Gardening
How to control aphids naturally in your garden.
Aphids are pesky insects that drain the life out of your plants eventually killing them. They are also called greenfly and blackfly. There are about 5000 species of aphids among which 400 of them are found in food or fibre crops. Aphids reproduce rapidly and increase in large numbers within a few days. This is because aphids can reproduce without males. Young aphids mature rapidly and give birth to nymphs that are already pregnant. This way of reproducing is asexual and called as parthenogenesis. Aphids form a symbiotic relationship with ants. Aphids secrete honeydew which is consumed by ants. Ants in turn protect them from predators. Aphids must be controlled…
Best organic pesticides for plants
A garden cannot be kept completely pest-free, but pests can be controlled or reduced using pesticides. Making pesticides at home is easy and they can be quite effective in repelling insects and pests. Best organic pesticides for plants 1.Garlic Spray Take a few cloves of garlic and use a blender to grind it into a smooth paste. Then transfer the mix into a bowl and add 1 cup of warm water. Let it sit for 24 hours. Next, use a sieve to strain the juice and add 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap to it. Then transfer it to a spray bottle and use it on your plants. 2. Chilli…
How to increase flowering in plants
Everyone loves to grow flowers in their garden during the summer season. Our garden looks more pretty when we have more flowers blooming. Besides that they also provide the habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects. Ways to increase flowering in plants 1. Sunlight Flowering plants require lots of sunlight to produce more blooms. Grow them in locations that get 6 to 8 hours of sunlight every day to get more blooms. When temperatures are too high, especially during summers make sure they get some afternoon shade too. 2. Water Regular watering is required to get more blooms. Make sure you water the soil till it becomes moist. 3. Deadhead old…
Potassium and Phosphorus rich organic fertilizer
The most important nutrients that plants need are nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. They are called macronutrients. Nitrogen is essential for plants to grow foliage. Nitrogen-rich fertilizer is needed for leafy green vegetables. Phosphorous is needed for a strong root system and for producing more flower blooms. Potassium helps to build pest-resistant plants and is necessary for the transportation of nutrients across the plant. Potassium and Phosphorus rich fertilizers are essential for plants like tomatoes, pepper, cucumber, gourds etc. Apart from these macronutrients, plants also need micronutrients like iron, magnesium, calcium, manganese, iodine, zinc etc. Potassium and Phosphorus-rich organic fertilizers. 1. Eggshells Eggshells contain calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium which are…
How to use banana peel fertiliser
Banana peels contain lots of nutrients that help in building better root and stem structures in plants. So don’t throw those banana peels away instead use them to fertilize your plants. You can use banana peel fertiliser for all your vegetable and flower plants. Some of the nutrients that these peels contain include phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, calcium, manganese and sulphur. Potassium is a macronutrient that is essential for stronger root and stem systems. It makes the plant more drought resistant.It is also essential for flowering and fruiting and helps to improve the quality of fruits and flowers. Phosphorous is also essential for increasing the number of flowers and fruits in…
How to grow calendula from seeds in containers.
Calendula also called pot marigold is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. There are about 16 varieties of this plant and the flowers come in colours like red, yellow, orange and apricot. Calendula is native to Mediterranean countries. They can grow up to 2 feet tall and wide.Here is how to grow calendula from seeds. Growing conditions for Calendula These flowers can be grown during the spring and summer seasons. This flower is not frost and drought-tolerant. Extreme temperatures can harm this plant. Calendula needs fertile soil to grow well. The optimum temperature for these plants to thrive is between 16°C to 17 °C (61°F to 63°F). Calendula…
DIY easy organic liquid fertilisers for plants.
When you grow vegetables in your garden, you will need to fertilise them often to get good yields. You can use either solid or liquid fertilisers for your plants. Liquid fertilisers are easily absorbed by plants when compared to solid fertilisers. Organic liquid fertilisers are easy to make at home. They can be made from biodegradable waste such as banana peels, vegetable scraps, manure and eggshells. DIY Liquid fertilisers for plants 1. Eggshells Eggshells are rich in calcium and they can be used for your vegetables. Collect 10 to 12 eggshells and dry them well. After they are dried blend them into powder using a blender. Mix 2 tablespoons of…
How to make potting mix for container gardening
When you have a backyard garden all you need is well-prepared fertile soil to grow the food you want. But when you want to grow vegetables in pots you will need to fill the pots with a good potting mix. Potting mix is also referred to as soilless mix as it is a mixture of materials like vermiculite, perlite, compost, sand, coconut coir, lime and peat moss. The potting mix is lightweight and has better drainage and aeration. Making the best potting mix for container gardening can help plants grow healthy and produce better yields. You might think of using garden soil to fill your pots as it is more…
How to control whiteflies in the garden
When you have a backyard garden with all kinds of plants, you will also have to deal with a variety of pests that attack them. These pests end up draining the life out of your plants. One of those pests is whiteflies. These pests live on the underside of leaves. They are triangular and are about 1-2mm long. Each adult whitefly can lay hundreds of eggs. These pests suck the juice of the plants causing them to turn yellow, dry up and wilt. Whiteflies can be found in temperatures that are warm and humid. Always check the underside of the leaves of your plants. Whiteflies attack all plants including vegetables…
Easy herbs to grow in your garden
When you grow herbs in your home you get fresh herbs to add to your morning tea and dishes. Herbs are easy to grow and they can be grown in small to medium-sized containers. A single herb can be grown in small containers that are at least 8 inches deep. Multiple herbs can be grown in containers that are at least 18 inches deep and wide. Herbs require soil that is well-drained and fertile. Herbs do not require much maintenance and they are great for beginner gardeners. If you have a vegetable garden, you can grow herbs as a companion plant. Herbs help to repel unwanted pests from your garden.…