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Tomatoes Care

Tomatoes are heavy feeders and love sun. Provide plenty of direct sunlight (at least 6-8 hours daily).

• Watering: Consistent moisture is crucial, especially as fruits develop. Water deeply at the base to prevent fungal diseases.
• Support: Most varieties, especially heirlooms like Brandywine and Cherokee Purple, require staking, caging, or trellising to support heavy fruit loads.
• Fertilizing: Feed regularly with a balanced fertilizer, then switch to a phosphorus-rich one once flowering begins.
• Pinching: Pinch off suckers (shoots growing in leaf axils) for determinate varieties to encourage main stem growth and larger fruit.

Peppers Care

Peppers thrive in warm conditions and full sun. They're sensitive to cold.

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting them dry out completely.
• Sunlight: 6-8 hours of direct sun is ideal.
• Support: Taller varieties or those with heavy fruit sets (like Bell Peppers) may benefit from staking.
• Handling Hot Peppers: Always wear gloves when handling very hot varieties like Carolina Reapers or Ghosts to prevent skin irritation.

Lettuces & Greens (Kale) Care

Lettuce and Kale prefer cooler temperatures and consistent moisture. Heat-tolerant varieties like Michelle and Crystal Batavian lettuce can extend your growing season.

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist. Greens bolt (go to seed) in dry conditions or extreme heat.
• Sunlight: Partial shade can be beneficial in hot summer months to prevent bolting.
• Harvesting: Harvest outer leaves as needed (cut-and-come-again) to encourage continuous production.
• Kale: Very hardy and can withstand light frosts, often improving in flavor after a cold snap.

Herbs Care

Herbs are generally resilient but have varying needs. Most prefer good drainage.

• Basil: Loves warmth and consistent moisture. Pinch off flower buds to encourage bushier growth. Sensitive to cold.
• Mints: Can be invasive, so consider planting in containers to prevent spreading. Prefer moist soil.
• Rosemary, Thyme, Sage, Lavender: Prefer well-drained soil and full sun. More drought-tolerant once established. Avoid overwatering.
• Parsley & Cilantro: Prefer consistent moisture. Cilantro tends to bolt in heat.

General Plant Care Tips for AncientR3oots Plants

These tips apply to most plants from our farm and will help you achieve a bountiful harvest.

• Location: Choose a spot with appropriate sunlight for your plant (most fruiting plants need 6-8 hours direct sun).
• Soil: Use good quality, well-draining soil. Consider amending with compost for added nutrients.
• Watering: Water deeply and consistently, especially during dry spells. Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease.
• Feeding: Supplement with appropriate organic fertilizers as plants grow and produce.
• Pest & Disease Watch: Regularly inspect your plants for any signs of pests or diseases. Address issues early.
• Support: Provide stakes, cages, or trellises for taller plants like tomatoes and some peppers.

We provide a plant list with difficulty ratings to help gardeners manage their crops effectively. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have specific questions!