Plants offer various benefits to homes apart from their primary environmental use of providing oxygen. They beautify areas both outdoors and indoors; and growing edible plants in your home reduces the stress of shopping for vegetables all the time.
Growing a plant from seed to a blossoming beauty could be a daunting task for anyone, even the most generous gardener with a green thumb. After all, plants require more than good soil and sunlight. Although water and good soil are part of the requirements, healthy plants don’t grow by these alone.
Here are 7 basic needs to help you grow plants better and faster:
NUTRIENTS
Plant nutrients include nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulphur, and magnesium. Nutrients are needed in small or large quantities, and the primary source is the soil in which they are grown. Used as food, these nutrients are essential for fruit, flower, or vegetable production. You should only use fertilizer as a supplement and not the main source of nutrients.
WATER
Plants cannot live without water, which absorbs and transports nutrients. However, be wary of overwatering. It’s one of the biggest reasons for plants’ death as too much water hinders roots from getting enough air, leading to suffocation.
SUNLIGHT
It’s common knowledge that plants require sunlight to grow, but it’s essential to know that overexposure to sunlight may burn their leaves. The sun helps plants grow faster by providing the energy required for photosynthesis, which is how plants convert inorganic resources — like water, carbon dioxide, and minerals — into organic resources.
SPACE
A cramped space can stunt a plant’s growth. The space a particular plant needs is relative to the size of the plant’s root and how big the plant will grow above the ground. Stems and leaves will only grow if they have enough room to expand. Overcrowded plants are susceptible to diseases and parasites because of the limited airflow.
AIR
Plants need air to grow healthier and faster. Polluted air, containing smoke and other harmful gases, restricts plants from inhaling the carbon dioxide required for growth.
SHADE
Living in a place where the climate is conducive makes shade important — so the plants are not subjected to heat stress. Growing plants underneath large trees help provide cover for shade-loving plants.
MAINTENANCE
Every plant needs maintenance, and some need to be pruned occasionally to keep them in shape and order. Ensure you have enough time to care for your plants.
Though sunlight and soil are essential for plant growth, neglecting other necessities will make the plants undesirable; and will affect their beauty, quality, and quantity. Having a proper plan for your garden and scheduling enough time to care for your plants will help a lot. Happy gardening!
Header: Annie Spratt
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