hose Green

 For a lightweight pressure washer hose, consider Flexzilla HFZPW3450M. The hose features a unique flexing technology that can handle all kinds of rough and touch flexes without a kink mark.

Why will you love this pressure washer hose?

Flexzilla pressure washer hose is quite popular, with every version measuring 5/8 inch in diameter and available in 7-different sizes. You can choose from 3-feet to 100 feet.

The hose is suitable for a temperature range of -40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s easy to bend and maneuver regardless of the watering work.

Similarly, it’s designed with both the male and female swivel grip connecting to any attachment of spigot without twisting.  This makes it a little easier to use. 

Besides, it’s crush resistance and has a tough outer cover that holds up strong against any abrasion.  Yet, it won’t kink under pressure.  Safe for drinking water as there is no lead in the hose. 

For a hot water pressure washing, you will enjoy 3200 psi and tons of flexibility.

Overall, Flexzilla offers fantastic cleaning experience; it’s light, flexible and works with most pressure washers.

What You Need to Know About Garden Hoses for Pressure Washing?

Hoses for pressure washer matter!  You will realize this when you buy a perfect one.  Think of one that will last for years, is super easy to use, and the best one for your needs.

Still, a decent model doesn’t have to cost a lot.  Garden hoses for pressure washer are available at every price point, size and type of garden.   The new material and technology enable the creation of water hoses that are virtually kink-free, lighter and easier to maneuver.

Before embarking on finding the best garden hoses for a pressure washer, let’s find out various types of hoses.

Types of Pressure Washer Hoses

The categories vary in material, length, diameter, and connections.

How to select the right pressure washer hose?

Hose length

Know you’re long-term, and urgent watering needs to help narrow down on the length choice. 

For example, a small home/car probably needs short pressure washer hose for washing, watering lawn or cleaning driveway. Thus a 20-50ft hose is perfect.  But for a bigger home or vehicle opt for 100ft.

Hose extension or not

Hose length depends on machine power.  For an instant, you cannot buy a 200ft for a low power pressure washer.  The hose must be compatible with the washer in terms of power specs.  That way, both the hose and the washer will provide the desired result.

Hose size and diameter

The diameter of the hose is vital.  Gas-powered or electric washer for residential use works best with a ¼ in power hose. It is ideal for 2,700 psi. But for a washer with over 34,000 psi or more, consider 5/16 inch.  A hose with 3/8 in diameter is perfect for commercial use for up to 5,000 psi.

Material type

Material affects flexibility, affordability, maneuver and storage.   PVC plastic is quite affordable but will break easily and not very flexible. A rubber hose is flexible but ends up leaving black marking on your concrete. But polyurethane hose is quite flexible and easy to use.

Connectors

The hose and the washer nozzle and faucet must be compatible. Makes sure you pick a hose with a twist or snap connection that mattes both the faucet and the nozzle.

Conclusion

Well, which garden hose for pressure washer did you decide to buy?  We highly recommend you pick a hose that fits your pressure washing need and budget.

I hope this article helps you find the best garden hose for your pressure washer.

Let us know.

The role of the garden hose is to provide a quick connection to watering systems including sprayers, garden sprinklers, tree soaker, and others. These can be used for different purposes including house cleaning, lawn watering, car-washing and so more. Looking at such varied uses, finding yourself the best quick connect is important.

We have made your task easier by listing the 9 best garden hose quick connect products that can make your life easier and simpler.

Nine Best Garden Hose Quick Connect

1. Dramm 22729 Quick Disconnect

The best Quick Garden Hose Connect is here!

This quick connect and disconnect of the garden hose from Dramm is efficient ensuring a steady flow of water with various equipment. You can easily connect or disconnect it many times by simply pulling the collar back without turning.

Dramm 22729 Quick Disconnect is made from heavy-duty brass material that is much easier to handle and saves your precious time. Along with this, the three balls bearing coupling design gives an easy attachment to the faucet or other tools. Furthermore, you can set it in different positions.

