gardening tips and advice

Get free gardening plants and other garden goodies

By Aaron Simpson 7 December, 2022 7 mins read

You can find many places to get free gardening plants and other goodies. To find bargains you can use classified ads, your local newspaper, or both. Facebook Marketplace and gardening groups can also provide a treasure trove of plants and other goodies. Check out the "Gardens” section of classified ads. There are many bargains to be found on eBay and other sites.

EC of gardening plants

Every day, you should check the EC value of your gardening plants. Even the simplest test can reveal if the plants have a good growth rate. High levels of EC could lead to smaller fruits or lower yields. Commercial growers don't push EC levels too high, preferring quality over yields. However, hobbyists can still benefit from checking the EC levels of their plants daily. EC levels may rise to unhealthy levels on hot days. In such a case, the plants will only be taking in water and not absorbing nutrients.

You can use a simple soil tester kit to determine the EC level of your garden plants. The HI98331 Soil Test Direct soil conductivity tester is a great choice for home-gardening.

Shade lovers

Many shade-loving plant species can be used in gardens. Some perennials are easy to maintain, while others require constant attention. Corydalis, which blooms in late spring or early summer with its heart-shaped petals, is one shade-loving perennial. It is low-maintenance and can grow up to 6 inches tall. It has small roots that are spread along the stems, so it is a great choice for a shaded area.

Shade-loving plants come in many colors and textures. These plants are sturdy and can be used as containers, borders, and under trees. Many of these plants are self-seeding so you can get many blooms from one plant. There are many shade-loving plants available to suit any style, no matter if you want to make a stunning garden with vibrant, colorful flowers, or create a colorful container.

Hostas can be a great shade-loving choice to plant in your garden. It's easy to grow, and it makes a great companion plant for other shade-loving varieties. Its tapestry-like, tapestry-like petals and flowers will add beauty to your garden.

Tolerating drought

The drought-tolerant gardening plants are perfect for xeriscaping desert gardening or water-wise. These plants will survive drought conditions, and they are often the most beautiful plants to grow in your garden. They are also resistant to poor soil conditions making them an excellent choice in xeriscaping.

When choosing a drought-tolerant gardening plant, keep in mind that it will need supplemental water during the first few months, but will require less attention once established. To keep the soil moist you can also use mulching. These plants are also less prone to disease. You can reduce watering times and reduce the number of days you water. Once you've made these changes, you need to continue to reduce how much water you are consuming.

You should ensure that the plant you choose is native to your region if you wish to grow drought-tolerant plants in your garden. These plants are drought-tolerant and have survived in these conditions. If you live in a dry climate, it's likely that your local plants are drought-tolerant. However, you may want to consider improving the soil's pH balance to improve their drought tolerance.

Perennials

Perennials add beauty and colour to your garden. Many flowering perennials are extremely easy to grow and can be grown in just about any soil. One of the easiest to grow is the balloon flower. This perennial is very hardy and requires good soil and full sun. You can also find it in single and double petal varieties. It has a silvery stem and balloon-shaped buds that open in July.

To keep perennials small, they are often placed in a pot. But be careful not overcrowd the pot! This could encourage diseases and hinder their growth. The first year of growth of a perennial is slow, but the second year is when they really start to grow. They will be fully-grown by the third.

Herbs

If you're new to gardening, consider starting an herb garden. You can grow herbs easily and they add great flavor to your food. You can even grow them indoors in containers. To have a successful garden, you will need rich soil, sun, and no competition. If you don't have the right soil conditions, a raised garden can be an alternative. You can also purchase soil-based products such as Miracle Gro(r), Raised Soil and use that as your plant medium.

Some herbs need special care but you can grow many herbs in your garden. Parsley, for instance, can be grown in pots and planted in the garden. It can thrive in full sunshine and will require regular watering. You should use sharp scissors to trim the stems. Thyme, another easy-to grow herb, is also available. The perennial plant thrives in sunny areas and can be harvested all year.

Containers

The right container can make a big impact on the success of your gardening plants. When selecting a container for your garden, take into account the size and location of your plant. A smaller container may dry faster, and might require more care on hot days. It's also important to make sure the drainage holes are present in your container. Waterlogged soil encourages fungal and bacterial growth. This can reduce the productivity of your plants, and could even lead to their death.

