Geology/Science

Needs of a Plant: LIGHTHealthy plants need light,

air, water and nourishment in order to grow well.

Photosynthesis: all green parts of a plant contain chlorophyll, which absorbs sunlight and converts it into energy

Some plants need more direct sunlight (their prime energy source)than others—so find out how much a plant needs before deciding on where to plant it.

Needs of a Plant: WATERWater until the top 6 inches

of soil are wet (but this depends on what time of year and how dry it is).

Signs that your plants need water: plants are wilting and dying.

Thorough watering is better that frequent shallow watering.

Never spray directly at the base of a plant (this washes soil away from the roots).

Needs of a Plant: NUTRIENTSNutrients needed: Nitrogen (N)—which is

vital for healthy leaf and stem growth; Phosphorus (P)—which promotes strong root growth; and Potassium (K)—which is necessary for flowering and fruiting.

Things that can go wrong: WEEDSWeed: A weed is any plant

growing in a place where it is not wanted.

Weeds compete directly with your garden plants for light, nutrients, and water.

Ways to control weeds: digging them up, hoeing weeds, mulching, chemical, and planting a groundcover plant.

Things that can go wrong: PESTSPests can include such insects as…

Aphids, leaf miners, red spider mites, earwigs, slugs & snails, etc.

When buying plants, choose wealthy looking ones—they are less likely to bring pests and diseases with them.

Example of treating for APHIDS: many natural predators can help (such as ladybugs); spray with insecticidal soap; plant garlic bulbs nearby (the garlic plant acts as a deterrent).

Things that can go wrong: DISEASE & DISORDERS

Disease and disorders do happen (e.g. fungi, root rot, mold, blights, rusts, etc.)

Tips to avoid problems:1. Keep a watch for problems to address them

before they get out of hand2. Grow plants in suitable conditions

3. Observe good hygiene4. Rotate vegetables

5. Buy good-quality, healthy plants

Sources:Greenwood, Pippa. The New Gardener.

Dorling Kindersley: New York, 1995.Beckett, Ken, Steve Bradley, Noel Kingsbury

& Tim Newbury. Gardening Basics: A complete guide to designing, planting, and maintaining gardens. Sterling Publishing Co., Inc: New York, 1999.