The product is durable, highly effective for many sprayers, nozzles, sprinklers, spigot, and so forth. It can easily last you for many years. The product weighs up to 3.84 ounces with a dimension of 7x5x3 inches.

Furthermore, the product gives you a professional experience because of smooth functioning and durable connection. It is easy to use and you can disconnect or reconnect it in seconds of an emergency.

To sum it up, this is a good product in this specific price range. It is worth the money and useful for various purposes including gardening or lawn watering.

2. Gardena 36004 Garden Hose Quick Connector

Gardena is the one brand that you can trust. The garden hose from this top-notch brand is highly effective for different watering equipment. The strong connection is well designed to suit different spray nozzles, spigots, outdoor faucets, sprinklers, and so forth.

The highlight of this product is the secure O-ring made from rubber. This gives you an easy to attach and adjust by 3 integrated rings without pulling the ring.

The product also comes with a shut-off system that makes water flow easy. Furthermore, the rubber grip provides a leak-proof and dependable connection for long periods. Overall, this weighs up to 1.28 ounces with a dimension of 2.4×1.4×1.4 inches. This long-lasting, soothing, and trouble-free connector can last you for years without any fault.

On top of this, you get a one-year warranty. Also, it can work excellently with ⅝ and ½ inches standard fitting garden hoses. Overall, this product will prove to be a crucial part of your lawn watering hose ability.

3. Orbit 58117 Brass Hose Quick Connect Set

If you are looking for a comfortable garden hose with a premium grip, this strong brass hose quick connect is the one for you.

Orbit 58117 Brass Hose Quick Connect Set with a set of 2 female and male hose fittings for universal use. With a thin, sealed O-ring in the female brass piece, the valves connect tightly to any watering hose. Also, the rubber grip gives a secured no-drip connection.

Made with superior quality and anti-rust material, the hose connector provides a long life with years of watering. You can easily expand the hose faucet watering system with ease.

The comfortable grip of the garden hose gives you a firm connection to various watering hoses and gardening tools. The product weighs up to 9.4 ounces and 8×3.3×2.3 inches in dimension.

The easy attach-detach system along with watering equipment makes your job hassle-free. Also, this best garden hose quick connect is suitable for harsh weather conditions. Overall, the product is well suited for all your gardening needs.

4. 3/4″ Garden Hose Quick Connector

This high-quality, quick garden hose connector with the aluminum body is a standard garden hose. It comes with a rubber grip that gives a comfortable feeling while operating.

The push and pull design give a good joint system that can be separated with watering equipment. This works fine with a different garden hose, sprayers, nozzles, boat, camper, sprinklers, tree soaker, RV, and so forth.

The product comes with 2 female and 2 male hose fittings. The female hose connects to the end of the hose while the male hose connects to the faucet. Both connectors work brilliantly together without any leakage and drips.

The product weighs up to 3.2 ounces with a dimension of 2×1.5×1.5 inches. The durability of this product makes it highly reliable and saves your time.

You can use this for various purposes including cleaning, washing cars, or watering your garden, and so on. Also, the price is pretty good in this range.

5. Melnor 15MQC Deluxe Hose Connector Kit

The 15MQC Deluxe Hose Connector Kit from Melnor is complete on its own. Its quick and secured connection system gives you the best gardening help. Furthermore, it is easy to install and use because of its simple design. The durability of its construction provides excellent support.

The product comes with one female and another male fitting that fits perfectly. It can fit perfectly to sprayers, sprinklers, nozzles, watering tools, and so forth. The brilliant water stop feature of the product gives you ease to change and switch tools even while operation. Consequently, it saves your time, water as well as money.

It weighs around 2.4 ounces with a dimension of 1.4×5.1×2.2. Its secured connection and easy to use feature can last you up to years. Also, this product is suitable for harsh environmental conditions.

6. Nelson Hose Quick Connectors Set

This quick connector from Nelson is designed specifically for garden hoses, water equipment, and other faucet systems. The product comes with one female and one male connector. The connectors fit perfectly and provide a smooth rotation to connect with other accessories.

