Gardening Quiz 1: Test Your Plant Knowledge: Starting today, we are launching a new series called “Gardening Quiz”, where we’ll post informative questions related to gardening. These quizzes will help you learn more about plants and improve your basic gardening knowledge.
So, let’s get started!
Gardening Quiz 1
Q1._________ can suffocate the roots, cause root rot, and damage the plant. A. Underwatering B. Overwatering C. Fertilizers D. Fungicide
Q2.Which of the following is often referred to as “black gold”? A. Coco Peat B. Humic Acid C. Compost D. Cow Dung
Q3.Which of the following can be used to prevent pests in the soil? A. Compost B. Neem Cake Powder C. Sand D. Epsom Salt
Q4.Which of the following is not an indoor plant? A. Monstera B. Purple Heart C. Peace Lily D. Pothos
Q5.The process of removing dead or damaged leaves, stems, and flowers is known as ___. A. Pruning B. Fertilizing C. Cleaning D. Mulching
Gardening Quiz 1: Solutions
Answer 1: (B) Overwatering
Avoid overwatering in plants. Always check soil moisture level before watering.
Answer 2: C) Compost
Compost is rich in essential nutrients and is often called “black gold” due to its high value in gardening.
Answer 3: (B) Neem Cake Powder
Mixing a small amount of neem cake powder into the soil can help prevent soil-borne pests naturally.
Answer 4: (B) Purple Heart
Purple Heart is typically grown outdoors and is known for its hardiness and vibrant purple foliage.
Answer 5 – (A) Pruning
Pruning is the process of removing dead or damaged leaves, stems, and flowers.
It promote healthy growth and improves the plant’s overall appearance.
Mrs. Sudeepti Bajpai is a passionate gardener and plant lover with over 15 years of experience. She helps people grow thriving gardens through container, balcony, and terrace gardening, and has successfully grown many vegetables in pots and limited spaces.
On her YouTube channel “Voice of Plant,” she teaches people the science and logic behind gardening in a simple, practical way — from composting and repotting to pruning and plant care routines.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, growing healthy plants requires consistent care and attention. Growing healthy plants at home is not a difficult task. Just you need to follow these 10 simple tips to make your plant healthy throughout the season.
Balcony garden
Here are some practical tips on “How to Grow Healthy Plants at Home”
1. Use Clay Pots for Best Results
Clay pots are an excellent choice for gardening.
They are porous, allowing air circulation to the roots and preventing overwatering.
They also help keep the soil cooler, which is beneficial for most plants.
2. Balance Watering
Watering is crucial, but it’s a balance:
Overwatering: Can lead to root rot.
Underwatering: Can cause plants to dry out and weaken.
Check the soil before watering.
The top layer should feel dry but not cracked.
Maintain a consistent watering schedule tailored to your plant’s needs.
Sunlight is essential for photosynthesis. Ensure your plants receive the appropriate amount:
Full Sun Plants: Require 6–8 hours of sunlight daily (e.g., Tulsi, Curry leaf, Hibiscus, Roses, Marigolds, etc).
Partial Shade Plants: Thrive in bright and indirect light or 4–6 hours of morning sunlight (e.g., Peace Lily, Money plant (pothos), ferns, Aglaonema, etc.).
7. Pest Treatment
Pests can damage even the healthiest plants. Inspect leaves and stems regularly for signs of trouble.
For mild infestations, wash the leaves with water.
For persistent pests, use a neem oil spray (1 tablespoon neem oil + 1 liter water).
8. Tilling the Soil Every 15 Days
Loosening the soil every 15 days aerates the roots and ensures better water and nutrient absorption. This practice also helps in breaking up compacted soil, which can restrict root growth.
9. Do Not Move Plants Unnecessarily
Plants acclimate to their environment over time. Constantly moving them can cause stress and disrupt their growth.
Position your plants carefully and allow them to thrive in their chosen spot unless there’s a compelling reason to relocate them.
10. Repot When Necessary
As plants grow, their roots may outgrow the pot. Repot them into a slightly larger container every 1-2 years to ensure they have enough room to thrive.
Learn and Experiment
Gardening is about learning through experience.
Observe how your plants respond to light, water, and fertilizers, and adjust accordingly.
Don’t hesitate to try new plant varieties or techniques.
Be Patient and Enjoy the Process
Plants take time to grow and flourish. Be patient and enjoy the journey of caring for them. Each new leaf or bloom will be a reward for your efforts.
Gardening is both an art and a science. By following these tips, you’ll create a thriving garden filled with vibrant, healthy plants. Remember, plants are living beings that respond to care and patience, so enjoy the journey and learn from every experience!
Growing plants faster is not just about luck; it’s about understanding what plants need and providing them with the right conditions to thrive.
