The Role of Root Health in Your Plants and How to Improve ItTake care of your plants and your plants will take care you. Get more enjoyment from your flowers and plants while increasing crop yield, when you take proper care of their root systems using an organic fertilizer. A common mistake made by new gardeners is to overlook the health of the root systems of their plants. Root systems are like the foundation of a house or building. Just as a poor foundation can lead to a structure tumbling down, an unhealthy root system leads to the "tumbling do...
The 5 Fertilizers That Will Also Encourage Soil HealthOne key element that is often overlooked in gardening is healthy soil. You can feed your plants all the nutrients you want, but if your soil health is lacking, your plants won’t reach their full potential. What’s the easiest way to combat this? By feeding your soil of course! Our soil is comprised of tiny microorganisms and beneficial bacteria that work together to contribute to your plant’s health by providing a healthy foundation for root growth and nutrient uptake. The healthier your soil,...
Save Money in the Garden With These 10 TipsIf money grew on trees, then everyone would garden. But since it doesn’t, the rest of us need to find ways to make our favorite hobby a lot more budget-friendly. The following ten tips may help your dollar stretch in the garden by encouraging resourcefulness and strategic planting. Read on to green your thumb and hopefully, your wallet. 1. Make Your Own Compost An easy way to supplement your plants that is also cost effective is by making your own compost. Don’t let this process scare you. A...
What Are the Effects of Iron on Plant Growth?What is Iron? Iron, the 26th element in the periodic table, is one of 16 vital elements that are necessary for plants to grow and be healthy. While most people may think of iron as the tough, rust-prone material in their cast iron skillets, actually iron comes in various forms. Plants can make use of some of them, but in many types of soil, plants need a little help to be able to get the iron they need. What is the Function of Iron in Plants? Where plants are concerned, iron is a micronutrie...
Should You Add Fertilizer to Your Compost Pile?"What are you using for compost?" "That compost pile is coming along nicely." "I never start planting without a compost pile." Whether you've been planting for years or you're tilling rows for the first time, composting and fertilizing never fail to come up in conversations about the ins and outs of gardening. But what exactly is composting? Is the talk of fertilizer simply hype? If you've ever wondered about compost or fertilizer and what they can do for y...
Rodent Roundup: Natural Solutions for Keeping Critters Out of Your GardenIt's almost inevitable – if you have a garden, you'll likely have pests like snakes and rodents threatening your garden. Don't fret, however. You have many different pest control options for keeping rodents away from your homegrown fruit and vegetables so that the bounty remains safe for your family to harvest and enjoy. You don't have to turn to dangerous chemicals or inhumane traps, either. Instead, you can use a variety of preventative solutions and natural, environmentally...
What is the Role of Manganese and Potassium?Plants which produce fruit with a high concentration of carbohydrates require a great deal of potassium for carbohydrate transport into the fruit. The fruit functions as a storage organ for sugars, and consequently, also becomes a storage sink for potassium. High carbohydrate fruit such as tomatoes or potatoes need a generous supply of potassium to fill fruit. Potassium is usually readily absorbed, but sometimes crops struggle picking up potassium from the soil. This can be due to a variety ...
The Best Plants for a Fall GardenWith summer winding down, it's the perfect time to start harvesting plants for the fall. This list covers the top five plants that you should consider growing, this fall season. These plants are perfect for a beginner gardener, requiring minimal skills. 1. Brussels Sprouts Brussels sprouts are inherently the perfect fall plant! In warmer climates, brussels sprouts can start growing in the fall and survive through the winter to be ready in the spring. The brussels sprout is a vigorous pla...
Why You Should Rotate Your CropsHaving the same crops every season will result in progressively lower yields if everything else remain constant. As such, it is advisable to deploy crop rotation and have different plants on your fall garden this season. Also, rotation can help you partially deal with a soil pathogen associated with root disease in sick plants. Additionally, crop rotation plays various other crucial roles, especially soil health, organic matter, and the stimulation of microbial communities in the soil. What i...
Why Cover Crops Are Important in the FallCover crops are an important part of commercial farming operations. The benefits that they provide professional farmers can also be felt by people gardening at home. This short guide will tell you everything you need to know about cover crops and help you decide whether or not they're right for your yard. What is a Cover Crop? A cover crop is a crop grown with other more valuable crops with the sole purpose of protecting them during regular crop production. Cover crops are generally used...
6 Plants That Can Make You HappierIt's natural to feel stressed, worried, scared, anxious, or otherwise, not yourself at times in life. Whether it's linked to a global pandemic like coronavirus, brought on during certain seasons, due to a mood disorder, or a variety of other reasons, anything that helps inject a little happiness in your life can be a welcome presence. We put together a list of plants for you to consider — both indoor and outdoor — as a way to boost your mood whenever you're feeling down. Here are...
