Growing Plants.
Horticulture is growing plants that are used for food, for medicinal purposes and for aesthetic gratification.
Free Resources - Growing Plants.
HORTICULTURE, noun; “the study or activity of growing plants” - Cambridge Dictionary. Can be attributed to growing garden plants.
AGRIGULTURE, noun; “the practice or work of farming” - Cambridge Dictionary.
FARMING, noun; “the business or activity of growing crops, etc. on a farm” - Cambridge Dictionary.
Basic needs.
Plants require the optimum temperature for germination and basic needs of light, soil, water, and nutrients.
Optimum Temperature for Germination and Growing.
Optimum temperature for germination varies from one plant to another. This gives a rough guide to support timings of planting seeds during the year. Some examples of approximate temperatures (in degrees celcius, °C) are as follows:
Asparagus (15-29°C)
Aubergine (23-32°C)
Bean (15-29°C)
Beet (10-29°C)
Cabbage (7-35°C)
Carrot (7-29°C)
Cauliflower (7-29°C)
Chard (10-29°C)
Cucumber (15-35°C)
Lettuce (4-26°C)
Melon (23-35°C)
Onion (10-35°C)
Parsley (10-29°C)
Parsnip (10-21°C)
Pea (4-23°C)
Pepper (18-35°C)
Pumpkin (21-32°C)
Radish (7-32°C)
Spinach (7-23°C)
Squash (21-35°C)
Tomato (15-29°C)
Turnip (15-40°C)
Watermelon (21-35°C)
To extend growing periods consider using a cloche, greenhouse or poly tunnel / hothouse / hoop house.
Light for Germination and Growing.
Plants need light for germination and to continue growth, typically 12 hours per day upwards.
Soil for Germination and Growing.
Soil provides plants with stability for their roots, filters and regulates water as well as provides basic nutrients for growing. Natural compost further supports the growing process in terms of nutrients, water filtration and water regulation in combination with the top soil for further stability. Compost mixes vary in terms of nutrients and should usually be simpler in nature for supporting early germination and growth.
Water for Germination and Growing.
Plants require regular watering however too much water may be detrimental. Each plant species has different requirements.
Nutrients for Germination and Growing.
Plants require access to nutrients, usually simpler for germination and early growth. Nutrients can be present in the compost and soil and they can be supplemented by natural fertilisers. The three main nutrients for plants to grow are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Other important nutrients are calcium, magnesium and sulfur. Natural fertilisers can be made from seaweed, comfrey and nettles.
