Spring is here and it’s the perfect time to start a new garden. No matter how much space you have there is always room for something green. A little plant on your desk or a petite herb garden by the window sill, there are many ways to add plants to your life. From a few houseplants to a self sufficient garden there are endless possibilities. You do not need any special skills, only the will to grow. If you are ready to begin growing some plants at home here are some tips that will help you get started.
Get some plants
Step one is to acquire some plants. Visit your local nursery where you will find a variety to choose from. If you have friends or neighbors who have plants ask them for cuttings. This process of making new plants from already existing ones is called propagation. The method is simple – take a cutting below the node, put it in water and watch the roots grow. Then plant the rooted cuttings into soil. Many popular houseplants such as money plants, Monstera, and Syngonium, have vines and aerial roots and can be propagated in this manner. Another way to make more plants is root division. Take a plant out of the soil and divide it into two plants by separating the roots and then replant them separately. Snake plants, Peace lily, and Calathea are some plants that propagate through roots. Some plants even grow from the leaves. Take a snake plant leaf and put in water or directly plant in soil. It will take root and produce a new plant. However this process is slow and sometimes fails. Most vegetable plants are grown from seeds. Edible plants and flowering plants are propagated with all these methods depending on the plant.
Water your plants
Okay you’ve got plants now you have to keep them alive. Plants need water to live and grow. However all plants require different amounts of water. Some need water every day, some can wait till the soil is dry, and others can tolerate a drought. Need for water depends on various factors. If planted in the ground roots can go deeper and wider in search of water. Potted soil dries quicker and might need frequent watering. It is crucial to ensure that water is not stagnant near the roots and can drain freely. The amount of light, wind, temperature and humidity affect water requirement. One important lesson to learn is restraint from overwatering. A great time to observe and recognize the plants’ unique needs is while watering them. Look at your plants every day, touch the soil, examine the leaves for signs of thirst and water only when required.
Feed your plants
Feeding your adored plants is as important as watering them. Plants get their nutrition from the soil so it is important to fertilize it. You can opt for a water soluble liquid fertilizer that is easily available in nurseries or garden stores. Or you can buy organic fertilizers such as compost or manure. Making your own compost is also a great idea. It is an efficient way to manage waste and an easy eco friendly practice to incorporate into your lifestyle. Add kitchen scraps, dry leaves and cardboard to a large bucket with holes at the bottom and on the sides. Add some soil to introduce microbes that aid decomposition. Mix up the pile once a week with a large stick or something similar. Compost provides a supply of nutrients for plants and keeps them healthy and growing. Whether you are growing edible veggies or ornamental houseplants, whether you live in a tiny apartment or you have a sprawling backyard, learning how to make your own compost will benefit one and all.
Gardening is a rewarding activity that teaches self sufficiency. Time spent in nature brings peace and helps soothe an anxious mind. No matter how many tips and tricks you read online, nature will teach you best. So do not be afraid and get started. Learn as you grow; you will have a flourishing garden in no time.
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