News.Life

Easy Japanese news in translation: Vibrant tree peonies bloom at garden in Chiba Prefecture

DIWIDA.NEWS culture, flowers, gardens, news, plants

<p>
 Lively tree peonies reach their peak at the Mobara Tree Peony Garden located in the town of Mobara within Chiba Prefecture. This setting is encircled by wooded areas where one can hear the calls of Japanese bush-warblers and frogs echoing through. Inside an old farmhouse with a thatched roof constructed 295 years ago, you'll find not only 2,000 tree peonies but also various other early-spring blooms such as "shakuyaku" herbaceous peonies, rhododendrons, azaleas, and flowering dogwood trees. It’s recommended to plan your visit during either dawn or dusk when these blossoms appear particularly vivid against the light.
</p>
<p>
 <b>
  Japanese original
 </b>
</p>
<p>
 Simple Japanese news comes from the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun, a newspaper designed for kids. This serves as ideal content for those learning Japanese who have mastered hiragana and katakana. Beginners are encouraged to start with either an English version of the article before moving to Japanese, or the other way around, to gauge their understanding.
</p>
<p>
 A new batch will be released every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 4 p.m., Japan time. Tap/click here to view previous editions.
</p>
<p>
 Intermediate students who do not require English support can directly visit the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun website.
 here
 Furigana (hiragana) is provided for every kanji in the text.
</p>

Easy Japanese news in translation: Vibrant tree peonies bloom at garden in Chiba Prefecture

Lively tree peonies reach their peak at the Mobara Tree Peony Garden located in the town of Mobara within Chiba Prefecture. This setting i...