Syngonium Plant
Whether you are a gardening novice or an experienced green thumb, this guide will equip you with actionable tips to speed up plant growth while keeping them healthy. Let’s dive right in!
How to Make Plants Grow Faster
Understanding Plant Growth Basics
The Science of Plant Growth
Plant growth depends on the process of photosynthesis, where plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into energy.
Nutrient uptake from the soil complements this process by supplying essential minerals like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
These elements form the building blocks for healthy growth and development.
Factors Influencing Growth Rate
Several factors directly impact how quickly a plant grows:
1. Light: The right amount of sunlight fuels photosynthesis.
2. Water: Hydration is crucial for nutrient transport within plants.
3. Soil: Healthy soil provides nutrients and anchorage.
By mastering these fundamentals, you set the stage for faster plant growth.
1. Optimizing Soil for Faster Growth
1. Importance of Soil Quality
Healthy soil is the foundation of plant growth.
The ideal soil should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, and have a balanced pH (6.0 to 7.0 for most plants).
Poor-quality soil can stunt growth, even if other conditions are perfect.
2. Amending Soil with Organic Matter
Incorporating organic matter like compost, fertilizer, or aged manure into your soil enriches it with nutrients.
These materials also improve soil structure, making it easier for roots to penetrate and absorb nutrients.
Benefits of Adding Compost in Soil
When added to soil, compost improves its quality by providing essential nutrients and enhancing its texture.
The organic matter in compost undergoes decomposition, releasing nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are vital for plant growth.
It also boosts the soil’s ability to retain moisture and support healthy root development.
Compost introduces beneficial microorganisms into the soil, such as bacteria and fungi. These microbes break down organic matter further and make nutrients more accessible to plants.
Compost acts like a sponge, helping the soil retain moisture.
2. Providing Adequate Watering
How Much Water Do Plants Need?
The key to successful watering lies in consistency.
Overwatering can suffocate roots, while underwatering deprives them of essential hydration.
Most plants thrive when the soil remains consistently moist but not soggy.
Tips for Efficient Watering
1. Water in the Morning: Early watering allows plants to absorb moisture before the sun evaporates it.
2. Use Drip Irrigation: This method delivers water directly to the roots, reducing waste.
3. Check Soil Moisture: Use your finger or a moisture meter to ensure you’re watering appropriately.
Check the soil before watering.
A thoughtful watering schedule can significantly enhance plant growth rates.
Sunlight is essential for photosynthesis. Ensure your plants receive the appropriate amount:
Full Sun Plants: Require 6–8 hours of sunlight daily (e.g., Tulsi, Curry leaf, Hibiscus, Roses, Marigolds, etc).
Partial Shade Plants: Thrive in bright and indirect light or 4–6 hours of morning sunlight (e.g., Peace Lily, Money plant (pothos), ferns, Aglaonema, etc.).
4. Nutrient Boosters for Plants
Choosing the Right Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (e.g., 10-10-10) can work wonders. However, some plants have specific needs—for example, flowering plants benefit from phosphorus-rich formulas.
For Outdoor Plants: Apply organic fertilizers like cow dung compost, vermicompost or any other liquid fertilizer every 15–20 days.
For Indoor Plants: Feed them less frequently, about once every 45 days.
Using organic options ensures sustainable growth without harming the environment.
Unwanted visitors like mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies can wreak havoc on your plants. These pests often feed on sap, weakening the plant and slowing its growth. Signs of infestation include yellowing leaves, holes, and sticky residue on the foliage.
Natural Pest Control Methods
You don’t need harsh chemicals to protect your plants. Try these natural solutions:
Neem Oil: A natural pesticide that disrupts pest lifecycles.
Soap Spray: Mix mild dish soap with water to suffocate small pests.
These methods are not only effective but also eco-friendly.
7. Preventing Fungal Diseases
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew and root rot can stunt plant growth. To prevent them:
Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture creates a breeding ground for fungi.
Ensure proper air circulation around your plants by spacing them adequately.
Treat affected plants with a baking soda solution (1 teaspoon per gallon of water).
8. Avoiding Common Mistakes
Over-Fertilization Dangers
More fertilizer doesn’t always mean faster growth. Over-fertilizing can burn your plant’s roots and even kill it. Stick to recommended amounts, and opt for slow-release formulas to avoid overwhelming your plants.
Ignoring Plant-Specific Needs
Every plant is unique. While general tips work for most, it’s crucial to tailor care to each plant’s specific requirements.
For instance, succulents need well-draining soil and minimal water, while tropical plants thrive in high humidity and rich organic soil.
Conclusion
Helping plants grow faster is all about providing the right balance of light, water, nutrients, and care. By optimizing these conditions and avoiding common mistakes, you can speed up growth while ensuring your plants stay healthy and vibrant. Remember, patience and consistency are key—your plants will thank you for the effort!
