How To Grow Lithops Cactus and Care

Lithops cactus are often called "living stones" and yet look like hooves. These small, juicy gaps are native to the deserts of South Africa but are often sold at garden centres and nurseries. Lithops thrive in compacted soil, and with high temperatures and little water blisters. While it is relatively easy to grow, a little information about lithops will help you learn how to thrive living stone in your garden.

SPECIFICATION OF LITHOPS CACTUS

Zones-2-10
Light Requirements-Full Sun
Flower Color-pink
Mature Height-48-52" tall
Bloom Time-Mid summer until frost
Plant Type / Life Cycle-Annual
Planting Time-Spring / Summer
 Soil Type-Sandy Soil, Loamy Soil, Acidic Soil
Soil Moisture-Average, Well Draining

INFORMATION ABOUT LITHOPS

There are many colour names for plants in the genus Lithops. Gravel Plants, mimicry plants, stones with flowers etc. are descriptive nicknames with unique shape and growth habit.

Lithops are small, rarely more than one inch above the bottom surface, usually with only two leaves. The thick padded represent the gap left at the foot of an animal or just a pair of grey-green brownstone clustered together.

These plants do not have a true mother and a large part them stays underground.

ADAPTATION OF LITHOPS

Lithops grow in inhospitable areas with limited water and nutrients. Because most of the body of the plant stays under the ground, in which foliage mainly collect energy from the sun. As a result, the system has developed a unique way to improve insolation with "windows " on the surface of the plate. These transparent areas are filled with calcium oxalate, the creation of a reflective facet of light increases.

Another fascinating adaptation of Lithops cactus is the longevity of the seed capsules. Humidity is rare in the wild, so the seeds remain viable in the soil for months.

LITHOPS CHARACTER

Lithops, popularly known as "stones with flowers" or "living stones" are true mimicry plants: the shape, size and colour make it resemble small stones in their natural environment. This is a good means of protection. Grazing animals during drought find it difficult to identify these plants for moisture. Even experts in the field sometimes have trouble finding plants for study because of this unusual deceptive camouflage.

HOW TO GROW PLANTS LIVING STONES

Living stones growing in pots is preferable for most but in the hottest areas. Lithops do well in a mixture of potting compost included with some sand.

Potting media is to be dried before adding moisture and then placed in a bright environment. Now place the plant in the south window for optimal light input.

Propagation is done by the division of seed, although seedlings take many months and years to grow before it resembles the parent plant. You can find the seeds on the Internet or succulent nurseries.

Redwood Bonsai Specification and germination

Orychophragmus violaceus February Orchid Gandergoose

SPECIFICATION OF GANDER GOOSE

Size: Medium

Style: Perennial

Climate: Subtropics

Cultivating Difficulty Degree: Very Easy

Full-bloom Period: Spring

Germination temperature: 12-20 C
Growth Temperature: 10-30 C
Germination: There are two types of germination one is Micro seed germination and the other is Mini seed germination.

How to germinate micro seed:  Use a flat seedling tray .and its deep ill be 1.5 to 2 inches deep. Make sure you have plenty of holes in it for good water drainage. Take equal quantity of sand, soil and vermicompost. Then we will mix all three material into one container. Thereafter we will spread our seeds on the mixture. As we know very well that our seeds are so small that's why we can spread water very lightly and carefully on the seed.Make sure that the water must be mixed with diluted fungicide powder.It is very important to notice to follow that the seeds will not to go very deep inside the mixture by spraying water on the seed if it happens then the fertilization of the seeds become difficult.Minimum warm, above 60ºF (15.5ºC), is needed inside the container and it should be placed in the sunny area.After that, the whole thing should be covered with a poly bag and after 21 days later the plastic can be removed.

