Pflanzen

A discussion on fertilizer for home gardening plants seems like a dated topic. Yet the importance is utmost as per the interest of growers and gardeners. For all the gardeners, the knowledge of using fertilizers and ways to apply them is crucial. For attaining the vigorous plant growth, you must know about the hardiness of plant zones. In order to grow the plants, we are continuing the brief discussion on why, how and what multivitamins should be applied on the plants.

All ideal fertilizer for garden plants carry three chief elements named as Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium.

• Nitren is important for promoting the leaf development and growth. It helps iogn the development of chlorophyll. Basically, it helps in converting sunlight into food.
• Phosphorous is very important for the growth of stems, roots, blossoms and fruits.
• Potassium is another important element helping your plants in digestion and making of food.

Why do they need Fertilizers?

Often, we may wonder that, all the important nutrients are available in soil and air, so fertilizers are important? Fertilizers act as a mediator as some plants cannot get complete access of soil nutrients. So, the choice of nutrients also depends on the type of soil, the plant is growing into. Some modern farming techniques, traffic and construction can disturb the soil’s nutrient chemistry leading towards limited nutrient base. For such reasons, the gardeners must use fertilizers to help plants reach to their full nutrient capacity.

Some Homemade Options:

1. Seawood:

This fertilizer type has the long-held lineage of 1000+ years. It is considered as all-embracing organic option. However, it carries mannitol which can increase the plant’s ability to absorb more nutrients. You can use fresh or dried seawood in this regard.

2. Fish Emulsion:

Fish emulsion works like a homemade option which is obtained from fish-waste. The results with this have been truly great. However, it works very gradually. Also, the smell can bother you a little more.

3. Aquarium Water:

The aquarium water while cleaning the tank also works as a great source of fish waste for plants. It is easy and anytime available option.

4. Coffee Grounds:

Used coffee grounds are a good source of two percent of nitrogen. It can also provide some phosphorous and potash. Let them dry and scatter lightly over your plants.

5. Egg Shells:

Egg shells can be the most ideal and practical fertilizer option. They carry calcium which makes an important element in cell growth. You can simply crush in grinder and sprinkle over the soil.

Fertilizer for home gardening plants needs to be applied on proper timing. Garden plant nutrition thrives, if the fertilizers are fed during early spring.

Source by Sneha Patel

PARSLEY

Grown extensively in many vegetable gardens, parsley is a biennial herb most often treated as an annual. The culinary uses of parsley are many. Its crisp green leaves are flavorful and nutritious additions to salads. Parsley can be sprinkled over potatoes-whether mashed, whole or salad style-and its use in flavoring sauces, soups and stuffings is extensive.

Planting and Culture

Parsley is usually planted in March or April when the moon is waxing. (i.e. increasing illumination) It is a biennial which does well either in open sun or partial shade. Any ordinary garden soil which does not dry out too rapidly, is rich in nitrogen and is not excessively alkaline, is suitable.

Moon Phase Planting of Parsley

Parsley should be planted when the moon is in the 2nd Quarter (i.e. waxing) and in the following Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Since parsley seeds germinate slowly, it is best to soak them in lukewarm water for 24 hours before planting. The seeds usually require four weeks to germinate. One packet of seed should sow a 100-foot row. Place seed in a shallow trench that has been fertilized with compost and well-rotted manure and cover with about 1/4 inch of fine soil. Plant rows about 12 to 16 inches apart. For a thick growth, unwanted seedlings should be thinned so that the mature plants stand at least six inches apart. The leaves also may be clipped. To avoid damaging the shallow roots while weeding, plant radishes among the parsley. The radishes will force out weeds and help to mark the parsley rows.

Parsley will overwinter if given the protection of a light mulch during severely cold weather. One of the earliest green plants to show in the spring, parsley blossoms in the second year. To prevent the herb from going to seed, the blossoms, which look like QueenAnne’s-lace, should be cut off as soon as they appear.

