Horticultural Concept
Let us be clear & co-relate with the concept of what plants need the most and how we can provide these things to it.
Basics of Plant Growth
Plants do need light, water, soil -> There are different types of soil like it can be Sandy, Clay, Loamy, & it should be well-draining based on the plant habitat we need to use one. Other component must be Air & Temperature.
Do use Composts
As it enriches the soil with nutrients & helps in improving soil structure like better root growth and water retention. It also reduces waste by using Food scraps, garden waste, & plant trimmings, secondly it will also reduces the garbage landfills which will take step in eco-friendliness. Organic matter helps soil to hold water for longer. Nutural compost reduces need for synthetic fertilizer which leads to healthier plant & composting organic matter can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Types of Gardening
There are several types of gardening we can do with, like Kitchen Gardening which is regarding how can you grow vegetables like Tomatos, Spinach, Chillies, Coriander. Herbal Gardening like including gorwing herbs like Mints, Holy Basil,& Aloe Vera. Ornamental Gardening for the flowering plants it can be Roses, Marigolds, or hibiscus. Indoor Gardening like planting air purifying plants like Money Plant, Snake Plant, Peace Lily. Or Vertical Gardening like growing plants in limited space can be balconies, or walls.
DIY Ideas
If you lack space then you can do Balcony/Terrace gardening setup or Recycling plastic bottles or things as Planters. Use Self-watering pots. You can make natural fertilizers like banana peels water, or compost tea, kitchen compost.
Watering Essential
If we think of planting we need to understand when & how much amount of water we need to supply to plants. Small Indoor Plants needs water once or twice a week. On the other side Outdoor Plants needs the water daily or every alternate day, depending on weather. Check the soil moisture if the top 1-2 inch are dry, then water is needed.
Sign of Overwatering/Underwatering
Overwatering can have effect on the leaves like Yellowing, soft or drooping leaves; Soil smells musty. Underwatering can be seen if dry, crispy, brown edges on leaves; soil pulls away from the pot sides. The best time to water is Morning - as plant absorbs water before the heat of the day. & Evening - possible, but it may can cause fungal growth if leaves stays wet overnight.
Sunlight Requirements
Plants do need accurate ample amount of light to grow healthy, it can be Full Sun -> Placing outdoors where the plant gets the 6-8 hours of direct sunlight which is idea for vegies, flowering plants, & herbs. Partial Shade -> Best for plant thatrequires 3-4 hours of sunlight but prefers cooler condition or temperature like Ferns & Lettuce. Indoor Light -> Some plants thrive near a bright window or under artificial growing light like Snake Plant or Pothos. If we place them in Best Positioning Areas like Balcony, Window Sill, or Garden Spot depending on the plant types.
Pruning & Growth
Pruning defines the trimming or cutting parts of a plants to keep it healthy & helps it to grow better. With this it encourages New Growth -> Trimming extra branches or stems helps the plant to focus its energy on Stronger, Healthier Growth. Cutting off the dry, yellow leaves, wilted flowers so that the plant doesn't waste its energy on them. Shaping the plant also helps it to looks neat & grow in the right direction.
Note to Remember:- Most of the Plants should be pruned during active growth seasons like Spring/Summer, not when then are resting (in winter).
Repotting & Propagating
When to repot -> If the roots are coming out of the drainage holes, or the soil looks compact or hard & water doesn't soak in well, or if the plant looks to big for its pot.
How to do :> Choose a pot that's 1-2 inches bigger than the old one. After choosing gently remove the plant, loosen the roots a little bit. Then finally place it into a fresh soil & water lightly.
Propagating is Cutting a healthy part of stem, place in the water or soil until new roots grow. Seeds can also be used for Propagation in this way -> Collect the seed from the mature plants, sow in moist soil, & keep warm. Division -> For Plants that grow in clump (like Aloe Vera or can be Ferns), separate them into smaller Sections & just Replant.
Common Problems & Solution
Yellowing Leaves Caused usually from the overwatering, poor drainage, or lack of nutrients.
Solution we can take in -> Checking of Soil Moisture (Only Water top soil feels dry). Ensure that the pot has drainage holes. If Nutrient Deficiency is the reson then Add a balanced fertilizer.
Pest Attacks caused by Insects Sucking sap from leaves & Stems, often in Warm/Dry Conditions.
Solution as a Measure we can take -> Spray leaves with a mix of water & mild soap. Use Neem Oil or Garlic Spray as natural Repellents. Wipes leaves gently with a damp cloth to remove pests.
Fungal Issues (can be Powdery Mildew, Leaf Spots, Root Rot) caused due to too much humidity, poor airflow, or water sitting on Leaves/Soil.
Solution as measure we can take in -> Water plants at the base, not the Leaves. Placing the plants where there's good Air Circulation. IF Plant is infected, trim the affected Leaves & treat it with a natural antiFungal (Like Baking Sode Spray).