How to germinate mini seed

Use a flat tray container about 10 inches by 15 inches (biggest or smaller your choice) 1.5 to 2 inches deep. Make sure you have plenty of holes in it for good water drainage.Take equal quantity of sand, soil and vermicompost. Put the seedling mix you prepared up to almost top leaving about 0.5 inches space. As the seeds are perfect in size now we can put the seeds over it by 1/3 after that cover the seeds with seedling mix only about 0.5 cm (half a centimeter) .water it by watering can. place the container in a semi shaded place. Sprinkle diluted fungicide water (2gm in 1-litre water) after sowing the seeds.We have to care about putting the seed because seeds will not go deep into the mixture.

GERMINATION CARE
After the seedlings germinate, they can relocate to a sunny south- or west-facing window. The soil is kept moist at all times, but not allowed to get soggy. Once the seedlings have three true leaves, they are fed every two weeks with a liquid houseplant fertilizer. Pinching out the growth tips isn't necessary.



Step 1

Use a flat seedling tray and its deep will be 5 centimetres. Make sure you have plenty of holes in it for good water drainage.

Step 2

As the seeds are perfect in size then you can put the seeds over it by 1/3 after that cover the seeds with seedling mix only about 1 cm (one centimetre)


Step 3
 Take equal quantity of sand, soil and vermicompost. Then mix all the three ingredients into one container.

Step 4
  
Sprinkle diluted fungicide water (2gm in 1-litre water) after sowing the seeds.We have to care about putting the seed because seeds will not go deep into the mixture.


 Step 5
 Thereafter spreed the camellia seeds in the mixture. If your seeds are so tiny then you can spread water very lightly and carefully on the seed.Make sure that the water must be mixed with diluted fungicide powder.It is very important to notice to follow that the seeds will not to go very deep inside the mixture by speeding water on the seed if it happens then the fertilization of the seeds become difficult.


Step 6
 Cover tightly plastic polythene wrap over the pot to promote soil moisture retention and place it in a dimly light area of the house. Lift the plastic daily to check that the soil is moist. If not, lightly moisten it with a water-filled spray bottle before replacing the plastic. Expect germination within three to five days.

Step 7
Remove the plastic as soon as the seedlings emerge, and gradually move the pot to a brighter area over a two-week period so that at the end of that time they're acclimated to being in full sunlight.

Step 8
Minimum warm, above 60ºF (15.5ºC), is needed inside the container and it should be placed in the sunny area.After that, the whole thing should be covered with a poly bag and after 21 days later the plastic can be removed.


Step 9

Watering it daily as it is required.These seeds need full sunlight, so place the tray in a sunny area.

Moss Verbena Flower Seeds Germination Tips

Moss Verbena Flower

SPECIFICATION OF MOSS VERBENA

COMMON NAME-Hoary Vervain
LIFE CYCLE- Perennials
ZONES :3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
LIGHT REQUIREMENT- full sun
MATURE PLANT SIZE-Up to 72 inches tall (6 feet)
BLOOM TIME- summer
SOIL MOISTURE-Average, Moist/Wet, Well Draining
SOIL TYPE- Sandy Soil, Loamy Soil, Clay Soil, Moist/Wet Soil
FLOWER COLOR-Purple
MATURE HEIGHT-24" tall

Moss verbena

Moss verbena is a low-growing plant that creates an attractive ground cover, complete with moss-like foliage and masses of lilac blooms that last all summer. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9 and above. In hardiness zones 7 and 8, moss verbena freezes during the winter but often returns the following spring. In all other climates, moss verbena is grown as an annual.


DESCRIPTION

Moss Verbena - ground cover plants will grow as perennial in frost-free zones. For colder climates, grow this Verbena as an annual. It adds great colour to meadows, use it in sunny flower borders, and it also works well in containers or baskets.
It is recommended to sow Moss Verbena seeds directly outdoors in the late fall. The cold temperatures actually help to break the dormancy of the seed, so when spring temperatures warm, the Verbena seeds are ready to germinate. Broadcast the Moss Verbena ground cover seeds in prepared soil that is weed free. Lightly rake the seed under the soil.

GERMINATION
Start moss verbena seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last spring frost. Soak the seeds in a bowl of water for an hour or two to determine which are viable. Discard the seeds that float and sow those that sink.

