Getting the growing medium just right for your plants might be a tad difficult. But don’t worry! We bring you tips on using soils and amendments for various plants, advice on making compost and homemeade fertilizer, and some popular store-bought products!
African violets adorn many windowsills all over the world. And the reason for that is their undemanding care. However, there are a couple of things that we need to take into consideration before getting this tiny gem. And one of them is soil. Getting the right growing medium is crucial if you want to give…
Have you ever wondered why plants don’t require fertilizer in their natural habitats, but they do in our gardens? They deplete the soil of nutrients, but nature takes care of her own. Deciduous trees drop their foliage in fall, creating a thick forest floor. These leaves decompose and turn into organic matter that enriches the…
Gardening is beneficial in many ways but it’s also a super exciting activity, especially with all the innovative and interesting methods you can incorporate into it. Aluminum foil is mainly used in the kitchen and I’m sure many growers will be surprised when they hear that there’s another purpose for this material related to gardening,…
Instead of spending your money on expensive fertilizers, consider using homemade ones. Making your own fertilizer is a useful way to give your plants the nutrients they need without using store-bought chemicals. All you need is readily available in your kitchen – tea, bananas, coffee grounds, eggshells, vinegar, and salts. There is no need to…
Do you like coffee and growing plants? I’m sure you’ve heard that you can use coffee grounds in plants, but I have to warn you that there’s more to it than meets the eye. A few questions should be answered regarding the benefits of coffee grounds, the application steps, and which plants to use them…
Did you know that almost 40% of food is wasted in the US? That is 119 billion pounds of waste per year that ends up in landfills. But do we really have enough space for all that waste, and is there a better option? (1) Sending kitchen scraps and garden waste to landfills doesn’t turn…
Did you know that many plants don’t reach their full potential because they get fertilized inadequately? Too much or not enough fertilizer will leave your houseplants struggling. Not all plants require additional nutrients, but if you want their growth rate to skyrocket, adding some pellets or fertilizer stakes to the soil should do the trick….
We’re well into the azalea season and it’s only natural we want to do everything in our power to make them beautiful. They’re not heavy feeders, but when you see them struggling, you shouldn’t disregard nutrient deficiencies as the cause. Luckily, a generous layer of compost or some other organic fertilizer is all it takes…
Peonies are definitely one of the prettiest flowers and can make your garden look like a fairy tale! However, their beauty comes with a price. These flowering plants are susceptible to various pests and diseases, and they might often have a hard time blooming if not fertilized properly. Luckily, we are here to help you!…
If you want to have the best tomato harvest ever, the solution is simple: fertilize them. The right nutrition will ensure a high yield of plump, juicy tomatoes. Don’t worry, I’ll show you everything about fertilizing tomato plants, including their nutrient requirements, the best time to feed them, the type of fertilizer to use, and…
If you are a gardener who likes drinking coffee, you should save some coffee grounds for your blueberry bushes! Coffee grounds improve soil acidity, enhance nutrient availability, and also increase organic matter – all of which can encourage blueberry bushes to grow and produce loads of delicious berries! In this article, we are going to…
Hydrangeas are a flowering plant prized for their beautiful blooms and ability to thrive in shady areas. While these plants are generally low maintenance and require little to no additional nutrients, knowing how to properly fertilize them can take your hydrangeas to another level of beauty. With the right plant food, you can encourage larger,…
Growing my own chillies has really improved the flavor of my hot sauces, chilli con carne, and everything else that requires some heat. Today, I’m here to offer some advice on increasing your yield and getting as many peppers as possible. One of the best ways to get a bountiful harvest is by using a…
Positive Bloom is an Amazon Associate and we earn from qualifying purchases through these links at no extra cost to you. If you’re afraid of a poor blueberry yield this year, I know exactly how you feel. The easiest way to avoid this and get a bountiful harvest is by fertilizing your blueberries. Choosing the…
Positive Bloom is an Amazon Associate and we earn from qualifying purchases through these links at no extra cost to you. If you’re looking for a way to maximize your rhubarb harvest, the easiest method for getting a bountiful yield is selecting the right type of fertilizer. The hardest thing when it comes to fertilizers…
Maintaining a green lawn might seem like a piece of cake until you hit a rough patch and yellow spots start appearing all over the place. And when this happens, I always get conflicting opinions about which product to use. Since it bothered me that no one could give me a straight answer, I went…
Many plants require certain amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are macronutrients essential for their growth, root development, flowering, etc. Phosphorus, the base element for this article, affects flowering and fruiting, proper plant growth, photosynthesis, etc., so it’s not surprising that many species require additional amounts of this mineral. Therefore, we decided to bring…
Eggshells are an excellent source of calcium and phosphorus for all your plants, so don’t throw them away! They can adsorb (adhere gas to their surface) phosphorus from the water, and you can use them as an alternative to phosphorus rich fertilizers. However, calcination is sometimes not possible for small-scale growers since you need temperatures…