Did you know that you can grow a lush green variety of winter vegetables and beautiful array of flowering plants all from the comfort of your home?
Organic, fresh and pure vegetables can be planted at home such as;
winter vegetables
tomato,
beans,
radish,
cauliflower,
carrot,
peas,
spinach,
coriander,
cabbage and many more.
Furthermore, with the right care, your garden can flourish with vibrant winter flowers like;
winter flowers
roses,
rosemary,
marigold,
petunia,
verbena,
dianthus,
dog flower,
hybrid periwinkle and many more.
This practice of nurturing these plants during the colder months is known as “winter gardening.”
In the context of winter gardening, we will explore both minor and major aspects. Typically, basic preparations for winter gardening, such as getting the right pots and tools, preparing suitable soil mixtureand other necessary processes begin from mid-September (in India).
The planning of a garden depends on a few simple things:
1. First, it is important to know what the is your choice and what you want to grow like, such as favorite plants, fruits, or vegetables.
The planning starts based on the chosen plants because each plant has its own unique needs, and it’s essential to cater to those needs.
2. Second, the size of the gardening area is a crucial factor.
The number of plants you can grow depends on the available space.
The available area determines how you can diversify and choose the different types of plants to grow.
3. Third, the amount of sunlight is essential for plants to grow well.
Before sowing any seeds, it’s important to check how much sunlight the garden area receives.
Based on the sunlight available in your area, you should select the seeds.
If you have a lot of sunlight, you can grow plants like chili, capsicum, and tomatoes that require plenty of sunlight.
If there’s limited sunlight, it’s better to choose plants like coriander, spinach, and other herbs that can thrive with less sunlight.
Requirements for winter Gardening
1. Season and Temperature:
Winter gardening typically begins in mid September or from October and continues until March.
It’s essential to choose a time with pleasant weather for seed sowing because seedlings won’t survive in hot or humid conditions.
“The ideal temperature for sowing seeds is 15-20℃.“
2. Pot size and types
(A) For Vegetables
(i) 10*10 or 12*12 inch grow bags:
suitable for tomatoes, chili, cabbage, cauliflower, and capsicum.
(ii) 12*18 inch grow bag:
good for radish, coriander, carrot, spinach, onion, or garlic.
(iii) 15*15 or 16*16 inch grow bags:
ideal for brinjal, beans, lubia, runner beans, or peas.
(iv) Rectangular boat-shaped pots can also be used for herbs like coriander, spinach, etc.
Note:
It’s a good idea to have 4-5 pots or grow bags for each category because in one pot only 5-6 vegetables would grow out.
Permanent plants like rose, marigold, and chrysanthemum do well in these pots.
If they survive for two seasons, they will stay with you without needing to be repotted.
Always choose good-quality clay pots for these flowers.
(ii) 4*4, 6*6, or 8*8 inch pots:
These smaller pots are suitable for growing seasonal flowers like petunia, verbena, dianthus, dog flower, etc.
(iii) Rectangular boat-shaped pots:
rectangular pot
Flowers grow well in this type of pots as they have enough space for their roots and to bloom properly.
3. Soil Mixture
(i) Soil:
Garden area soil
Get the soil from any nursery or reuse the summer plants’ soil by adding organic manure and neem cake powder to make it pest-free.
Make sure to expose the soil to sunlight.
(ii) Add compost to enrich the soil:
kitchen compost
You can add any compost like; kitchen waste compost, vermicompost, cow dung compost, leaf compost, or any suitable compost to enrich the soil.
(iii) Use Sand:
river sand
Use river sand to enhance soil porosity, as many vegetables thrive in sandy soil.
(iv) Coco peat:
coco peat
You can add cocopeat to aid in seed germination, especially when sowing the seeds.
(iv) Add fungicides
Fungicide powder
Use fungicides such as Trichoderma or Cinnamon powder to safeguard against fungus or bacterial attacks.
4. Gardening Box
gardening box
A basic gardening box should contain essential items needed at various stages of planting:
1. Bulbs and Seeds: Enthusiastic gardeners always have a variety of plant seeds and bulbs on hand.
2. Gloves: Wearing gloves is advisable to prevent injuries when using sharp gardening tools, particularly pruners.
3. Fertilizers and Micronutrients: Keep a range of fertilizers and nutrients for different growth stages of plants.
For example, Neem cake powder, Mustard Cake, Epsom Salt, Rose bloom fertilizers, Curry leaf boosters, and Seaweed micronutrients, etc.
4. Insecticides: These are essential to protect your plants from insect attacks.
For example: Actara acts as an insecticide for edible vegetables.
