Health Benefits of Makhana

Description:

Makhana, puffed lotus seeds or fox nuts are used across global cuisines. Makhana or fox nuts are also widely used as a medicine in the Oriental and Chinese traditions for its nutritional and healing properties. The seeds are packed with antioxidants, phytonutrients (disease-preventing substance), protein and fibre, whether it is consumed raw, roasted, ground or boiled down to a paste.



Uses and Benefits:


1. Makhana is a hydrant which, regulates blood pressure levels, helps in keeping moisture locked in the body and free from toxins.

2. It is low in saturated fats and sodium along with a high content of magnesium and potassium.

3. The glycemic index of Makhanas are considerably lower than other carbohydrate staple foods, making it an appropriate snack for diabetics.

4. They are rich in fibre, ensuring proper assimilation, absorption and digestion while also avoiding constipation.

5. Makhanas fulfil the day-to-day calcium needs and are extremely helpful for individuals diagnosed with osteoporosis, arthritis, numbness in the limbs or joint problems.

6. It’s also an anti-aging food that prevents white hair, wrinkles and stops premature ageing, pertaining to its high anti-oxidant content.

7. Makhana has a therapeutic effect on the spleen and ensures smooth function.

8. Its astringent property helps cure diarrhoea, check the metabolism and regulate sleep.

9. Makhanas are packed with flavonoids which, helps prevent inflammation, in lowering the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and heart-related issues. 

Amla & Amla Berry Germination ,Growing ,Care, Use and its Surprising Health Benefits.

Embelica Officinalis, known as Amla or Indian Gooseberry or Nelli is an important fruit with high medicinal value. The fruits have the richest source of vitamin-C and are considered to be a good liver tonic.


POSITION:

Plant Amla tree in a location that is less windy and sunny. The well-draining and sloppy position are good for its growth.
SOIL:

Well-drained, loamy to light heavy soil that is deep and rich in organic matter is required for growing amla tree. A pH level can be between slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. The waterlogged and clay-rich soil is detrimental and must be avoided, same is the case with too sandy soils.

CLIMATE:
It is a tropical plant. The annual rainfall of 630-800 mm is ideal for its growth. The young plant up to the age of 3 years should be protected from hot wind during May-June and from frost during winter months. The mature plants can tolerate freezing temperature as well as a high temperature up to 46OC.
WATERING:

Regular and abundant watering is essential at the young age. Once the tree gets established it doesn’t require regular and frequent watering. However, you can water the plant during the period of active growth or in a drought like conditions in summer. Watering 2-3 times in a month in summer is sufficient for a mature tree. In any case, water stagnation must be avoided.
TEMPERATURE:

Amla tree is tough and resistant to exploits of climate. It bears mild snowfall during winter months in the forest of Western Himalayas and tolerates extreme heat and dry atmosphere in tropical India. It is sensitive to prolonged freezing temperatures and grows best when it is not exposed to frost.




GROWING

1. Spread amla berries in sunlight to dry until they are shrivelled if you don't begin with amla seeds. Peel off the pulp to uncover the berries' hexagonal stones. Locate the small seeds inside the stones, and pry them out, cutting the stones if necessary.

2. Drop the amla seeds into a container of water. Discard all seeds that don't sink into the water. Let the seeds soak in the water for 12 hours.

3. Fill seedling pots with a potting soil containing equal portions of sand, compost, and garden loam. Plant one amla seed in each pot, placing each seed at a depth three times its diameter in the potting soil. Moisten the potting soil, and cover the pots with plastic wrap. Remove the plastic wrap as needed to moisten the soil, ensuring it stays damp. Germination should occur in two weeks to one month. Continue to grow the seedlings in pots for eight to 10 months, until they reach 10 to 12 inches in height.

4. Choose a planting location with deep, rich, well-drained loam and full sun exposure. Although amla does best in deep, rich soil, it grows in almost any ground that isn't extremely alkaline or soggy. Dig planting holes 30 feet apart, and mix a few shovelfuls of composted manure into the soil of each hole. Plant the seedlings at the same soil depth in the holes that they were in their pots. Place composted manure on top of the soil around the seedlings, keeping it several inches from their trunks. Water the planting sites.

5. Snip back the tips of your saplings when the trees reach 3 feet tall. Doing so forces them to branch out. Allow a few of the strongest branches evenly spaced around the trunk to remain, but remove all weak growth.