11 Plants That Spell Trouble for Your Tomato Garden, Says Expert

DIWIDA.NEWS gardening, plants, vegetable gardening, vegetables

<p>
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1AsInQ" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1AsInQ.jpg"/>
 <p>
  Tomatoes
  They're among the most favored vegetables for home gardens due to their taste and ease of cultivation. Tomatoes are both tasty and healthy, making them ideal for growing at home provided you supply plenty of sunlight and rich soil. To get the best yield from your tomato plants, consider planting compatible species nearby.
 </p>
 <p>
  Variety in the garden can aid in improving soil quality, lessening pest problems, and suppressing weed growth.
  attract beneficial pollinators
  . However, while clever
  vegetable garden companion planting
  Additionally referred to as interplanting or intercropping, this technique can enhance your tomato yields; however, certain combinations might decrease them.
 </p>
 <p>
  We consulted with an expert to learn about which plant types may not be ideal as companions for tomatoes and the reasons behind this.
 </p>
</p>
<p>
 <h3>
  Meet the Expert
 </h3>
 <p>
  <strong>
   Susan Scheufele
   ,
  </strong>
  Dr. PhD serves as the Production Agriculture Leader within the UMass Extension Vegetable Program.
 </p>
</p>
<p>
 <h2>
  Broccoli
 </h2>
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1AsInV" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1AsInV.jpg"/>
 <p>
  Broccoli and other members of the Brassica family require substantial nutrients, hence they should be planted apart from tomatoes to avoid hindering their development.
 </p>
 <p>
  "When thinking about interplanting or companion planting near tomatoes, we suggest avoiding plants that will compete intensely with them for sunlight, water, or nutrients," says Susan Scheufele, an educator from the UMass Extension Vegetable Program.
 </p>
 <p>
  <strong>
   Interested in getting more gardening advice? Subscribe to our free newsletter now!
   gardening newsletter
   For our top growth strategies, problem-solving tricks, and additional insights!
  </strong>
 </p>
 <h2>
  Cabbage
 </h2>
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1iMJEa" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1iMJEa.jpg"/>
 <p>
  Cabbages are significant consumers of nutrients and require ample nourishment. To prevent competition between these cruciferous vegetables and your tomatoes, think about growing them in another part of your garden.
 </p>
 <h2>
  Sweet Corn
 </h2>
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1AsNgX" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1AsNgX.jpg"/>
 <p>
  Scheufele does not suggest planting sweet corn alongside tomatoes because the tall corn stalks may block sunlight from reaching the tomatoes.
 </p>
 <p>
  "Corn requires many nutrients and has deep roots, which means it might deprive tomato plants of essential elements, or both types of plants could end up struggling," she explains.
 </p>
 <p>
  Additionally, the tomato fruitworm, also referred to as the corn earworm, enjoys feeding on both types of vegetables. In case of an outbreak, this could lead to significant damage to both crop varieties.
 </p>
 <h2>
  Cucumbers
 </h2>
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1AsPuM" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1AsPuM.jpg"/>
 <p>
  Although cucumbers have a lower profile, trail along the ground, and have shallow roots, Scheufele suggests they may not make suitable companions for tomatoes.
 </p>
 <p>
  “They require plenty of sunlight and warmth to flourish,” she explains. Planting cucumber vines too near to robust, towering tomato plants might result in them receiving excessive shade.”
 </p>
 <h2>
  Eggplants
 </h2>
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1AsBKo" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1AsBKo.jpg"/>
 <p>
  Scheufele advises against growing other Solanaceous plants such as peppers or eggplants close to tomatoes. He explains that these crops have comparable growth patterns and attract many of the same pests because they belong to the same plant family.
 </p>
 <p>
  Nightshade plant species are also susceptible to infectious fungal diseases like blight. If your eggplants develop this, there’s a good chance it will spread to tomato plants growing next to them.
 </p>
 <h2>
  Fennel
 </h2>
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1AsDmb" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1AsDmb.jpg"/>
 <p>
  Several research findings indicate that growing fennel alongside tomatoes might lead to decreased yields. This occurs because many varieties of fennel tend to be taller, thereby blocking sunlight from reaching the tomato plants which require ample light and warmth. According to Scheufele, opting for shorter, fast-maturing herbs such as parsley could be more beneficial.
  cilantro
  , instead.
 </p>
 <h2>
  Peppers
 </h2>
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/BB1jDvV1" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1jDvV1.jpg"/>
 <p>
  Another member of the nightshade family that can draw similar pests and diseases as tomatoes is peppers. To be safe, they should ideally be planted in a different garden bed.
 </p>
 <h2>
  Potatoes
 </h2>
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1AsIo4" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1AsIo4.jpg"/>
 <p>
  If you're looking to avoid potato plants infected with bacterial wilt or other fungal problems spreading,
  Diseases can transfer onto your tomato plants.
  Bury them deep within the earth, ensuring these two nightshade varieties are planted in separate garden patches.
 </p>
 <h2>
  Sunflowers
 </h2>
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1AsNhc" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1AsNhc.jpg"/>
 <p>
  Sunflowers can serve as useful and attractive border plants placed around a vegetable garden to draw in helpful pollinators and deter certain pests.
 </p>
 <p>
  Nevertheless, these plants are not ideal choices when planting right next to tomatoes. Due to their considerable height, they might shade the tomato plants from essential sunlight.
 </p>
 <p>
  Scheufele suggests planting low-growing, short-season flowers like
  sweet alyssum
  or
  nasturtium
  Plant the seeds simultaneously with the tomato seedlings. This ensures they'll have ample access to light to take root before the tomatoes become dense and cast shade.
 </p>
 <p>
  Sweet alyssum provides an additional advantage by drawing in the natural predators of insect pests such as syrphid flies, lady beetles, parasitic wasps, and predatory beetles and bugs," explains Scheufele. "Moreover, certain flowers like nasturtiums emit powerful fragrances that can disorient insect pests, thereby making it more difficult for them to locate their host plants.
 </p>
 <h2>
  Sweet Potatoes
 </h2>
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1xGgqu" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1xGgqu.jpg"/>
 <p>
  While sweet potatoes do not belong to the nightshade family as regular potatoes do, they are still not ideal companions when planted near tall, leafy tomato plants.
 </p>
 <p>
  Scheufele notes that despite being low-growing, creeping plants with an extended growing period, these specimens might not produce numerous tubers. Additionally, the tubers could turn out small if cultivated in areas with limited sunlight.
 </p>
 <h2>
  Black Walnut Trees
 </h2>
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1oFRuW" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1oFRuW.jpg"/>
 <p>
  Black walnut trees release a substance named juglone into the nearby soil. Plants from the nightshade family, such as tomatoes, have been found to be susceptible to this compound.
 </p>
 <p>
  Naphthalene wilting may result in deteriorated health, unsatisfactory yields, and ultimately, the demise of the organism.
 </p>
 <p>
  Read the initial article on
  The Spruce
 </p>
</p>

11 Plants That Spell Trouble for Your Tomato Garden, Says Expert

Tomatoes They're among the most favored vegetables for home gardens due to their taste and ease of cultivation. Tomatoes are bo...