In the fall the herb may be dug up, potted and brought indoors where it will continue to provide fresh leaves throughout the winter months. Care should be taken to dig up as much of the root as possible, and some of the outside foliage should be cut from the plant. Potted plants may also be started from seed indoors.

Harvesting

The first tender sprigs may be cut as soon as the leaves are well formed. From then on, the leaves, with a portion of the stem, may be cut as needed. Customarily, the outer leaves only are cut. This practice permits the heart of the plant to continue to grow and produce more leaves.

For use as flavoring, the leaves may be cut and dried. The tender parts of the stems are cut from the plants and placed on a screen in a shady, dry, well-ventilated location. When thoroughly dried, they may be crushed and stored in small, tightly covered containers.

Parsley may also be frozen for winter use. Pinch off the foliage and spread it on a cookie sheet. Quick-freeze and store, airtight, in a plastic bag to use a little at a time

Varieties

Champion Moss Curled is mild in flavor and crisp. Giant Italian is a strong producer. Hamburg is favored for its prolific growth and hardiness and its thick, edible root.

Source by Gene DeFazzio

Nature, health, save money, no chemicals, better taste

The following 10 reasons will definitely encourage you to plant organic products instead of using chemicals in your garden or farm. By sticking to the organic option, you are contributing, in a positive way, to the wellbeing of our planet. You need to plant organic products for the following 10 reasons:

1 of 10 Reasons

Total satisfaction – if you plant organic vegetables you will be mentally happy that you are eating healthy produce from your garden itself. You can never be sure whether the vegetables and fruits that you pick up from the market are of good quality or not. This is the first of the 10 reasons to take up organic farming.

2 of 10 Reasons

Wildlife – It’s one of the best ways to invite wildlife into your garden. Although some of the wildlife might cause some damage, most of them will help in transporting pollens and seeds from one place to another. You will also find them helpful in controlling slugs and other similar creatures.

3 of 10 Reasons

Save money – by growing your own vegetables you will be able to save a valuable amount of money every month. So, plant organic vegetables in your garden or farm and reap the benefits for the whole year.

4 of 10 Reasons

Healthier option – you are assured of a healthy option when you plant organic fruits and vegetables. You will see your health improve when you stick to organic farming.

5 of 10 Reasons

Say no to chemicals – when you plant organic, you are avoiding the use of chemicals that are known to be harmful to the soil. You only need to use different types of organic compost to make the soil fertile.

6 of 10 Reasons

Help solve food shortage – every year, the world’s food shortage problem remains unsolved. If you plant your own organic fruits and vegetables, you are potentially helping to reduce the food shortage problem.

7 of 10 Reasons

Truly nature friendly – since you avoid any kind of pesticides, other wildlife are able to hunt on the insects that are left in your garden. So, you are helping to preserve the food chain in your surroundings when you plant organic.

8 of 10 Reasons

Enjoy the taste – you will enjoy the taste of the fruits and vegetables that are grown in your garden, as they are ripened without using any chemicals. Thanks to this, you will be able to enjoy the true taste of your garden products. This is another of the 10 reasons that needs to be lapped by you so that you stick to organic farming.

9 of 10 Reasons

Avoid the Chemicals – Chemical fertilizers can eventually harm your health and that of your loved ones when you use chemical fertilizers in your garden. On the other hand, organic farming is totally safe. You can bet that it will not cause you any harm in the short or long term. Don’t forget that it will probably be a lot of fun too!

10 of 10 Reasons

Show your commitment – You can be proud of the fact that you are producing fruits and vegetables in a natural, organic way. This will help you to gain respect in your neighborhood. You will also be able to inspire others to take up organic farming. This is the last of the 10 reasons for sticking to organic farming.