5. Fungicides: Use fungicides to prevent fungal infestations.
6. Ice Cream Sticks: These are useful for labeling seedlings in a seedling tray.
7. Pen/Permanent Marker: Keep one for writing the names of seedlings on the ice cream sticks.
8. Tool Kit: Different gardening tools serve various roles, including digging, mixing, stirring, pruning, and more.
All the above components should be included in any gardening box to facilitate basic gardening tasks.
5. Seedling Trays
Seedling tray
Seeds can either be sown directly into pots or in seedling trays, with the option to transplant them into pots after 20-25 days. Seedling trays offer several advantages:
1. They are useful when the soil mixture isn’t ready yet, but it’s time to sow seeds.
You can place seeds in these trays and later transfer them to pots with the appropriate soil mixture.
2. Seedling trays are practical for situations where pots need to be relocated due to weather conditions, protecting them from excessive heat or unexpected rainfall. The trays are easy to transport.
3. Transplanting from a seedling tray to larger pots is simpler compared to moving plants from one pot to another.
It minimizes root disturbance – in a seedling tray, gently press the tray from the bottom, and the seedling will come out effortlessly.
Note:
Seedling trays are readily available in the market and can serve you for multiple seasons once purchased.
6. Spray Bottle
spray bottle
Using spray bottles is recommended for watering or applying neem oil to your plants.
Be sure to clean and thoroughly dry your spray bottle after each use to prevent residue buildup inside the nozzle, which can damage the bottle.
7. Support Sticks
Wooden sticks can be utilized to provide support to plants, such as tomatoes, ensuring they stand upright, typically after a month or two of planting.
8. Rainwater Cover
A rainwater cover can be employed to shield the soil mixture during preparation or to protect plants during rainy periods.
All of these mentioned requirements are essential for initiating your winter gardening journey. By following these guidelines and tips, you can nurture a vibrant and healthy garden.
Gardening Tips:7 Tips to grow healthy plants at home
Plants not only refresh the home environment but also enhance the beauty of the balcony or courtyard with their greenery. However, many people want to grow plants, but when their first plant wilts within a few days, they give up on the idea of gardening.
healthy plants at home
Some people do have plants at home, but they appear dry and lifeless. If your plants are losing their luster despite giving them proper care, you need to follow some special tips. Here, we are sharing 7 secrets that will help your plants thrive.
7 Tips to Grow Healthy Plants at Home
1. The Importance of Fertile Soil
Organic rich soil
Fertile soil with good drainage is crucial for plant growth and should contain a rich amount of organic matter. Some people do not add compost or organic material to the soil in time, causing it to harden and stop plant growth.
Solution:
Regularly mix compost into the soil.
You can use cow manure, vermicompost, or other organic fertilizers. This will make the soil fertile and provide essential nutrients to the plants.
2. Proper Water Management
It is essential to water plants as per their needs.
Often, people harm plants by watering them daily.
Too much or too little water can weaken plants.
Solution:
Water the plants only when the top layer of the soil is dry.
Check the soil before watering to ensure that the plants get water at the right time and in the right amount.
If you want more flowers or fruits from your plants, regular pruning is necessary.
Solution:
Remove dry and yellow leaves from time to time so that the plant doesn’t waste energy on them.
Lower leaves that do not participate in photosynthesis can also be removed.
6. Tilling the Soil
Tilling the soil is essential for plant growth. It softens the soil and ensures proper air circulation, strengthening the roots.
Solution:
Till the soil once a week to ensure the nutrients in the soil are properly distributed.
7. Protection your plant from Pest Attacks
Pest attacks on plants are a common problem. Insects like fungi and mealybugs can harm plants.
Solution:
Check your plants every three days.
If you spot any pest attacks, spray insecticide immediately to protect the plants.
Conclusion
By following these 7 simple but effective secrets, you can keep your house plants green and healthy. By paying attention to the right soil, water, sunlight, and nutrition, you can grow your plants in the best possible way.
Plants behave differently in each season, each having its advantages and disadvantages for plant growth. The rainy season is particularly beautiful and beneficial for both us and the plants, as they grow much faster compared to other seasons. However, we need to be attentive to certain aspects of plant care.
While rain itself usually poses no problems, there can be side effects afterward, such as issues with fungus, ants, and insects. Overwatering can also damage plants, causing leaves to turn yellow.
By following the small precautions outlined below, you can ensure your plants remain healthy after the rain.
Precautions in Rainy Season
1. Shift Succulents
Shift all the succulents inside the home because succulents already have the optimum level of water stored inside them. They do not need much water like Aloe vera, Jade plants, Echeveria, etc.
2. Well-drained soil
If you are gardening directly in the ground, it’s generally fine because the soil naturally absorbs water. However, when gardening in pots, it is crucial to use well-draining soil since pots have limited water-holding capacity.