Fill individual 3-inch starter pots with a mix of three parts sterile potting soil and one part coarse sand. Leave the top 1/2-inch of each pot empty. Moisten the growing mix and allow it to drain.

Sow two moss verbena seeds in each starter pot. Press them onto the surface of the growing mix, and then cover them with a 1/16-inch-thick layer of soil. Gently firm the soil to anchor the seeds and mist with water.

Place the potted moss verbena seeds near a large window with eight hours of sun exposure each day. Warm the bottom of the pots with a germination mat. Set the temperature on the mat to between 70 and 75 F.

Check the moisture level in the soil mixture twice daily. Water if the soil feels almost completely dry on the surface. Mist the seeds with a spray bottle until the growing mixture feels moderately moist in the top 1/4-inch.

Watch for the first signs of sprouting in two to four weeks. Thin out the smaller and weaker of the two moss verbena seedlings from each pot, if both of the seeds successfully germinate.

Increase watering slightly after germination. Drizzle water around the base of the moss verbena seedlings before the soil surface dries out completely. Avoid getting water on the seedling since excess moisture on the leaves increases the likelihood of fungal infection.

Move the moss verbena seedlings outdoors once nighttime temperatures stay reliably above 55 F. Place the pots in a sheltered area out of direct sunlight. Acclimate the plants to direct sun for a few days before transplanting them into the garden.

Transplant the moss verbena seedlings into a permanent bed once they produce at least one pair of true leaves. Choose a sunny planting site with loamy, draining soil. Space them 12 to 24 inches apart.

The seeds are factory packed in paper envelopes. Germinating power is tested, best before 12.2017. Envelope contents 0.1 g of seeds (approx. 10 seeds)


IMPORTANT WATERING USE: Use watering can for watering. By moving the water stream constantly waves the can. Do not let the water to flood in particular area. Or use the sprayer to spray the water like mist.

Verbena The Veined Vervain Moujean Tea Flower

Name: Verbena (mix)

Height: 4 to 47 inches (120 cm).
Growing Region: Annuals: zones 1 to 10
Flowers: Late spring until the first frost.
Flower Details: Blue, violet, white, purple, rose, pink. Small. Five petals. Clusters. Spikes. Fragrant.
Foliage: Simple. Opposite. Hairy. Ovate. Lanceolate. Sometimes lobed; toothed.

Sow Outdoors: Cover stratified seed. Following the last frost. Spacing 6 to 40 inches (15 to 100 cm).

Sow Indoors: Mix seeds in a growing medium, place in a freezer bag, keep moist, then stratify by refrigeration for two weeks.
Germination time: two weeks to three months. Temperature 70°F (21°C). Nine or ten weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors a few weeks after the last frost; minimum temperature should not drop below 50°F (10°C).

Requirements: Full sunlight or light shade. Good drainage. Soil pH 6 to 7. Rich soil. Can survive in dry soils. Feed in spring. Regular watering. Pinch tips. Deadhead. Perennials should be brought indoors over winter in cold areas. Propagate cuttings in the spring.

How to grow:
If growing Verbena outdoors from seeds, then sow out following the last frost of spring, then lightly cover the seed. Due to the large variety in Verbena size, the spacing is species dependent, in general plant small Verbena about 20cm apart, medium Verbena at 30 to 40cm, and larger Verbena at 60cm to a meter apart. Ideally, Verbena should be grown in a fertile soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6 to 7). they like to grow in the sunny part of the garden, but can tolerate partial shade if needed.
If growing Verbena indoors first then sow about two months before the last frost. The Verbena seeds should first be sown into a pot; next cover with a plastic bag; put in the fridge for two weeks; then allow to germinate in the dark at a temperature of 18 to 24 degrees centigrade. Verbena seeds should take from two weeks to three months to germinate. Transplant the young Verbena plants outdoors a few weeks after the last frost of spring.

