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Gardening Home Improvement Technology

Gardening Using Green Technology: How Does it Work?

In this emerging era, technology is becoming an essential part of almost every aspect of our lives. And gardening is, of course, no different. Our amazing mother nature and the latest technology today are working together to provide us with the healthiest and tastiest food. And from the latest gadgets to new innovative processes, technology is surprising gardeners in almost every way it can.

But is this new way of growing really as good as us gardeners? And if yes, how can we use it to enhance your process and improve our overall produce?

Let’s find out what “Green Technology” is, and how it exactly works.

Why Involve Technology in Gardening?

There are various parts of the world where gardening is nothing more than just throwing a few seeds in the soil and letting nature work its magic. And for people who are fortunate enough to live in such a place, these technological hacks for gardening are perhaps just a fun addition to their basic gardening knowledge. However, not everyone is fortunate enough, obviously. And due to the limitations caused by climate, resources, and space in various parts of the world, technology becomes a necessity for many gardeners.

But even if we forget the above fact, the world today is becoming more and more fast. And given our hectic lifestyles, where we are always working or traveling, seldom do we find time to connect to nature. Technology gives us this chance. Even for a short while, it helps us get back to where we came from. Along with this, the use of technology can help us produce more and better food. Given this, even many global and local leaders are supporting and encouraging this move. I read a news article recently in which Diana Jiang, a contender for Irvine City Council elections, said that being from a technical background, she understands the importance of technology in gardening and totally supports it.

Also Read: The Must-Have Travel Apps you need in your Itinerary

Now, let’s take a look at how green technology is helping gardeners get the best out of their efforts.

The Smart Way of Gardening in Soil

Even if you live in a place where the soil is available sufficiently, smart technology can help you improve your overall yield as well as reduce your resource use. And there are multiple ways of doing so.

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The most common one is probably you are aware of already- drip irrigation. In this way, instead of using a hose, you water your plant using a direct-to-root system, which is a lot more precise. However, if you are still more comfortable with the traditional way, there are certain systems available in the market that have the ability to tell you when your plants need the water. For this, you just need to install a stick-like device into the soil in close proximity to your plant. This device will check the water level in the soil and will inform you whenever it goes low.

Hydroponic Gardening

Hydroponics may seem a little complex and intimidating in the beginning. However, in reality, the process is very simple.

But before that, let’s understand what hydroponics actually is.

It is the process of gardening in which you raise your plant in nutrient-rich water instead of soil. You place the roots of your plants in water, and from there it obtains everything it needs. In addition to this, the method requires a light source above the plant. The method is quite famous among people who prefer indoor gardening. 

Now, what are the benefits of using hydroponics?

Well, hydroponics is a very effective and environment-friendly way of growing vegetables, as it requires only a tenth of water a plant needs with a traditional growing method. Other than this, plants grow a lot more quickly and are larger comparably. But the system is still not very bulky if you plan on shifting your house or something. However, there is one drawback. The water once used cannot be used again and has to be discarded.

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Aquaponic Gardening

Aquaponics, right now, is a technology-in-making that has the potential to revolutionize the whole gardening arena. It is the process that combines the two existing technologies- hydroponics (soilless gardening) and aquaculture (fish farming). The system works in a close loop, with both supporting each other. In this particular system, the waste produced by the fish is fed to the plants. And the existing water is filtered by the plants. This makes the system truly organic as you are not wasting or discarding anything.

However, there is one drawback with this technology too. The problem with aquaponics is that it required good knowledge and discipline. Plus, the system can be a little costly. But if you decide on starting it, it can become a life-long hobby for you.

This is how green technology is emerging and making the gardening process as easy as possible for all of us. Are you using any of these processes? If you have any gardening story related to technology, do let me know.

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Gardening Home Improvement

The Ins And Outs Of The Art Of Gardening

When you take time to apply proper organic gardening techniques and products, it really does show. Your caring skills will shine through in the quality of your garden. This is something that is admirable. As with all skills, you can continuously improve your gardening through experience and further study. Some advice that will be of use to you follows.

As you cut your grass, do not trim it too low to the ground. Higher grass sends roots further down, increasing lawn strength and viability. The shorter the grass is, the shorter the roots are, which leads to a dry lawn.

Say No to Pests

In order to rid your garden of pests, take advantage of plant materials and other organic matter. A border of onions or marigolds around a vegetable garden can repel slug. Insects can be deterred if you use wood ash instead of mulch around trees and shrub seedlings. Doing these things can ensure that you do not need potentially harmful chemicals.

It is particularly important for new gardeners to read and follow instructions that come with tools, as well as chemicals. Irritation of the skin or even more serious injuries are possible if you ignore manufacturer’s directions. Prevent issues, and use your garden chemicals safely.

To help them out, try poring leftover water from steamed vegetables on them. You can also acidify soil for rhododendrons, gardenias and more by using coffee or tea grounds. If fungus is an issue, Chamomile tea sprinkled on the plant may be effective.

Keep The Fall In Mind

Garden for fall colors. That doesn’t have to be, however. The foliage of autumn makes for perhaps the most colorful season of the year. You can find beautiful maple and beech trees in many different fall colors. When choosing shrubs, think about cotoneaster, hydrangea or barberry.

Get your children interested in helping with your organic garden. Gardening is a great way for children to learn, and it gives you two a chance to spend some quality time together and produce healthy food.

Lean On Organic

Planting organic strawberries is a great way to encourage your children to get involved. Children find it fun to pick strawberries and love to assist with the harvest if they get some yummy treats as they work.

You should utilize around three inches of mulch that is organic in your flower beds. A thick layer of mulch will prevent weeds, reduce watering needs and fertilize your garden. This will also make your flowers appear beautiful and finished all year long.

Soil is Important

Pine can make for a great type of mulch. There are some plants that thrive in acidic soil. If your garden contains plants like this, there are few things simpler than spreading some pine needles across your beds. Using several inches of needles to cover your beds provides acid for the soil as they begin to decompose.

Stay on top of your organic gardening to-do list, and don’t let the work pile up. Even if you’re to busy to focus on your garden’s needs each day, you could do small things that could prevent you from piling up work when you wish to work on your garden. For example, pull a few weeds if you’re outside and waiting for your dog to finish his business.

Give Seeds All The Love

When planting seeds, you should bury them three times as deep as their actual size. However, you should always know that some seeds cannot be covered, even the slightest bit, because they need to be in direct sunlight. Some of these seeds are petunias and ageratum. Read the instructions that came with the seeds, and do some research on the Internet to find out the sunlight that your seeds need.

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For the best results when growing an organic garden, you should shake your seeds up a little bit. After planted, make sure you agitate the seeds at least twice daily, using your fingers or even a Popsicle stick. You may think it odd, but studies show that this action results in plant growth that is more substantial than would otherwise be achieved.

You are now equipped with some knowledge and new skills to apply to an organic garden of your own. This means you are adequately prepared and ready to start! The tips above will help you to improve your organic garden. Hopefully you have found something you can use to help your gardening efforts.