Owner: Plant Health Care URL:http://planthealthcare.blogspot.com Join Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:27:52 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: What plant care knowledge do you need to learn or discover for your plants to be enjoyed by others decades from now.
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House Plant Bugs - Natural Cures 2008-03-13 03:39:00 No matter where you live, you have to watch out for pests in your yard. Of the millions of species in the world that feed on houseplants, there are a few that are present and that cause problems in every region. Bacteria are not often thought of as pests, but they certainly are, and even though you can't see them, they can really harm your plants. When a plant is overwatered, a fungi will grow because of extra moisture. Bacteria also grows in excess, and they invade the roots. Since the root health determines the health of the entire plant, root rot can kill the plant. You can easily prevent this by paying attention to how much you water your plants. You should give them the proper amount of water at the right time of day. You need to research your specific plants to find this information. Read more:House
, Plant
, Natural
, Cures
How To Plant A Garden 2008-03-13 03:39:00 Before you start planting a garden make sure you have well prepared the soil. By this I mean have you loosened the soil by hand or with a tiller to allow for the aeration? Have you softened your soil with fertilizers and new topsoil? Most gardens should be lightly tilled in the spring before planting to kill weeds and smooth the soil. Correctly tilling the soil will enhance the absorption of water. Remember also that nitrogen is an important critical nutrient to plant growth so give it time to settle into the soil. Too much nitrogen will make for more vines that fruit on plants such as tomatoes or potatoes. Once you have readied the soil, its time to begin planting. Since you have had all winter to lay out your design and spring has nearly arrived, digging and planting are close at hand. Read more:Plant
, Garden
Plant Care The Easy Way 2008-02-20 21:07:00 Caring for plants causes undue concern for so many people. House-plant care is no where near as difficult as it may see, as long as you take into account the following factors: 1. Watering Over-watering is responsible for the demise of most house-plants. Looks can be deceptive, so ascertain whether your soil is dry enough to water, put into action try the 'finger test'. Insert your index finger up to the first joint into the soil. If the soil is damp, the plant isn't yeat ready to be receive water again. It's a simple as that. 2. Feeding Foliage plants usually require a high degree of nitrogen, whereas where flowering plants are cincerned, K2O is needed. Slow release fertilizers can be mixed in with the compost. It is important to take note, however, that certain plants like cacti and or Read more:Plant
Plant Diseases and Their Cures 2008-02-20 21:06:00 If you are a nature lover and has interest in gardening or is a professional gardener then you must have faced problems due to diseases of plants and flowers. Most of the gardeners, be it casual gardener to the largest commercial growing operation handler has to deal with this serious issue of diseases in plants. Both bacteria and viruses require a plant host for their survival whereas fungi are able to survive in the soil without any plants. Pathogens like bacteria, fungi and viruses are the most common diseases in the flowering and non-flowering plants. To find the perfect cure we first need to understand these diseases in detail. Bacteria require both warmth and water to multiply and grow, not like fungi that can survive for years or even decades in the soil. This is why places that hav Read more:Plant
, Cures
About Plant Fertilizer and Their Composition 2008-02-20 21:05:00 I normally discuss bonsai, but since bonsai are tree's, that are plants, this subject is appropriate.A plant is composed of four basic elements. The first three are carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. They form a complex protein called albumine. They represent 94% of a plant composition. The other 6% are composed of 13 others elements. These are classified in two categories. The first one being the macroelements and the last being the microelements.The first group, the macroelements, is composed of six components and must be present in greater quantities then the rest. Three (3) of them are most common and are often symbolised by "NPK". They are :Npk - NitrogenNitrogen will promote leaves development and give them a deep green coloration. Evergreen prefer a high nitrogen content fertilizer becaus Read more:Plant
, Composition
Dandelions Are An Herbal Plant And A Medicinal Plant Not Just A Weed 2008-02-20 21:04:00 You can use dandelions as an herbal plant and a medicinal plant; it's no longer just a weed. You can use the dandelion roots to make tinctures or teas. The dandelion flower can be used to make dandelion wine and the leaves can be chopped and added to salads, soups or stews. The versatility of the dandelion herb is astounding. Long ago physicians treated patients according to the Doctrine of the Signatures. They believed that herbs were signed by God to indicate their medicinal usage by color. Therefore, they treated jaundice with a dandelion tonic because of its yellow hue. In Victorian days cooks grew dandelions in their kitchen gardens for addition to their recipes and of course, to make dandelion wine. The French call it the dent-de-lion or lion's tooth. They feel that the petals remind Read more:Plant
