Hi, it’s Julien.
This week, I received a commercial air and a water pump as a gift from a client.
I’m thankful and excited about these since I can experiment with aquaponics projects.
However, that will take some time since I’ll still have to collect the other parts to create the system.
As for today, we’re going to discuss:
🌿 7 Tips for Watering and Caring for Your Garden
These tips will help your plants stay happy and healthy. But remember, these are general suggestions that work for most vegetables, but some plants have slightly different needs.
1. Watering Your Plants
First, try watering your plants early in the morning. This should ensure they have enough water to last the entire day.
However, temperature, soil mix, size of pot, and plants can cause the soil to dry out sooner than expected.
To check this, stick your finger in the soil to see if it’s dry. If it’s dry more than an inch below the surface, it’s time to water again.
2. Keep the Leaves Dry
When watering, try to avoid getting the leaves wet. Wet leaves can lead to diseases.
Aim for the plant’s base, where the roots are. Give them a good soak so the water reaches deep into the soil.
3. Mulch Your Garden
Add a layer of mulch around your plants. This can include materials such as shredded leaves, tree bark, compost, or even breathable landscaping fabric.
Mulch helps keep the soil moist, reduces weeds, and protects the roots from extreme temperatures.
4. Feed Your Plants
Plants need food just like we do! Use compost or a balanced fertilizer to give your plants the nutrients they need to grow strong.
Just ensure you follow the instructions on the fertilizer package, or at least monitor the plants for signs of lack.
5. Prune and Pinch
Remove dead or yellowing leaves and pinch off the tips of some plants to encourage bushier growth.
However, note the variety of plants in your garden since some require more pruning than others.
6. Keep an Eye Out for Pests
Check your plants regularly for pests like aphids or caterpillars. If you see any, remove them by hand or use a natural pest control method.
Remember, it’s perfectly normal for pests to visit your garden. Just ensure you monitor and manage their numbers.
7. Support Your Plants
Some plants, like tomatoes and cucumbers need support as they grow. Use stakes, cages, or trellises to help keep your plants upright and off the ground.
Ensure you make provisions for this early since plants tend to grow much faster when you least expect them to.
💡 Need More Ideas?
For more detailed information about caring for plants, check out my article on watering plants in a container garden. It’s packed with helpful tips to keep your garden thriving.
📸 Photo Of The Week
I got cuttings from these variegated Cuban Oregano plants to propagate a couple months ago.
Initially, I thought they were only ornamental, but recently found out they also make tasty food seasonings.
📋 Weekend To-Do List
Do you have a recommendation to share with other guide readers? Please submit it here; it might be featured on next week’s list.
📚 Read: Learn about 12 simple ways to keep harmful bugs away or, at the very least, to keep their numbers in check while gardening. Read Article
📺 Watch: This video might be 10+ years old, but the idea within it is timeless. Watch Video
🌱 Plant: Turmeric is a versatile little plant that is easy to grow in your garden, even if it’s just some pots on your balcony. Learn How
📧 Did I Miss Anything?
I welcome your comments and suggestions, which will help improve the newsletter. Also…
Send me a message with any topic, photo or question you’d like featured in future issues.
And remember, my newsletter goes out every Friday morning.
Until next week, take care, stay safe, and keep growing!
