When you grow medicinal plants, you can literally cultivate your own health. Being out in the fresh air and digging in the soil is good for your soul. Relaxing in a blooming garden is for your health. Cultivating medicinal plants in your garden can be incredibly beneficial to your health. The Benefits of Growing Your Own Medicinal Plants Growing and using medicinal plants is a great way to be proactive about your health. You’ll eat much healthier, which keeps you physically fit, preventing future medical issues and boosting your overall internal health. As a result, you won’t have to visit the doctor as often. And you won’t see as many major surgeries or chronic illnesses as you age. Fortunately, that can mean spending less money on healthcare expenses. You can also live more sustainably and use fewer resources when you grow your own plants. You also decrease your carbon footprint because you don’t have to visit the store as often. Finally, growing your own medicinal … [Read more...] about Healing Gardens: How to Grow Medicinal Plants
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Common Nutrient Deficiencies in Plants
Here are the most common nutrient deficiencies in plants and how to fix them. In this story, we will cover symptoms of plant nutrient deficiency and treatment using widely available fertilizers. Plants need nutrients from soil, water, and air for healthy growth. The composition of the soil directly affects the health of the plant. Important soil nutrients include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, and many others. If any element is missing, the plant gets sick and may even die. But how do you know what element the plant is lacking? The answer is in the plant itself. Each vital nutrient deficiency has its symptoms, which can be detected through monitoring. If identified in a timely manner, these deficiencies can be treated and the affected plant can return to health. Editor’s Note: The “Big Three” plant nutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These “N-P-K” numbers are prominently printed on most plant fertilizer packages. For … [Read more...] about Common Nutrient Deficiencies in Plants
Drought Tolerant Plants for Xeriscape Gardens
Here’s how to grow drought tolerant plants for xeriscape gardens that save water. Xeriscaping, commonly known as drought-tolerant gardening, can be spectacular water-saving gardens when planned properly and maintained regularly. In a nutshell, xeriscaping is landscaping using plants that do not require additional watering above normal rainfall. These gardens are typically advocated in areas prone to drought, such as Arizona. A xeriscape garden is also perfect where the pace of development is outstripping water reserves, such as Los Angeles. Xeriscaping provides a great way to have a great-looking garden without overtaxing the water supply. Drought Tolerant Plants Save Time and Water Xeriscaping and desert gardens require a design that minimizes rainwater runoff and evaporation. Fortunately, an interesting selection of flowers, grasses, cacti, shrubs, and trees can do very well in low-water environments. This plant variety provides many exciting design opportunities for a … [Read more...] about Drought Tolerant Plants for Xeriscape Gardens
Best Low Maintenance Shrubs
The best low maintenance shrubs look great—even with little or no care. A recent survey by Tiger Sheds showed that 67% of homeowners avoid maintaining their yards in the cold winter months. You might be one of them. That’s why it is important to choose the best low maintenance shrubs that are tough enough tough to survive on their own. For many plants and shrubs however, winter is a real challenge. Especially if the temperature drops drastically, or there is a lot of snow or heavy rains. One solution is to plant hardy and low-maintenance shrubs in your yard. Shrubs that can tolerate the winter weather., and there are some beautiful varieties that will not only last, but also bring some color to your outdoor space. Panicle Hydrangeas The hydrangea is native to both America and Asia. It is often considered to be an old-fashioned plant, but has been having a resurgence in popularity in the past decade. The large flower heads make a striking addition to bridal … [Read more...] about Best Low Maintenance Shrubs
How to Grow Tomatoes in Containers
It’s easier than ever to grow tomatoes in containers. Here’s how. Tomatoes are the queens of the backyard vegetable garden, and growing vegetables is more popular than ever. But not everyone has a backyard with lots of space for an impressive garden plot. Fortunately, most flowers and many vegetables can be grown in containers. This makes growing vegetables such as tomatoes, squash, peppers, salad greens, and all types of flowers possible on decks, balconies, and other small spaces. Thanks to new types of growing containers and new dwarf varieties of popular plants, virtually anyone can successfully grow a fabulous garden. Quick Tips on Container Gardening There are a few important things to know about how to grow tomatoes in containers (or any kind of plant). Even before you select the pots or containers for your plants, pick the best location for your container garden. Tomato plants (and most vegetable plants) like at least 6 hours of full sun a day. So, pick a … [Read more...] about How to Grow Tomatoes in Containers