Source by Michael Bayard

Having plant indoors is a good way, not only to keep your home looking good, it also helps cleanse and purify that air that circulates inside. In fact, indoor plants are highly recommended for poorly ventilated or closed areas to improve the quality and Oxygen level of the air. Here are the ten of the best indoor plants that can do the job:

One: Angel Ivy Ring Topiary. This beautiful plant is also known as wire vine and grows up to 12 inches high and 8 inches in diameter. You can wind up new growth around the topiary to keep it looking good. You can even use this as a living frame and grow flowering plants at its base. It’s suitable indoors as it thrives in indirect sunlight. Care must be taken not to overwater this plant or let its soil dry out either. Keep it healthy by trimming away dry leaves and protecting it from insect pests.

Two: Cactus Combo Bonsai lives up to its name by behaving like a dessert plant. It’s a very low maintenance plant that requires minimal water but lots of light. You don’t even have to water it during winter as it goes dormant. And being a bonsai, it only grows up to 8 inches high. It’s perfect for those who don’t have time to tend their plants or those who’s always away from their homes.

Three: Palm plant varieties are very good indoor plants because they are known to be excellent air purifying plants. Apart from that, they are also very adaptable to indoor growing conditions and don’t need to be watered frequently. Some of the palm plant varieties are bamboo palm, ponytail palm, areca palm and lady palm. However, these plants are not small and some can grow up to six feet tall.

Four: Chinese Evergreen is another indoor air purifier that’s relatively easy to take care of. It grows well under low light conditions and must be kept in warm temperatures. Make sure that the soil is dry between watering, otherwise it may kill the plant. It can grow up to three feet in height.

Five: Moth Orchid is for those who love to grow flowering plant indoors. Moth Orchid has white blooms with small striped of fuchsia and can last up to three months. It likes indirect sunlight and can be placed in any area of your house. It’s a good air purifier, too.

Six: Peace Lily is an elegant-looking plant that has bold and shiny leaves that are sometimes decorated with white flower stalks. It takes away some harmful toxins from the air. This plant likes to be kept away from direct light and must be dried out between watering. But be careful, especially with pets and little children, as it can be mildly toxic when ingested.

Seven: Spider plant is a recommended house plant for beginners because it lives well in almost any conditions and can be placed in any areas of the house. But it grows best with indirect sunlight and little water. With its long narrow leaves, this plant reduces pollutants from the air and purifies it.

Eight: Pothos is a cascading vine plant with beautiful leaves which makes it an excellent hanging plant. It is very tolerant of any conditions including low light and irregular watering. It can be potted in any container, can even grow roots in a glass of water and grows abundantly in warm area.

Nine: Snake plant is a bug repellant plant and is an awesome indoor plant for bedroom because it releases Oxygen during the night. It is a tough plant that can handle indoor environment, but grow best under low light and warm conditions. Just take care that it is not overwatered. Otherwise, it will rot.

Ten: African Violet is one of the most popular indoor plants because of its flowers. It is an awesome looking flowering plant with many color variations such purple, pink, white, etc. It doesn’t grow tall which makes it a great indoor decoration. It requires little exposure to sun but soil must be kept moist (not soggy) at all times.

Source by Nova Person

The lily belongs to the Liliaceae family of which there are 250 genuses and 4-6000 known species. The Lily is so called after the Greek, Lerion, which means White Lily (Lilium Candidum), the llily comes from the northern hemisphere, and they are monocotyledonous, bulbous plants.

The Habit of the Lily The lily blooms in Spring or Summer time and enjoy being grown in a soil that is well fertilised. The best place to plant the lily in in sunny but not direct sunlight. It also prefers protected areas as the lily does not enjoy being blown around in the wind.

When planting the lily a one foot deep hole should be made, then lines with compost or peat. Plant the bulbs and cover them with an inch of compost or peat. As a recommendation the bulb should be placed in the ground 3 times deeper than their height, thus if the onion is one inch in length plant it 3 inches deep.