Let’s discuss what actions can be taken in this regard.
(i) Shift plants into shaded area:
If you have fewer plants say 5-6 only then you can shift them to a shaded area after showering 2-3 days of rain.
(ii) Cover your plants with a green net:
If you do not want to shift your plant then cover your plants with a green net.
Air and water both keep on passing through this net and plants will get rain water also.
(iii) Use well-drained soil
To avoid over-watering, the soil should be well drained.
If water is entering from the top, then it should be able to drain out from the bottom. Water should not be sustained inside the soil or pot.
If water is not coming out from the bottom of the pot, then there are no benefits of well-drained soil.
Check the functionality of the bottom hole properly, sometimes roots or any other things might get obstructed inside these holes and water would not be able to come out.
Keep watering your plant till water comes out from the bottom hole. Some people give little water on a daily basis which is actually totally wrong.
By this method, the outer soil of the pot would be moisturized but the bottom soil would become like a stone. So give water to the plant till the point water comes out from the bottom hole.
4. Fill the pot completely
Fill the soil in the pot completely. Do not leave any space on the top, normally we leave 2-3 inches of space.
During heavy rain, water starts standing on the top of the soil and it might lead to fungus and green algae on the top of the soil.
5. Remove the bottom leaves
When filling your pot completely with soil, make sure to remove the bottom leaves of the plant.
These leaves can come into constant contact with the wet soil, increasing the risk of infection and fungus. Removing them will help prevent these issues.
6. Remove unwanted weeds
During the monsoon, the moderate temperature causes unwanted weeds in the pots to grow rapidly.
It is important to remove these weeds from the roots; otherwise, they will deplete the plant’s nutrients.
7. Remove the plates from the bottom of the pots
Generally, we place pots on plates to prevent staining the surface beneath them.
However, during the rainy season, it is important to remove these plates to prevent water from accumulating and flooding the pots.
8. Raise the level of plants
During the rainy season, place plants on stands to allow water to drain easily.
If your pots have flat bottoms or you are using gardening bags, elevate them with bricks or any other objects to raise their level.
9. Give support to your plants
wooden support sticks
During the monsoon, heavy rains are often accompanied by strong winds.
Wet soil increases the risk of plants being uprooted, so it is important to provide them with support. This will help them remain upright even during heavy winds.
10. Fertilizer for plants
Apply neem cake fertilizer to your plants before the rain starts; it will help prevent problems like fungus and insects.
Since rainwater contains a good amount of nitrogen, there’s no need for additional fertilizers. Plants will thrive naturally during the rainy season.
11. Fungicides and Pesticides
During the rainy season, you can use neem oil solution, neem soap solution, cinnamon powder, and cinnamon liquid solution.
Spray your plants with a neem solution weekly to protect them from fungus and pest attacks.
Care for Indoor Plants
During the monsoon season, the increased moisture in the air requires careful attention to indoor plants.
You may notice that the soil of indoor plants remains wet for longer periods.
Be cautious when watering your plants to prevent the appearance of white fungus on the soil surface.
If you see any white fungus, simply remove it and sprinkle cinnamon powder on the affected area.
Due to the higher humidity, ensure proper ventilation for indoor plants by keeping doors and windows open.
While doing gardening, we often make some mistakes, which we should not do. Due to this, our plants are not able to grow that well. Whether you are experienced or a beginner, you should know these few things which I am going to tell you through this article.
1 – Do not ignore “Tilling of Soil”
Soil tilling
Generally, people make lots of efforts for the growth of their plants like giving fertilizers on time, feeding humic acid or bio enzymes, pruning at regular intervals, and many more things but they do not give much importance to the basics of gardening that is doing “tilling of the soil”.
The tilling process is important for various reasons-
It makes the soil soft.
Soil nutrients get shuffled up and down.
It maintains good aeration.
Roots become strong and healthy.
Once a week, tilling of the soil should be done for the optimal growth of the plants.
2 – Not using the proper technique of spraying pesticides
Pests attack is very common in plants and in particular season insects like mealy bugs, aphids, ants, spider mites plus many others start growing.
Pesticide spray
To get rid of them various pesticide solutions are available and prepared. To refrain from insects proper process of spraying needs to be followed.
First of all remove all the insects from affected plants by using cotton buds, tissue paper, or any cotton cloth. Clean all the leaves, branches, and all the parts of the plants.
After that, spray the solution on each and every part of the plants, the side of the leaves, all the branches, on buds or flowers. If even a single insect remains on the plant then there would be a pest attack again and questions will arise on the effectiveness of the solution.
So, here solution would not be a culprit but proper methodology needs to be followed.
Follow the treatment on every alternate day until the plant is pest-free.
3 – Selecting the wrong Pots Structure
Despite the material, the structure of the pot matters a lot.