Unlocking the Cardboard Weed Barrier Method: Eco-Friendly Gardening Simplified

DIWIDA.NEWS environmental friendliness, gardening, plants, recycling

<p>
 <span>
  If weeds are ruining your garden and dousing them in
  weed killer
  just isn’t cutting it, a cardboard weed barrier is another option you could consider. Like other weed barriers, it can
  reduce weed growth
  and allow your plants to thrive
 </span>
 . With the right approach, making one out of cardboard can also be a quick and affordable option. Here’s what you need to know.
</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">
 <strong>
  Using cardboard for a weed barrier
 </strong>
</h2>
<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/BB1qnMCS" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1qnMCS.jpg"/>
<p>
 <span>
  Whether you’ve just received a package in the mail or bought flat-pack furniture, cardboard boxes are annoying to recycle and dispose of. However, if you add your backyard weeds to the mix, there may be a simple solution on both ends!
 </span>
</p>
<p>
 <span>
  Using cardboard as a weed barrier can be effective in your garden – with the cardboard smothering weeds and promoting decomposition into the soil, which adds to composting and fertilising efforts.
 </span>
</p>
<p>
 <span>
  The best way to use cardboard weed barriers effectively is by placing them under pavers or in
  garden beds
  . While it may not look the best in the beginning, having a cardboard layer under pavers or mulch in your garden bed will ensure weeds will be smothered and cannot grow
 </span>
 .
</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">
 <strong>
  What kind of cardboard should I use for a weed barrier?
 </strong>
</h2>
<p>
 <span>
  The cardboard that you should use should be clean, unwaxed and not excessively damaged. It should not be heavily printed or have any tape or glue on it. This is so it can easily break down and decompose into the soil.
 </span>
</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">
 What should I consider before making a cardboard weed barrier?
</h2>
<p>
 As well as considering the type of cardboard you plan to use, it’s a good idea to think about your existing soil and potential pests. In particular, consider if your area is prone to
 termites
 , which eat cellulose materials including paper and cardboard. Considering termites cause
 more than $1.5 billion of damage to Australian homes
 each year, you definitely don’t want to lay down any weed barriers that could draw them towards your home. If you’re in doubt, you could consult a pest specialist before laying any cardboard down.
</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">
 <strong>
  How to lay a cardboard weed barrier
 </strong>
</h2>
<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/BB1qnU9V" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1qnU9V.jpg"/>
<p>
 If you’ve decided that cardboard weed barriers are right for your garden, the next step is to put them in place. You can take a different approach to laying a cardboard weed barrier depending on whether you want to place it around pavers or new garden beds.
</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">
 <strong>
  Pavers
 </strong>
</h3>
<p>
 <span>
  Wherever you wish to have a garden path made of stones or pavers, and you don’t want weeds to grow through the cracks, lay some cardboard down! Simply place cardboard down before pavers or stones and moisten with water.
 </span>
</p>
<p>
 <span>
  The cardboard will act as a barrier against weeds and eventually decompose into the soil underneath your garden path.
 </span>
</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">
 <strong>
  New flowerbeds or planting zones
 </strong>
</h3>
<p>
 <span>
  To create new garden beds or prepare an area for planting new flora, you can use the method known as sheet mulching by placing cardboard layers underneath.
 </span>
</p>
<p>
 <span>
  Firstly, clear out all sizable stones from the designated spot to ensure an even surface. Lay down cardboard over your planting zone and dampen it thoroughly. Utilize these displaced rocks to anchor the corners of the cardboard so they remain stationary.
 </span>
</p>
<p>
 <span>
  This should be
  done in autumn
  Or during early winter so that by the time spring arrives, all weeds or undesired plants will be suffocated, leaving your space prepared for planting.
 </span>
</p>
<p>
 The post
 What does the cardboard weed block technique involve?
 appeared first on
 Better Homes and Gardens
 .
</p>

Unlocking the Cardboard Weed Barrier Method: Eco-Friendly Gardening Simplified

If weeds are ruining your garden and dousing them in weed killer just isn’t cutting it, a cardboard weed barrier is another option ...