The smell of freshly cut vegetables, refreshing wind flowing through your hair, the beautiful sight of blooming plants, you get all that and more when you have a garden at home.
However, not everyone is born with a green thumb but thankfully there are tips, hacks, and tricks to keep your plants alive and thriving. Understanding the needs of your plants will lead to reduced stress, cleaner air, and a happier environment.
1. Get the right plant.
No matter how positive your vibes are, you can’t grow an orange tree in Alaska. Some plants are doomed at your doorstep, not because you lack green instinct, but because they’re a bad fit. Kerry Meyer, who holds a masters in horticulture from The University of Minnesota, uses the "right plant, right place" mantra to choosing plants, according to her post in Proven Winners. Even if miniature roses look great for the ‘gram, they wilt if they stay indoors. Ask your local garden center for a plant that will bloom in your climate and with your lifestyle. If you’re terrible at remembering to water your plant, cacti and snake plants will cherish your neglect. Always mention if you have pets; cats may become ill from lilies or daffodils.
2. Choose right soil
You can’t have plants growing healthy and productive if you don’t have right soil. It means, your soil should be fertile, permeable, loamy, and right pH. As good and healthy soil helps build up a strong, productive plant. Also, think again if you want to use chemicals for soil treatments! To have the best and desirable result, better go for organic soil.
3. Watering (Balance, is the key)
Overwatering, as well as underwatering, can hinder the growth of your greens. Keep your plants hydrated but ensure not to drown them in water. Overwatering your plants can lead to wilted growth and cause root rot. Water your plants near the roots and not the stem/leaves to stimulate their growth. Reduce the hydration in the cold winter months and increase in the hot summer months. For pots, use a saucer to water your plants. Let your plants absorb water from the saucer and remove the excess water after a few hours. Always remember while watering your greens, balance is the key.
4. Change Is (Not Always) Good
Plants are sensitive to change. They’re slow to adapt to new environments, so if they’re doing fine, changing the lighting or the height of the plant is a no-no. Remember if you’re planning on growing a giant plant baby to start it off in a location where it will fit when it gets big. If you need to transfer your plant to a new location or apartment, SFGate suggests easing the plants’ transition by "slowly allow[ing] them to be exposed to the elements, until you leave the plant outdoors overnight and move it to its new location permanently." When you finally get into a good routine, hire a plant-sitter to keep it up when you’re out of town.
5. Proper spacing is must
Proper planting space is essential. No doubt it is one of the biggest factors that contribute to the health of the plants. Each plant has its own spacing needs but a few tips like providing proper air circulation around the plants or choosing a large pot must be considered. Groundcovers and low growing plants should be grouped tightly in beds you don’t walk on. Grouping the plants rightly will also help in reducing the need for weeding and the wastage of water. Moreover, it leads to easier path maintenance.
6. Prune Your Plants
When you see any wilted yellow leaves, cut them. Pruning your plants will promote their growth and keep them looking their best. Say goodbye to anything that’s turning yellow or is spotted. Wipe off the dust by sprinkling water or gently cleaning it with a wet cloth to ensure they receive proper sunlight. A well-groomed plant always turns out to be a healthy plant.