Avoid narrow pots because, at the time of tilling, repotting, giving compost or fertilizer, and removing weeds, space is needed to loosen the soil. In narrow pots, we do not get proper space, either the pot will break or the plant will get damaged.
Be it, ceramic, plastic, or cement but opt for broad-size pots. Soil would get enough sunlight, tilling can be done easily and the aeration process would be maintained in broad-size pots.
4 – Adding chemicals to compost
When composts are made at home (any compost – leaf compost, kitchen or cow dung compost), naturally it takes 2 and 2.5 months to make. All the material gets decomposed in the presence of bacteria and fungus which is a slow process.
Some people are accelerating this process by adding chemicals to it and compost gets ready in 7-10 days, which is not the correct method.
No chemicals should be added to get pure organic compost, moreover, if anything chemically manifested things (compost) is added to the plant then it will deplete the nutrition level of the soil.
Fruits, flowers, or vegetables grown by adding this compost would not be organic hence they would be chemically injected which is not good for health.
To fasten the process of compost making, add organic or natural; things like buttermilk, vermicompost, sour curd, or worms. All these things will accelerate the process of decaying material.
5 – Not feeding Fertilizers to the plant
Heavy feeder plants like flowering, fruiting, and vegetable plants need fertilizers at regular intervals. They will look beautiful and tempting at nurseries because proper care of them is taken there but after getting them at home, many of them would stop growing.
These plants need fertilizer every 20-25 days.
NPK, micronutrients, or any other organic fertilizer should be given to the plant to meet the nutrient level of the soil for the booming growth of the plant.
6 – Incorrect way of using Neem Oil
Neem oil is an organic oil and the best pesticide but many people complain that after using neem oil their plants get burnt. Well, the problem is not the neem oil here but the problem is how it is used.
Neem oil is strong so when applied to the leaves, the pores of the leaves get blocked and the process of photosynthesis gets seized.
To refrain from this, always spray neem oil in the evening and keep the plant for the night as it is. The next day, in the morning before sunrise, wash the plant properly with ample water.
Neem oil will do its work at night so make sure leaves with neem oil do not get exposed to sun. While washing, oil might fall in the soil but that is ok.
Many people are very fond of gardening. They like to see every corner of their house green. Taking care of plants is an important part of their daily routine. But if you’re a beginner in gardening then there are a lot of things you need to know before you start gardening.
You should be aware of the following pointers mentioned below:
Which plants are suitable for your place?
What is the correct method of watering?
How much sunlight is required by different plants?
What is the right time of giving fertilizer to the plants?
Which fertilizer is suitable for a particular plant?
In this article, we will cover some of the basic tips for healthy gardening.
Basic Gardening Tips for Beginners
1. Start with minimum plant
Excess to everything is bad, especially for beginners. If you are planting for the first time then start with only three to four plants.
Never start with 15-20 plants in the starting. Gradually increase the number of plants in your garden.
In the beginning, we are not aware of various facts and one mistake can spoil all the plants. So, always start with 3-4 plants, not more than that.
After 15-20 days, go for 2-3 more new plants and like the way, expand your garden.
2. Select plants according to the space
For gardening, a big terrace or balcony is not required.
Plants can be kept in small areas also like windows, near the entrance area, or any corner of the house, and can be hung on curtain rods or nails.
Plants cannot grow in the dark area, there should be some sunlight be it direct, indirect, bright, or dim.
A different variety of plants is available like:
Indoor plants
Outdoor plants
Big Size Plants
Small Size Plants
Gardening can be done in any area, sunlight should be there. Select the plant according to the space you have for gardening.
3. Each plant requires contrast treatment
Every plant is unique in its nature hence they need divergent caution and supervision to grow properly. Plants show different behavior in different seasons and climate conditions.
4. Plants need more or direct sunlight
Plants like Tulsi, and Hibiscus need more sunlight. These plants should be kept on the terrace or balcony where the sun is there for at least 4-5 hours.
5. Plants need less or indirect sunlight
Some plants need only an hour of sunlight like Syngonium, Aglaonema, and many more. These kinds of plants can be kept in windows or inside the home. So, for terrace or balcony gardening go for the plants which need direct or more sunlight.
For balcony gardening, plants that need sunlight for 3-4 hours can opt. For windows and inside the home indoor plants can be selected.
Always opt for the right plants according to the place of gardening.
6. List of the plants classified according to the requirement of sunlight
(A) Plants that do not need direct sunlight (but should not be kept in a dark place).
Monstera
Aglaonema
Areca palm
Money Plant (Pothos)
Syngonium
Dieffenbachia
Sansevieria (snake Plant)
ZZ plant
Peace Lily
Spider Plant
These plants can be kept inside the home where bright sunlight comes.