5 Plants That Boost Your Immune SystemA home garden can be a joy and give you real benefits, from fresh fruits and vegetables to aromatic herbs to enhance your meals. Plus, some plants have immune system boosting properties and can enhance your health. Here are some plants to boost your immune health that you can plant in your own garden and some gardening tips for success. 1. Lemons Citrus fruits are chock-full of Vitamin C, which can increase your immune health and make it easier to fight off the common cold. Citrus fruits gro...
How to Easily Create a Regenerative GardenThere's more than one way to save the planet and luckily, gardening is an awesome way to give back to the Earth. Some gardening methods, like regenerative gardening, do a little more for Mother Nature than your typical garden. If you'd like to learn why and how to build your own regenerative garden, just read on! What is Regenerative Gardening? Instead of relying on pesticides, weed killers and synthetic fertilizers to grow vegetable gardens, regenerative gardeners rely on nature&#...
What is the Function of Sulfur (S) in Plants?In a past article about minerals in soil, we discussed proper soil nutrition and explained that plants take essential nutrients from the soil in order to thrive in their environment. One of these nutrients — a macronutrient to be precise — is sulfur, which healthy plants take in larger amounts from the soil. In this piece, we'll talk about what exactly sulfur does for plants and what to do in the event of a sulfur deficiency. How Does Sulfur Affect Plant Growth? Buy Organic Sulfur Powder...
How to Nourish Your Soil in the WinterIn most climates, planting seasons are cyclical. This means that during an off or dormant season, you should just leave your soil alone, right? Well, not if you want to optimize your plants' health and yield in the following season. Gardening is a full-time job, and you need to ensure that your soil receives proper nourishment all year long, including in the winter. Here are a few tips to make sure that when the winter turns to spring, your soil is primed and ready to burst forth with pla...
What You Need to Know About Soil pHWhen the time comes to design and plant your garden, you will need to know whether your soil is acidic or alkaline, as different plants thrive in various soils. Maintaining the correct pH level for your plants will ensure that they intake essential minerals, absorb enough water and ultimately produce at their best. In this article, we'll show you how to figure out your soil pH and ways to correct it if it's not where you need it to be. What is Soil pH? Soil pH is a number that descri...
The Role of Root Health in Your Plants and How to Improve It
Take care of your plants and your plants will take care you. Get more enjoyment from your flowers and plants while increasing crop yield, when you take proper care of their root systems using an organic fertilizer. A common mistake made by new gardeners is to overlook the health of the root systems of their plants. Root systems are like the foundation of a house or building. Just as a poor foundation can lead to a structure tumbling down, an unhealthy root system leads to the "tumbling do...
The 5 Fertilizers That Will Also Encourage Soil Health
One key element that is often overlooked in gardening is healthy soil. You can feed your plants all the nutrients you want, but if your soil health is lacking, your plants won’t reach their full potential. What’s the easiest way to combat this? By feeding your soil of course! Our soil is comprised of tiny microorganisms and beneficial bacteria that work together to contribute to your plant’s health by providing a healthy foundation for root growth and nutrient uptake. The healthier your soil,...
Save Money in the Garden With These 10 Tips
If money grew on trees, then everyone would garden. But since it doesn’t, the rest of us need to find ways to make our favorite hobby a lot more budget-friendly. The following ten tips may help your dollar stretch in the garden by encouraging resourcefulness and strategic planting. Read on to green your thumb and hopefully, your wallet. 1. Make Your Own Compost An easy way to supplement your plants that is also cost effective is by making your own compost. Don’t let this process scare you. A...
What Are the Effects of Iron on Plant Growth?
What is Iron? Iron, the 26th element in the periodic table, is one of 16 vital elements that are necessary for plants to grow and be healthy. While most people may think of iron as the tough, rust-prone material in their cast iron skillets, actually iron comes in various forms. Plants can make use of some of them, but in many types of soil, plants need a little help to be able to get the iron they need. What is the Function of Iron in Plants? Where plants are concerned, iron is a micronutrie...
Should You Add Fertilizer to Your Compost Pile?
"What are you using for compost?" "That compost pile is coming along nicely." "I never start planting without a compost pile." Whether you've been planting for years or you're tilling rows for the first time, composting and fertilizing never fail to come up in conversations about the ins and outs of gardening. But what exactly is composting? Is the talk of fertilizer simply hype? If you've ever wondered about compost or fertilizer and what they can do for y...
Rodent Roundup: Natural Solutions for Keeping Critters Out of Your Garden
It's almost inevitable – if you have a garden, you'll likely have pests like snakes and rodents threatening your garden. Don't fret, however. You have many different pest control options for keeping rodents away from your homegrown fruit and vegetables so that the bounty remains safe for your family to harvest and enjoy. You don't have to turn to dangerous chemicals or inhumane traps, either. Instead, you can use a variety of preventative solutions and natural, environmentally...
What is the Role of Manganese and Potassium?
Plants which produce fruit with a high concentration of carbohydrates require a great deal of potassium for carbohydrate transport into the fruit. The fruit functions as a storage organ for sugars, and consequently, also becomes a storage sink for potassium. High carbohydrate fruit such as tomatoes or potatoes need a generous supply of potassium to fill fruit. Potassium is usually readily absorbed, but sometimes crops struggle picking up potassium from the soil. This can be due to a variety ...
The Best Plants for a Fall Garden
With summer winding down, it's the perfect time to start harvesting plants for the fall. This list covers the top five plants that you should consider growing, this fall season. These plants are perfect for a beginner gardener, requiring minimal skills. 1. Brussels Sprouts Brussels sprouts are inherently the perfect fall plant! In warmer climates, brussels sprouts can start growing in the fall and survive through the winter to be ready in the spring. The brussels sprout is a vigorous pla...
Why You Should Rotate Your Crops
Having the same crops every season will result in progressively lower yields if everything else remain constant. As such, it is advisable to deploy crop rotation and have different plants on your fall garden this season. Also, rotation can help you partially deal with a soil pathogen associated with root disease in sick plants. Additionally, crop rotation plays various other crucial roles, especially soil health, organic matter, and the stimulation of microbial communities in the soil. What i...
Why Cover Crops Are Important in the Fall
Cover crops are an important part of commercial farming operations. The benefits that they provide professional farmers can also be felt by people gardening at home. This short guide will tell you everything you need to know about cover crops and help you decide whether or not they're right for your yard. What is a Cover Crop? A cover crop is a crop grown with other more valuable crops with the sole purpose of protecting them during regular crop production. Cover crops are generally used...
6 Plants That Can Make You Happier
It's natural to feel stressed, worried, scared, anxious, or otherwise, not yourself at times in life. Whether it's linked to a global pandemic like coronavirus, brought on during certain seasons, due to a mood disorder, or a variety of other reasons, anything that helps inject a little happiness in your life can be a welcome presence. We put together a list of plants for you to consider — both indoor and outdoor — as a way to boost your mood whenever you're feeling down. Here are...
5 Plants That Boost Your Immune System
A home garden can be a joy and give you real benefits, from fresh fruits and vegetables to aromatic herbs to enhance your meals. Plus, some plants have immune system boosting properties and can enhance your health. Here are some plants to boost your immune health that you can plant in your own garden and some gardening tips for success. 1. Lemons Citrus fruits are chock-full of Vitamin C, which can increase your immune health and make it easier to fight off the common cold. Citrus fruits gro...
How to Easily Create a Regenerative Garden
There's more than one way to save the planet and luckily, gardening is an awesome way to give back to the Earth. Some gardening methods, like regenerative gardening, do a little more for Mother Nature than your typical garden. If you'd like to learn why and how to build your own regenerative garden, just read on! What is Regenerative Gardening? Instead of relying on pesticides, weed killers and synthetic fertilizers to grow vegetable gardens, regenerative gardeners rely on nature&#...
What is the Function of Sulfur (S) in Plants?
In a past article about minerals in soil, we discussed proper soil nutrition and explained that plants take essential nutrients from the soil in order to thrive in their environment. One of these nutrients — a macronutrient to be precise — is sulfur, which healthy plants take in larger amounts from the soil. In this piece, we'll talk about what exactly sulfur does for plants and what to do in the event of a sulfur deficiency. How Does Sulfur Affect Plant Growth? Buy Organic Sulfur Powder...
How to Nourish Your Soil in the Winter
In most climates, planting seasons are cyclical. This means that during an off or dormant season, you should just leave your soil alone, right? Well, not if you want to optimize your plants' health and yield in the following season. Gardening is a full-time job, and you need to ensure that your soil receives proper nourishment all year long, including in the winter. Here are a few tips to make sure that when the winter turns to spring, your soil is primed and ready to burst forth with pla...
What You Need to Know About Soil pH
When the time comes to design and plant your garden, you will need to know whether your soil is acidic or alkaline, as different plants thrive in various soils. Maintaining the correct pH level for your plants will ensure that they intake essential minerals, absorb enough water and ultimately produce at their best. In this article, we'll show you how to figure out your soil pH and ways to correct it if it's not where you need it to be. What is Soil pH? Soil pH is a number that descri...
