Online Tips from Gardening Experts

Bud Grafting

This technique is normally referred to as building. It is a popular and reliable method for grafting bush roses. Budding takes place in summer, usually on roses that are growing in the ground or in containers. The difference between budding and grafting is in the material used. Whereas both whip-and-tongue and saddle grafting use two stems of the desired variety, with bud grafting a single growth bud is grafted onto a rootstock. An ordinary sharp knife can be used for making the cuts, but a budding knife is best. This has a flattened end to the handle for opening the rootstock.

1. Select a well-ripened stem of the current year’s growth, making sure that there are dormant buds at the leaf axils. Remove the stem and take off all the leaves. Prepare the bud before opening the rootstock. Cut a single bud from the selected stem with the minimum of wood. Remove the sliver of wood from under the bark using the point of the knife and discard. This leaves the bud and the cambium layer attached to the bark. Keep the bud moist while you prepare the rootstock i.e., the simplest method is to hold it between your lips. It will be difficult to talk and don’t chew on it!

2. Now prepare the rootstock to receive the bud. Make a horizontal cut 1-2 inches above ground level and discard the top growth. Clean the stem of the rootstock with a rag.

3. Once the neck of the rootstock is clear you are ready to bud.

Explanation of Bud Grafting

4. Make a T-shaped cut deep enough to expose the cambium layer below the bark. The stroke of the T should be less than 1/2 inch long; the upward cut 1 inch long.

5. Use the flattened end of the knife handle to open the two flaps of bark on the rootstock. Slip the prepared bud, pointing upward, under the flaps of bark, making sure that the two cambium layers are together. Trim any surplus bud bark level with the stroke of the T.

6. Secure the union with raffia above and below, avoiding the bud. Some gardeners prefer to use budding strips made of thin rubber. These may be stretched over the bud union and held with an open staple.

Once the bud starts to grow, you can remove the raffia (If you use a rubber strip, it will perish). In early spring, cut the rootstock above the new bud growth leaving it to flourish and flower that summer.

Cactus

Are you interested in goring cactus or are you facing any problem in gardening cactus? Then this article is for you. In this article we will tell you everything about cactus plants; you will know what are they, why to grow them and how to grow them? We are going to give a detailed explanation on how to develop the cactus plants, what diseases it is likely to face and how to prevent them? Excited! Read further to know more…

A Cactus is a member of the plant family Cactaceae. A distinctive characteristic of the Cactus plant is the presence of thorns. In order to grow healthy cactus plants, we must know some important facts about the Cactus which will be discussed in the below points.

Why does a cactus have thorns?

A Cactus generally has thorns with a thick and succulent stem. Cactus plants have evolved in order to endure ans survive in harsh and hot climates. In order to prevent water loss due to transpiration in leaves, the leaves of the cactus have evolved into thorns. The stem of the cactus is generally succulent and fleshy. The water is stored in the stem part which also carries out the process of photosynthesis. Also, the thorns help to protect the cactus plant from grazing animals which would have otherwise eaten them up.

Are cactus plants useful in any way?

Many species of the cactus plants are used for ornamental value, fodder, forage, fruits (prickly pear dragon fruit), cochineal (dye), fencing material, valuable wood for construction (Dead pillar) and pharmaceutical significance.

Will a thorny cactus plant look good in my garden?

Many cactus plants are very pretty to look at and what most people don’t know is that they have the capacity to flower too. The common mental picture of a cactus plant is a prickly green plant, but there are many cacti with accents of red, pink, yellow and other colours. A cactus garden adds not only variety to your garden but also beautifies the garden. It lends an exotic look to your collection of plants. Moreover, they are incredibly easy to maintain and are very cost effective to grow.

cactus with double flowers

Is a cactus plant difficult to grow?

Cactus plants are mercifully very easy to grow. Like the Flobberworms in Harry Potter books, they flourish with minimal care, rather a cactus plant may die due to factors such as an excess of watering. They can survive for extended periods without water and in harsh climates. Cactus plants are very cheap to buy; you may get them for free on most occasions unless you are looking for very exotic or rare species.

What kind of soil is suitable to grow cactus plants?

Not every soil is useful for growing cactus. Soil should be porous that drains well and allows some drying out between watering. Covering the top soil with shells, small pebbles or coarse gravel, offer quicker water penetration, slower water evaporation, elimination of a crust on the top of the soil, and a neat, attractive look. Two parts perlite or pumice and one part washed building sand is a good ratio of soil that can be used. Adjust the ratios according to your growing conditions, climate and the species of plants you want to grow.

cactus soil

How much sunlight does a cactus need every day?

All cacti in order to flower and to photosynthesize need at least four to six hours of strong light daily.

What is the watering method to be used for cactus plants?

Never let cacti sit in standing water. Water well and thoroughly, letting water pour out of the drain in the pot. Let plants go thoroughly dry between watering. Water infrequently during winter months as cacti grow very little in cold climatic conditions. When plants are vigorously growing and blooming, they will need more water, which is usually seen in the summer season.

cactus fertilizer

Do we need to apply a lot of fertilizers to grow cacti?