(B) If you get sunlight for at least 2-3 hours then opt for all the plants mentioned below.
Succulents
Caladium
Lucky Bamboo
Jade Plant
Aloe vera
Vinca
Curry Leaf
Christmas Tree
Devils Backbone
Croton
Dracaena
All Herbs
Coriander
Spinach
All these plants can be kept on the balcony or at the entrance area also if direct sunlight is there for 2-3 hours.
(C) List of plants that need sunlight for at least or more than 4 hours for optimal growth.
Portulaca
Rose
Marigold
Tulsi plant (Holy basil)
Shami
Hibiscus
Aparajita
Bougainvillea
Night Jasmine (Parijat)
Vegetables like tomatoes, brinjal
All the flowering and fruit plants.
All these plants need full sunlight for proper growth otherwise they will not grow properly.
7. Location of the House
The direction of the house also affects the gardening a little bit but not much because exposure to the sun also depends on the location of the house. East-facing houses get early morning sunlight in summer which is good for plants whereas in winter sunlight is not sufficient for plants in east-facing homes.
Moreover, if there is a high-rise building in front of your home then you might not get any sunlight on your balcony due to the shade of that high-rise building.
Despite the direction, people need to understand the time cycle of the area in which they receive sunlight.
Suppose you are getting scorching sunlight during the afternoon in May -June then plants like caladium or croton (which require sunlight only for 2 hours) can be kept on the balcony at that time and then move in the shade.
Plants might burn due to red hot sun rays if placed for a longer duration in sunlight.
Select the plants according to your space and the sunlight that you are receiving in your gardening area.
दैनिक जीवन की आपाधापी में, पूर्णकालिक नौकरी करते हुए बगीचे का प्रबंधन करना एक काफी कठिन कार्य जैसा लग सकता है। हालाँकि, कुछ स्मार्ट रणनीतियों के साथ, आप अपने बागवानी के सपनों को हकीकत में बदल सकते हैं। इस लेख में, हम नौकरी की जरूरतों को पूरा करते हुए बगीचे के प्रबंधन के लिए व्यावहारिक युक्तियाँ तलाशते हैं।
1. कम रखरखाव वाले पौधे चुनें
जहाँ समय एक बहुमूल्य वस्तु है, तो ऐसे पौधों का चयन करें जिन पर न्यूनतम ध्यान देने की आवश्यकता हो। रसीले पौधे, स्नेक प्लांट और पोथोस जैसी कठोर और लचीली किस्में थोड़ी सी देखभाल से पनप सकती हैं। ये पौधे उपेक्षा की अवधि को सहन कर सकते हैं और फिर भी आपके स्थान में हरियाली बिखेर सकते हैं।
2. एक साधारण गार्डन डिज़ाइन बनाएं
अपने बगीचे का डिज़ाइन सीधा रखें। एक जटिल लेआउट अधिक समय और प्रयास की मांग करता है। एक सुव्यवस्थित, रखरखाव में आसान डिज़ाइन पर टिके रहें जो आपके उपलब्ध समय और ऊर्जा का पूरक हो।
3. कंटेनर बागवानी को अपनाएं
कंटेनर बागवानी व्यस्त व्यक्तियों के लिए गेम-चेंजर है। यह आपको गमलों में पौधे उगाने की अनुमति देता है, जिससे उन्हें स्थानांतरित करना और प्रबंधित करना आसान हो जाता है। आप जहां भी जाएं हरियाली का स्पर्श पाने के लिए अपने घर के चारों ओर रणनीतिक रूप से कंटेनर भी रख सकते हैं।
4. समय बचाने वाले उपकरणों में निवेश करें
स्मार्ट बागवानी उपकरण आपके कार्यभार को काफी कम कर सकते हैं। स्वचालित सिंचाई प्रणालियाँ, जैसे ड्रिप सिंचाई, आपके पौधों को कुशलतापूर्वक पानी दे सकती हैं, जिससे दैनिक ध्यान देने की आवश्यकता समाप्त हो जाती है। इसके अतिरिक्त, लंबे समय तक संभाले जाने वाले उपकरण आपको लगातार झुकने और पहुंचने से बचाते हैं।
5. यथार्थवादी लक्ष्य निर्धारित करें
अपने शेड्यूल को समझें और प्राप्त करने योग्य बागवानी लक्ष्य निर्धारित करें। किसी ऐसे बगीचे के प्रति अति समर्पित न हों जिसके लिए आपकी क्षमता से अधिक समय की आवश्यकता हो। छोटी शुरुआत करें, और आप धीरे-धीरे अपने हरित आश्रय का विस्तार कर सकते हैं।
6. सप्ताहांत योद्धा बागवानी
अधिक समय लेने वाले बागवानी कार्यों के लिए सप्ताहांत का रणनीतिक उपयोग करें। आपकी सप्ताहांत की छुट्टियाँ छंटाई, निराई और अन्य रखरखाव गतिविधियों के लिए समर्पित हो सकती हैं जिनके लिए अधिक समय की आवश्यकता होती है।
7. सूखा-सहिष्णु पौधों पर जोर दें