, Herbal
, Medicinal
Let's Plant Potatoes in the Garden 2008-02-20 21:03:00 Potatoes, taters, spuds...call them what you will, potatoes are a staple in the diet of many people all over the planet. Potatoes are a nutritious, versatile vegetable, and they're incredibly easy to grow. But before you run out to the garden with your shovel and hoe, there are a few things you should know about planting potatoes. You may have heard old timers say that potatoes should always be planted on Good Friday. This old wives' tale is absolutely absurd. Good Friday does not fall on the same calendar date each year and can fall anywhere from early March to mid April. If folks in New England or the upper Midwest tried to plant potatoes on Good Friday, many years they'd be digging through rock-hard soil that was still frozen solid. Do not plant potatoes too early, while the ground is Read more:Plant
, Garden
Container Gardening Should Include The Herbal Plant Scented Geraniums 2008-02-20 20:51:00 Planting an herbal garden that includes scented geraniums is not common to container gardening. Most gardeners think of scented geraniums as a floral plant, not an herbal plant but the species, called pelargonium, is an herb with many uses. This delightful herb has many different aromas and gorgeous colors to delight your senses. The scented geranium is best used in container gardening for two reasons. One, you can control the soil and moisture, and two you can bring it indoors when a frost is imminent. The scented geranium was found in Africa in the 1600's and shipped to England where it became most popular. The gardener of King Charles I grew a variety of scented geraniums in the royal greenhouse. The Victorians thought they were geraniums rather than an herbal plant but if you look at t Read more:Plant
, Herbal
, Container
How To Plant Your Garden Seeds 2008-02-20 20:50:00 Almost any plant that produces seeds can be grown from seed, even though the requirements for some of them, a few of them, are extraordinary. Germination time of two years is required for certain tree seeds; long cold spells necessary for a dormancy that has to precede germination for some seeds can cause failure if omitted. A few seeds, such as maple seeds for instance, must never be allowed to get dry or they won't be viable; and a few must have light to germinate. In general, however, good soil, enough warmth, some moisture, and a careful patting of the soil around the seeds will mean that they will come up and start new plants for you. As soon as they are up, they have to be protected from the fungus disease, "damping off," especially if grown indoors or in a greenhouse. And though it Read more:Plant
, Garden
Plant Ideas for Container Gardening 2008-02-20 20:49:00 If you are looking for plant ideas for container gardening, look no further. Who doesn't enjoy the enticing aromas from the scent of fresh herbs? Can you imagine what it would be like to have wonderful aromas wafting out of your kitchen as you cook with fresh herbs picked moments before in your container garden? Forget about needing a large outside garden to make this happen. Indoor container gardening is relatively easy when you follow these easy tips and ideas; and, herbs are a great way to start! First let's pick the pot you'll use. Choose pots that fit the feel of your home. Is it contemporary or old world? Pick a pot that reflects your style. Herbs are attractive plants anyway and a well chosen pot will be beautiful in your home, as well as season your food. Once you have your pot or Read more:Plant
, Container
An Introduction To Indoor Plant Grow Lights 2008-02-20 20:48:00 There are basically two types of grow lights used in horticulture. These are: High Intensity Discharge Lights
(HID) - These come in two types, the Metal Halide Grow Light (MH) and the High Pressure Sodium Grow Light (HPS) Metal Halide - bulbs are designed for plants during their growing cycle. That is, for non-fruiting or non-blooming plants. Metal halide lighting is therefore the best HID choice for the plant's growing phase. High Pressure Sodium Lights (HPS) - The HPS grow light is used primarily for plants that are in their blooming or fruiting phase. Modern high pressure sodium lighting can, however, be bought, which is enhanced for blue spectrum (for vegetative growth) and for red spectrum (for flowering growth). This means that they can be used throughout the entire growing process f Read more:Plant
, Introduction
Plant Nutrition - The Crucial Importance Of Trace Elements For Your Garden Plants 2008-02-20 20:43:00 Most home gardeners are aware that the garden plants require a supply of mineral nutrient for their growth and development. As elements like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the names that usually appear on fertilizer packages, it is sometimes assumed that they are the "important" nutrients. On the other hand, the so-called trace elements, with the possible exception of iron, are often considered to be of negligable importance. Nothing could be further than the truth. Trace