Uses for the Lily Plant Lillies are great in any garden, however they make a fantastic container plant. Because of its beauty it is extremely popular with Florists and you will see a lot of lilies in the flower shops since they look very nice in a bouquet. The cut flowers of the lily generally to live for eight days providing clean fresh water is supplied regularly. The lily or lilium is mainly a hardy bulb that is easily grown from seed that is sown as soon as it is ripe. The bulbs are best grown in a cold frame and then should be potted on once it is established. The lily tends to then flower in around four to five years, but the wait is well worth it. Got questions on lily plant gardening

[http://www.bamboofun.com/forum]

Source by C Roe

Hydrilla is an aquatic plant. It is usually considered to contain only one species, Hydrilla verticillata. It is also referred to as H. asiatica, H. japonica, H. lithuanica, or H. ovalifolica. Some characteristics are listed below.

• Leaves

  Its leaves are about 2-4mm wide and 6-20mm long. They have pointed tips and saw-tooth margins. They have a rough texture because there are spines on the leaves. They are usually green while upper leaves are slightly yellow. The reason is that the sun can somehow bleaches leaves.

• Stem

  Hydrilla stem is very slender. It is only 1/32 of an inch wide. However, it can grow up to a length of 30 feet. Usually, it branches out near the water surface.

• Flowers

  Its flowers are divided into two kinds: male flowers and female flowers. Male flowers can be white, reddish or brown. Female flowers are usually white. Hydrilla can be monoecious, which means both kinds of flowers on one plant, or dioecious, which means only one kind of flowers on one plant.

• Habits

  Hydrilla is a submersed plant. It can grow in almost any freshwater habitats such as springs, lakes, marshes, rivers ditches, etc. It can resist a salinity up to 7%. Its optimum growth temperature is 20-27 o C. It has low light compensation, which indicates the ability to grow in low light conditions. This makes it a competitive plant because it can grow in deeper water and begins photosynthesis earlier in the morning.

• Four ways to reproduce
  1. Fragmentation: Fragmented pieces can sprout into a new plant. The only requirement is that it has to contain at least one node.
  2. Tubers: The tubers are viable, too. Each one can produce as many as 6000 new ones.
  3. Turions: If turions are broken off and settled in sediments, they can grow into a new plant as well.
  4. Seeds: Unlike most plants, this is the least important way to reproduce for hydrilla. Perhaps it is because seed production is a good choice for long distance dispersal, which is usually not the case for it.
• Risks

  As introduced above, hydrilla can spread to new areas easily. Because of its good ability of growth, native aquatic plants will be shaded out until eliminated. Apart from the reduction of biodiversity, it is harmful to fishes as well, because thick mats of hydrilla can alter chemistry and oxygen levels. It also slows water flow greatly and interferes with boating severely. Thus, we have to take steps to control its growth.

Source by Fiona Lee

Some years ago, I recall reading about a plant cultivated in southern China. Lo Han Kuo, or Luo Han Guo (luohanguo), refers to the fruit of Siraitia grosvenori. It is a very sweet fruit and is found almost exclusively in the Guangxi Province. The climatic conditions for successful cultivation of the plant are very particular.

There are records of Chinese monks using Lo Han Kuo medicinally as far back as the Song Dynasty nearly 800 years ago. The plant’s fruit is often grounded into a fine powder and used to make a restorative tea. The Chinese believe that the plant helps to fortify the body’s respiratory system and acts as a longevity aid.

In fact, it is said that people in the Guanxi Province experience great longevity and less chronic ailments. People in this region are often inclined to attribute this success to the use of Lo Han Kuo.

In fact, even now, women in this province often prepare a Lo Han Kuo soup or tea at the earliest sign of a cough. Interestingly, studies have recently substantiated at least one thing- Lo Han Kuo is rich in antioxidants.

Because of its natural sweetness, roughly 200 times greater than sugar, Lo Han Kuo is increasingly being used as a natural sweetener, a process patented by Procter & Gamble in 1995.

