Just like people, plants need pure nutrients to grow healthy and strong. Mother Nature may not always provide the amount of nutrients that your plants need, which is why gardeners have to take extra care to ensure that these needs are met to foster a successful outcome. If you’ve just recently developed a green thumb, or are looking for ways to perfect your current gardening technique, consider the following tips for helping your plants flourish.

1. Filtered Water is Best

You may reflexively fill your watering can from the hose or the tap without even thinking, but this unfiltered water can often be filled with minerals and chemicals that are harmful to your plants. According to experts at ProfessionalGardening.com, city tap water contains a large assortment of chemicals and minerals between 250 and 700 ppm (parts-per notation). Many of these chemicals can actually inhibit your plants from absorbing the nutrients they need, while those like chlorine can even cause the irreversible damage of chloridosis, which results in a yellowing of the leaves. With a Samsung refrigerator water filter, your plants can have chemical-free water and full access to all of the nutrients they need to grow as healthy as possible.

2. Watering the Right Way

Answering the question of how much and how often to water your plant will vary depending on multiple factors such as the type of plant it is, current weather patterns, and the condition of the soil. Succulent plants with fleshy stems and thicker leaves usually retain more water than those with thinner stems and leaves, which means that the former will need to be watered less often than the latter. During drier days of the summer months, your plants might need to be watered three times a day to stay fully hydrated and at an appropriate temperature. However, over-watering can often be just as bad as under-watering, so make sure to evaluate the moisture content of the soil and regularly monitor the appearance of the plant to make the right amount of water is supplied.

3. Remembering Additional Nutrients

Water isn’t all your plants need to grow healthy and strong. Sunlight, proper soil, and nutrients like plant food are also necessary to keep your plants looking– and in the case of food and herbs, tasting– their best. One of the best ways you can make your job is easier is by only gardening in the appropriate seasons and specifically choosing plants that are suited for the climate of your area. Although there are a few ways to work around your climate– artificial sunlight, shading, green houses, etc.– it’s usually best to start out with the basics before trying out these more advanced care techniques.

With that being said, it’s usually best to plant your garden in an area that receives more sunlight rather than less, since it’s always easier to apply shade than it is to provide your plants with more sunlight. Again, each plant varies in the amount of sunlight it needs, so be sure to monitor both your plants and the soil for signs of dryness to alter your technique accordingly.

Starting your own garden is a great warm-weather activity that can not only give you a fun and fulfilling hobby, but also allow you to be more self-sufficient. There is nothing like picking fresh herbs and vegetables right from your own garden, and doing so may save you a buck or two in the long run as well. By keeping the above tips in mind, you can count on a more successful start to this stress-reducing activity.

About the Author: Jessica is interested in camping and experiencing the outdoors. She enjoys re-purposing and DIY projects.