Sustaining the Plants

~Step 4: Sustaining the Plants~

• Plant Diseases and Pests:

  • To prevent diseases and pests, make sure to maintain a clean garden. Use good soil (as listed above), healthy water amounts, mulch to prevent soil splashing and spreading of the disease, and proper compost. Give the plant enough air circulation as well.

  • If parts of your plant have diseases, cut them off carefully as soon as you can to minimize the spread to other areas as well.

  • You can also look for disease-resistant plants at your local nursery.

  • To get rid of pests, use natural pest-repelling materials, such as neem oil and garlic.

  • You can also use the concept of companion planting by planting a pest-repelling plant, such as marigolds, near the plant that is currently affected by pests. 

  • Try introducing helpful bugs , such as ladybugs, into your garden. They can help control the pest population.

• Water Usage:

  • Do not overwater your plants, as it is not good for them. You can also save water when you water your plants after the sun is at its peak, as the water won’t evaporate.

  • Water the plant’s roots instead of the leaves or stems. Watering the leaves or stems can lead to diseases and wilting or a yellow color. Using methods like drip irrigation can both save water and target water directly at the roots. 

  • Keep in mind that different plants need different amounts of water. For example, succulents need a minimal amount, while lettuce might need a lot more. Plants will also need more or less water depending on the temperature outside or the amount of sun exposure.

• Changes in Temperature:

  • For high temperatures:

    • Give your plants extra water. More water lost from the plant’s leaves due to high temperatures results in sunburn damage and wilting. You should water your plants in the morning because it has the lowest temperature.

    • Skip fertilizing. Plants use a lot of resources to take in fertilizer, but they need to use all of it to survive heat. The fertilizer will stay in the soil and can burn the plant.

    • Avoid pruning.