Flora Green Fields Co LLC

20/07/2019

What's The Best Time To Water Plants In The Summer?

Warm weather means gorgeous sun, flourishing trees, and lush, blooming gardens, but you might not realize that it’s important to adjust your plant watering schedule during the summer months. It’s no surprise that certain weather conditions, like heat waves and droughts, can pose challenges your gardens and greenery, so what’s the best way to help your plant babies flourish during these long, hot summer days? Effective watering schedule is key to keeping plants healthy during the potentially challenging summer season, but knowing the best time of day to water plants during the sweltering summer months takes a little know-how.

Some folks argue that a nighttime watering routine is best, and we suggests that while this does give ample time for porous soils to absorb water before temperatures skyrocket the next day, leaving leaves wet overnight can up the risk for certain diseases. But morning watering can also mean that your plant’s leaves will dry out faster as the day heats up, while leaving less time for water to pe*****te the soil before the heat hits. Wet leaves can also develop burn marks in the sun. The summertime plant watering situation can be just a smidge tricky.

Plants rely on an intricate dance of water intake and water loss in order to thrive. Photosynthesis is the transformative chemical process by which plants convert water and carbon dioxide to oxygen and glucose — so super sunny days are key to that essential process, while water loss helps cool plants down as temperatures climb. Too little water, however, means wilting, thirsty plants.

According to our agriculture engineer , the early evening (when the sun isn't shining on blast) is a great time to water your plants. We suggests that watering too late at night can leave delicate plant leaves soaked, and susceptible to disease-causing fungi. The blog also notes that early evening watering gives plants a bit of time to absorb water and dry out a bit before night falls.

We recommend avoiding watering in full sun for other reasons, as this can cause water to evaporate before your plant gets a chance to soak it up. A good option is to water in the early evening so that plants have time to fully dry out while the roots soak up water overnight.

In terms of how much water is just right, We suggests that well watered plants don't wilt. And while too-little water isn’t a good thing, neither is too much. Effective watering means that water is reaching your plant’s roots, so water isn’t covering the upper soil area only. And remember that some plants have a greater root depth than others, so your plant baby might look dry on top, but still have good amounts of water going at the root level. A helpful trick is to insert your finger about an inch down into the soil — if it feels wet, it probably doesn't need any more water.

Distribution of moisture in your plants’ soil is key to good plant health, while allowing a little time to dry out between waterings promotes root growth — and make sure your plants are getting enough water each time. When you water your plants, it’s best to keep leaves dry, and, whatever you do, avoid over watering. According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, too much water can lead to root rot, inhibited growth, and yellowing leaves — so it’s better to water thoroughly and less frequently, than to water too little (or too much) more often. It might seem a little daunting to keep your plants healthy and flourishing during the scorching summer months, but with a little skill , your plant family can thrive for years to come.

09/07/2019

Science backs the benefits of indoor plants

Here are the science-backed, proven benefits of having plants in your home.

07/07/2019

Growing Cucumbers in Container Gardens

Cucumber plant

Like many vegetables, cucumbers are very different tasting when you grow them yourself. Growing cucumbers in containers is easy and hugely rewarding, but there are a few things that are helpful to know.

Choosing Your Container
As is true with most vegetables and fruits, bigger is much better when choosing your container. Bigger pots hold more potting soil, which in turn retains water longer. Cucumbers depend on access to a lot of water to grow, so you want to make sure they get a consistent level moisture. If you only have a little soil, that is much harder to do. One great container for growing cucumbers is an Earthbox or another self-watering container. It's also possible to grow cucumbers in a straw bale garden.

Lots of Sun
Your cucumber container garden will need at least 6 to 8 hours of full sun. In my experience, almost everyone overestimates how much sun an area gets, so it pays to really figure out how much direct sun an area gets before you plant there. Either use a sun calculator or get out your watch and time how many hours the sun is hitting an area.

Potting Soil
Use a good quality potting mix or potting soil or container mix. we use organic potting soil and prefer a soil that does not have fertilizer or wetting agents added. If your potting soil has premixed fertilizer, you don’t want to add more. If your potting soil doesn’t have fertilizer, you will want to mix in an all-purpose fertilizer before you plant your cucumbers.

Fertilizing
Cucumbers are heavy feeders. Its helpful to add a slow-release, all-purpose fertilizer into the potting soil before planting and then use a diluted, liquid fish emulsion, seaweed combination, once, every other week during the growing season. If you are growing them in an Earthbox, follow the directions and use the organic fertilizer that comes with them.

Temperature
Cucumbers need warm soil to thrive and grow. They grow best from around 70°F to 95°F. That means cucumbers should be planted in containers after the soil temperatures are at least 70°F. Depending on how protected they are and what material your pot is made of, you may have to wait around two weeks after the last frost. Some pots will heat up more quickly. Black plastic pots or Earthboxes, which use a soil cover, retain heat, so will reach the desired temps sooner than other materials.