Diluted liquid fertilizer can be added to the water every second or third watering during their growing season. Fertilizer with balanced amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous and potash (20-20-20) can be used. Slow release granular fertilizers can also be used. Low nitrogen and high phosphorous content induces bloom and improves flower size. Precaution should be taken not to over-fertilize as plants may grow too lushly or lose their characteristic shape . It is safe to use less fertilizer. Do remember that cactus plants have adapted to grow in arid soils and do not need excess water or fertilizer.

How frequently do we need to transplant cacti? What precautions must be taken while handling cacti?

Cacti do not need frequent transplanting as they are slow growing plants. Thin rubber gloves can be used to protect the fingers while transplanting and handling small plants. Tongs also work well. Rolled newspapers, section of hose wrapped around the larger plants makes it easier to move the plants. Be gentle while taking the plant from the old pot otherwise the roots may cut. Slowly take away old soil around the root ball, without breaking the roots or the root ball. In the new pot add new soil mix and place the plant on top filling in around the sides maintaining the same level as it was in the old pot. Keep the plant dry for few days. This will avoid rot of broken roots that are damaged or broken during the transplanting when watering, let it drain thoroughly.

How do cactus plants propagate?

Cactus plants can propagate by seeds, cuttings, leaves, tissue culture and grafting. The easiest method that we recommend for beginners is propagation through cutting as it involves the least amount of complications and as per our experience, it has high successful yielding rate. Nevertheless, you are free to explore all the methods of growing cacti and choose the method that you are happy with.

• Propagation by seeds: The seed is minute, as big as a dust particle. Soil has to be fine for germination. Moderate heat, shady place and watering regularly in small quantities so that soil should not become soggy.
• Propagation by cuttings: Cutting should be 2”-3” in height (as small ones may rot).Use a sharp knife to prevent tissue damage.
• Propagation by Leaves: This process takes few weeks for the leaf to bear a tiny plantlet at the base. The leaf should be placed in a cool, shady place. Carefully plant the leaf in a container with porous soil, and should be watered frequently in less quantities, not to dry completely while the roots form.
• Propagation by Tissue Culture: This method is followed in laboratories. This produces many plants fairly rapidly from the cells of just one plant. In petri dishes agar, hormone and nutrition liquids are used. From single cells many cells are produced leading to the formation of a new, complete, fully functioning plant. Tissue culture propagation is very akin to “cloning”.
• Propagation by Grafting: In this method two cactus are taken. A process that unites one cactus with another cactus (usually one that grows faster or is less problematic).

What are the diseases that may affect a cactus?

Cactus can be affected by bacteria, fungus and pests. The following are the different diseases caused by various organisms

Bacterial diseases: Soft rot
Fungal diseases: Aloe Rust, Basal Stem Rot, Black or Sooty Mold
Pests: Aphods, Whitefly, Snails, Scale Insects, Aloe Mite, Red Spider Mite, Mealy bugs

cactus with mealybugs

How do we prevent these diseases?

The pests most frequently affecting cactus plants are mealybugs, nematodes and scale insects. If affected by nematodes, soil from the roots must be removed and re-potting must be done with pasteurized soil or fertilizer mix. For mealybugs and scale, you can scrub with warm water and toothbrushes.

The most common disease is rot. Rots can be aggravated by improper watering, forcing growth during periods of dormancy, and wounding plants when re-potting.

Sometimes the plant can be saved by cutting out and removing material one-half inch beyond the area that looks decayed. The wound should be washed with a solution of one part household bleach and nine parts water.

The plant should be kept in intensive care in an area of low humidity until it recovers. If this does not result in a recovery, it is better to get rid of the plant.

In a nutshell, what care needs to be taken to grow cactus plants?

Proper proportions of good drainage, generous but infrequent watering, regular diluted feedings, good light and fresh air are the basic needs.

In conclusion, Cactus plants are a low cost (almost free), low maintenance, less water consuming plants to add variety and exoticness to your garden. Even without much gardening knowledge or experience, you can have reasonable success growing cactus plants.

I can tell you one thing for certain, i.e., after reading this guide, you will definitely get interest in growing cactus, so while doing the same, if you have any doubt or facing any problem, feel free to ask us. Good luck!

yellow sun thumbnail

Do you want to decorate your garden with pathways or maybe a fence? By solar lighting system you can preserve the bright day light all the time. The plants in your outdoor garden can enjoy the warmth and coziness for long. Here we wish to utter a line from Shakespeare’s sonnet “thy eternal summer shall never die”. Solar light is the best choice as they charge fro the natural source of light. This outdoor solar light is made of a solar panel, rechargeable batteries and LED’s. The solar energy can be saved a lot by this way and your outdoor garden is always vibrant. In this way you can reduce electricity bill and save extra expense.

These solar lights are great means of decoration. Your garden glows in the warm gentle light. And it composes a soft melodious atmosphere inside. The system has an inbuilt sensor which detects the light in time of sun rise and sun set. It is auto generated. So it automatically turns on and turns off. Even installing the machine in your outdoor garden is a very easy task. You can do it your self. Even if it stops working due to some reasons you do not need to call an electrician because it is very user friendly.

Technological developments in this solar landscape lighting made it possible for LED lights to radiate its illumination to a great extent of time. You can design the bushes and plants and water fountain with its colourful lights. According to your budget you have to opt for the solar lights for your garden. The price may depend on designs. Some products like path torches or spot lights are best for security reason.

Sunlight Gardening

If you place your outdoor garden light close to each other you can get more effective lightening. These solar lights are categorized as accent light, path light and task light. A DIY guide can give you a close guide for lightening your outdoor garden.With a DIY guide you can have ideas how to bestow more beauty on your garden by this wonderful solar light. You will find that your sense of imagination merges with craftsmanship. With inexpensive components you can even create your own solar panel. So give a classic touch to your green garden.

small garden

Gardening has the potential to become a profitable hobby and if you can show some monetary interest. You can earn huge amount from this occupation while at the same time you will get immense pleasure and fun. Those who give thumbs to green will grab this idea. For beginners, a 20 to 30 square feet area is enough to make a plant bed. Here, you can plant at least 25 -30 plants. If your profit increases then you can look forward to expand your area. Starting a garden is not a mammoth task. It just needs some patience and time.

After you have selected the right spot for the garden, just make sure that all of your plants are exposed to the proper sunlight. They must receive at least 5-7 hours of clear sunlight for photosynthesis. No big trees should take its roots nearby the area of your garden because it will suck all the nutrients from the soil and your plants will not get them which are required for their growth. Or, if the huge tree stands by the side of your garden and cast it shade all the time, making the place dark or damp, your plants may fall short of sunlight. Always try to locate your plant bed at a favorable position before starting a garden, keep a certain distance from the walls or fence. Choosing right plants for your garden that can live healthy at your climate is a task for which you may need some advice. You need not follow all the expert suggestions all the time; you may also make some experiments and try out crazy things.

Small Gardening Field

Suppose you bought plants that habitually grow in the hilly area at a certain altitude above sea level, and now you want them grow in your atmosphere. Here comes the problem. In order to avoid these kinds of troubles, try to follow this simple technique. The plants can survive well if necessary preconditions are fulfilled after choosing a convenient location for the garden. First test the soil with a tester whether it contains minerals and nutrients for the plants. If you find deficiency, add some compost or Urea whatever it needs. Then start digging the soil up to one foot from the surface. Just remove the rocks, debris and weeds from the soil and prepare the plants bed. This is also a vital part for starting a garden. If the soil is very acidic you have to neutralize it with some lime. And if is sandy, adding peat moss would be good. After making the soil neutral, then only you may add some fertilizer to it.

Starting a garden is an innovative idea as long as you can make it utilized for more than one purpose.

Gardening-tools

Each garden tool performs a specific job, so you have to know the purpose before choosing the tool. If you are going to start a new garden surely you have got the mental preparation to accomplish the task as efficiently as possible. You might think that to garner a beautiful attractive garden you have to put a lot of energy on the field out side. But in this article we will advice you to pick up right gardening tool so that you energy can get a better out let and achieve better productivity. This is the usefulness of any machinery or tool so far invented by humans is to get more result with less possible energy. And every gardening tool has been manufactured in a fashion so as to perform a particular function that is assigned to it. Here is an overview of all the tools that are used fr gardening.

Shovels-
A shovel is an indispensable part of gardening and harvesting. No gardening instrument can do better job than a good solid garden shovel. Shovel has off-course a variety of design and you have to choose the right one as per your gardening conditions and your convenience. You may prefer to buy a long handle round pointed shovel that will help you to dig out the earth, making hole in the soil or moving the soil or sand, lifting shrubs or plants. If the handles are long it may be comfortable for you and the extended flat edge helps you to keep your foot on the back of the blade and then you get the grip and leverage for foot. Somebody also looks for short handled shovel because they think it better for balance. Digging rocky and stony soil becomes difficult. Here the tools like sawtooth shovel makes the task easier. The carbon steel blade is solid enough to withstand any hard friction.

Garden fork-
Garden fork may not come to the use as often as the shovel but it is of no less importance among all the garden tools. You will be glad when you find its point of utilization. Garden fork may be categorized as garden spading fork and garden compost fork. It can be used for digging or aerating soil or loosening a big patch of ground just before digging. In compost fork the tins used for it is thinner and it is curved and spacious so that the thick substance do not get jammed there. A light weight garden fork would be an ideal choice for you. If you cannot carry it with comfort, it doesn’t make any sense to buy a heavy and chunky one.

Gardening tools

Garden Hoe-
In course of the year bushes, shrubs and plants grow. Keeping this fact in mind you may probably need three or four hoes depending upon the type of job. Hoes are categorized as onion hoes and warren hoes, loop hoes and heart hoes. With a triangular shaped blade of a warren hoe you can easily work under the plants without disturbing them. Scrapping the weeds out of the soil is the conventional task with a conventional hoe. And this image has been perennially associated with any gardener hunched over his garden hoe.
So here we find that all the gardening tools are important as they are designed to perform certain job.