Plant Gardens 101

Plants need to be planted in the proper location. - do you have a plant that needs full sun planted in the shade? Make sure the soil is healthy, has the proper pH level and nutrient balance, and has sufficient drainage and water holding capability. Make sure the plant gets the appropriate amount of water (about one inch per week). Be sure the plant gets the appropriate amount of fertilizer.

Fungus - One of the most common problems with plants is fungal disease. If you had any form of fungi last year, you will probably have it again this year. What do you do?

Water plants before noon Fungi spores can germinate within 6-8 hours. So watering at night may limit evaporation, but can allow a fungus to grow.

Start crop rotation Never plant the same kind of vegetable or flower in the same place two years in a row.

Stop it before it starts If you have had a fungi in the past, it will be back. It usually happens at the same time every year. The best time to start using fungicides, such as Physan 20, is early in the season. Repeat every seven to ten days throughout the growing season.

Bacteria - Other types of plant disease are bacterial diseases. Water and soil are their transportation. They can enter a plant through wounds or through the natural openings in the epidermis (stomata). Generally, they cause rotting and wilting.

Bacterial disease cannot be cured. Infected plants must be immediately removed from the garden. ALL of the affected plants must be removed to the trash can. Even if they have only slight symptoms of bacterial disease. Do not place diseased plants in your compost pile, even if you maintain an active pile that heats up.

To prevent the spread of bacterial disease, clean your pruning tools with a bleach solution made up of one part household bleach to four parts of water, or use Physan 20. Wash your hands after handling infected plants to avoid transmitting the disease to healthy plants.

Viruses - Viral diseases damage the plant by destroying the chlorophyll in cells, causing yellowing of the leaves. If a plant becomes sick and dies within a few days, suspect a virus. Insects often carry viruses to plants, especially aphids, leafhoppers, mealy bugs and whiteflies. Aphids are the worst offenders; the green peach aphid can carry more than 50 different plant viruses.

Viruses can also be carried on your hands or on garden tools. Viral diseases cannot be cured. Remove and destroy the infected plants. Viruses can live on dead plant material for 50 years.

Nematodes - Although nematodes are actually pests, the problems they cause are included with diseases because the problems persist for the life of the plant. Nematodes are tiny parasitic worms that stick their heads in a plant to suck the sap or actually spend their lives inside the plant. Very often, a nematode problem will show up with a plant weakening and not looking healthy and vigorous. If no other explanation seems to fit, check the possibility that your plants have nematodes.

Prevention - There are too many diseases to name them all, but if you can use these disease prevention steps, you can stop most diseases from attacking your garden.

Build healthy soil. - Use compost and plant resistant varieties. Rotate crops, use foliar feeding and mulch. Eliminate the method of transmission of disease by watering plants before noon, keep tools clean and clean up the garden in fall.

Solarize the soil and use drip irrigation to prevent fungal diseases. - To avoid spreading fungal diseases, don’t work with plants when they are wet. Mow under fruit trees. Remove clippings and leaves to the compost pile.

Always use Physan 20 at the first sign of infestation.

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How to de-bug your garden

Did you know it is estimated that there are over 100,000 different species of insects that live in North America? If you don’t think you have bugs in your garden - guess again. In a typical backyard there are probably 1,000 little critters setting up house. Remember, not all insects are bad. Less than three percent of all insects are classified as pests. Different plants attract different insects. You will not find a corn worm on a tomato plant, because it’s digestive system simply cannot handle it. It is helpful to know the insects that live in your area. This will enable you to avoid insect infestation by planting plants that these insects do not eat. This is the safest, most environmentally friendly way to de-bug your garden. Unfortunately, this will probably not be enough to keep all destructive insects out of your garden. For many gardeners, it is necessary to use insecticides. When using insecticides, you will have maximum results if you know what kind of insects you have. Always read the label on the insecticide and follow all directions.      (more…)

Incorporate foliar feeding into your growth program
A more effective method for delivery of essential plant nutrition

The most common method of providing nutrients to plants is through the roots. This is done by placing nutrients in the soil at the base of the plant or through a root drench. Foliar feeding, an alternate method, provides nutrients through the foliage or leaves of a plant. Commercial growers, with the help of scientists, have been studying foliar feeding and incorporating it into their growing programs for many years.

