Whether you’re new to gardening or an experienced plant parent, these tips can help you grow stronger and healthier plants. By understanding the needs of your plants, you can reduce stress and provide them with a better environment.

First, choose a location that provides the right temperature, light and water for your plants. Next, make sure your soil is rich with nutrients that will support plant growth.

Watering

Watering your plants is one of the most important things you can do to help them grow. Without proper watering, your plants can suffer from a number of problems including stunted growth and yellowing leaves.

There are a few simple tips that you can follow to ensure your plants get the water they need when they need it. First, make sure your plants are getting enough water by checking the soil in their pots.

A good way to check for moisture is by sticking your finger into the soil a few inches deep. If the soil feels dry several inches down, your plant needs water.

You can also soak the roots of your plants for several days to encourage them to grow deeper and stronger. Doing so will help them hold more water and be better able to resist drought.

Fertilizing

In order to grow and stay healthy, plants need a balanced supply of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other vital nutrients. These are often supplemented with fertilizers.

Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients for plant growth, as it is a building block of chlorophyll and amino acids. It also helps the plant build energy and promotes flowering.

Phosphorus is another essential nutrient for plant development, which can boost blooms and improve root systems. It is rare for plants to be able to get these vital elements through their natural environment, so they need fertilizer to ensure healthy growth and blooms.

Most annuals, vegetables and lawns benefit from an initial granular application in the early spring to help with new root formation. Liquid feed applied to the soil as a drench or foliar sprays can be used at other times during the growing season, including when transplanting, when buds begin to break and after fruits appear on plants such as tomatoes and strawberries.

Pruning

Pruning helps you control the size and shape of your plants and trees. It also enhances plant growth and increases the aesthetics of your landscape.

Pruning can be done at any time, but it is best to prune after the growth season ends or before new growth begins. It is important to know which types of plants should be pruned, the desired outcome and the severity of the pruning required.

Besides helping your plants grow, proper pruning is beneficial in reducing the risk of storm damage. It also keeps your property safe from falling branches that could hit your family, driveway or walkways.

When pruning, cut away any dead or diseased parts and stubs that do not have adequate support from the leaf tissue. This will help prevent diseases from entering the plant and spread to other areas of the tree.

Dusting

Plants need water and sunlight to survive, but it’s also important to give them tender loving care. This includes dusting their leaves.

A dusty leaf surface can prevent plants from getting the light they need to photosynthesize properly, says Cheshire. It can also make it easier for pests to get a foothold.

Besides, a clean leaf surface makes your plants look snazzy!

Dusting your houseplants is a great way to boost their health and make them less likely to get sick or attract pests. It also helps to keep your home more healthy and breathable, which can benefit you as well.