 GERMINATION


Step 1 :

Fill a pot with water that equals five times the seed volume and brings it to a boil on a stove. Check the temperature of the water with a cooking thermometer, and when it reaches 176 degrees Fahrenheit, remove the pot from the stove.

Step 2:

Place the verbena seeds in the hot water and stir them for up to two minutes with a spoon before draining the liquid.


Step 3:
Fill a bowl with lukewarm water that's between 86 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit and soak the seeds in it for 24 hours. This pre-treatment is called scarification and alters the hard seed coat, which increases the chances of uniform germination.

Step 4:

Fill a pot with the moist seed-starting mix up to 1 inch from the top, place the seed on top of the surface and cover it with a 1/2-inch layer of the mix. Tamp down lightly and moisten the surface with a water-filled spray bottle to avoid washing away the seed.

step 5:

Cover tightly plastic polythene wrap over the pot to promote soil moisture retention and place it in a dimly lit area of the house. Lift the plastic daily to check that the soil is moist. If not, lightly moisten it with a water-filled spray bottle before replacing the plastic. Expect germination within three to five days.

Step 6:

Remove the plastic as soon as the seedlings emerge, and gradually move the pot to a brighter area over a two-week period so that at the end of that time they're acclimated to being in full sunlight.

Step 7:

Transplant the seedlings outside to an area with full sun and well-draining soil after three to five months, when the seedlings are about 8 to 12 inches tall.


IMPORTANT WATERING USE: Use watering can for watering. By moving the water stream constantly waves the can. Do not let the water to flood in particular area. Or use the sprayer to spray the water like mist.

GERMINATION CARE
After the seedlings germinate, they can relocate to a sunny south- or west-facing window. The soil is kept moist at all times, but not allowed to get soggy. Once the seedlings have three true leaves, they are fed every two weeks with a liquid houseplant fertilizer. Pinching out the growth tips isn't necessary.

Climbing Rose Care and Germination Guide

Climbing Red Rose

Buy Rose Plants 

Care for your roses. Once the transplanted seedling is looking healthy again, you can start watering it as normal. Fertilizing a few times during the warm growing season may help your plant grow and bloom if you follow the fertilizer instructions, but keep in mind that some varieties of rose will not bloom at all during their first year of life.PLANT CARE:

• For ROOT DEVELOPMENT use NPK 12:61:00 (4 weeks - every day in the interval of 1day)
• After 4 weeks, for HEALTH use NPK 20:20:20 (Around the Year - every day in the interval of 1day)
• After 8 weeks, for FLOWER use NPK 13:00:45 (Only at the time of flowering) 

Instruction - 

Day 1 - NPK 20:20:20

Day 2 - NPK 12:61:00

Continue After 8 weeks.

 All plants need sunlight. Rose like sunshine too.

CLIMBING ROSE

Height: 7-12 feet
Germination time: around 40 Days
Blooming Season: Early, mid & late summer
Sun Requirements: Partial shade, partial and full sun
Description: Climbing roses are a popular plant for vertical gardens. Interestingly, botanists do not consider them true climbing plants like vines because they don’t grow their own support structures to hold onto a surface. Therefore, they need a helping hand and a vertical space to attach to and grow on.

If you’re interested in growing climbing roses, you can choose to purchase a trellis or an arbour so that they have a suitable place to grow. You can also be creative and train your roses over a fence, a pillar, a garden shed, or other structures in your yard.

How to Germinate:
A: Cold treatment
B: Using  with sulfuric acid

Rose germination using sulfuric acid

A:
1. Soak the seeds in diluted Sulfuric Acid: A mixture of water and sulfuric acid may reduce surface thickness on the seeds. Stir (10 ml)  sulfuric acid into 1 cup (240 mL) water Keep the rose seeds in this solution for at least half an hour. 
2.Use a strainer and wash it plain water.Use seeds for sowing or can it for a week. 
3.A light dusting of anti-fungal powder use on plants for more effect.It will remove the fungus.

