If you’re considering starting a plant family but don’t necessarily have a green thumb, don’t worry! Growing a garden is a rewarding and nurturing journey that requires patience, dedication, and a touch of love. From choosing the right plants to learning why your leafy friends may occasionally lose a few leaves, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the exciting world of becoming a plant parent with these tips on how to grow your garden.

The Green Selection: Choosing Your Plant Babies

Before you can officially join the ranks of plant parents, you need to know what you’re getting yourself into. That means selecting the right type of plants for your garden. Here are a few factors to consider:

• Space
• Location
• Climate
• Your lifestyle

Do some research based on these factors to determine the plant species that will thrive in your garden. Tending plants that are incompatible with your garden and lifestyle is a battle you’re going to lose.

Caring for Your Plants: Tips To Keep Them Alive and Happy

Good news—those Pinterest photos of full, colorful gardens can be your reality! Learning the ropes of proper plant care can be overwhelming when you first start, but with the right guidance, your garden will flourish! Below are a few tips to consider.

Watering Wisely

Watering is essential for healthy plants. However, too much water can cause root rot, so be mindful of your plant’s needs. Research each plant’s watering preferences and stick to a schedule.

The Soil Situation

Different plants require different soil types, so knowing what works best for your green companions is important. A well-aerated soil with proper drainage is generally a safe bet. To provide essential nutrients, you can also enhance your soil with organic matter, such as compost or aged manure.

Primping and Pruning

Growing plants often need a bit of grooming to encourage healthy growth. Regularly remove dead leaves, trim excess growth, and pinch back any leggy stems. This enhances the plant’s appearance, promotes air circulation, and discourages pests.

Waging War on Plant Pests

Pests can be your worst enemy when it comes to gardening. To protect your plant babies, promptly address any infestations using chemical or organic treatments. You might also consider introducing beneficial insects, like ladybugs or praying mantises, to make your garden a no-pest zone.

Oh No, My Plant Died! What Went Wrong?

If you find that your landscaping plants keep dying, don’t worry! Many factors can contribute to this sad outcome, including overwatering and inadequate light. Identifying the problem is essential to learn from your mistakes and become a better plant parent.

Use these tips on how to grow your garden so you can see the fruits of your labor—literally. And remember that every error is an opportunity to learn and try something different.

The post Becoming a Plant Parent: How To Grow Your Garden appeared first on Luxury Home Digest.

by Roberta Murphy

I have always felt such a sense of peace when I am in the garden fooling around with dirt and plants, but never gave it much thought until this morning.

I read an article today relating research that confirms my senses: Garden Dirt actually serves as an anti-depressant. And could take the place of Prozac.

I don’t suffer from depression and have never taken Prozac, but I do notice a difference in myself when I am in the garden, fooling with dirt, and daring to go barefoot (which has different research supporting the practice). I feel a delicious sense of peace and connection with the earth. It now turns out that beneficial microbes in the soil can enter the body through both breathing and our skin (Perhaps I should remove gloves more often?).

It appears that antidepressant microbes, specifically Mycobacterium vaccae, in the soil cause our cytokine levels to rise, resulting in the production of increased levels of serotonin. There may also be some evidence that the microbes help create an increase in cognitive ability and better concentration on tasks. These effects may be felt for up to 3 weeks, if current research with rats is any indication. According to the article in Gardening Know How.

“Mycobacterium antidepressant microbes in soil are also being investigated for improving cognitive function, Crohn’s disease and even rheumatoid arthritis.”

After reading this article, I can’t help but wonder how a garden might be helpful for memory care residents, or even those in assisted living of some sort. Not only would they get the gratification of growing flowers or vegetables, but it just might elevate spirits and cognition. I know a couple of elementary schools in Encinitas and Carlsbad have cultivated gardens as a learning experience for the children. Might the soil organisms also make them more attentive in class?

Makes you wonder.

I know that in an hour or so, I am going to go fool around in the garden, play in the dirt, and spread more worm castings while I’m at it. And this time,  I’m not wearing gloves!

 Want to know more?

Read more at Gardening Know How: Antidepressant Microbes In Soil: How Dirt Makes You Happy https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/antidepressant-microbes-soil.htm

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