Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Your Garden and You

Most people don't understand how much water a plat really needs. A lot of the time, watering a plant too much can kill it, so use this tip to check if your plant needs watering. Put your finger into the soil up to the first joint, and if it comes out dry, you need to water the plant.

Foliage plants usually require more nitrogen than flowering plants, which require K2O. Slow release fertilizers can be mixed with the compost, while certain plants, like cacti and orchids, need special fertilizer. Feed plants during their most active growth period.

Make sure to check the label to see what kind of environment your plant comes from. Some plants, like the spider plants need semi-shade, and can be put near a window that does not get a lot of sun, while others can only grow if they are in the sun at all times, and the environment is the most important part of plant growth.

Some houseplants can survive in cool or warm temperatures, but drastic changes in temperature may not be good for them. One thing that most plants cannot survive is gas heating. If you have a plant that thrives in warm conditions, don't put it near an air conditioner during the summer.

Humidity also plays a role in the care of your plants. Some plants require relatively humid conditions, while some do not. A simple way to adjust the humidity for a plant is to "double-boiler" your plant, or put the pot inside a bigger pot, and fill the gap with compost or stones to keep in the moisture.

Re-potting is sometimes helpful for optimum growth, but some plants will not take well to being disturbed, while some plants are so small, they won't need to be moved. One way to check if your plant needs re-potting is to turn it upside down. If all you see is roots, re-pot! if not, chances are your plant will be okay where it is.

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