There are many advantages to foliar feeding. Foliar applied fertilizers are three to five times more effective than root nutrition and can successfully reduce the nutritional stress situations of plants. (more…)

Grow a cutting garden and enjoy flowers indoors and out

If you feel guilty when you cut flowers in your garden, worrying that you’re destroying nature or leaving gaps in your flowerbeds, it may be time for you to plant a cutting garden, says the American Association of Nurserymen (AAN). A cutting garden is designed to provide flowers for indoor arrangements, and it will give you a new perspective on removing flowers from your garden.

Choosing the Right Flowers and Plants
As with any garden, the first step in planning your cutting garden is to select plants that grow well in your part of the country. Ask the experts at your local garden center for their suggestions, and keep in mind your soil conditions, the amount of sun or shade your garden receives and how much it rains. (more…)

Paramagnetism’s importance on earth and in your garden

Remineralize soil through incorporation of volcanic deposits

Since the beginning of time, nature has remineralized the soils of the earth through volcanic eruptions. Part of the remineralization occurs through a process called paramagnetism.

Paramagnetism is a low energy, physical force that has shown beneficial effects on all forms of life. A significant increase in plant growth and vitality is observed when paramagnetic rock is incorporated into the soil or spread across its surface. (more…)

If you are not nourishing your plants on a regular basis, it is time to take a close look at your plants. Just like humans, plants need nutrients. They need them from the moment you put them in the soil, and they need them on a regular basis. When plants receive proper nutrition, safe fertilizer (plant food) and supplemental plant vitamins, they will grow and thrive.

Your plants will let you know if they are not receiving proper nutrition:

Green leaves begin to look yellow Lawns may become spotty or lighter in color Blooming and new growth slows or comes to a halt Plants begin to look spindly and weak

It is estimated that less than 50% of gardeners provide their plants with proper nutrition. Many do not apply safe fertilizer at all. As we enter the warmer weather, plants’ roots begin to stretch further through the soil to seek more food. If you have not already started, now is the perfect time to begin a regular “fertilizing” program and keep a close eye on your plants to ensure that you have beautiful, healthy plants.   (more…)

Summertime and watering

Too much of a good thing can lead to fungus.

During the summer months, we notice that the number of gardeners who call us concerned that their plants have fungus increases significantly. One of the first things we ask is, “What time are you watering your plants and how frequently are you watering?” We also ask if it has been unusually rainy or humid.

Fungi need water to grow. It is a big problem during the summer months because people tend to overcompensate for the heat by over watering their plants. The longer your plants stay wet, the more inviting they become to fungus.   (more…)

When your plant’s roots fill its container and begin growing out the bottom - it’s time to repot it, says the American Association of Nurserymen.

If you’re wondering what size the new pot should be, a good rule of thumb is one size larger than your current pot. For example, if you have a five-inch pot, pick up one that’s six inches. A pot that is too large can also cause problems. The extra space will of course accommodate excess soil, which will hold more water than the roots can absorb and cause root rot.

Pots are made of clay, ceramic, or plastic. To keep your plant as healthy as possible, be aware of the particular benefits and drawbacks of each kind.   (more…)

Outdoor Plants Before you shop, choose plants that will withstand the rigors of your climate. Select the location in your yard where you will grow each plant: sunny, shady, windy, etc. Select plants that are disease resistant, especially to pests that are already present in your environment.

Buying and selecting quality plants: Whether you are planting seeds, bulbs, transplants or mature plants, always buy from a reputable source. Look for sources that back their plants with a money-back guarantee. This is especially important when shopping by mail or on the internet, as you will not have the chance to personally inspect for quality.