Starting Cucumber Seeds
Cucumbers are very easy to start from seed in a container. However, if you live in a cold climate and want to get a jump on the season, you can start them inside. To make sure they get enough light, put them under shop lights with one warm and one cool bulb. Cucumbers have fairly large seeds so should be planted about 1/2 to 1” deep. If you are growing seeds inside, be very careful when transplanting – cucumbers can be a little temperamental about this. First, make sure to harden off your seedlings. Then when transplanting them, be very delicate as they don't like their roots messed with too much. You should plan on one or two cucumber plants per square foot of potting soil. If you are planting seeds or seedlings in an Earthbox or another brand of grow box, plant only 4 seedlings per box.

Cucumbers growing from seeds
Trellising
There are several reasons to trellis your cucumbers. First, if they are sprawling all over the ground - and most varieties of cucumber will sprawl like crazy - the cucumbers get dirty and often get chomped on by critters. Also, if you grow them on a trellis, they are easier to find and then harvest. Also, depending on your set-up, plants are on a trellis can give leaves more exposure to the sun, which is a good thing. Make sure you have a sturdy trellis. Remember that once the trellis is covered with cucumber vines, it has a lot of wind resistance. Make sure your container is in a very protected spot if you are trellising and make sure that it won’t blow over if there is wind.

Watering
The success of cucumbers depends on consistent and ample watering. Make sure the soil stays moist, not wet. Check this by sticking your finger up to the second knuckle into the soil. If the soil is moist at your fingertip, wait to water. If it is dry, add water very slowly, until it flows out of the drainage hole at the bottom of your container. Make sure the soil is actually absorbing the water. If the soil is very dry, it can shrink away from the walls of your pot and when you go to water, it escapes before it can wet the soil.

Harvesting
Cucumbers can grow ridiculously fast. They can go from tiny to enormous in just a few days. Almost all cucumbers get bitter and seedy as they become overripe, so make sure to check your plants often for ripe cucumbers. Many varieties can be picked small, and some are tastiest when they are petite. Check your plant tag or seed packet to find out the optimal size for harvest. Use a garden clipper or scissors to harvest cukes. If you pull them off, you risk damaging the vine, which can easily break. Harvest often, because the more you harvest the more you will have. Even if a cucumber is damaged or too big, take it off.

We wish you happy growing

24/02/2019

How to Build Your Own Fishing Pond

Spending time fishing is a great way to take in the fresh air and get some dinner for later. And if you have the energy and determination, you can make a fishing pond in your backyard all on your own. Just select a location, determine your pond's size, and purchase the proper materials so you can start creating it and adding your fish!


Part 1.Planning Your Pond Location
1
Provide 1 sq ft (0.093 m2) of space for each 1 in (2.5 cm) of fish. Start by deciding how much of your yard you're willing to devote to a pond. Afterward, multiply the length and width of the area to get the square footage. From here, you can determine how many fish you can accommodate by estimating that every 1 inch (2.5 cm) of fish requires 1 square foot (0.093 m2)
For instance, if you plan to add 10 fish that are each 5 inches (13 cm) in length, the pond should be at least 50 square feet (4.6 m2).
If you install a filtration device, you can allow 2 inches (5.1 cm) of fish per square foot. Otherwise, don't break the 1 inch (2.5 cm) rule.
2
Check local, emirate requirements for fishing ponds. Contact your local building department and ask how far the pond must be from property lines. Afterward, contact the local environmental department and ask about relevant regulations. Depending on where you live and the size of your pond, you might need to obtain a permit.
Ask about free meetings from a certified pond consultant. They can help you determine how to best create a pond and consider variables like available soil types and potential rainfall.

3
Select a pond location exposed to equal amounts of sunlight and shade. Ponds should be placed in a region that is exposed to sunlight during the morning and shade in the afternoon. This will keep the water temperature cool and prevent algae blooms.
Avoid placing your pond under trees. Although this is great for shade, it will quickly clog the pond with seeds, leaves, or needles. Always factor in young trees growing nearby and estimate where their branches will grow.
Don't situate your pond in a location where water runs off or it will be at a higher risk of pollution.
Make sure you have a waterproof ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet outside your home to power your pump. It should be about 10 ft (3.0 m) from the pond.
Image titled Make a Fishing Pond Step 3
4
Check that the location's soil has low water retention. Squeeze a handful of soil into a ball, throw it into the air, and catch it. If it breaks apart, the soil is not suitable. If it stays together, dig a hole to your waist and fill it to the top with water in the morning. In the evening, top the hole off with water and cover it with a board. If most of the water remains the next day, the soil is suitable for a pond.[4]
If you only have space in a location that isn't suitable for ponds, cover the hole with a layer of plastic sheeting, sand, or concrete. This will prevent the pond's water from being absorbed into the soil.
Purchase plastic sheeting, sand, and concrete from home hardware stores.

