In botany, a produce is considered fruit when it contains seeds, while it is a vegetable if it is a plant part such as roots, leaves, and stems. Following this definition means that apples, squash, and tomatoes are fruits, while potatoes are vegetables. Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay. But...
On Mount 387, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija, a patch of land that was once unproductive was transformed into a tree park filled with now over 2,000 native and fruit-bearing tree seedlings in just less than a month. Behind this so-called “BTS Tree Park” are three Filipino ARMYs (the name BTS fans call...
A study in Singapore revealed that vertical greenery on buildings may lessen the impact of stress on people. While there are several studies that point to the benefits of vertical gardens on the environment, this particular study focused on the contribution of vertical greenery to one’s...
Elders always remind us not to leave any food on our plates. While this has long been part of our culture, this belief may be linked to deeper importance, aside from money and waste-related factors. Perhaps many would think wasting food should be prevented to get one’s money’s worth, but...
Seven major commodities that are responsible for deforestation are timber, palm oil, soy, cattle, rubber, cocoa, and coffee. A study by an international non-profit environmental organization reveals that among these major drivers of deforestation, palm oil firms are leading in terms of...
Sitaw (Vigna unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis) is a high-value crop that can be produced within 50 to 65 days. This widely grown veggie is a popular ingredient in local dishes like adobong sitaw, pinakbet, and kare-kare. It is full of vitamins K and C, folic acid, protein, niacin, and more. It...
Retirement may be a comforting idea, but on the other hand, this season can be filled with different emotional phases, including wanting to reestablish one’s old working routine. Lito Dimaculangan, 58, a native of Batangas, is familiar with this feeling. Dimaculangan, an accountant by...
Bees play a pivotal role in food production since 35 percent of food highly depends on pollinators like them. However, the population of these pollinators has been declining in recent years. One of the major reasons is the excessive use of pesticides. In the US, studies reveal that 98 percent...
Floating gardens are made of native aquatic plants like water hyacinths. Farmers arrange the plants together in a river, forming floating raised beds about three feet deep. This farming approach is traditionally used to produce food in the wetlands, especially during the rainy season. Okra,...
Home gardens are a good way to boost household food security and nutrition. Growers don’t have to wait for a long time before they can enjoy bountiful harvests because there are plenty of crops that can be produced in just a month. Take, for example, pechay ( Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis )....
Aside from bringing life to nature, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators play an essential role in keeping plants thriving. Some plants only attract certain types of pollinators, but others attract them all. Pollination takes place when pollen is carried from a flower’s stamen (male...
It’s difficult to avoid transplant shock, which happens when plants get stressed after they are transferred to a new environment or container. For gardeners out there, here are some things to keep in mind to prevent or at least help the plants recover from transplant shock. Be gentle. As much as...