6. Give each tree about 5 ounces of granular, fruit tree fertilizer twice during the first year, scratching the fertilizer into the ground around each tree's trunk and watering that ground afterwards. Double the amount of fertilizer the second year, and gradually increase it so each tree receives about 3 pounds of the fertilizer per application when it is 10 years old. After the trees begin to produce fruits, schedule the feedings so that one feeding occurs just after the blossoms fall and the other feeding occurs four months afterwards.

7. Water the trees at least once every two weeks during summer. Expect the trees to flower during summer and to produce fruits during winter to early spring.


8. Pick the fruits after they turn from green to greenish yellow or greenish white, but check the seeds inside one berry before picking all of the berries. Seeds that turned from white to black indicate the fruit is ripe.

Coriander Germination ,Growing ,Care, Use and its Health Benefits.

Coriander is a fast growing annual or biennial herb of the Parsley Family.It comes with large umbrella leaves.The name cilantro refers to the fresh leaf, also known as Chinese parsley. Coriander is the name for the seeds.It is very fast growing and automatic herb grow especially in the cooler weather of spring and fall.
 SPECIFICATION OF CORIANDER

Common name: Coriander

Height: 18 to 24 inches (45-60cm)
Difficulty level: Easy

Sunlight: Coriander likes a sunny position but it needs shade due to hot summer days.

Soil: Plant the seeds in light, well-drained soil and space them 1 to 2 inches apart direct in outdoors after the last frost. Sow the seeds at 3-week intervals for continued harvest or Start seeds in propagation starter cubes or plugs indoors six weeks before planting outdoors.Space rows about 12 inches apart. Coriander prefers a deep, fertile soil which can be either light or heavy, as long as it is well draining.


 





The plants, which grow about 2 feet high, are cultivated in rows about 18 inches apart, generally from seed sown in early spring. The seed heads which ripen about midsummer are gathered and dried, then beaten with light rods or flails to separate the seeds.


Water requirements :

 Use watering as it is needed. By moving the water stream constantly waves the can. Do not let the water to flood area. Or use a sprayer to spray the water like mist.Do not over water.

Use and benefit of coriander :

Coriander has following benefits

1.Coriander helps to lower bad cholesterol and increases the levels of good cholesterol.

2.This herb also helps to control heart rate and blood pressure. It is a good source f potassium, magnesium, calcium, manganese and iron as well as low in sodium.Iron is vital for red blood cell production and manganese is used as a cofactor for the antioxidant enzyme.

3. Vitamin K in it is good for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

4.Some of the components of essential oils found in coriander such as Borneol and Linalool, aid in digestion, proper functioning of the liver and bonding of bowels, while also helping to reduce diarrhoea.

Nigella plant Germination ,Growing ,Care, and Uses.

 

Nigella is a colourful annual flower. It has many different colours like 
 pale blue, white, pink etc.

SPECIFICATION OF NIGELLA


Difficulty Easy
Exposure: Full sun
Season: Half hardy annual.
USDA Zones: 3 - 10
Height: 8 to 20 inches (20 to 50 cm).
Bloom Season: Summer through fall
Environment: Full sun
Soil Type: Loamy, well-drained, pH 6.1 - 7.8
Average Germ Time: 14 - 21 days
Sowing Temperature: 20--25C
Growing Temperature: 18--35C
Grow up / Flower days : 80days
Spacing:15×15cm
Colour of Flower: Light blue
Depth: 1/4 inch
Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
Plant Spacing: 20-30cm (8-12″).
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil.
Optimal soil temperature for germination: 18-21°C (65-70°F). Seeds should sprout in 8-15 days.


 GERMINATION GUIDE :

Step 1

Use a flat seedling tray and its deep will be 10 centimetres, and fill seedling mediator within 3/4  of the rim with a sterile potting soil or sieved vermicompost. Fill the tray with diluted fungicide water (2gm in 1-litre water). Make sure you have plenty of holes in it for good water drainage. And  Allow the soil in the flat to absorb the water through the bottom drainage holes until the soil surface becomes moist.

 Step 2

Sow the seeds in prepared beds and gently press them into the surface. Keep moist until the seeds germinate. Because of their lacy foliage, nigella seedlings are easy to recognize among weeds. Nigella usually grows better from direct-sown seeds than from transplanted seedlings.Keep the distance 11" with the other plants.Try to sow seeds two or three times from late spring to early summer, because they stay  only few weeks. Flower colours include white, blue, pink and purple.

