Plant Gardens 101

The World Health Organisation defines hypertension as blood pressure higher than 140/90. An ordinary condition in the developed world affecting roughly 20% of adults.

People with high blood pressure generally do not experience any symptoms and are not aware that their blood pressure is high. Hypertension can lead to worrying health troubles such as heart failure and strokes.
It is said that blood pressure can be lowered by drinking an extract of Hibiscus flower each day, in the form of tea. Hibiscus tea consists of high levels of antioxidants, such as flavonoids, which are excellent for our bodies and hearts. These antioxidants help our bodies resist the harmful molecules known as free radicals, which can cause cell damage, leaving the body in a sick condition. By taming free radicals, antioxidants help look after the health of the body.

Hibiscus tea can successfully contribute to the weight loss process without making you tired, dizzy or ill. Most people are not familiar with the wonderful weight loss qualities of Hibiscus tea.

The effects of this flower on weight are better if consumed in a natural form rather than processed forms like powders or capsules. (more…)

The importance of a fluorescent light in a hydroponics grow box

When most people are looking to purchase a hydroponics grow box for the first time they are often looking at the wattage of the primary light and that is included with the hydroponic system. Generally it is best to get the highest wattage HPS or metal halide light as you can. The reason for this is that the more lumens that light will put out the better the yield you will get. So often the first question out of a lot of people’s mouths when a first purchasing a pre-build hydroponics grow box will ask for the wattage of the primary light. These are good questions to ask you may be overlooking a small factor.

When you are first starting seedlings or clones you do not want to put them under a very powerful light. The reason is the plants are very small at this stage of their life. A plant of this small size does not need to be overwhelmed with a super powerful high pressure sodium light which is way too much for a small plant grown in hydroponics. This is really where the vertically mounted florescent lights come in. When purchasing a hydroponics grow box try to find a unit that is sold with T5 vertically mounted florescent lights on the side of the grow box machine. Often the more vertically mounted florescent lights the better in a hydroponics grow box. Big difference to keep in mind here is that the fluorescent light put out just the right amount of blue light for your small seedlings. The fluorescent light will not overwhelm the small plant is a much better choice at this early stage of growth. The fluorescent light in the cool blue spectrum is perfect for their first few weeks of vegetative growth. Starting seedlings and clones with the vertically mounted fluorescent lights is definitely the preferred method rather than putting them under too powerful HPS or MH lights at this early stage of their development. (more…)

The sunflower has been used since ancient times as a food source – carbon dating shows Native American use from as early as 2300BC! With its long and varied history – and scientifically proven worth in keeping people healthy, there are now many uses of these popular seeds.

Growing sunflower seed at home is a rewarding experience and the myriad of uses for the seeds will only enhance your kitchen. The sunflower is remarkably unfussy as to where it will grow so long as it has plenty of sun. Sunflowers are found in such diverse places ranging from the swamps of the Amazon to the Mojave Desert – showing how resilient and adaptable the sunflower is.

The sunflower should be planted after the last frost of the year, with the seeds being planted around an inch deep and approximately 6 inches apart. Once the sunflower seedlings pop out from the ground, you should place them around 1,5 feet apart from each other – dwarf varieties can be closer (around a foot). You should water frequently after planting until they start to sprout – after that period, watering once a week should be enough.

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The aging of a plant after it reaches maturity, leading eventually to its death. Usually refers to annuals after they set seed.

A term usually used to describe perennials or shrubs that form tall stalks or shoots with sparse foliage on the bottom half. Also refers to seedlings or houseplants that have grown tall and thin because of insufficient light.

Having a greenhouse means you will need to also think about which greenhouse accessories will be necessary.

Take a look at the books that are on the market for people who own greenhouses. Books are great greenhouse accessories and they also make nice gifts for friends and family members who have a greenhouse.

Garden accents add beauty and interest to the greenhouse. There are many of these greenhouse accessories to choose from. A few garden accents make the greenhouse come alive.

A garden cart is a very useful tool in the greenhouse. When you have one of these greenhouse accessories you will be able to move things from one part of the greenhouse to another with ease.

Speaking of tools, these are greenhouse accessories that make work in the greenhouse easier. There are tools for every job in the greenhouse.

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