Seeds: When possible, order seeds from mail order companies to ensure that you are receiving fresh seeds that have been stored at optimal temperatures. Read before you buy. Many companies offer information on height at maturity, flower and fruit size, disease resistance, how many days until bloom, growing requirements and zones. After you have gotten your plants off to a great start, be sure to keep your plants free of disease and bugs.   (more…)

Got aphids?

Aphids are one of the most common destructive insects around. It would be safe to say that most gardeners have encountered aphids at one time or another. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that use their piercing mouth-parts to suck sap out of your plants. They reproduce quicker than rabbits, and can infest your entire garden and indoor plants before you are aware you have them.

If you notice curled or yellowing leaves, stunted growth or a shiny, sticky coating on the leaves of your plants (honey-dew), chances are, you’ve got aphids. Two other things to look for are ants and Sooty Mold. Ants love honey-dew, the shiny, sticky liquid that is excreted by the aphids. Keep the ants away though, as they are one of the culprits that helps spread the aphids from plant to plant. Honey-dew is also a great environment for Sooty Mold fungus to develop. If you have Sooty Mold, the leaves of your plants will look like they have been painted black or have black soot on them. (more…)

You don’t have to be a chef or have a green thumb to grow an herb garden. Culinary herbs are extremely easy to grow. Once they get going, they add fragrance, texture and color to just about any garden or space. Harvest your culinary herbs to make everything from herbal teas, vinegars and flavorful recipes.

Herbs don’t require much space to grow. You can plant them in beds in a garden or you can grow them in a small container. Combining herbs can create a beautiful effect. Your bed or container is your canvas - and what you plant there can grow into a beautiful masterpiece.

Plenty of sun
Herbs love plenty of sunlight. When choosing a location for your herbs, look for an outdoor area or window that gets 5-7 hours of direct sunlight each day. (more…)

Make gardening something the whole family can enjoy!

Let’s face it, if you are reading this article, you already know that gardening is fun and rewarding. Chances are, sometime in your life, someone who loved gardening showed you the ropes. Why not continue the tradition and help your family experience the joys of gardening? In addition to being fun and rewarding, gardening is a great way to spend “quality time” with your family, and it is a wholesome activity that children of all ages can enjoy.

Three Generations of Gardening Tips From Our Family to Yours:

Show them how much you enjoy gardening. Spend time in your garden. It is especially easy to stimulate a child’s interests when they see you having fun. (more…)

1. Water – Over watering and under watering are both bad for your plants. Over watering creates plants with shallow root systems. Without deep root systems your plants will suffer (or die) if they aren’t watered daily. Encourage your plants to develop deep roots so they can take in more water. Under watering dehydrates your plants. This creates stress and can lead to weakened and susceptible plants. Mulching can help with both of these problems. I like to mulch each spring – I use pea straw – once I have planted seedlings into my veggie plot. Water your plants deeply about once a week, depending on rainfall – more often in really hot weather. Make sure the water penetrates to a depth of about 25mm (an inch).

2. Mulching – This is a great way to prevent soil erosion, add organic matter to the soil and reduce evaporation. However, you need to leave space around the base of each plant. Mulching right up to plant stems encourages disease and rot to set in. Leave a 50mm (2 inches) between the mulch and the stem. You don’t need to mulch any deeper than 75mm (3 inches). (more…)

What is the function of soil in our yards and gardens? Simply put, soil provides plants with mineral nutrients, water and anchorage. The basic types of soil are clay, sand, and silt. The percentage of each determines whether you have sandy clay loam, silt, loam, etc. There are so many variables that affect soil that your yard may have a different soil type than the one across the street.

Some soil properties that are influenced by the texture of soil include aeration, drainage, water holding capacity and temperature. For example, sandy soil has excellent aeration, warms quickly in spring and has a low water-holding capacity. The exact opposite is true for clay. It has poor aeration, warms slowly, and has high water-holding capacity. (more…)