Step 3
Moist again with diluted fungicide water ensure the soil surface it's evenly moist. Cover tightly plastic polythene wrap over the pot to promote soil moisture retention and place it in a 60 to 70 degree Fahrenheit location or in an artificial area of the house that receives indirect light to germinate if it planted in a seedling pot. Lift the plastic after two days  to check that the soil is moist or not. If not, lightly moisten it with a water-filled spray bottle before replacing the plastic.


Step 4
 
The Nigella usually sprout within14 to 21 days.Remove the plastic as soon as the seedlings emerge, and gradually move the pot to a brighter area with six to eight hours of daily sunlight for a two-week period so that at the end of that time they're acclimated to being in full sunlight. Water the seedlings when the soil surface feels dry.

 Step 5

Transplant the Nigella outdoors or in a new pot when they are about 4 weeks old and about 4 to 6 inches tall. Plant at them 6 to 8 inches apart on the ready ground with same depth were they growing at previously.




GERMINATION CARE
After the seedlings germinate, they can relocate to a sunny south- or west-facing window. The soil is kept moist at all times, but not allowed to get soggy. Once the seedlings have three true leaves, they are fed every two weeks with a liquid houseplant fertilizer. Pinching out the growth tips isn't necessary.




IMPORTANT WATERING USE: Use watering can for watering. By moving the water stream constantly waves the can. Do not let the water to flood area. Or use sprayer to spray the water like mist

Bells verbena Germination ,Growing ,Care, Use .

Bells Verbena is very hardy plant and it must be soft to germinate.It takes full sunlight and temperature minimum 75 -78 degree F.



SPECIFICATION OF BELLS VERBENA


USDA Zones: 6 - 10
Height: 24 in - 3 ft
Bloom Season: Summer through fall
Bloom Color: green
Environment: Full sun
Soil Type: Loamy, well-drained, pH 6.1 - 7.8
Temperature: 75 - 80F
Lower temperature - 65 – 68°F (18 – 20°C)
Average Germ Time: 14 - 21 days

Depth: 1/4 inch

Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
Plant Spacing: 8 - 12 inches


GERMINATION GUIDE



Use a flat seedling tray and its deep will be 5 centimetres. Make sure you have plenty of holes in it for good water drainage.



  Take equal quantity of sand, soil and vermicompost. Then mix all the three ingredients into one container.


As the seeds are perfect in size then you can put the seeds over it by 1/3 after that cover the seeds with seedling mix only about 1 cm (one centimetre).




  
Sprinkle diluted fungicide water (2gm in 1-litre water) after sowing the seeds.We have to care about putting the seed because seeds will not go deep into the mixture.




It is recommended that sow the seeds directly in early spring when the soil is 50-60°F (10-16°C). Do not cover seed as light is required for germination. Or 6-8 weeks before the last frost in individual 3" pots or cell packs, as plants have taproots and do not transplant well. Make sure that the water must be mixed with diluted fungicide powder.It is very important to notice to follow that the seeds will not to go very deep inside the mixture by speeding water on the seed if it happens then the fertilization of the seeds are becoming difficult.




 Expect germination within 12-21 days at 65-68°F (18-20°C). For the best germination, chill seeds for 1-2 weeks at 35-40°F (18-20°C) before sowing.


Remove the plastic as soon as the seedlings emerge, and gradually move the pot to a brighter area over a two-week period so that at the end of that time they're acclimated to being in full sunlight.


Minimum warm, above 60ºF (15.5ºC), is needed inside the container and it should be placed in the sunny area.After that, the whole thing should be covered with a poly bag and after 21 days later the plastic can be removed.

CLIMATE:

Verbena can be grown in hardiness zone 6-10, although in zone 6 they’re likely to die back to the ground in winter.

LIGHT:

Verbena flower best in full sun (at least six hours per day). Do not cover on that point where you can not see the plastic on the flat or the soil.

SOIL:

Verbena does well in most any kind of soil, as long as it’s well-drained. The ideal soil pH is neutral to slightly acidic.

Capsicum Seed Germination ,Growing ,Care, Use and its Health Benefits.

 Capsicum is a vegetable which usually used as an ornamental fruit. It is an annual plant, however, be grown as perennials in tropical regions where temperatures remain between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit year round.