The specific O-ring seal helps in preventing leakages and drips. Also, the connector is made from high-quality brass metal that gives comfort while working. The good connection renders your work hassle-free saving a lot of time.

The leakage-proof system with brilliant attachment or detachment facility solves your problems in seconds. The product weighs up to 1.6 ounces with a dimension of 2.5×3.9×1.6 inches.

This garden hose quick connect is good for any quick emergency connection in outdoor faucets as well as standard gardening attachments. Mostly, this is a brilliant product that will prove to be an excellent tool for your garden.

7. Camco 20135 Brass Quick Hose Connect

Out of the 9 best garden hose quick connect, this is another premium quality product by Camco. The product is also durable giving you a complete leak-proof experience. Its usability, instant connection, disconnection, and installation can make your work hassle-free. Furthermore, it shuts off immediately after unplugging.

The solid brass material works and fits tightly to the hose and spigots. Thus, it can freely release and control water pressure. Moreover, it works brilliantly in portable water systems to create a smooth water flow. The lifetime guarantee of the product gives you a life for a longer period.

The product weighs up to 2.4 ounces with a dimension of 1x1x1. Also, it is safe for residential hook-ups as well as RV drinkable water hoses. The quick unscrew and screw system saves a lot of time to reduce your workload.

The leak-proof, no dripping system gives you a comfortable watering experience. The rich quality, durability, and pace strike a brilliant balance to make it a reliable product.

8. Green Thumb 09QCGT Quick Connector Set for Hose

This is another brass garden hose quick connect that is handy and multi-purpose. It is made with heavy-duty brass that can connect easily with nozzles, sprinklers, and other equipment.

It also includes a set of 1 male and 1 female adapter that fits evenly. It works perfectly with different environmental conditions as well as fast connect fittings. Furthermore, the leakage proof system and durability is another factor to look for. The highlight of this product is its quick connection. You can use it immediately to save your time in an emergency.

The product weighs up to 4 ounces with a dimension of 1.5×2.8×4.7 inches. You can change the connection as well as connect and disconnect easily as per your requirement.

The product is sturdy and it can last you for years without any fault. You can use it comfortably for the best watering experience in your garden or any other setting.

To put it short, this durable product made up of brass gives you a long life without any issues. It is a good choice with an affordable price range.

9. World’s Best Garden Hose Quick Connect

This brass garden hose quick connects from the world’s best garden hose is the one you are looking for out of 9 best garden hose quick connect. The hose is made with premium quality metal that is effective and can fit with multiple things.

The best feature of this product is its simple off-and-on solid adapter that fits perfectly and gives you a leak-proof connection.

You can use this garden hose to screw sprayers, nozzles, spigots, sprinklers, and so forth without any worries. If you wish to change the connection, you can simply twist and turn. It comes with a long-lasting, dependable, and leak-proof fitting.

The product includes 2 male adapters along with 1 female adapter that connects perfectly. The female adapter is connected to the hose while the male adapter is connected to sprayers and sprinklers. These combine evenly with garden hose accessories and rotate freely.

The overall dimension is 4.8×3.4×2.4 inches weighing around 5.6 ounces. This can be used excellently for home, gardening area, or boat campsite. To sum it up, this is a brilliant product at a good price. Furthermore, you also get a lifetime guarantee.

How to Buy a Garden Hose Quick Connect with Shut Off?

Robust, standard quality, and long-lasting quick garden hose connectors – that’s what you need for both indoor and outdoor use. However, finding the right garden hose is not a simple task.

To help you, we have curated 9 best garden hose quick connect that are perfect for both professional and non-professional needs.

Conclusion

All quick connect garden hose fittings mentioned in this list are thoroughly researched and put together to help you in choosing the right tool for your use. The quality, features, and performance of garden hose differ from brands. Hence, you will have to pick one that suits your use perfectly.

This is all. We wish you an informed purchase!