5 Must Have's For Gardening

Love gardens and want to try a hand at gardening on your own? No problem. Here are 5 must-haves that would help you follow your passion for gardening.

1. VARIETY OF PLANTS 

Obviously the most important and the primary requirement of gardening are the plants. It is very important to have a variety of plants in your garden. It ensures that the garden is flush with some or the other flowers throughout the year. 

Here are some types of plants you should have in the garden:

• Permanent plants 

source:plethorist.com

As the name suggests these plants do not die after flowering and live for a very long time. Remember permanent doesn’t mean that the flowers bloom all year round. The blooming season may differ from flower to flower.

 Fruit-bearing plants like the Java Plum tree, Sapodilla tree, lemon pant, and Mango tree also have a long lifespan. All those who have a balcony or terrace garden don’t have to worry these plants can be potted in a pot as well.

• Seasonal plants

source:nurserylive.com

Seasonal plants are the plants that complete their life-cycle in one blooming season. These flowers add a bright and colorful element to the garden. Some of the seasonal plants that bloom during the spring season are Pansies, Ivies, Lobelias, and other foliage plants.

Topiaries and Dogwood would give a delightful display during winters.

Zinnias, millets, daisies, and Dahlias with their vibrant colors would be best for the summers.

• Succulent plants

source:greenhousekeeping.com

Succulents are mainly indoor plants but can be planted under shade in a garden. They are small low maintenance plants, moreover watering them is not an issue and give an aesthetic display in the garden. It’s a complete win-win situation. Sedum and Sempervivum are easy to grow in a garden and can also adapt to a sunny location.

• Hanging plant

source:mydomaine.com

Hanging plants are a viable option for those who have balcony or terrace gardens because of the space constraints. Hanging pot plants helps in utilizing the available space. 

2. WATERING SYSTEM

It is a big misconception among people that the more you water the plant the faster it grows. Damn you nursery rhymes! 

Although water plays a significant role in the growth, over-watering can kill the plants. It is very important to remember that every plant has different watering requirements. Jar Vera needs a more regular watering system whereas succulents rarely need watering. 

The best time to water the plants is in the evening during the summer whereas it is preferable to water the plants alternate days during winter.

 

3. FERTILIZERS AND FRESH MANURE

Who doesn’t like the fresh organic manure?? Well, no one!

Fertilizers and manure help to rejuvenate the soil with minerals and everything necessary for growing a healthy plant.  

 

You can either buy it from nearby nurseries or can save up and prepare some on your own. All you need is some kitchen waste, yeast, and a sealed container and you can make manure at home in a month.

Sounds easy right?

 

4. MAINTENANCE 

source:greenhousing.com

Plants are like kids, they need your attention and care. Maintenance involves the cutting and trimming of the plants for better growth, just like you do with your hair to avoid split ends.

Pruning is the process of selective removal of certain parts of a plant, such as buds, branches, or roots. It is generally done to remove the dried up stems and dead tissues of the plant.

 

Tips for pruning:

1. Make sure your tools are cleaned and washed.

2. Keep an angle of 45%, while you cut the stems.

3. Cut the correct distance and not too far.

4. Cut back the weak growth.

5. PASSION

The last and MOST crucial must-have is passion. Nothing is possible without passion. Gardening is not as easy as it might sound; it needs patience and nurturing towards the plants.  

By- Rtr. Pallavi Gaikwad
       Editor 2020-21