being plants

Rose Problem & Care   Roses are the crown jewel of any garden, but keeping them healthy and vibrant is no easy task. From fungal diseases to sneaky pests, roses are vulnerable to various problems that can hinder their beauty and growth. In this guide, we’ll explore seven major problems that can seriously harm your roses and provide actionable solutions to tackle them. Rose Problem & Care   1. Powdery Mildew   Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that plagues roses, especially in warm, humid conditions. It’s characterized by a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and even flower buds. This disease can stunt growth and weaken your plant over time. Causes and Contributing Factors: Powdery mildew thrives in environments with poor air circulation and high humidity. Overwatering and overhead watering can also increase the risk. Prevention and Treatment: Ensure proper spacing between rose plants for better air circulation. Use fungicides desig...

Do Succulents Need Any Fertilizer?   Succulents have become a favorite among plant lovers thanks to their stunning appearance and low-maintenance nature. From vibrant Echeverias to hardy Jade plants, these drought-tolerant beauties are famous for thriving even in challenging environments. But while succulents are easy to care for, many enthusiasts wonder, “Do succulents really need fertilizer?” Let’s dig into the science of succulent care to answer this important question. Do Succulents Need Any Fertilizer? Succulents are a group of plants that store water in their thick, fleshy leaves, stems, or roots. Popular examples include Crassula Ovata, Echeveria, Aloe Vera, Sedum, and Agave. Their unique ability to retain water allows them to survive in arid climates, making them well-suited for homes, offices, and gardens worldwide. Unlike many other plants, succulents don’t rely heavily on nutrient-rich soil. Their native habitats are often rocky or sandy, where nutrients are spar...

It’s nearly Christmas and time to dig up the parsnips for Christmas Dinner! I hope you have some homegrown vegetables for your dinner as well, if not, there’s always next year! Today is the day after the Winter Solstice. It is a typical winters day, wintery bitter cold from the wind but the sunshine is still pushing through the clouds to remind us it won’t be long until Spring. Christmas Dinner – GYO Veg What Vegetables do I have Growing in December? Brassicas – Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, Spring Cabbage, Kale. Bulbs – Garlic & Elephant Garlic (outdoors) and Shallots in a cell tray (in greenhouse). Other – Leeks and Parsnips ready for harvest. Speedy Leaves ready for harvest. Shallots spouting in the greenhouse Why do I Grow Winter Vegetables? I have been growing Winter Vegetables for a few years and to grow them, it’s all about the timing. Most winter vegetables need to be sown in July and August. These months are the height of our UK summer so most peopl...

How to Make Plants Grow Faster   Growing plants faster is not just about luck; it’s about understanding what plants need and providing them with the right conditions to thrive. Syngonium Plant Whether you are a gardening novice or an experienced green thumb, this guide will equip you with actionable tips to speed up plant growth while keeping them healthy. Let’s dive right in! How to Make Plants Grow Faster Understanding Plant Growth Basics   The Science of Plant Growth   Plant growth depends on the process of photosynthesis, where plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into energy. Nutrient uptake from the soil complements this process by supplying essential minerals like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These elements form the building blocks for healthy growth and development. Factors Influencing Growth Rate   Several factors directly impact how quickly a plant grows: 1. Light: The right amount of sunlight fuels photosynthes...

How Much Water Do Succulents Need for Healthy Growth?   Succulents are some of the most low-maintenance plants you can grow, but their watering needs require a bit of precision. These drought-tolerant plants have adapted to store water in their thick leaves, stems, or roots, allowing them to thrive in arid conditions. However, overwatering or underwatering can affect their health and growth. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about how much water succulents need to grow beautifully and stay healthy. How Much Water Do Succulents Need for Healthy Growth?   Understanding Succulents and Their Water Needs Why Succulents Require Minimal Water   Succulents are native to regions with s carce rainfall, like deserts and dry landscapes. Their fleshy leaves are designed to retain water for extended periods. This ability allows them to survive for weeks, even months, without water. Unlike tropical plants, succulents don’t need constant hydration and prefer their ...

I actually prefer growing Brassica’s during the Autumn and Winter. It’s so much easier with no caterpillars and no whitefly pests to deal with. It’s as easy as planting out, leaving them to grow and checking for cauliflowers every month or so. Let’s find out how the Brassica Raised Beds have been doing since October, it’s now Mid December. Update on Brassica Raised Beds – 2.5 months after Planting Cauliflower & Kale Bed Brussels & Kale Bed Cauliflower – one with curds, one tiny one forming. Kale – growing new leaves and harvesting. Brussels Sprouts – putting on lots of leaves in the centre, tiny sprouts forming on stem, hasn’t started growing upwards yet. Spring Cabbage – potted on very late, still growing slowly in pots. Kale Harvest Black Kale Harvest – Cavolo Nero – Nero Di Toscano Ever since I found that growing Kale is easy, I always grow it during the autumn and winter because it only takes about 1 – 2 months to grow and then it’s ready for harv...

How to Make Leaf Compost at Home Oh! So, you are worried about garden waste such as fallen leaves cluttering your garden? Are you wondering, “What can I do with all these leaves—should I throw them away or burn them?” We get it; dried leaves scattered across your garden can make it look messy. But here’s the secret: there’s no such thing as waste in the garden! Fallen leaves in garden Did you know these leaves can be one of the most beneficial things for your garden? Instead of throwing or burning them, which harms the environment, you can turn them into leaf compost , a nutrient-rich treasure for your plants and soil. Leaf compost not only improves soil health but also enhances your plants’ growth naturally. Introduction of Leaf Compost   Leaf compost is a nutrient-rich organic material derived from decomposed leaves . It’s one of the easiest and most natural ways to recycle garden waste (leaves) into a valuable organic compost for our plants.  Essentially, leaf...