elements like Manganese, Iron, Zinc, and Copper, are every bit as vital to plant metabolism, as they play essential functions in such processes as respiration and photosynthesis, and so a deficiency in even one element will adversely affect the healthy growth of the plant. Trace elements are called as such becau Read more:Plant
, Garden
, Crucial
, Plants
Plant's Benefits Are A Big Deal 2008-02-20 20:42:00 Walk around your house and imagine the difference it would make if there were house plants around the premises. Ferns and dragon tree plants are arranged behind a wooden table on one corner of your porch. The outdoor dining table in your patio is paved by a set of lovely chrysanthemums. The touch of warmth given off by these lovely plants enhances the feel of home. Plant
s provide enormous benefits for the health, physical and psychological. Read on and discover the role of plants to a healthier you and to a better environment. Biology has taught the basics of respiration. Humans breathe in oxygen and give off carbon dioxide which in turn is used up by plants so they can give off oxygen. This symbiotic relationship shows that plants do not only benefit from humans but that they also play a Read more:Benefits
, Big Deal
Timing Is Everything If You're A Plant 2008-02-11 02:40:00 Today's sunlight will last 10 hours and 30 minutes; tomorrow's, 10 hours and 31 minutes. Tonight's temperate will bottom out at 48 degrees. The temperature of the soil six inches below the surface will average 63 degrees today. The length of a day and its temperatures are usually a mere curiosity to humans. Plant
s, however, respond to them in very precise and predictable ways, completely indifferent to the wants and whims of a gardener. Beginning gardeners, unaware of the "rules" of the game, may challenge nature by planting at the wrong season or in the wrong climate. In a battle of nature versus the gardener, nature almost always will prevail. Understanding nature's signals and submitting to them, rather than fighting against them, is the sign of a mature and experienced gardener. The mo Read more:Timing
, Everything
The Difference between Plant Food & Fertilizer 2008-02-11 02:40:00 The way most people use the expression, plant food and fertilizer are synonymous. Fertilizer is not plant food, plants create their own food through a process called photosynthesis. Is basically building blocks (basic elements) which can be compared to "raw materials" used in the photosynthesis process to create energy (carbohydrates = fructose = plant sugars), and then is dissolved in water in the soil and carried through the roots up to the leaves of the plants. Plant
s utilize the sugars (plant energy) to create starch. The starch is used to create new stems, leaves, flowers, etc. But without fertilizer, an important component of the photosynthesis process could not be carried out (the production of sugars and starches). In the extreme example that NO fertilizer is available the plant wo
Caring For Your Bonsai Plant 2008-02-11 02:39:00 Bonsai are trees and shrubs that are grown uniquely small in containers. Originally it was meant to bring art and nature together and was a religious experience. Bonsai plants are not typically dwarfs but are regular trees and shrubs which are grown small using specific gardening techniques. The following are 6 tips for caring for this wonderful plant. 1. Light Bonsai need light to grow. The type of plants will help you to decide the amount of light needed. Usually flowering plants require more light than conifers. Check for the lighting needs of your specific bonsai plant. Natural light is generally best, so put your bonsai in a spot that will receive plenty natural light. During the winter months you will want to augment natural light with artificial light. You can install a timer to all Read more:Plant
, Caring
Choosing A Tree To Plant 2008-02-11 02:39:00 Planting trees is one of the easiest yet effective means of giving your garden or your yard a face-lift. Trees can provide shade during summertime and protect you from harsh, chilly winds in the winter. Aside from these, they can also add to the privacy of your home while boosting real estate values. There are plenty of choices if you re planning to plant a tree. These depend on the size, shape, growth habits and care needed, so choose carefully, because the tree you pick will have long-lasting consequences. When selecting a tree, the first step is to decide what kind of tree is suitable for your property and your needs. Climate and soil are important factors to consider. For example, if you plant a date palm, it might have difficulty surviving the winter season in Chicago. And planting a Read more:Plant
Picking a Healthy Plant 2008-02-11 02:38:00 When it comes to getting started with your garden, you have two choices; planting seeds, or buying entire plants. Both have their own benefits. If you plant seeds and care for them every day, you will find it is a much more rewarding experience when you have a full, healthy plant. However, this method is a lot more risky. I can't tell you how many seeds I've planted and never seen any trace of whatsoever. If you choose to buy the plant from a nursery and install it in your garden, it reduces a lot of the work involved in making it healthy. However, I have found in the past that many incompetent nursery workers will absolutely ruin the future of the plant by putting certain chemicals or fertilizers in. I have adapted to this incompetence by learning to choose the healthiest plant of the bun Read more:Plant
