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Winter Gardening Ideas and Planning: List of Vegetables & Flowers You Can Grow

11 October 2024Blog, Basic Gardeningbest vegetables to grow in winter, fall gardening, gardening, gardening ideas, gardening tips, vegetable gardening, vegetable gardening in winter, winter garden, winter garden ideas, winter gardening, winter gardening tips, winter vegetable gardeningNeeraj

Winter Gardening Ideas and Planning

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 Gardening Ideas and Planning — **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;

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 mixture and 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

grow bags for gardening

(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.

Must read: Complete information on Grow Bags

(B) For Flowers

(i) 12-inch clay pots:

clay pots

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:

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:

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:

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:

Use river sand to enhance soil porosity, as many vegetables thrive in sandy soil.

(iv) Coco peat:

You can add cocopeat to aid in seed germination, especially when sowing the seeds.

(iv) Add fungicides

Use fungicides such as Trichoderma or Cinnamon powder to safeguard against fungus or bacterial attacks.

4. 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

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

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.

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How to make perfect soil mix for plants

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Wishing you a Happy Gardening!

Why Do Plants Dry Up After Bringing Them Home from the Nursery? Causes and Solutions

24 September 2024Basic Gardening, Blogbalcony garden, cause and solutions plant care, gardening, how to care plants, how to make plants healthy, how to repot plant, indoor plants, plants from nursery, why my plants are dyingNeeraj

Why Do Plants Dry Up After Bringing Them Home from the Nursery?

Bringing a new plant home from the nursery is always exciting, but it can be disheartening when that fresh, vibrant plant starts to dry up just days after you have settled it into its new environment.

Many gardeners often complain that their plants dry up soon after bringing them home from the nursery. What causes this, and how can you prevent it?

Why Do Plants Dry Up After Bringing Them Home from the Nursery? — Croton in stress

Let’s dive into the possible reasons and how you can ensure your new plant thrives.

Why Do Plants Dry Up: Causes and Solutions

1. Young plants are more prone to stress

Did you know that young plants are more prone to stress compared to older ones?

Most of the plants we get from nurseries are young, which is why they often go into stress after being brought home.
However, if a plant is at least a year old, it’s less likely to experience stress and can adapt better to its new environment.

plant in grow bag — Young plant from nursery in poly bag

2. Transition Shock: Why It’s a Big Deal

When plants move from the controlled environment of a nursery to your home, they often experience “transition shock.”

Nurseries offer different conditions: watering, lighting, and humidity, plus they give heavy fertilizers like DAP, Urea, etc.
Your home might not match these conditions, leading to stress that causes your plant to dry up.

2. Temperature Fluctuations

Sudden changes in temperature, especially if the plant was transported in cold or hot conditions, can stress the plant.

The temperature in your home might also be different from the stable climate of the nursery, which could contribute to the drying process.

3. Give your new plants time to settle down in new environment

Do not transplant the plant immediately after bringing it.

Many gardeners tend to transplant their plants immediately after bringing them home from the nursery. However, it’s best to avoid this practice.

Instead, allow the plants some time to acclimatize to their new environment.

Note:

Keep the new plants alongside your other plants in the garden, and wait at least 4-5 days before transplanting them into pots.

4. Avoid direct Sunlight for the first two days

When you bring your plant home, do not place it in direct sunlight for the first two days to prevent sunburn.

5. Ensure Proper Lighting

Make sure your plant is not kept in a dark place; find a bright spot for it to acclimatize.

6. Monitor Your Plant’s Health

After two days, if the plant appears healthy, you can place it in sunlight and water it when the topsoil dries out. If it continues to look good after five days, it’s ready for a new pot.

How to transplant new plant?

1. Best Time to Transplant

Only transplant your plants in the evening to minimize stress.

2. Do not disturb the roots of plant

When removing a plant from the nursery bag, be careful to tear the bag gently so as not to disturb the roots.

This helps prevent wilting or death of the plant.

4. Choose the right pot Size

Select a pot that is the appropriate size to accommodate the plant’s roots.

Use a smaller pot for young plants and transfer to a larger one as they grow.

5. Prepare the soil

Preparing soft soil is essential for your plant’s growth.

Hard soil can restrict root development and hinder growth.

Must read:

6. Add nutrients in soil mix

Mix compost into the soil before planting.

Since nursery plants are often chemically treated, using soft compost helps in their adjustment.

7. After repotting add Water thoroughly

Water it well but in installments, until you see water draining from the bottom hole.

When water comes out from the drainage hole, it means roots at the bottom side also get water.

Must read:

How to water plants

8. After transplant, keep plant in shade

After transplanting, keep the plant in a shaded area for 7 to 10 days, allowing it to receive indirect sunlight before moving it to full sunlight or semi-shade according to its needs.

9. Add Organic matter later

After 1 or 2 months, once the plant is established in your garden, you can add vermicompost along with bone meal or rock phosphate.

Adding manure or kitchen waste compost can further enhance the plant’s growth.

10. Regular Monitoring and Adjustments

Keep a close eye on your plant in the first few weeks after bringing it home.

