Robert Pavlis

Vermicompost Leachate – Will it Harm Plants?

One of the most hotly debated questions in vermicomposting is this: Is vermicompost leachate good or bad for plants? Some say it is great for plants and use it all of the time. Others warn that it should not be used because it contains phytotoxins (plant poisons) and pathogens.

What I find most interesting about this debate is that both sides claim to be correct and yet neither side takes the time to do a search for some scientific evidence to support their position. I guess I approach things differently and the science in this case is easy to find – one Google Scholar search will do it.

Let’s look at the facts surrounding vermicompost leachate.

Vermicompost Leachate - Will it Harm Plants? — Vermicompost Leachate – Will it Harm Plants? Credit: J&J Acres and Deep Green Permaculture

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Bokashi vs EM vs Eco-enzyme – How Are They Different?

There is a lot of discussion about bokashi, EM (Effective Microorganisms), and Eco-enzyme. When I read the material on these, it seems as if there is a lot of overlap between these three topics, and at time Eco-enzymeses they even seem to be the same thing. I thought it would be useful to clarify what they are and differentiate between them.

Eco-enzyme are even available as commercial products in Asia.

Bokashi vs EM vs Eco-enzyme - How Are They Different? — Bokashi vs EM vs Eco-enzyme – How Are They Different?, Credit: Shopee

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Roscoea cautleyoides – the Orchid Roscoea

Roscoea cautleyoides, by Robert Pavlis

Are you interested in an easy to grow exotic orchid for your garden? Roscoea cautleyoides isn’t a real orchid but the flowers sure look like one.

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Fluoride Toxicity in Plants – Is Tap Water Harmful?

Many municipalities add fluoride to tap water, and fluoride can be toxic to plants, so is this a problem? Is tap water harming your plants, and what can you do about it?

A quick search on the internet reveals lists of fluoride-sensitive plants – how sensitive are they, and should you stop growing these if your tap water has added fluoride?

Let’s have a look at the facts regarding fluoride and plants.

Fluoride Toxicity in Plants - Is Tap Water Harmful? — Fluoride Toxicity in Plants – Is Tap Water Harmful?, credit National Gardening Association

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Watering Plants in the Sun – Do Water Droplets Damage Leaves?

Common advice: you should not water the garden at midday because the water droplets act like magnifying glasses and will burn leaves. Is this true?

There are other similar beliefs that have nothing to do with plants. Many dermatology websites say that water droplets on skin will burn it. In the forest industry, it is believed that a rain drop can heat dry leaves to the point of ignition and cause forest fires.

Common sense and science will reveal the truth.

Watering Plants in the Sun - Do Water Droplets Damage Leaves? — Watering Plants in the Sun – Do Water Droplets Damage Leaves?

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Best Way to Fix Root Bound Plants, Before Planting

Many plants purchased from nurseries are root bound, also called pot bound, and the internet provides a variety of suggestions for dealing with this problem. Slice the sides, cut the bottom off, butterfly them or don’t do anything at all. Which method is best?

Is the best fix for this problem different for different kinds of plants? Should trees be treated the same perennials or annuals?

Let’s see what the science says.

Best Way to Fix Root Bound Plants, Before Planting

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Washing Tree Roots Before Planting

In a previous post I described the right way to plant a tree or shrub. If you follow that process, you will have success most of the time. Today, I’d like to look at a new method for treating trees before planting: washing and pruning roots.

Science does not stand still. Tree researchers are continually looking at ways to improve the planting process, and in recent years a new way of handling the tree roots has come to light. It goes against everything that makes common sense, but it could have some benefits.

Washing Roots Before Planting Trees — Washing Tree Roots Before Planting, photo source: Tony Fischer

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Twining Direction in Beans – are Scarlet Runner Beans Different?

I was working on my new book, Plant Science for Gardeners (to be released spring 2022), and came across a claim that most beans twine anti-clockwise, but that runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus) twine clockwise. This claim was on a government extension site, so it just might be true. It seemed really odd to me, but why would someone make this up? Surely this is something that is easy to check?

I have been growing runner beans for many years but I decided not to plant any this year so I couldn’t even check my garden.

There are also claims that plants, including beans, twine differently in the Southern and Northern Hemisphere. The idea that water drains in a different direction in the south is a myth, so what about twining vines?

Twining Direction in Beans - are Scarlet Runner Beans Different? — Twining Direction in Beans – are Scarlet Runner Beans Different?

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How To Debug Plants Before Bringing Them Indoors

Growing marginally hardy or non-hardy plants in cold climates usually involves growing them in containers and moving them indoors before winter. Everyone loves to see houseplants flourish when grown outside during warmer months – but no one likes bugs hitchhiking back inside! Fortunately, there are ways to remove unwelcome insects before they enter your home.

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7 Best Ways for Washing Fruits and Vegetables

I recently asked our Facebook Group, Garden Fundamentals, what they used for washing fruits and vegetables and I got quite a range of answers. Some did not wash most items. Quite a few used just water and many used a type of soap. Vinegar and baking soda were also popular for washing fruits and vegetables.

What does the science say about different washing solutions for fruits and vegetables?

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Is it Safe to Compost Paper and Cardboard?

Paper and cardboard provide a good carbon source for composting, and they are also used for sheet mulching and lasagna gardening, but is it safe to use paper and cardboard in the garden?

Bleached paper contains chlorine and dioxin, a known carcinogen. Inks contain heavy metals, and BPA is used in some types of paper. Much of this paper is recycled, and the recycled paper contains these various chemicals. Is it safe to compost paper and cardboard?

Is it Safe to Compost Paper and Cardboard? Source: Carry On Composting

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Clematis terniflora (sweet autumn clematis)

Clematis terniflora

Clematis terniflora, the sweet autumn clematis, is a great plant for the fall garden. It is flowering right now in a large swath that covers a mature lilac and some neighboring plants as well. It is easy to grow and flowers every year.

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