Part2. Creating Your Pond
1
Purchase a backyard fishing pond kit. Head to a local home hardware store to purchase a kit, which should contain a water liner, pump, and sometimes accessories like silk water lilies. Remember that each one is designed for specific sizes. For example, the smallest is typically 9 square feet (0.84 m2) and designed for 84 gallons (320 L). If you're installing the pond without professional help, don't invest in a kit for ponds deeper than 18 inches (46 cm) and longer than 6 feet (1.8 m).
Select a kit that fits local fishing pond regulations and the location you have selected.
If you'd like, you can also purchase the pond liner and pump separately.

2
Dig a hole at least 2 to 3 feet (0.61 to 0.91 m) deep. Use the length and width measurements of your pond to determine the hole size. In standard regions, 2 ft (0.61 m) is the minimum depth for ponds that harbor fish. If you live in an extreme northern region, the hole should be at least 3 ft (0.91 m). Always start by thrusting your shovel straight down and wiggling it forward and backward and side to side—this will loosen the soil.
Grip the middle of the shovel with your non-dominant hand and the top of your shovel's handle with your dominant hand.
Create a pond depth between 6 inches (15 cm) and 4 feet (1.2 m) to encourage other forms of wildlife like toads, frogs, salamanders, and ducklings.
If the depth of your hole is uneven, be sure that at least 40 to 50 percent of the pond is the deeper region.
3
Create a shelf below the surface of the waterline with excess soil. The shelf should be about 18 inches (46 cm) wide and 18 inches (46 cm) below the surface of the water. This is for plants and also provides a step for anyone who falls into the pond.
Bring any excess soil to a landfill or place an online classified for it.
4
Install the liner over the hole. With the help of a friend, pull the liner loosely over across the hole. Be sure there is even overlap on all of its sides. Now, weigh down the perimeter with small flat bricks or stones. If you don't purchase a pond kit and need to purchase liner separately, calculate the length and width using this formula: (length or width) + (2 x pond depth) + 2. Afterward, multiply the length and width together to get the total square footage.[8]
Consider a pond that is 3 foot (0.91 m) deep and both 7 feet (2.1 m) long and wide. The calculation for both length and width is 7 + (2 x 3) + 2, which equals 15. This means that the square footage calculation is 15 x 15, which is 225—the area in square feet that your water liner must cover.
Ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) liner is more expensive but more flexible, while polyethylene (PE) and reinforced polypropylene (RPP) line are cheaper but thicker and harder to work with.

5
Add water to the hole. Use a garden hose to fill your pond with water and adjust the liner to align with the sides of the pond as it fills. Start removing the stone weights as the pond continues to fill to prevent the liner from overstretching. Be sure that the water is dechlorinated. If you can't, allow the water to sit in your pond for at least 1 day to settle and let the chlorine leave the water into the air. This will prevent your fish from being harmed.
Trim off any extra liner with sharp scissors or a utility knife when the pond is full.
Purchase a dechlorinator from big-box stores or home hardware stores.

6
Install a pond pump with a GPH equal to your pond's square footage. GPH stands for gallons per hour. If you bought a fishing pond kit, the pump provided will be indicated for the size of the kit. Attach the feet to the pump to secure it to the pond floor and place it into the middle of the pond. Now, connect it to a waterproof (GFCI) outlet and turn it on. If the water flow is too much, adjust the rate on the pump.[10]
If you're buying your own pump, make sure it can pump the appropriate GPH. For example, if your pond is 225 square feet (21 square meters), the GPH should be at least 225.
You can also control water flow using the nozzles provided with your pump.
Purchase a unit with the lowest wattage for the cheapest electrical costs.
Hire a contractor to install heavy-duty pond pumps for larger ponds.
7
Invest in an air filter to increase oxygen levels in the water. Place your air filter on a level surface in a shaded area that is above your pond's water line. Connect the airlines to the filter and extend them toward the edge of the pond. Always connect the included check valves to the airlines. Finally, place the air stones evenly around your pond and connect the airlines to them. Be sure the arrows on the check valves point in the same direction as the stones.
Connect your filter to a GFCI protected outlet.
Move air stones to shallow areas of the pond during the winter.
Installation instructions vary by product—always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
8
Install a water diffuser to keep your pond's oxygen circulating. Proper oxygen circulation helps promote the longevity of your fish and improve the health of your water system. Always choose a product designed for your pond's depth. Most systems are installed by connecting airlines to your diffuser, placing the diffuser at the bottom of the pond, and connecting the airlines to an air compressor.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your diffuser.
Part 3.Adding Plants and Fish