The commercialization of the plant is becoming more apparent. In addition to its propagation as a sweetener, it is also sold in bulk herb form as well as powdered extract. While bulk forms of the plant are not as readily available in mainstream distribution channels, the plant can be found through many herbal suppliers and Chinese medicine practitioners.

Source by Arthur Ebeling

There are few true dwarf plumeria plants in existence. The best example of a dwarf plumeria plant is the Dwarf Singapore Pink. Origins of the plant are unknown, despite its Singapore name. The dwarf plumeria is rumored to be the only plumeria able to bloom indoors, giving this plant a range of locations in which to thrive.

An abundant bloomer, the flowers of the dwarf plumeria are a light pink color, with a deep pink “vein” running through the middle of the underside of the petal. The color fades to white after a day in the sun. The hearty pink flowers measure up to 3.25 inches in diameter, and smell faintly of citrus. Each dwarf plumeria flower hosts a center colored with orange and red augmenting from the corolla tube. The plant flowers slowly, but once flowers begin blooming, they will bloom for six months.

The dwarf plumeria exhibits a bushy appearance, with strong branches. Leaves range from 6 to 7 inches in length, and generally measure 2.25 inches in width. Typically, as with most Plumeria obtusa species, the leaves present a glossy and leathery green upper surface. As the dwarf plumeria is an evergreen, this plant can be maintained year round, with the proper care.

Caring for a plumeria is simple, since the plant is strong in leaf and flower. The plant loves to be outside in the summertime, as it thrives well in tropical climates such as Hawaii. This is not a plant which will spread easily; the dwarf plumeria will grow bushy and compact. The height can reach four feet tall, and as wide in diameter, growing one foot per year for the first four years. The plant should be fostered in a pot for at least two years, unless the climate rarely sees temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The dwarf-plumeria can be planted in a garden immediately if the climate is appropriate, though the plant also does well in potted plants in the home.

During the summer months, full or partial sunlight pleases these strong plants. Winter months may be supplemented with bright filtered light provided for the dwarf-plumeria. Surprisingly, the leaves of the dwarf plumeria may be cleaned with soapy water. Once a month, spritz the leaves with a one to one soap and water solution, and mist leaves. Let them air dry to discourage pests and keep the shine of the glossy surface of the leaf. When replanting the plumeria, be sure the soil taking care of the roots is well-draining. The plant does not tolerate standing water well; it needs to be able to drain quickly after watering or rainfall. Make sure the topsoil stays moist, watering when the first few inches of soil have become anhydrous.

Plumerias should be pruned often to remove brown leaves and stems. The plant will lose leaves on its own occasionally, but to maintain a healthy and nice looking plant, pruning is necessary on occasion.

Plumerias are tropical plants, and the dwarf plumeria is the heartiest of the bunch. Bright, fragrant, and strong, this plant is a nice addition to a garden or indoor plant collection.

Source by Robert Fogarty

Even if you haven’t been growing plants or maintaining your home garden for a long time, the chances are that you’ve still heard of macronutrients. The most important of these are of course NPK or Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. These are the building blocks upon which you build your garden but they aren’t the ‘be all and end all’ when it comes to plant nutrition. You also need to know your micronutrients!

The essential plant micronutrients are boron (B), chloride (Cl), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and molybdenum (Mo).

Though not required in as large quantities as the macronutrients, these still play an incredibly important role in plant growth and development. They also develop a plant’s ability to fight off pests and diseases that plague most home gardens.

Let’s take a look at how they help the plant by taking each micronutrient individually.

1) Boron (B)

Living in a region with high rainfall and sandy soil? Haven’t checked the pH balance of your soil and think that it may be too acidic? Well, if your plants are displaying stunted growth or hollow stems and fruit, then your soil most definitely lacks boron!

Boron helps in cell wall formation which ensures plant growth and development. Processes like pollen formation, germination, and flower retention also require boron.