, Picking
Different types of planting seeds to plant in spring time 2008-02-11 02:38:00 If you're thinking of planting
flower seeds, you better get your gear ready and wait for spring to come. What makes the spring perfect for sowing new flower seeds are the spring rain and the mild temperatures of the season. For most cases, flower seeds can be planted when frost is no longer a threat. Particularly, annual flower seeds depend on warm weather and spring rain for it to withhold and blossom. When the flowers are not exposed to the rain due to warm weather, do make sure to generously water the flower seeds. When the condition of the soil is too dry, adding a potting soil or peat moss mixture would be helpful in ensuring the flower seeds develop and blossom into nice flowers. While there are other times of the year for planting flower seeds, spring is the ideal time in for seeds Read more:types
You Can Plant In The Fall Too! 2008-02-11 02:37:00 People tend to think of spring as the season for planting flower seeds, but fall actually makes for a good season to plant flower seeds too. As the fall brings along cold weather, planting becomes a much easier task compared to working in the hot sun of the late spring and summer. It is also a good season for various types of flower seeds to grow their roots just in time for the spring growing season. Certain types of perennial flower seeds do really well when planted in the fall as they get the advantage of adjusting to the weather beforehand. Most of these perennial varieties do not grow soon after they are planted in the fall, but roots are established during this time until the weather is suitable for above ground growth. Contrary to the common understanding, some annual flower seeds c Read more:Plant
A Beautiful Flower Garden...One Plant at a Time 2008-02-11 02:36:00 If you are looking to have a beautiful flower garden full of thriving plants, the best thing you can do is take it one plant at a time. Start small and prepare that small area well by taking into consideration that each flower or plant you put into your garden has special needs. When you take the time to consider those needs, you will ensure the success of each plant and eventually your garden overall. * Hardiness/Heat ZonesThe USDA Plant
Hardiness Zone Map can help you determine which plants will survive the cool temperatures of your geographic location. Typically a plant tag will show two numbers 3-8. This means your flower or plant should grow well in USDA Zones 3-8. Another important factor to consider is how warm your temperatures can become. The AHS Heat-Zone Map can help you with de Read more:Garden
, Beautiful
Reverse Variegated Spider Plant 2008-02-11 02:36:00 Reverse Variegated SpiderPlant
Spider Plant Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum Spider plants are an extremely easy, beginner houseplant. They are very forgiving plants, tolerating neglect and thriving in nearly all conditions. Because of this, they are also very common. The reverse variegated spider plants have leaves with white outer stripes, and a green stripe between. The variegated have an inner white stripe with green outer stripes. There is also the common all green variety. Spider Plants are one of the plants on NASA's Clean Air Study as an air-filtering plant. Light Requirements: Spider plants prefer a medium to high light area, filtered afternoon sunlight. Variegated varieties will require more sunlight than the regular all-green variety. Watering Needs: Spider plants have larg Read more:Reverse
How to plant roses 2008-02-11 02:34:00 How to plant roses To plant roses you must first of all dig the holes, and place a little potting soil at the bottom of each hole, leaving some just to cover the roots with when set out. Have some strong sticks and tarred twine close by in case a few straggling shoots need support. Now unpack, which is always done at the last minute, if the air gets to them when out of the ground it dries up all the sap and materially weakens the plants. With a sharp knife cut off all the dead tops of the shoots, and also any roots which look mangled, taking great care not to pull off the fibrous portions (tiny rootlets attached to the main roots), as these will take hold of the new ground, and keep life in the rose trees. Hold the plant upright and steady using a trowel to put the soil in. Do not cramp t
Aloe Vera Plant Care 2008-02-11 02:34:00 The Aloe Vera
plant makes a fascinating houseplant. As well as being very easy to care for, it yields some surprising health benefits. Many people think aloe vera is a cactus, but it's actually a cousin of the lily and onion family. It has a short stem, with thick spiky green leaves that grow out from the stem like the petals of a rose. It's known as a succulent perennial and usuallly grows to about 2 or 3 foot tall. It is usually found predominantly in hot, dry climates. The leaves of the aloe vera plant can grow to over a foot long and about 3 inches across. The leaves are thick and fleshy and hold a lot of water, which means the aloe vera plant can survive extended periods of drought. In all, there are roughly 200 species of aloe, although the plant that has come to be cultivated the mo Read more:Plant