Look for signs of stress, such as yellowing leaves or wilting, and make adjustments as needed.

Click here to read: Best Organic Fertilizers for Plants

By paying attention to its needs and making necessary adjustments, you can enjoy a healthy, flourishing plant.

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16 September 2024Basic Gardening, Blog, Indoor Plants, Outdoor plantseasy to care plants for beginners, gardening, hardy plants for beginners, low maintenance indoor plants, low maintenance indoor plants for beginners, plant care tips, Top Low Maintenance Plants for Beginners and Busy PeopleNeeraj

Happy gardening!

Top Low Maintenance Plants for Beginners and Busy People

Top Low Maintenance Plants for Beginners and Busy People

Are you a beginner gardener looking for plants that can survive almost anything? Whether you are new to gardening or just too busy to care for high-maintenance plants, we have got you covered.

Here is a list of top low maintenance plants for beginners and busy people.

Top Low Maintenance Plants for Beginners and Busy People

1. Devil’s Backbone (Euphorbia tithymaloides)

Devil’s Backbone plant is drought-tolerant and can handle neglect. It is a great option for busy plant owners or those who often forget to water.

1. Light: Prefers direct, bright light conditions.

2. Water: Water sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out between watering.

3. Location: Keep this plant in an outdoor location like balcony or terrace for better growth.

4. Bonus: It is also known for its unique zig-zag stems, adding an interesting look to your space.

2. Dracaena (Song of India)

Dracaena is extremely resilient and can handle neglect. This plant requires very little attention, making it perfect for beginners and busy plant owners, or even those who often travel.

1. Light: Thrives in direct, bright light conditions.

2. Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.

3. Location: Keep this plant in an outdoor location like balcony or terrace for better growth.

4. Bonus: This plant is resistant to pests and diseases, making it ideal for beginners.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a magical and very famous low – maintenance plant. This plant thrives in dry conditions and requires very little attention, making it perfect for beginners, busy plant owners

1. Light: Prefers bright, direct sunlight but can adapt to partial shade.

2. Water: Aloe Vera’s water requirements are minimal; if kept indoors, watering once or twice a month will suffice.

3. Location: This hardy outdoor plant seamlessly adapts to various environments, including bedrooms, making it a versatile choice.

4. Bonus: The gel inside the leaves has healing properties and can be used for burns, cuts, and skincare.

Must read:

Tips to Care Aloe Vera Plant

4. Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida)

Purple Heart

Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida) is one of the hardiest flowering plants, making it an excellent choice for office-goers and beginner gardeners. Its vibrant purple leaves and delicate flowers add a pop of color, while its low-maintenance nature makes it easy to care for.

1. Light: Enjoys direct and bright light conditions.

2. Water: Water when the top of the soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering.

3. Location: Place it in a sunny location. Perfect for outdoor environments, making it a good addition for balcony or terrace garden.

4. Bonus: It’s a fast grower plant. You can grow more plants from it’s cutting. Prune occasionally to maintain shape and promote new growth.

5. Jade Plant

The Jade plant is a popular succulent plant known for its hardiness and low maintenance requirements.

1. Light: Jade plant is sun worshippers, requiring at least 4-5 hours of direct sunlight daily.

2. Water: Water when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can cause root rot.

3. Location: Place it in a sunny location. Perfect for outdoor environments, making it a good addition for balcony or terrace garden.

4. Bonus: Jade plants are considered to bring good luck and prosperity, making them a popular choice for home decor.

Must read:

Jade Plant Care Complete Guide

6. Sadabahar (Periwinkle / Vinca)

Periwinkle (Vinca) is another great option for those seeking an easy-care plant. It’s also resistant to pests and diseases, making it ideal for beginners.

1. Light: It’s incredibly hardy and can tolerate a range of conditions, from full sun to partial shade.

Watering: Periwinkle requires minimal watering once established and can thrive in both garden beds and containers.

3. Location: Perfect for outdoor environments, making it a good addition for balcony or terrace garden.

4. Bonus: Its vibrant flowers bloom continuously, adding color to your garden with very little effort.

General Care Tips for Hardy Plants

1. Use well-draining soil to prevent root rot.

2. Avoid overwatering. Most hardy plants prefer their soil to dry out between watering.

3. Occasional pruning can encourage new growth and maintain the plant’s shape.

4. Fertilize sparingly, as these plants don’t need heavy feeding.

With these easy-care tips, your hardy plants will not only survive but thrive, even if you’re new to gardening or have a busy schedule!

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14 September 2024Blog, Hindi Blogblanket worm insects treatment, garden pests, gardening, plant care tips, protect plant from insects, Protecting plants from pests, कंबल कीड़े से पौधों को बचाने के उपायNeeraj

Happy Gardening!

