Tag: Garden

Gardening: A Great Hobby For Science Lovers

My blog focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). One way everyone can get involved in STEM is through gardening. The plant world is not only a critical part of our world, but it is also fascinating. The following contributed post is entitled, Gardening: A Great Hobby For Science Lovers.

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If you like the idea of growing plants but don’t want to waste your time on failures with guessing and hoping, gardening works really well when you bring in some science! Gardening projects can become your own little hands on experiments, and if you’re science minded and excited about data then this is a perfect combination. By paying attention to the conditions your plants live in you’re able to track what helps them thrive and what holds them back. That way it all becomes less about luck, and more about understanding how things actually work. Here are some ideas to get you started

Using Tech to Understand Your Garden

There are some simple but effective gadgets you can buy that help you gather useful information in the garden without making things complicated. Soil moisture meters like the XLUX or Sonkir models are easy to use and affordable, they show you when your plants need watering so you avoid overwatering or letting them dry out. Some sensors also give you temperature and pH readings, which explain why some plants might be struggling. Light meters can be helpful as well, for example, a device like the Dr. Meter Digital Lux Meter tells you exactly how much light reaches different parts of your garden. You might assume one spot is bright enough but discover it is not ideal for sun loving plants. Having this data helps you decide the best places for each plant and avoid wasted effort.

Greenhouses and Polytunnels as Mini Labs

If you want to take things further, greenhouses or polytunnels let you create a controlled environment for your plants. These spaces protect your garden from harsh weather and pests while keeping temperature and humidity more consistent than outside. You can use digital thermometers and humidity sensors in combination with your greenhouse, something like the Govee Hygrometer lets you monitor conditions in real time. Some models let you track data over days or weeks too so you can spot patterns and adjust your setup for the best results. Combine this with soil moisture sensors, and you have detailed insights into how your watering schedule affects plant health. Greenhouses tend to be a more permanent and tidy option while polytunnels are flexible and easier on the budget, but both let you push the growing season longer and try out plants that might not thrive in your usual climate. With real data from your sensors, you can treat your greenhouse or polytunnel like a small science lab, testing different watering routines, fertilisers or airflow methods and then see what helps your plants to grow best.

Tracking Your Progress

If you want to track your garden like a proper experiment but in an easy way you’ll probably need more than just scribbles in a notebook. Apps like Gardenize or Planta let you log exactly when you plant water and feed your plants. You can add photos and notes too which makes it easier to compare how things change over time as well. These tools help you spot real patterns instead of relying on guesswork. After a few weeks you will see how these numbers match up with your plants’ health. For example some herbs might do best when soil moisture stays within a certain range while your tomatoes might need more consistent temperature to produce better fruit. For greenhouses or polytunnels devices like the Govee Hygrometer track temperature and humidity all day long. They save data so you can review how changes in airflow or watering schedules affect your plants over time. This makes it easier to test different things and understand what your plants really need. When you then combining these detailed notes with actual sensor data it means you’re no longer just guessing, you turn gardening into a science project where you can run tests learn from the results and improve with every season. It gives you control and confidence knowing your decisions are based on facts and not just chance.

Sustainability in Gardening: Eco-Friendly Ways to Maintain Your Garden

Two focuses of my blog are Home/Living Discussions and Home/Property Discussions. A garden can be the most intriguing part of the outside of your home. You can also grow and maintain your garden in eco-friendly ways. The following contributed post is entitled, Sustainability in Gardening: Eco-Friendly Ways to Maintain Your Garden.

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Let’s face it— everyone’s been environmentally conscious. We all want to become sustainable in all aspects of our daily life, from clothing to food to even our homes.

And one way you can promote sustainability is through gardening.

But, did you know that you can also minimize your impact on the environment while still maintaining lush and beautiful gardens?

So, let’s explore sustainability and gardening together!

Image Credit: Robin Wersich | Unsplash.com

Include native plants

Did you know that incorporating native plants into your garden promotes sustainability?

It’s because native plants are adapted to your location’s local climate, soil, and wildlife. This reduces your need for excessive watering, fertilizers, and pesticides!

When you plant native species, you can create a habitat for local wildlife, promoting biodiversity

Opt for composting

Your plants won’t grow healthily without fertilizers. But it’s undeniable that we often choose synthetic fertilizers that can harm the environment!

So, why not choose the eco-friendly way and start composting?

This way, you’ll reduce waste and create soil amendments that are nutrient-rich! In short, it’s a win-win for your garden and the environment!

Conserve your water

Water supply’s an important discussion in sustainability. After all, we’ve been faced with scarcity all over the world!

So, when you’ve a garden at home, make sure to use your water wisely!

But how?

You can try sustainable practices such as collecting rainwater and using it for your garden. This way, you can reduce your need for tapwater, making you conserve precious water resources!

Use chemical-free pest control

You might’ve not realized it, but the pesticides you use can contribute to the pollution on the planet!

So, why not set chemical pesticides aside and choose natural pest control methods?

You can introduce beneficial insects in your garden like ladybugs in your garden. They not only add to your garden’s beauty, but they also target pesky parasites that can suck off your plants’ nutrients!

You can also plant species that deter pests in your garden. From basil to rosemary to meem, these plants ensure your garden won’t be infested with pests!

Use a ride on mower for your lawn

Maintaining your garden doesn’t only include the plants, trees, and shrubs— it should also include your lawn’s grass! And when it comes to lawn care, a mower can be your buddy!

So, when you’re choosing your lawn mower, you should choose one that’s eco-friendly! An electric or battery-powered ride on mower can help you maintain your lawn without harming the environment. After all, they produce zero emissions, reduce noise pollution, and are energy-efficient!

Manage your garden soil’s health

What’s the foundation of a lush and beautiful garden?

It’s the soil!

After all, it’s where you cultivate your precious plants!

So, you should regularly test the pH and nutrient levels of the soil. This way, you’ll know the changes needed to keep it healthy. You can also plant cover crops such as clovers and rye to prevent soil erosion, enhance the soil’s fertility, and cultivate microorganisms beneficial to your garden!

Don’t overplant your garden

We know— it’s delightful when you’ve grown a variety of healthy plants in your garden. And you often end up planting more!

But did you know that overcrowding your garden can damage your plants?

It’s because it leads to competition for resources. Instead of growing healthy, your plants fight for the nutrients in the soil. So, make sure you give your plants adequate space to grow to ensure their health!

Cultivating a lush and beautiful garden doesn’t mean you’ll have to pollute the environment. With our tips, you can create a sustainable garden that’s both a delight to the environment and to your eyes!