ऐसे पौधे चुनें जो सूखे की स्थिति के अनुकूल हों क्योंकि आप छुट्टियों पर जा सकते हैं या उत्सव के लिए अपने गृहनगर वापस जा सकते हैं। यह सुनिश्चित करता है कि आपके पौधे मरें नहीं। रसीले पौधे, कैक्टि और कुछ देशी पौधे कम पानी देने से भी जीवित रह सकते हैं, जिससे आपकी बागवानी की दिनचर्या अधिक प्रबंधनीय हो जाती है।
8. सहायता सूचीबद्ध करें
यदि आपका शेड्यूल असाधारण रूप से व्यस्त है, तो समय-समय पर रखरखाव के लिए बागवानी सेवा को किराए पर लेने पर विचार करें। भारत में कई स्थानीय सेवाएँ निराई-गुड़ाई, पानी देने और बगीचे के समग्र रखरखाव के लिए किफायती पैकेज पेश करती हैं।
9. एक बागवानी कैलेंडर बनाएं
मौसम के अनुसार अपने बागवानी कार्यों की योजना बनाएं। पूरे वर्ष विभिन्न पौधों की विभिन्न आवश्यकताएँ होती हैं। एक बागवानी कैलेंडर आपको व्यवस्थित रहने में मदद करेगा।
10. प्रक्रिया का आनंद लें
बागवानी आनंददायक होनी चाहिए, तनावपूर्ण नहीं। इसे एक चिकित्सीय गतिविधि के रूप में अपनाएं जो आपको व्यस्त दिन के बाद आराम करने की अनुमति देती है। प्रकृति आपके समग्र कल्याण में महत्वपूर्ण योगदान दे सकती है।
निष्कर्ष:
काम, यातायात और दैनिक जिम्मेदारियों के बवंडर के बीच, बगीचे को बनाए रखना चुनौतीपूर्ण लग सकता है, लेकिन यह असंभव नहीं है।
इन व्यावहारिक सुझावों को अपनाएं और उन्हें अपने अनूठे शेड्यूल में समायोजित करें। बागवानी केवल परिणाम के बारे में नहीं है; यह यात्रा का आनंद लेने और अराजकता के बीच शांति के क्षण खोजने के बारे में भी है।
“अपने हाथ गंदे करें, और अपने बगीचे को अपने व्यस्त जीवन में आनंद और विश्राम का स्रोत बनने दें।”
In the chaos of daily life, managing a garden while working a full-time job might seem like a terrifying task. However, with some smart strategies, you can turn your gardening dreams into a reality. In this article, we explore practical tips for managing a garden while juggling the demands of a job.
How to Manage Gardening while Working
1. Choose Low – Maintenance Plants
When time is a precious commodity, opt for plants that require minimal attention.
Hardy and resilient varieties like succulents, snake plants, and pothos can thrive with little care. These plants can endure periods of neglect and still add greenery to your space.
Understand your schedule and set achievable gardening goals.
Don’t overcommit to a garden that requires more time than you can spare.
Start small, and you can gradually expand your green haven.
6. Weekend Warrior Gardening
Use weekends strategically for more time-consuming gardening tasks.
Your week-offs can be devoted to pruning, weeding, and other maintenance activities that require more time.
7. Emphasize Drought-Tolerant plants
Choose plants that adapt to drought conditions because you may go for a vacation or back to your hometown for festivities.
It ensures your plants don not die.
Succulents, cacti, and certain native plants can survive with less frequent watering, making your gardening routine more manageable.
8. Enlist Help
If your schedule is exceptionally tight, consider hiring a gardening service for periodic maintenance.
Many local services offer affordable packages for weeding, watering, and overall garden upkeep.
9. Create a Gardening Calendar
Plan your gardening tasks according to the seasons.
Different plants have various needs throughout the year. A gardening calendar will help you stay organised.
10. Enjoy the Process
Gardening should be enjoyable, not stressful.
Embrace it as a therapeutic activity that allows you to unwind after a busy day.
Nature can significantly contribute to your overall well-being.
Conclusion:
Amid the whirlwind of work, traffic, and daily responsibilities, maintaining a garden might seem challenging, but it’s not impossible.
Adopt these practical tips and adjust them to your unique schedule. Gardening is not just about the result; it’s also about enjoying the journey and finding moments of tranquility amid the chaos.
“Get your hands dirty, and let your garden be a source of joy and relaxation in your bustling life.”