B:

1. 1.Place the seeds in a damp material. Rose seeds typically won't sprout unless they are kept in cold, wet conditions, mimicking a winter environment. Place the seeds between two layers of lightly dampened paper towels, or in a container of dampened salt-free river sand, peat moss, or vermiculite.
2. Do not keep them in the same area of the refrigerator as fruit or vegetables, which can release chemicals that prevent the seeds from developing
3. Keep the seed medium slightly damp. Check at least once or twice a week to see whether a sprout has emerged from the seed casing. Add a few drops of water to each paper towel whenever they begin to dry out. Depending on the rose variety and individual seeds, the seeds could take anywhere from four to sixteen weeks to germinate. Often, 70% or more of the seeds never sprout at all.

·         After sprout:...

1.Fill a container with sterile seed starting mix. Small seedling starting trays make it easy to care for many seeds at once. Alternatively, use plastic drinking cups with a hole punched in the bottom, to make root growth easier to view.

• Regular soil is not recommended, as it may not drain well enough and cause the seedlings to rot.

2.Plant the seeds. Some store-bought seeds can be planted immediately. If you germinated your own seeds as described above, plant them as soon as they begin to sprout. Plant with the sprout pointed downward, as this is the root. Lightly cover them with soil, about 1/4 inch (6 mm) deep. Space seeds at least 2 inches (5 cm) apart to minimize competition.

• Sprouted seeds should emerge as seedlings within a week. Store-bought seeds that do not require home stratification may take several weeks.Seeds that have not been stratified, using the germination process above, may take two or three years to emerge.

3.Keep the seedlings in warm, moist soil. Keep the soil damp, but not soggy. A temperature between 60 and 70ºF is(16–21ºC) is ideal for most rose varieties. The seedlings typically thrive on six hours of sun or more each day, but you may wish to research the parent rose's variety to get a better idea of what your roses prefer

4.Learn when it's safe to transplant seedlings. The first two leaves visible are usually "cotyledons," or seed leaves. Once the seedling grows several "true leaves," with a more typical rose leaf appearance, it is more likely to survive transplanting. Transplanting is also easiest in winter or early spring, not during the height of the growing season.

• It may be a good idea to transplant the seedlings soon if you notice the plant is root-bound, with its roots encircling the container.
• Do not transplant it outside until after the last frost.

5.Transplant to a larger pot or outdoors. When you decide to transplant, wait for cool, cloudy weather or early evening when the plant is losing less water. Moisten the seedling to keep the soil around it together. Dig a hole in the new location, large enough for the root mass, then remove the soil around the seedling in a clump. Transfer this soil clump into the new location, filling the hole with potting soil if the ordinary garden soil is low quality. Water the soil thoroughly after transplanting.

• Try to plant to the same level as before. Do not bury part of the stem that was previously above the soil level.

6.Care for your roses. Once the transplanted seedling is looking healthy again, you can start watering it as normal. Fertilizing a few times during the warm growing season may help your plant grow and bloom if you follow the fertilizer instructions, but keep in mind that some varieties of rose will not bloom at all during their first year of life.

How to Germinate: Cold treatment

1. Put seeds into 40° C water for 24 hours.
2. Put seeds into very wet sands or coco pit then it must be able to retain the moisture and to circulate the oxygen for germination. ( Generally, it takes more than 40 days. )
3. Move it into the soil after it sprouts.
4. Germination temperature: 20-25℃
5. Germination time: 40 days
6. Growth optimum temperature: 10-25 ℃
7. Spacing: 20 * 20cm
8. Rose on soil not ask for much, just with some humus soil aggregate

Rose is afraid of:
Rose is drought tolerant plants, but it is afraid floods. It is necessary to use non-glazed bonsai pots for soil cultivation. The principle is "do not pour water on it when the soil is not dry. Wet it completely when you pour water on soil."
Lend a high concentration of fertilizer (especially fertilizers) will result in the death of local rot.

 All plants need sunlight. Rose like sunshine too.

