If you are new to plant parenting, you may not know how to best care for your plants. There are several san francisco plant care tips you can follow to ensure your plants thrive.
San Francisco is located in Plant Hardiness Zone 10, which means that most crops can survive winters here! During the winter, many crops can be started indoors and moved outside once the weather warms up.
Watering
Water is critical to the health of your plants. It keeps the soil wet and allows the roots to absorb nutrients. Without the right amount of water, your plants can wilt and become stunted.
How much water your plants need depends on their species, climate, terrain and soil type. It’s important to know the needs of your plants before you plant them or transplant them so that you can create healthy gardens.
New plants need to be hydrated during their establishment period. That’s when they’re recovering from being moved, adjusting to their new environment and growing roots into the soil.
Once established, new trees need little additional water once the rains start again in the spring. For the first year, you’ll only need to water them once a month. However, be sure to check the weather and adjust your watering as needed.
Light
Most plants need light to survive, and the amount of light they receive can affect their growth and appearance. Some plants require more light than others, and some will grow best under certain conditions.
Plants need a variety of things to thrive: light, water, humidity, healthy soil, warm temperatures, and nutrients. It’s important to know what these are and how they impact your plant so you can provide them with the right balance.
Many plants need direct sunlight, though some, like succulents, are more tolerant of medium and indirect lighting. They can thrive in windowsills with east or west-facing windows as far as 20 feet away, or on the interior of a bright room where the light is diffused by sheer curtains.
Most plants need a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day, but it can be more than that depending on the type and time of year. As the seasons change and the sun moves, monitor the light your plants are getting and adjust their position accordingly.
Humidity
Plants are extremely sensitive to humidity and often suffer when a high level of moisture is not provided. This can cause wilting, drooping leaves and stems, and yellowing of the foliage.
Plant cells absorb and release water through thousands of tiny pores on the underside of their leaves called stomata. Humidity determines the rate at which plants lose this water through their stomata.
Low humidity can also affect a plant’s ability to cool itself. When the air is very dry, a plant’s cell cannot withstand the heat to evaporate the excess water from its leaves, and it will instead lose it through transpiration.
If you have trouble keeping the humidity up around your home, consider using a humidifier or moving your plant to a moist area like the bathroom or kitchen. These areas naturally have higher humidity.
Pruning
Pruning is a critical part of plant care because it removes dead and diseased branches, encourages growth and helps keep your plants looking their best. It also helps prevent the spread of pests and fungi that can destroy your plants and affect your property’s value.
Generally speaking, pruning should be done every two or three years on deciduous trees and shrubs and every year on fruit trees. The frequency of pruning will depend on the type and age of your tree, as well as your goals for it.
Pruned trees and shrubs look better, are more healthy and will produce a higher quality of fruits. It also helps to diminish the risk of broken and falling branches that can be dangerous for your family and property.