HOW MUCH AND WHAT KIND OF NUTRIENT?
When we give our plants a checkup, how is it that we
should check their nutrition? Starting with an examination
of the label on the nutrient container is a good idea.
Whether you are using an organic or ionized plant nutrient,
there should be information for that product regarding the
nutrients it contains. Our plants need the right amount
of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for growth, and
the label on the nutrient tells us this content. Of course,
nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are macronutrients
and only part of the plant’s requirements.
Micronutrients cannot generally be tested outside of a labo-
ratory, so making sure we are providing a complete micronu-
trient formula and the right levels to our plants is important.
In some cases, the label does not anticipate the product being
applied to the type of grow media or at the soil percolation
rate that you are using. In this situation, application rates may
need to be altered. Many fertilizers do not provide micronutri-
ents at all, while others are incomplete. Know your nutrients
and add important minerals that might be missing. There are
tests we can do to check for nutrient levels in the grow media.
The pH of the grow media will greatly affect the ability of the
plant to uptake the nutrients in that media. So, checking your
pH levels is very important. Many things can and do affect
this pH level; therefore, this is one check that should be done
more frequently. Most plants (but not all) prefer a pH level
between 5.5 and 6.5. Knowing your crop’s needs are vital.
ACTUAL EXAMINATIONS AND INSPECTIONS
Checking on your garden can and should be fun as well
as rewarding. It usually starts off by getting that sense
of achievement by seeing just how well everything is
growing. Then, there are times you get a surprise that you
weren’t really hoping to see.
Having a good magnifying glass is really a must for
doing the best inspections. Small microscopes that
provide 60-100 power magnification are inexpensive and
can help see things that otherwise would be hidden.
Learning to use these can be lots of fun too. You are also
going to want to photograph various plants to compare
how they look today with next or last month. Thanks to
technology, all these photos can be stored and organized
easily. Note taking also will maximize the benefit you get
from your ongoing inspections of your garden or crop.
Plant symptoms may be caused by biotic or abiotic
factors. Getting to the root cause for whatever is ailing
a plant is every bit as important as knowing what the
insect or disease is that has caused the symptom(s) that
you observed. In addition to nutrient imbalances, there
is drought or excessive water and the resulting lack of
soil oxygen to consider. Also on the radar are ambient
air temperature and the use of pesticides or herbicides.
Soil compaction or infestation by pests can be a big
problem, and let’s not overlook varmints that come to
visit without invitation.
“One of the most important checks we
can do for our plants is to look closely at
the nutrients we have been giving them.”
grow cycle
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