Note:

1. Please seeds stored in a cool, dry place.

2. The seed surface is 1-2 times the diameter of the seed.

3. Cover seeds with preservative films, and then piercing the films to make several holes. Keep seeds covered in the daytime and uncover it in the night. Take off the preservative films when the seeds are half-germinated. The plant will be in a state of dormancy in summer and the leaves will turn yellow. Beginners should better use sand to cultivate the seeds, although the seeds will grow slower in the sand, the plants will be the most vigorous in the future. If you tend to use another kind of soil, try to use the kind with good water permeability, for example, the clay would not be a good choice. The soil should be disinfected by microwave oven before been used. Pay attention: the surface of the soil not to be too dry, which is very important. When watering, all the soil should be netted and there is no need to water on a cloudy day.

4. The pot could be 6-8cm in depth, it is an earthen basin or a plastic one.

5. The volume of the soil should keep a distance of 1-2cm from the rim of the pot.

Mammoth Long Island Dill

Everyone loves the taste of dill, from "dilly" bread to tasty fish sauces, dips and spreads.

When and Where to Plant: Select sunny, protected location with well-drained soil and sow seed after the last frost.
Care Support plants with a stake if necessary.
Harvesting: Separate seeds from heads by shaking loose in the paper bag. Cut and use leaves at any time.


SPECIFICATION OF DILL


Botanical Name Anet-hum graveolens

Light Requirements-Full Sun

Planting Depth -1/4 inch

Planting Time -Warm Season

Seed Spacing -1 inch

Days to Germination -10-15

Days to Harvest -70

Ways to Grow- Ornamental Edibles

Height- Up to 24 inches


BENEFITS OF LONG DILL

1.Dill is really a plant-based method of obtaining calcium and also ingesting healthy quantities of calcium is probably the ideal way to bolster bones and stop bone loss. Osteoporosis has been associated with reducing quantities of calcium usage; therefore consuming dill regularly can easily avoid weakening of bones.

2.Simply because dill consists of anti-bacterial qualities, you can use it to battle off bacterial infections inwardly and outwardly. Historic cultures utilized burnt off dill seeds for injuries to prevent bacterial infections.

3. Dill is really a conventional treatment for hiccups. It is stated that combining a spoonful of fresh dill into boiling water, straining the water, and after that consuming the liquid can get eliminate hiccups. Some individuals state that simply consuming a few ounces of dill pickle juice will perform the secret.


COLD GERMINATION

1. Put seeds into 40° C water for 24 hours.
2. Put seeds into very wet sands or coco pit then it must be able to retain the moisture and to circulate the oxygen for germination. (Generally, it takes more than 40 days)
3. Move it into the soil after it sprouts.
4. Germination temperature: 20-25℃
5. Germination time: 40 days
6. Growth optimum temperature: 10-25 ℃

Secrets Success of Starting a vegetable garden

HOW TO SUCCESS STARTING A VEGETABLE GARDEN

Be realistic: It's tempting to want to plant some of everything, but remember that a garden requires maintenance. It's best to start small -- say, a 12' x 12' plot -- and plan to increase the size in subsequent years.

If you're new, here are some tips to help you get started the vegetable plants in the right of the price.
Sun: To choose the place of the sun, in the gardens, - at least this is 6 hours of sun passed the meridian. This holds true especially also for the sins, and "fruitfulness" crops like tomatoes, peppers and squash. Blitum few crops like lettuce, 3 and 4 hours after regular direct sun, but in general you can choose the sunniest place in the gardens.

 Soil: After the sun to grow healthy vegetable factor alone. Be sure the soil drains as well (do not hold DEFICIT after rain). Most garden soils benefit from the addition of organic matter, especially together. Organic matter to improve drainage as well as water-holding capacity, and some other nutrients, too. Read more about soil preparation: Improving the ground.

Location: Choose the most convenient place for that profligacy 'as possible. Whatever you want to call daily to check the progress pull Visit your garden weed or two. You'll also need plenty of water.

Consider raised beds: Raised beds fostered and dry out quickly in spring and allows you to focus your soil-improvement efforts on growing their beds. Reduced ground compaction even when he was walking in the area can be avoided. And has raised up a tree or stone paves to build your own bed, you may be able to buy, either by you, by casting up mounts, and flat-pile.

Grow in containers: Especially well it grows in self-restraint, and to adapt to many vegetables and herbs are attractive, too. Pepper to grow basil in a sunny deck or near your kitchen door, as an example.

Combine vegetables and ornamentals. If you walk in the sun, consider tucking the green herbs shall, in your flowerbeds - A major, chard, lettuce, pepper, basil, wise man. Make sure what kinds of Pest sprays are safe too.

R How to improve the soil pH for your plants

IMPROVING SOIL

In a word, Life. Soil may look inert but it's teeming with activity, both visible and invisible. It contains a dynamic ecosystem that's constantly changing, and one of the keys to growing healthy plants is to understand and nurture that ecosystem.

WHAT IS HEALTHY SOIL?

A soil scientist might describe healthy soil as containing about 45% mineral particles (clay, sand, silt), 25% each of air and water, and about 5% organic matter. But that doesn't mean much in the real world -- for example, how do you measure how much air is in the soil? I think it's easier to think first about what soil provides to plants:
Water: Plants contain up to 90% water, so it's vital that plant roots have a ready source of water in the soil.
Air: Plant roots also need air, and they absorb the oxygen they need through their roots.
Nutrients: Plants take up the minerals they need for healthy growth from the soil. These nutrients are dissolved in the moisture between soil particles.
A place to grow: Soil provides a place for roots to anchor themselves, to keep plants growing upright.

A healthy soil provides all these things to the plants growing in it.

WHAT TYPE OF SOIL DO U WANT?

The size of the mineral particles in the soil determines its texture:
Clay soils are made up predominantly of tiny, flat clay particles. These particles stick together when wet, forming a dense, slippery mud that drains slowly, leaving soil saturated after it's been soaked. When dry, the clay particles pack down into a hard surface (think clay pot). Clay soils contain plant nutrients, but it can be tough for plants to get those nutrients. Wet or dry, clay soils are tough on plants.
Sandy soils are made up of relatively large sand particles. They fit loosely together; water drains through quickly so sandy soils tend to dry out quickly. They also contain few nutrients.
Silty soils contain mostly silt particles that are larger than clay and smaller than sand particles. They drain better than clay soils and retain water better than sandy soil. They usually contain a good amount of nutrients. They can pack solid when dry and are prone to blowing away in wind, however.

To determine what type of soil you have, pick up a handful of moist soil. Rub a bit between your thumb and finger. If it's gritty, it contains sand. Now try to roll it into a cylinder about an inch in diameter. If it immediately falls apart, it's probably quite sandy. If it holds loosely together but crumbles when you poke it, it's likely silty. If it sticks together (like modelling clay), it contains mostly clay particles.

It's handy to know what type of soil you have in part because different plants prefer different soil types. But most important is what you can do to maximize your soil's potential.

IMPROVING GARDEN SOIL?

The single best thing you can do for your soil is to add organic matter, and the best organic matter is compost. Compost is simply once-living matter (leaves, kitchen vegetable scraps, garden trimmings) that has decomposed into a dark, crumbly substance. Whether you make your own compost or purchase it in bags or bulk, compost is often called "garden gold" for the miracles it can work in your soil.

Organic matter helps sandy soil retain water better, and also helps clay soils drain better. It contains some plant nutrients, too. But its biggest job is to nurture the soil life in the soil. Beneficial soil organisms, including microscopic bacteria and fungi, beetles and other insects and earthworms consume the organic matter, further breaking it down the material in nutrients that plants can use. In the process, they aerate the soil so plant roots can get the oxygen they need, and they keep pest organisms in check. Organic matter also helps soil particles form small clumps (called soil aggregates) that help prevent it from compacting.

 WHAT DOES GOOD GARDEN SOIL LOOK LIKE?