Add plants to make the pond more like the fish's natural habitat. Many fish eat wetland plants in their natural habitat. To anchor a plant without damaging its roots, take the roots in your hand and make a beak with your fingers around them. Sink your hand into the soil while covering the plant's roots and then open your fingers. This will ensure that the roots spread out before the cover settles over them
Arrange your plants in clusters of 2 to 3 so that baby fish can hide from larger predators that can (and will) eat them.
Try plants like cattail, lotus, iris, and water hyacinth.
Position the plants both in the center of the pond and along the hole's shelf. When placing ponds in the center, ensure a few feet of space between them to prevent crowding.

2
Let your pond water settle for 1 day before adding fish. Letting the water settle is especially crucial for water that hasn't been treated to remove chlorine. When adding your fish, net them and gently dump them into your pond.
Acclimatize your fish to the new water before putting them into the pond. Do this by putting them into a tub or bucket with their original water, then gradually adding your pond water until they are breathing almost pure pond water.
3
Get several pond fish to start. Try to get more than 1 species, and more than 1 of each species. This ensures that your pond has diversity and your fish can reproduce and make more fish. If you're planning to eat your fish, make sure they're an edible species. Include cleaners such as crawdads (crayfish) to keep the bottom of the tank clean and make sure they have plenty of rocks to hide under.
A good rule of thumb is to have at least 3 breeding pairs (3 males, 3 females, all mature).
Make sure you have species that won't kill each other right off the bat.
You can also buy fish from local pet stores or contact the local wildlife and fisheries department and ask about ordering hatchlings.
Part
4Maintaining Your Pond
1
Add new fish to keep the population stable. Remember that if you catch every fish, there will be no more to reproduce. Try and replace all the fish you catch with the same or similar fish to avoid disrupting the pond ecosystem
Keep the male and female fish populations as even as possible to encourage breeding.
2
Clean the water of debris every week. Use a leaf skimmer to remove debris from the surface of the water—just don't go completely under the water with your skimmer. For leaves at the bottom of the pond, use a leaf vacuum.
Purchase leaf skimmers and vacuums from home improvement stores.
3
Refill your pond when the water level lowers. Splashing and evaporation will eventually decrease the pond's water level. If you get enough rain, you might not have to refill it often. Otherwise, use a garden hose top it off.
Attach a dechlorinator to the pond if you're filling it up with city water.

07/02/2019

08/12/2018

It's all about composting

Benefits

# Soil Conditioner
With compost, you are creating rich humus for your lawn and garden. This adds nutrients to your plants and helps retain soil moisture.

Compost is the single most important supplement you can give your garden.

# Recycles Kitchen and Yard Waste
Composting can divert as much as 30% of household waste away from the garbage can. That’s important because when organic matter hits the landfill, it lacks the air it needs to decompose quickly. Instead, it creates harmful methane gas as it breaks down, increasing the rate of global warming and climate change.

# Introduces Beneficial Organisms to the Soil
Microscopic organisms in compost help aerate the soil, break down organic material for plant use, and ward off plant disease.

# Good for the Environment
Composting offers a natural alternative to chemical fertilizers when applied to lawns and garden beds.

# What to Compost
What you can put into your compost will depend somewhat on what kind of composter you have, but some general rules do apply. All compostable materials are either carbon or nitrogen-based, to varying degrees. The secret to a healthy compost pile is to maintain a working balance between these two elements.

The Secret to a Healthy Compost Pile: Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio

# Carbon
Carbon-rich matter (like branches, stems, dried leaves, peels, bits of wood, bark dust or sawdust pellets, shredded brown paper bags, corn stalks, coffee filters, conifer needles, egg shells, straw, peat moss, wood ash) gives compost its light, fluffy body.

A healthy compost pile should have much more carbon than nitrogen.

# Nitrogen
Nitrogen or protein-rich matter (manures, food scraps, green lawn clippings, and green leaves) provides raw materials for making enzymes.

A healthy compost pile should have much more carbon than nitrogen. A simple rule of thumb is to use one-third green and two-thirds brown materials. The bulkiness of the brown materials allows oxygen to pe*****te and nourish the organisms that reside there. Too much nitrogen makes for a dense, smelly, slowly decomposing anaerobic mass. Good composting hygiene means covering fresh nitrogen-rich material, which can release odours if exposed to open air, with carbon-rich material, which often exudes a fresh, wonderful smell. If in doubt, add more carbon!

We wish you all happy composting!!!

04/11/2018

Turn an old tyre into a gorgeous planter. Our latest project

22/07/2018

21/07/2018

20/07/2018

10/06/2018

05/06/2018