Before planting a garden or adding a plant to your potted collection, search online or ask an expert at a nursery questions about what conditions the plants need. Figure out in what region the plants do best. Just because a plant isn’t native to your area doesn’t mean you can’t grow it, but it’s usually much easier to grow plants that do well in your region’s climate, temperature and soil. For indoor plants, maintain a fairly steady temperature. If you’re cold, your plant is cold, too. Avoid putting your green friends in drafty places. If you think it’s chilly, so do they. [1] X Research source
If you have your plants in pots, then check the roots once per year to see if they look crowded. If they do, then break them up and repot your plant in a larger pot. This will promote new growth. [2] X Research source If you don’t want to transfer to a larger container, then you can also trim the roots and then repot the plant.
Take a look at your yard before purchasing plants. Note how much sun the different areas in the yard get before you figure out which plants to buy. If you’re plotting a garden, arrange it so that part of the garden is shaded and part of it is exposed, so that you’ll have a place for the different types of plants you buy. Most house plants do best in partial shade, which works out well since indoor areas don’t usually get full sun. Keep this in mind before you decide to put a potted plant in a place where it will get hours of direct sunlight; you may end up exposing it for too long. If you notice your plant becoming thin and reaching toward the light, it needs to be closer to the sunshine.
Aside from doing research to find out how much water your plants need, here’s a trick to help you tell when and how much to water: stick your finger in the dirt about an inch or so. In most cases, you should water your plants when the soil is slightly dry. Pour in enough water so that a little comes out the hole in the bottom of the pot. Avoid flooding the plant with too much water. Make sure that the pots you use have good drainage or the roots may get what is called “wet feet. ” This can have a negative effect on your plant. Succulents and other plants acclimated to dry regions usually need less water than plants from wetter regions. They need to dry out completely between waterings. Seedlings generally need more water than adult plants. Keep seedlings constantly moist until they sprout several inches above the soil. Finicky plants like orchids need higher quality water, since they’re sensitive to chemicals found in tap water. Use distilled or spring water instead.
Find out the optimal soil makeup for your plants. Get your soil tested before you plant anything in the ground. You can take soil samples to your local extension office for testing. Consider using compost. [5] X Research source Composted fruits and vegetables make for rich, nutritious soil that is great for growing most plants. Keep in mind that some plants, like many species of wildflowers, actually prefer poor soil conditions, so do research to figure out what your plants need before using compost. You can use blood meal, composted poultry litter, or fish emulsion to fertilize your soil.
For example, you could start your day every Saturday by checking all of your houseplants, or you could take a stroll through your garden every day or every other day before you head to work.
Crushed eggshells nourish pepper and tomato plants, helping them bear delicious, flavorful fruit. Eggshells also serve as a natural alternative to pesticides, since they prevent slugs and other pests from attacking plants. [6] X Research source
