Six Steps to Healthy Plants
April 12, 2012Dear Friends: Just as it had happened a couple of weeks ago, my computer, browser, dial-up connection, or ALL THREE has been as slow as a slug crossing the garden path—thus no posting until this evening. I had logged in many times off and on since Monday, then waited an hour or so hoping the posting page (where I upload the articles and photos to publish) would open, but no luck. While I apologize, I also ask that you understand this could happen again. Lately, it seems to happen more often. If I had tech skills, the slug (or slugs) causing all the problems would never make it across the path. Instead, it would see the bottom of my old garden shoe.
Whether you’re a novice, passionate or occasional gardener, by following a few steps you can keep your plants looking their best. These simple effective steps introduce you to the basics of healthy plants that will reward you for years to come.
- Zone: Select plants for your zone by buying from local nurseries. Utilize the knowledge of nursery persons, neighbors, garden club members, cooperative extension agents, and master gardeners.
- Size: Minimize pruning by placing plants and trees where they have ample growing space for maturity, away from buildings and overhead utility lines. Avoid overcrowding plants so they don’t have to fight for nutrients.
- Exposure: Sufficient light is one of the most important elements to plant growth. Improper light duration and magnitude can stunt growth, burn foliage, or even kill plants and trees.
- Temperature: Select plants that will survive in your areas lowest winter temperatures. Most plant tags provide cold/heat zone data listing minimum hardiness and heat tolerance temperatures.
- Water: It’s no secret plants can’t live without moisture. When and how much water a plant needs will vary according to the variety and soil type. Don’t put water-loving plants and trees in an area with little water or drought resistant plants in soil with poor drainage. Follow a regular water schedule using timers wherever possible.
- Nutrition: Nutrients is crucial to plant health. Your soil’s texture and fertility will determine how much and what you need to add for moisture retention, proper drainage, or organic material. A simple soil test kit (available at most nurseries) will provide data on your soil’s composition. The three main ingredients plants need are: Nitrogen (N) promotes vigorous leaf growth. Phosphorus (P) encourages good development of roots, flowers, and fruit. Potassium (K) promotes cell division and strong stems.
Follow the above tips and your plants will give you satisfying results year after year.
In and Around the Garden 
Sorry to hear about your computer problems, but glad to see you have a good garden helper! Say ‘Hi to Ralphie!’
The snapdragons we planted in the homemade flower boxes are thriving and beautiful colors of red, white, yellow and pink, a delight to see every time we pull into the driveway.
The flowers we planted in the hanging baskets are also thriving. I guess we are following ‘”In and Around the Garden” tips to keep our garden looking pretty and happy. Thank you, Dianne, for your postings.
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I love snapdragons and I always have some in my garden, mostly to honor my grandmother. When I was a young girl, she always had them bordering the exterior wall of her house. I remember pinching them so they would open and close like a talking flower. They were such fun.
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