Make sure you fill containers at least two-thirds with potting mix when choosing containers. Avoid using garden soil. This is too heavy and will cause the container to not drain well. Place your container upside-down on the bottom of a large potter. If the container takes up too much space, place it in the bottom of a larger vase. Plant your plants by filling the container with potting mixture.

Transplants

There are many benefits to using transplants in gardening, including higher yields. Many crops grow better when transplanted than when they are grown from seeds. The plants that are grown from seeds tend to develop disease faster and grow slower. Transplants are also a great way to quickly establish a garden. Some vegetables, such as the most popular ones, can only be grown from seed. However, some others thrive when transplanted.

Transplants must be properly dried before they can be transplanted outdoors. This will allow them to establish deeper roots and firmer foliage. This is particularly important for container-grown plants and seedlings. However, mature, established plants don't require transplant shielding. For transplants to be hardened, they should be given a couple weeks in partial sunshine and a breeze.

Transplants can be bought in many garden stores. They can be a more affordable way to grow more produce. Plants can be easily transplanted and are often less expensive than seeds. The right kind of transplants can help you grow a wide variety of vegetables and fruits.

You need nutrients

To grow and thrive, plants require a wide range of nutrients. These essential elements are found in air, water and soil. The soil also contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Some plants need other nutrients in smaller amounts. Before adding nutrients to your soil you need to check its nutrient level.

For plants to grow shoots or leaves, they need nitrogen. Plants also require phosphorus for roots formation and potassium for fruit and flower development. Manure and compost will provide most of the nutrients plants need. These materials will improve the soil's structure as well as its ability to retain moisture.

Copper is crucial for protein production as well as reproduction. Lack of copper can cause bluish-green or rosettes around the tips of plants. Molybdenum is important for nitrate enzymes and supports the formation of root nodules. Leaf dead spots, yellow mottling and curled leaves can all be caused by insufficient molybdenum.

Plant care

To prevent pests and diseases from occurring when you are growing plants, it is essential to understand how to properly care for them. You should inspect plants frequently for pests, diseases, or any other abnormalities. If you find them, treat them immediately. If a plant is infected, dispose of it immediately. Rotating crops helps to reduce disease risk and keep the soil from being too taxed. The local nursery and extension office can offer valuable advice on specific plants.

Fertilizing plants should be done carefully to avoid damaging the plant. Fertilizer should be applied 6 inches away from the plant's base. Fertilizer should never come in direct contact with the plants, because it could burn the roots. The plant won't thrive if its roots are not above the soil's surface. Proper watering can help keep plants healthy and produce more fruit and vegetables.

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FAQ

What vegetables do you recommend growing together?

Because they are both fond of similar soil conditions and temperatures, it is easy to grow peppers and tomatoes together. They complement each other well since tomatoes need heat to ripen while peppers require cooler temperatures for optimal flavor. If you want to try growing them together, start seeds indoors about six weeks before planting them. Once the weather warms up, transplant the tomato and pepper plants outdoors.

How do I know what type of soil I have?

The dirt's color can tell you what it is. You will find more organic matter in darker soils that those of lighter colors. You can also do soil tests. These tests are used to determine the quantity of nutrients in soil.

Which type of lighting best suits indoor plant growth?

Because they emit less heat, floralescent lights are great for indoor gardening. They also provide consistent lighting without flickering or dimming. Both regular and compact fluorescent fluorescent bulbs are available. CFLs consume up to 75% less electricity than traditional bulbs.

Is it possible to grow vegetables indoors?

Yes, it's possible to grow vegetables inside during the winter months. You will need to purchase a greenhouse or grow lights. You should check the laws in your area before you purchase a greenhouse.

Statistics

It will likely be ready if a seedling has between 3 and 4 true leaves. (gilmour.com)
According to the National Gardening Association, the average family with a garden spends $70 on their crops—but they grow an estimated $600 worth of veggies! - blog.nationwide.com
Today, 80 percent of all corn grown in North America is from GMO seed that is planted and sprayed with Roundup. - parkseed.com
As the price of fruit and vegetables is expected to rise by 8% after Brexit, the idea of growing your own is now better than ever. (countryliving.com)

External Links

thespruce.com

Are you able to plant your vegetable garden from seedlings or seeds?

bhg.com

6 Essential Steps for Starting Your First Vegetable Garden Off Right

How To

How can I keep weeds away from my vegetable gardens?

Growing healthy vegetables is difficult because of weeds. They compete for space, water, nutrients, sun, and sunlight. To prevent them from taking over your garden, use these tips: