AncientR3oots - General Care Instructions
Welcome to AncientR3oots! To help your new plants thrive, please follow these general care instructions. Remember, healthy starts lead to bountiful harvests!
Tomatoes
General:
- Full sun (6-8 hours daily).
- Well-drained, fertile soil.
- Consistent watering, especially during fruiting.
- Support with cages or stakes as plants grow.
Additional Notes:
Heirloom varieties (Cherokee Purple, Brandywine):
Why: These varieties tend to have larger, heavier fruit and vining growth habits, making them prone to breakage.
How: Use sturdy tomato cages or tall stakes. Tie the main stem to the stake as it grows, and support heavy branches.
Cherry tomatoes:
Why: Produce many fruits, which can weigh down the plant.
How: Smaller cages or stakes can help, but they often need less support than larger varieties.
Beefsteak and other large varieties:
Why: Produce very large heavy fruit.
How: Use very sturdy cages or stakes, and provide extra calcium to help prevent blossom end rot.
Super Sioux:
Why: Is cold tolerant, but still requires full sun to produce fruit.
How: Plant in a location that receives full sun, and protect from frost.
Peppers
General:
- Full sun (6-8 hours daily).
- Warm, well-drained soil.
- Consistent watering.
- Fertilize with a fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium.
Additional Notes:
Hot peppers (Ghost, Reaper, Habanero):
Why: These peppers contain capsaicin, which can cause severe irritation.
How: Wear gloves when handling plants and fruit. Wash hands thoroughly.
Bell peppers and other sweet peppers:
Why: Require consistent watering to produce sweet fruit.
How: Water at the base of the plant, and avoid overhead watering.
Greens
General:
- Partial to full sun (depending on variety).
- Regular watering, keep soil moist.
- Harvest before bolting (flowering).
Additional Notes:
Lettuce and spinach:
Why: Prefer cooler temperatures to prevent bolting and bitterness.
How: Plant in early spring or late fall. Provide shade during hot afternoons.
Kale and chard:
Why: Tolerate cooler temperatures and can be harvested as needed.
How: Harvest outer leaves, and allow the inner leaves to continue to grow.
Asian greens (Bok Choi):
Why: Prefer partial shade in hot climates to prevent wilting.
How: Provide afternoon shade, and keep soil consistently moist.
Herbs
General:
- Partial to full sun (depending on variety).
- Well-drained soil.
- Regular watering.
- Harvest regularly to encourage growth.
Additional Notes:
Mint and lemon balm:
Why: Can spread aggressively through underground runners.
How: Plant in containers or use barriers to contain their spread.
Rosemary and thyme:
Why: Are drought-tolerant and prefer drier conditions.
How: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Basil:
Why: Pinching off flower buds, encourages leaf growth.
How: Pinch off flower buds as soon as they appear.
General Notes
- Always check soil moisture before watering.
- Mulching can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize as needed, following package instructions.
- When planting starts, ensure that they are planted deep enough to provide adequate support.
- When planting starts, ensure that they have adequate drainage.
AncientR3oots – Plant List & Care Guide
Tomatoes:
Easy (1):
- Tomato (General)
- Better Boy
- Cherry Sweetie
- Super Sioux
Moderate (2):
- Big Boy
- Beefsteak (Yellow/Red)
- Cherry Currant (Yellow)
Challenging (3):
- Cherokee Purple
- Brandywine Pink
- Chef’s Choice Striped hybrid
Peppers:
Easy (1):
- California Golden Wonder
- Anaheim
- Bell (Green/Multi)
- Cubanelle
- Hungarian Wax (Mild)
- Poblano
- Jalapeno
Moderate (2):
- Serrano
- Cayenne
Challenging (3):
- Ghost Pepper
- Carolina Reaper
- Habanero
Greens:
Easy (1):
- Buttercrunch Lettuce
- Green Oak Leaf Lettuce
- Red Oak Leaf Lettuce
- Spinach
- Swiss Chard
- Romaine Lettuce
- Summer Crisp (Batavia) Lettuce.
Moderate (2):
- Bok Choi
- Collard Greens
- Kale (Various)
- New Zealand Spinach
Herbs:
Easy (1):
- Mint (Common)
- Parsley
- Thyme
- Lemon Balm
Moderate (2):
- Cilantro
- Rosemary
- Basil (Sweet)
- Basil (Genovese)
Challenging (3):
- Shiso
- Basil (Dark Opal)
- Peppermint