Positive Bloom is an Amazon Associate and we earn from qualifying purchases through these links at no extra cost to you. One of the main parts of every plant’s care guide is the type of growing medium you need to plant it in; and the same goes for philodendrons. These climbing and trailing (and sometimes…
Positive Bloom is an Amazon Associate and we earn from qualifying purchases through these links at no extra cost to you. Anthurium care involves planting it in a well-draining substrate, placing it in indirect sunlight, maintaining warm temperatures indoors, and keeping the humidity levels above 50%. But there’s another important aspect of this routine that…
Perlite and pumice are both formed during volcanic eruptions and have many applications in gardening, hydroponics, and even horticulture. However, once we start examining their color, porosity, price, processing, origin, and environmental friendliness, we’ll notice how different they actually are. But in terms of their use, it’s usually the same. They are both soil amendments…
When it comes to the ideal growing medium for plants, there are many options. The truth is that some substrates work better than others, while others shouldn’t be used at all. Therefore, it’s essential to know the characteristics of each substrate, as we don’t want to accidentally harm our precious plants. Rockwool for plants is…
Composting brown materials and kitchen scraps is an environmentally friendly way of producing organic material for your plants and saving some money you would otherwise spend on fertilizers. However, it isn’t as simple as piling up all your garden waste and calling it a day. You have to turn it frequently, add a compost starter,…
Pothos plants (Epipremnum aureum) are one of the easiest plants to grow indoors. These tropical beauties can adapt to various conditions, although warm temperatures and higher humidity are ideal. However, you also have to pay close attention to potting soil as it is a crucial factor that affects the well-being of any potted plant. Don’t…
Positive Bloom is an Amazon Associate and we earn from qualifying purchases through these links at no extra cost to you. Quality compost is the favorite soil amendment of many gardeners, whether they make one themselves or buy it in their local garden store. This material improves soil structure and can help with drainage and…
Positive Bloom is an Amazon Associate and we earn from qualifying purchases through these links at no extra cost to you. Monstera plants are some of the most popular houseplants in the world due to their interesting, giant, and fenestrated foliage. They don’t need too much care, but we should still be careful about the…
Peat moss is a common soil amendment frequently used for houseplants. It is even an essential ingredient in ready-made soils. But why is it so important? Peat moss enriches the growing medium with organic matter, improves drainage and aeration, and retains moisture and nutrients. However, it also lowers the soil pH and makes it acidic,…
We all understand the importance of using fertilizers in our vegetable and flower gardens. They increase the speed of plant growth, keep them healthy, and enable larger yields. But this substance isn’t the only thing that encourages your plants to develop; your green buddies also produce their own food to sustain themselves! This leads to…
Positive Bloom is an Amazon Associate and we earn from qualifying purchases through these links at no extra cost to you. Growing cactus plants is the best way to get started with an indoor garden because they require little attention. Of course, there are certain things you need to be careful about when growing any…
If you’re looking for a way to make your flower beds and potted plants even more attractive, you might want to consider mulching them. We’re used to using different types of mulch to increase water retention, maintain the soil temperature, prevent weed growth, etc., but it can also be used to improve the overall look…
Recycling kitchen scraps and using them for indoor plants is an excellent way to help the environment and save some money along the way. There are many reusable materials we consider waste, such as eggshells, coffee grounds, banana and orange peels, etc. These ingredients can be a great way to add more organic matter to…
Coconut coir, otherwise known as coco coir, is a great growing medium that has become very popular in gardening over the past few seasons. Coconut coir is a natural, organic material formed of coco fiber that can be used as a potting medium in your garden. For example, you can use pure coconut husk to…
If you have been growing plants for a long time, you likely know that kitchen scraps are often used in gardening and are beneficial for plants. Citrus peels frequently end up in the trash, but the fact is that they make great fertilizers, and the best thing is that it’s an entirely organic way of…
Horticulture has many terms that are usually used interchangeably, but don’t always mean the same thing. Loads of people all around the world love coconuts, but they also have great importance in horticulture. Coco peat vs coco coir often sparks debate amongst gardeners, and many have asked if they mean the same thing. I wrote…
Today, we’re going to talk about one of the newest and most innovative practices in gardening — growing vegetables in coco coir. There have been numerous improvements in gardening in recent years, but the one that has been picked up the most is using coco coir instead of regular potting mixes or peat moss. Firstly,…
Let’s talk about an awesome gardening hack – making your own organic liquid fertilizer that you can use to fertilize fruit and veggies in your garden. All you will need are some plants, brown sugar, water, a rubber band, and a jar! This is all you need to make your own organic fertilizer without any…
Bananas are one of the most popular fruits of all time! Many researchers have discussed the nutritional values of these fantastic fruits; and some claim that bananas aren’t as good for our health as was first thought. However, there are many more who think the opposite, and I am one of them! Plant growers use…