SPECIFICATION OF CAPSICUM

Plant Features:

Common name: Capsicum
Botanical Name: Capsicum annum
Other names: Sweet Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Paprika
Indian names: Shimla Mirch (Hindi)
Vegetable type: Fruit Vegetable
Varieties: Green, Red, Yellow, Purple, Orange, WhiteSeason: Annual
USDA Zones: 3 - 10
Height: 60 - 84 inches
Flower colour: white
Bloom Season: Summer through fall
Bloom Color: Yellow, red, green etc
Environment: Full sun
Foliage: densely branched
Soil Type: Loamy, well-drained, pH 6.1 - 7.8
Temperature: 75 - 80F
Average Germ Time: 14 - 21 days
Width/Spacing: 20 to 30 cm
Depth: 1/4 inch

Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination



GERMINATION GUIDE

Make sure you have a good place to grow your capsicums. They need a sunny place to grow with some air flow so they don’t succumb to fungal diseases. If you don’t have a lot of room you can plant them in large pots or along a wall as long as there is a breeze.

Use a flat seedling tray and its deep will be 5 centimetres. Make sure you have plenty of holes in it for good water drainage.

Start with a pot or tray of good seedling mix from your garden centre (not ordinary garden soil from your backyard). 

 or

Take equal quantity of sand, soil and vermiculite. Then mix all the three ingredients into one container. 
Sprinkle diluted fungicide water (2gm in 1-litre water) after sowing the seeds.Plant your seeds in pots so it is easy to transplant them into their final place.

Tickle the top of the soil with your fingers, then sprinkle your seeds over the top and add a little more soil to cover. Give them a little water, just enough to keep the soil damp, but not too wet. When they are around 10-15cm tall.

Your capsicum seeds will not germinate until the temperature of the soil is right. They prefer a temperature of around 20 to 25°C before they will break dormancy, and they must not be planted outside until all chance of frost is over.

Make sure that the water must be mixed with diluted fungicide powder.It is very important to notice to follow that the seeds will not to go very deep inside the mixture by speeding water on the seed if it happens then the fertilization of the seeds become difficult.

Need to routine  check about the soil moist or not. If not, lightly moisten it with a water-filled spray. Expect germination within three to five days.

If you want to start them a few weeks before the expected date of your last frost you can plant the seeds in pots and place them inside on a warm, sunny windowsill, or you can buy an electric seed starting tray at any garden or hardware store.

Pests: 

The main pests that attack capsicums are aphids and whitefly. Aphids are little bugs that suck sap from the tips of the plant shoots and whitefly are tiny white bugs that fly around when you disturb your plants. Aphids can be controlled with pyrethrum spray or soapy water and whitefly can be caught on pieces of bright yellow card coated with a thin layer of petroleum jelly. They are both pests that can damage your capsicums and spread diseases.Or treat them using organic pesticides like Neem Oil. In areas with higher humidity levels, good plant spacing is essential to ensure air flow and help minimise the number of potential mould problems.

Harvest season:

Capsicum will be ready for harvest about 2 months from planting. Capsicum of hybrid varieties start green and then mature to their original colour. The great thing about capsicums is that they bear right through the season until they are killed by frosts. You can harvest the capsicums and chillis at any stage when they are green, or wait till they turn their ripe colour, which is usually red or yellow, at which time they will have a stronger flavour. Most varieties can be picked a little unripe and will still fully ripen on a windowsill.

Propagation:

Capsicum can be propagated by seeds from a healthy harvest. However, seeds for next season will not develop in hybrid varieties.Capsicum loves the sunny and warm exposure. It is a tropical plant but very much adaptable to temperate climates with moderate winter, when grown on the ground
GERMINATION CARE
After the seedlings germinate, they can relocate to a sunny south- or west-facing window. The soil is kept moist at all times, but not allowed to get soggy. Once the seedlings have three true leaves, they are fed every two weeks with a liquid houseplant fertilizer. Pinching out the growth tips isn't necessary.

Basil seed germination tips

Holy Basil, the “queen of herbs” is the most sacred of all the herbs found in India. There are three variants of Tulsi; Rama Tulsi, Krishna Tulsi, and Vana Tulsi. Each of the variants has its own distinctive taste. The parts of Tulsi generally used are its leaves, seeds and dried roots.Commonly known as “Tulsi” or “Tulasi” (Hindi) in India, the basil plant is a leafy herb belonging to the mint family. The scientific name of Tulsi is 'Ocimum Tenuiflorum'.

SPECIFICATION OF BASIL(TULSI)
Season: Warm season
Exposure: Full sun

Plant space : 9-12"
Height :6- 12"

BENEFITS OF BASIL
1.It helps to recover our fever, common pediatric problems like a cough, cold diarrhoea and vomiting respond favourably to Tulsi juice.
2.They help in reducing the pain caused by measles, chicken pox, and smallpox. A mixture of basil leaves juice and coconut oil can be applied to cuts and wounds to give relief.
3. A concoction made from boiling basil leaves in water can be taken as a drink or used for gargling to get relief from a sore throat.
4.Basil leaves taken with honey keeps chicken pox at the baby.


SUNLIGHT: Basil grows well in warm environments that receive about six hours of sun each day midday sun.

SOIL: Basil does its best in well-drained, moist soil with a neutral pH. Add a rich compost to the soil at the beginning of the season. Not much more soil amendment is necessary. In fact, if the soil is too rich, basil loses some of its flavour intensity.

WATERING :

1. Do not sow seeds on Rainy day or in a cloudy weather

2.You will definitely end up with nothing, wait for the bright sunny day and clear weather.

Tea, Camellia Sinensis Cultivation Tips

 How to Germinate

Step 1: Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours.(If you found any floating seeds do not throw them away yet, Keep soaking them until they sink. Change water every 1-2 days. This could take up to 7 days ) Seeds still floating after 7 days are mostly not viable. You can throw them away.Place the seeds in a plastic nursery flat, in the sun, until they crack. Mist the seeds periodically during this time with water from a spray bottle.

Step 2: File / cut / crack open the shell. This may speed up germination. ( Some shell may be cracked already, it's normal )

Step 3: Sow the cracked seeds about 1/4 deep in a container with well drained soil.Pour moist vermiculite into planting pots with the eye pointing up. The eye is a lighter shaded spot on the top of the seed.

Step 4: Water the soil until it's moisten ( not wet ). Cover the container with plastic wrap. ( This will keep the seeds in a constant moist environment, It also trap a little heat. )Place the pots in a shady area and keep the vermiculite moist at all times. The camellia sinensis seeds should germinate within two months.

Step 5: Place the container in a warm place. ( around 60°F - 78°F ). Keep soil moist, do not let it dry out.

Step 6: Move the camellia sinensis seedlings into brighter light when they have their third set of leaves.

Mammoth Long Island Dill

Everyone loves the taste of dill, from "dilly" bread to tasty fish sauces, dips and spreads.

When and Where to Plant: Select sunny, protected location with well-drained soil and sow seed after the last frost.
Care Support plants with a stake if necessary.
Harvesting: Separate seeds from heads by shaking loose in the paper bag. Cut and use leaves at any time.


SPECIFICATION OF DILL


Botanical Name Anet-hum graveolens

Light Requirements-Full Sun

Planting Depth -1/4 inch

Planting Time -Warm Season

Seed Spacing -1 inch

Days to Germination -10-15

Days to Harvest -70

Ways to Grow- Ornamental Edibles

Height- Up to 24 inches


BENEFITS OF LONG DILL

1.Dill is really a plant-based method of obtaining calcium and also ingesting healthy quantities of calcium is probably the ideal way to bolster bones and stop bone loss. Osteoporosis has been associated with reducing quantities of calcium usage; therefore consuming dill regularly can easily avoid weakening of bones.

2.Simply because dill consists of anti-bacterial qualities, you can use it to battle off bacterial infections inwardly and outwardly. Historic cultures utilized burnt off dill seeds for injuries to prevent bacterial infections.

3. Dill is really a conventional treatment for hiccups. It is stated that combining a spoonful of fresh dill into boiling water, straining the water, and after that consuming the liquid can get eliminate hiccups. Some individuals state that simply consuming a few ounces of dill pickle juice will perform the secret.


COLD GERMINATION

1. Put seeds into 40° C water for 24 hours.
2. Put seeds into very wet sands or coco pit then it must be able to retain the moisture and to circulate the oxygen for germination. (Generally, it takes more than 40 days)
3. Move it into the soil after it sprouts.
4. Germination temperature: 20-25℃
5. Germination time: 40 days
6. Growth optimum temperature: 10-25 ℃