अपने बगीचे से कंबल कीड़े को हटाने के 7 आसान उपाय

अपने बगीचे से कंबल कीड़े को हटाने के 7 आसान उपाय

यदि आपके पौधों की पत्तियाँ कटी-फटी दिखाई दे रही हैं, तो इसका मतलब है कि आपके बगीचे पर कीड़ों का हमला हो चुका है। ये कीड़े पत्तियों को खाकर पौधों को नुकसान पहुँचाते हैं।

हर साल मानसून के मौसम में हमारे पौधों पर कंबल कीड़े (जिसे ऊनी कीड़ा या बालों वाला कीड़ा भी कहते हैं) का हमला होता है। यह कीड़ा पौधों की खासकर कोमल पत्तियाँ और तनों को खाकर नुकसान पहुँचाता है। गंभीर संक्रमण की स्थिति में पौधे पूरी तरह पत्तियों से विहीन हो जाते हैं, जिससे पौधों की वृद्धि रुक जाती है और उत्पादन में भारी गिरावट आती है।

कंबल कीड़े से पौधों को नुकसान कैसे होता है?

कंबल कीड़ा मुख्य रूप से कोमल पत्तियों और तनों को खाकर पौधों को नुकसान पहुँचाता है। कीड़ा तनों और पत्तियों के ऊपरी हिस्से को चबा डालता है, जिससे पौधों की वृद्धि रुक जाती है।

अपने बगीचे से कंबल कीड़े को हटाने के 7 आसान उपाय — पोथोस पौधे की पत्तियों को कम्बल कीड़े से नुकसान

नई रोपी गई और छोटे पौधे सबसे ज्यादा प्रभावित होते हैं क्योंकि वे विकास के शुरुआती चरण में होते हैं। जब पौधे पत्तियों से विहीन हो जाते हैं, तो प्रकाश संश्लेषण रुक जाता है, जिससे पौधे ऊर्जा प्राप्त करने में असमर्थ हो जाते हैं।

कंबल कीड़े का जीवनचक्र

इस कीड़े का जीवनचक्र मानसून के मौसम में तेजी से शुरू होता है। ये कीड़े पत्तियों के निचले हिस्से पर अंडे देते हैं, और कुछ ही दिनों में अंडों से छोटे कीड़े निकलते हैं। ये कीड़े बहुत तेजी से बढ़ते हैं और फसलों पर हमला करते हैं। जब कीड़ों की संख्या बढ़ जाती है, तो वे बड़े समूह में पौधों को नुकसान पहुँचाते हैं, जिससे पूरे खेत या बगीचे को भारी नुकसान हो सकता है।

कंबल कीड़े से पौधों को बचाने के उपाय

थोड़ी सावधानी बरतकर आप अपने पौधों और फसलों को कंबल कीड़े के नुकसान से बचा सकते हैं। इसके लिए निम्नलिखित आसान और प्रभावी उपाय अपनाएँ:

1. नियमित निरीक्षण करें:

अपने बगीचे या खेत का नियमित रूप से निरीक्षण करें।

जैसे ही पत्तियों या तनों के निचले हिस्से पर कीड़े या उनके अंडे दिखाई दें, उन्हें तुरंत हटा दें।

2. हाथ से कीड़ों को हटाएँ:

दस्ताने पहनकर इन कैटरपिलरों को पौधों से हाथ से हटा सकते हैं।

उन्हें साबुन वाले पानी की बाल्टी में डालकर मार सकते हैं।

3. प्रभावित पत्तियों की छंटाई करें:

तुरंत प्रभावित पत्तियों को काटकर हटा दें।

इससे अन्य पत्तियों और पौधे के हिस्सों में संक्रमण फैलने का खतरा कम हो जाता है।

4. नीम तेल का छिड़काव करें:

नीम का तेल एक लोकप्रिय जैविक कीटनाशक है। इसे पानी में मिलाकर प्रभावित पौधों पर छिड़कें।

यह कीड़े के जीवनचक्र को बाधित करता है और उन्हें भगाने में मदद करता है।
- 1 लीटर पानी में 2 से 4 चम्मच नीम तेल का इस्तेमाल करें।

यह लेख पढ़ें:

How to use neem oil for plants

5. लहसुन या मिर्च स्प्रे बनाएं:

घर पर लहसुन या मिर्च को पानी में मिलाकर स्प्रे तैयार करें।

इस मिश्रण को छानकर पौधों पर छिड़कें। इसकी तीव्र गंध कंबल कीड़े और अन्य कीड़ों को दूर भगाने में मदद करती है।

6. अंडों के गुच्छे हटाएँ:

पत्तियों के नीचे नियमित रूप से अंडों के गुच्छों की जाँच करें और उन्हें हटा दें ताकि भविष्य में कीड़ों की संख्या न बढ़े।

7. बगीचे को साफ रखें:

मरे हुए पत्ते, पौधों के अवशेष और खरपतवारों को नियमित रूप से हटाएँ।

यह कैटरपिलरों के छिपने की जगह होती हैं, जिससे उनका प्रकोप बढ़ सकता है।

इन प्राकृतिक तरीकों से आप अपने बगीचे को कंबल कीड़े के प्रकोप से बचा सकते हैं और पौधों को बिना किसी नुकसान के सुरक्षित रख सकते हैं।

हमारे सोशल मीडिया चैनल को फॉलो करें:

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