We all understand the importance of adding organic matter and nutrients to natural soil, potting mediums, etc., but how do you decide what to use? There are composts and fertilizers, but which one is better? How and when should you use them? These are all questions that we’ll tackle in this article, together with examining…
Positive Bloom is an Amazon Associate, and we earn from qualifying purchases through these links at no extra cost to you. Growing your own veggies is an incredibly rewarding pastime! You can relax, connect with nature and the soil, and get some organic food to eat. However, starting your own container or vegetable garden isn’t…
Positive Bloom is an Amazon Associate and we earn from qualifying purchases through these links at no extra cost to you. Mulching your soil has many benefits, such as keeping your plant’s roots hydrated and safe from the scorching sun. But, is it possible to have all these (and many more) advantages transferred onto your…
There are so many awesome houseplants to choose from and so little room for all of them to fit in! Of course, some of them fit better into our interior than others, which is why we can prioritize which ones we get. Another thing that can help us decide which ones to get is their…
LECA is not a gadget that astronauts use but rather an acronym that stands for “lightweight expanded clay aggregate”. But what is it exactly? It’s actually a type of growing medium that you can plant your little green friends in. It is made by heating clay in a rotary kiln, which breaks and molds the…
Everybody loves roses, and growing them in your garden can be quite rewarding. They do demand extra care, especially when it comes to pruning. However, that’s not everything that they need; you need to be careful about the location that you plant them in, the amount of water that you give them, and the type…
Acid and gardening, yes, you read it right. Although it sounds contradictory, this combination is not only possible but also beneficial! For those gardeners who have heard about humic acid, I will tell you when to apply humic acid, and for beginners, I’ll tell you more about the benefits and usage of this type of…
Positive Bloom is an Amazon Associate and we earn from qualifying purchases through these links at no extra cost to you. Green palm fronds can beautify any home, so it’s important to know how to take care of them. Bright indirect light and occasional watering are a great place to start, and palm trees also…
Positive Bloom is an Amazon Associate and we earn from qualifying purchases through these links at no extra cost to you. We always want to provide the best care for all our houseplants, and planting them in a good growing medium is crucial. Palms have become a big hit in recent years, and if you…
This African beauty has become a firm favorite of almost every plant parent out there! The ZZ plant, also known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia or Zanzibar Gem, is an exotic houseplant that originates from the hottest regions of Africa. As they’ve adapted to living in such rough areas, these plants can really tolerate a lot! This…
Positive Bloom is an Amazon Associate and we earn from qualifying purchases through these links at no extra cost to you. There are many plants ideal for beginners, and the jade plant is one of them. This houseplant requires very little care, so it’s a great way to dip your toe into gardening and plant…
We all know that plants need soil, so it might be a little strange that we’re here to talk about sand for gardening. However, there are a few benefits of using sand in your garden, including improving drainage and aeration, and we’ll examine them all in more detail. This article will also bring you more…
When looking for plant fertilizer, you’ll come across many different kinds, and each of them is different. It can be difficult to know which fertilizer to use, but there are three numbers on the package that will give you the answer. You can’t apply the same fertilizer to vegetables, flowers, and lawns, so learning more…
It’s always a good idea to use mulch or wood chips as ground covers, but which one is better? We have made a detailed comparison of both to help you decide! Wood chips are often referred to as mulch, or rather, wood chip mulch. When we say mulch, we usually mean bark mulch, although there…
A sunflower field is one of the most serene things imaginable, and having even a solitary sunflower plant in your garden can provide the same relaxing effect. Sunflowers are all fun and games until the time for nurturing arrives, and one of the most frequent questions we’re asked is: “Do sunflowers like coffee grounds?” Before…
Positive Bloom is an Amazon Associate and we earn from qualifying purchases through these links at no extra cost to you. Did you just install a brand new lawn in your backyard? If so, then you need to know that applying proper fertilizers is the key to maintaining and establishing your new sod. Sods have…
The first time you enter the gardening world, you’ll get to know many different conditions your plants need. I assume you already know that plants need good lighting, appropriate humidity, temperature, etc. Still, there’s one thing many will skip explaining. Fertilization is providing plants with food to improve their growth. Nowadays, many fertilizers are available,…
You have probably heard that many gardeners are growing lemon trees in containers nowadays, and you may want to try your luck and grow one yourself. So if you have successfully planted the tree and read all the instructions for lemon tree care, now is the time to talk about fertilizing. Lemons are citrus fruits,…
When you listen to growers talking about plants, you’ll hear the word fertilizer so often you’ll start to wonder what the big deal is! When you first begin to grow plants, it’s common to think of water, soil, or light, but you rarely think of feeding. However, you should know that fertilization is essential for…
We have always struggled with identifying mushrooms: are they plants, vegetables, some kind of meat perhaps, or what? Well, we have the answer, and what got us thinking more, was another question: Are mushrooms decomposers? You will find out everything you need to know about mushrooms as decomposers in this article, as well as some…