Growing
The basic starting point
for all gardens and gardeners is knowing how to grow and look after your own
plants successfully. Gardening is a skill that is learnt over many years, but
some of the essential elements can be established quite quickly. The following
brief guide will help you to gain an understanding of general plant growing
techniques, covering sections like seeds, seedlings, plants, cuttings and related
subjects.
Growing Plants - Containers
House plants require a balanced
environment to ensure healthy growth. They may suffer and have a shock reaction
to your homes environment if it is different to what they have been used to.
Here are several tips to
help condition the plants to your environment.
The type of container you
keep your plant in, can have a direct effect on it's health. Containers with
drainage holes should have some sort of cover over the drainage holes, usually
this is achieved by using some small pebbles or gravel. This helps the plant
to retain a level of water supply.
Plastic or clay pots are
available, remember that clay pots will dry out the soil or compost quicker
than plastic ones. Clay pots also absorb chemicals and salts from the planting
medium.
Cleaning pots for reuse
is important, and soaking them in very hot water for 24 hours can do this. Use
a stiff brush to remove soil.
|