Dark. Moist. Crumbly. I like to compare healthy soil to chocolate cake. It's moist and crumbly, with air pockets throughout. The unhealthy soil is like a cake mix -- dry and packed down with no room for air. Or picture healthy soil as a wrung-out sponge -- it's moist yet contains plenty of air, too.

SOIL PH

Soil pH is a measure of its acidity or alkalinity and is measured on a scale of 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Most plants prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH of around 6.8, but some, like blueberries, need a more acidic soil to thrive. Test your soil, and if it's too acidic (the pH is too low) add lime. If it's too alkaline (the pH is too high) add sulphur.

MAINTAINING HEALTHY SOIL?

Soil improvement isn't a one-time proposition; it's an ongoing task. The soil organisms break down organic matter, so you need to continually add more -- feed the soil, and the soil will feed the plants.

How to Start Vegetable Seeds Indoors

Vegetable seeds indoor

GERMINATION

Make sure your containers have drainage holes. You can use recycled pots -- yoghurt containers, for example, but be sure to poke holes in the bottom. Plastic six-packs and flats are good choices and can be reused year after year. Biodegradable pots are fine, too.



Plant seeds at the proper depth. Check the seed packet for planting depth. You don't need to measure, but if it says "1/4" don't plant the seed an inch deep. The rule of thumb is to plant the seed two to three times as deep as it is wide. Tiny seeds should be barely covered by soil mix, while large seeds like beans should be sown about an inch deep. Sow seeds too deeply and they won't have enough stored energy to make it to the surface. Plant extra seeds because it's likely not all of them will germinate; you'll thin out the extra ones later.



Keep seed-starting mix moist. Seedling roots need both air and water. Strive to keep the mix moist but not saturated with water -- think of it as a damp sponge that contains both water and air.



After sowing set the containers in a warm location. On top of the refrigerator or near a radiator are usually good spots. Check pots every day.



As soon as seedlings emerge, place pots in a bright location. A sunny window will do but supplemental fluorescent lights will give you the best results. Suspend the lights just an inch or two over the tops of the plants.


Cool room temperature is best. You'll get sturdier, stockier seedlings at temperatures in the high 60s. At higher temperatures, seedlings may get leggy.


Begin fertilizing weekly. Use a half-strength fertilizer once the seedling has one or two sets of leaves. Organic fertilizers are a good choice since they provide a range of nutrients, including micronutrients.

Once seedlings have two sets of leaves, it's time to thin. You want one seedling per pot, so choose the healthiest, strongest-looking seedling and snip off other seedlings at the soil line and discard them.

Use a Seeding tray -Put seeding mix then put one seed in every Cavity about 5mm deep (not too deep and not too shallow) - Cover it with seeding mix- place the seedling tray in a semi shaded place.

   
It is best to use by mixing 2gms of fungicide in 10-litre water and spray it on the soil before sowing seeds. Or use in any plant at first time when you place in soil or repot.


IMPORTANT WATERING USE : Use watering can for watering. By moving the water stream constantly waves the can. Do not let the water to flood in particular area. Or use sprayer to spray the water like mist.

WARNING

 Do not sow seeds on Rainy day or in a cloudy weather

 You will definitely end up with nothing, wait for the bright Sunny day and clear weather

 Please check forecast before sowing the seeds on the following website :

Most important: Avoid rainy day or a cloudy weather.

You will definitely get nothing; wait for the bright sunny day and clear weather.

Please check the forecast before sowing the seeds on the following website:

http://www.msn.com/en-gb/weather?wealocations=wc:inxx0038

1.       Select your Area.

2.       Check the local weather. It will let you know whether forecast for about 7 days of your city.

If you got problems with rats then take care of them because they will dig and eat seeds and you will never know what happened or they will cut and eat your seedlings in early stages.

This guide applies to all kind of fruits, vegetables and flower seeds (excluding Exotic Fruit Variety). For best germination, you have to place your seeds in the refrigerator for about 40 to 50 days. This will destroy all unnecessary microorganisms. After this, start germination process ending the Dormancy period.