Plant Nutrition in Hydroponics 2008-02-11 02:33:00 Hydroponics cultivation is considered to be superior to conventional cultivation because of the numerous advantages it offers. Both commercial scale production and small scale crop cultivation using hydroponics techniques have proved to be advantageous in many respects. One of the advantages of hydroponics is its simplicity. However, what is essentially a fairly simple, straight forward technique may at times seem complicated, especially to the newly initiated. This is particularly so regarding issues such as plant nutrition in hydroponics. Given the plethora of tonics, additives, growth enhancers and other concoctions, that promise accelerated growth, bigger yields and so on, one of the basic aspects of hydroponics viz. plant nutrition may seem frustratingly complicated. It isn't though. Read more:Plant
Liven Up Your Home Choose with Your Mother-in-Law's Plant 2008-04-03 21:18:00 If you are looking for a new indoor plant, the Sansevieria is a great option. It is better known as the Snake Plant
, Mother-In-Law's Tongue, etc. There are most commonly found in Africa, but can grow naturally in many areas around the world. These plants are very easy to care for and grow. Their ideal conditions include low light and not much water. In the winter, they can go two months without any water. They are quite beautiful plants, and their looks are ever-changing because the patterns on the leaves change each time they grow new leaves. It is common for the leaves to be dark green with yellow stripes on the edges. Sometimes they can be speckled, or have a variation of other designs. The tips of the leaves are very sharp, so don't place the plant somewhere that people will bump into Read more:Liven
Organic Plant Food: Natures Magic Ingredient 2008-04-05 21:20:00 Organic Plant
Food: Natures MagicIngredient
. With the ever increasing demand for organic food production it is quite natural that we look for organic plant food to replace the chemical fertilizers that are commonly used in commercial production of fruit and vegetables. What is organic plant food? The first thing that springs to mind is animal manure, and still today this is the number one most common source of organic plant food. Animal manure provides active nutrients, fungi and the bacteria necessary for the development of fertile soils. Today, manures are available in several forms and grades. Although horse and cow dung is well known for its use as organic plant food, other animals such as hogs and sheep manure is also available. Chicken manure requires processing before it is applied Read more:Organic
Plant Selection as Important as Good Soil? 2008-04-08 21:21:00 Gardeners know that good soil is important in their garden. But can plant selection be just as important as good soil? You bet it can! You can have the most perfect soil on earth and yet if you try to put the wrong plant in that soil, it will not grow for you no matter how well you prepare it or how perfect the pH level is. Suppose you live in USDA Hardiness Zone 5 where temperatures can dip to as low as -10° F (-23.4° C). You decide that you love cactus and think a cactus garden would be fun to have. So, you want to get a jump start and prepare the soil in your garden until its sandy enough and registers a perfect pH level for cactus to grow very well in before you purchase the actual plants. However, when you go to the garden store and read the plant tags and do some further checking, Read more:Plant
Marvellous May Plant Colour 2008-04-10 21:38:00 Many plants vie for my attention during the month of May. Here are four of my favourites. Cornus alternifolia "Argenta" Cornus alternifolia "Argenta" is commonly known as the "Variegated pagoda dogwood". Originating in Asia, its common name relates to its shape which resembles a sacred tower in China. This large deciduous shrub or small tree can have ultimate height of 3 metres (9ft); with a spread of approx 2 metres (6ft). Within the next week its layers of slim branches are dotted with clusters of star shaped yellowish-white flowers, followed by blue-black fruits. A special mention for the bright green leaves edged yellow which turn reddish-purple in autumn. You can use the "Variegated pagoda dogwood" as a large specimen shrub or as a small tree simply by removing any lower branches as t Read more:Plant
, Colour
The Herbaceous Or Perennial Border, Plant Selection And Planting Tips 2008-04-13 21:29:00 So, your perennial border is prepared with the requisite quantities of plant food soil and drainage grit if required. What's next? * Plant
Selection Once you have gotten this far in the process, it is time to think about actually selecting the plants that will populate the bed or border itself. My first piece of advice to gardeners selecting perennial plants is to let your mind "drift". Groupings of plants that weave and interlock with other groupings of plants within the same bed are known as "drifts". One cluster of plants begins where another cluster ends and the groups have a flowing effect as they grow to bloom. The shapes that these drifts create should be irregular, weaving through your perennial border and wrapping around other plants. Planting in drifts creates a sense of movement Read more:Border
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