26 posts tagged with "Gardening"

Tropical Storm Chantal and Its Potential Impact​

What Is a Tropical Storm Warning?​

A tropical storm warning is issued when sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph are expected within 36 hours. It serves as an urgent call to action for residents and gardeners alike to secure their homes, yards, and most importantly, their plants. When you hear a warning from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), it's time to act fast.

Overview of Tropical Storm Chantal​

Tropical Storm Chantal is currently tracking over the Atlantic and is projected to move toward the southeastern U.S. coast, bringing high winds, heavy rains, and coastal flooding. While it may not escalate to a hurricane, its impact on low-lying gardens can be devastating.

Latest Updates from the National Hurricane Center​

The NHC has placed South Carolina, including Myrtle Beach, under observation. Current models from the hurricane tracker suggest the storm may make landfall with intense rain bands. Gardeners need to stay informed through trusted sources like NOAA, which updates every few hours.

Myrtle Beach Weather Alerts and Storm Projections​

Myrtle Beach is expected to experience high tides and gusts that can uproot shallow-rooted plants. Flash flood warnings may also affect the coastal soil structure. If you garden near Myrtle Beach, prepare now before the weather takes a turn.

Are Tomatoes Safe to Eat Now? A Look at Food Safety Concerns​

In recent years, more people are asking, “Are tomatoes safe to eat now?” And that concern is valid. Supermarket tomatoes often travel thousands of miles before reaching your plate, making them susceptible to contamination along the way. From harmful pesticides to bacteria like Salmonella, it's become clear that not every tomato is grown under safe conditions.

Recalls and foodborne illness outbreaks related to tomatoes have occurred multiple times in the last decade. In 2025, there are three FDA Recalls including Tomato Recall due to Salmonella. Contaminated water, poor hygiene during harvesting, or unsafe handling during transport can all introduce risks to your health. While washing produce helps, it doesn’t always remove invisible chemical residues.

In fact, tomatoes consistently rank high on the Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” list—foods most likely to contain pesticide residues. So if you're concerned about what’s in your food, growing your own tomato plant could be the safest—and tastiest—solution.

Gardening might feel a bit overwhelming at first—there's soil to prep, plants to choose, and care routines to learn. But don't worry! With a little encouragement and the right guidance, anyone can create a flourishing garden.

In this guide, you'll discover easy-to-follow gardening tips for beginners, learn how to plant a garden from scratch, and nurture a variety of stunning garden plants. Ready to grow? Let's dig in! 🌿

Overview: How to Plant and Take Care of Different Types of Plants​

While composting is generally a good practice for reducing waste and enriching soil, it's important to be cautious when dealing with potentially contaminated materials. The FDA Tomato Recall Salmonella outbreak highlights the need to take extra precautions to protect your health and prevent the spread of salmonella.

Image Credit: FDA|Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Cucumbers(May 2025)

A multistate outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo infections is under investigation by the FDA and CDC. The source is traced to cucumbers from Bedner Growers, Inc., in Boynton Beach, Florida, distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc.

In the last few days, an outbreak of Food Safety Corcern has been spreading across the United States, affecting hundreds of millions of residents and agricultural industries, over 200 infection cases reported in 15 states.

Image Credit: FDA|Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Cucumbers(May 2025)

As a gardening enthusiast, I’m really concerned about how salmonella intrudes into our vegetable garden and how we can get rid of it, whether from soil, compost, water, fertiliser, plants, or grown fruits and vegetables. And I do hope that those who have been infected by salmonella in the US get the best treatment and recover soon. No more infection cases increased!

Often, gardeners find themselves pondering the age-old question: garden soil vs compost? Choosing the right medium for your plants is crucial for a flourishing garden. While both play vital roles, they possess distinct characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks.

This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of each, equipping you with the knowledge to make informed decisions for your specific gardening needs. We'll explore their composition, advantages, disadvantages, ideal applications, and how to use them effectively to cultivate a thriving and vibrant garden.

Knowing when compost is ready to use is a bit like knowing when a cake is baked. There are some telltale signs to look for.

"Proper composting requires the right balance of materials and conditions," explains Dr. Sarah Chen, a composting expert. "When done correctly, beneficial microorganisms break down organic matter into rich, usable compost that's great for your garden."

The Art of Preparing Your Compost​

When you first receive your compost from your GEME composter, you're holding a concentrated source of plant nutrition and soil life. But like any powerful tool, knowing how to prepare and apply it makes all the difference in achieving the best results.

Introduction: Unlock the Secret to a Thriving Garden​

Imagine stepping into your home filled with vibrant, lush greenery, or harvesting crisp vegetables straight from a thriving garden patch. The secret to this kind of natural abundance often lies hidden right beneath the surface – in the richness of the soil. And the key to rich soil? Often, it's "Black Gold".

Winter may be fading, but your garden is likely buried under layers of debris. Fallen leaves, broken branches, and leftover plant trimmings can make your outdoor space look messy and uninviting. But don't worry. This guide will show you how to efficiently clean up your winter garden and transform your yard into an organic one. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these three simple steps will help you restore your garden’s beauty and prepare it for spring.