2) Chloride (Cl)

Chloride helps in a little known yet incredibly important function of the plant; it regulates the stomatal opening. Through this, it affects some outcomes, the most significant being plant water loss. The stoma is an opening on the surface of leaves through which evaporation takes place. The presence of chloride means that this is regulated so that the plant doesn’t dry out.

But in its absence, you’ll see wilting, widespread roots that are striving to search for water to compensate.

3) Manganese (Mn)

Necessary for that most important process of all, photosynthesis! Manganese aids in the metabolic processes in the plant, forming the compounds that are needed for metabolism to take place. If your soil lacks manganese, then you’ll see the effect in the leaves, as they develop brown/white/ gray spots that indicate decay. You’ll also notice a higher rate of leaf drop and delayed maturity.

4) Iron (Fe)

Not just humans, but plants need iron too! It is a cog in many plant processes, including but not restricted to energy transfer, production of chlorophyll, nitrogen fixation and acting as a catalyst to speed up chemical reactions that produce energy. If the leaves of your home plant are yellowing, then they lack the required iron content.

5) Zinc (Zn)

Plants need a constant supply of Zinc to display the most optimum growth, especially in the early stages i.e. germination. Zinc also helps in the development of enzymes that regulate growth, produce energy and synthesize all the essential proteins in the plant. A lack of Zinc means stunted growth.

6) Copper (Cu)

The presence of copper helps in strengthening the plant’s cell wall structures by synthesizing lignin, which also reduces the chances of wilting. It is also a necessary component of nitrogen and carbohydrate metabolism. Pale green leaves and dieback of stems are the symptoms of copper deficiency.

7) Molybdenum (Mo)

Molybdenum makes its presence felt in the process of pollen formation which goes on to affect fruit and grain production. It initiates enzyme systems that relate to nitrogen fixation in legumes so that symbiotic bacteria may grow easily. However, molybdenum requirements are usually low, so most plants don’t exhibit any deficiency in this.

Now that you’ve been introduced to these essentials start testing your soil for deficiencies and help your plant grow long and healthy!

Source by Siddhant Bhalinge

The grass plant has taken millions of years to get to the stage it is at now. In early times grazing herbivores used it as a primary food source. Grass plants that grew close to the ground and developed crowns went on to survive and flourish. Today’s turf grass has evolved from these early survivors. Almost all homeowners receive enjoyment from their lawns. Very few of us really takes the time to examine the grass plant up close, by doing so we would be astounded by its complexity and characteristics.

The primary growth in a grass plant grows from a ground hugging point known as the crown. By mowing at a height above the crown you ensure the plants survival. Many times during a spring clean up, the crew will damage the crown causing devastating results if the damage occurs during active growth. Shoot and roots originate from the crown. The root system is utilized by the plant to hold it in place, as well as being the primary means of acquiring nutrients and water from the soil. By developing leaves and stems above ground the plant takes in sunlight and carbon dioxide in a process known as photosynthesis. First to appear from the crown is the primary shoot . It produces a leaf and a stem. Each leaf has a blade and a sheath. The sheath wraps itself around the blade to protect it, while the blade continues to grow upwards. Where the blade and sheath meet is known as the collar. In the interior of the collar is a ring of hairs known as the ligules. Ear shaped lobes known as auricles are found at the end of the ligule. Grass identification uses the different sizes, and shapes of the auricles and ligules to categorize individual cultivars of grass.

Additional shoots originating from the crown are known as tillers. Tillers aid in making your lawn thick and lush. By encouraging a thick, lush lawn you go a long way in stopping weed growth, insect infestation, and damage by turf diseases. Kentucky Bluegrass, which is a common cultivar in our area, spreads by creeping stems underground known as rhizomes. As the rhizome continues to grow it will create additional plants that are capable of sustaining themselves by producing their own roots and shoots. By taking the time to understand the basic structures of your grass and how different grasses reproduce, you will be on your way to creating a lush, thick weed free lawn.

Source by Paul Burke