A look at ways to keep plants healthy and happy so that they will grow faster and bigger.
Though they may seem simple, plants are actually very complex organisms and can react and respond to their environment in a variety of ways. Temperature, soil, and even the attitudes of the people around them can all have negative effects on plants, so if you're looking to get the most out of what you're growing you need to know how to treat them!
The first thing that you need to think about when you're working with plants is that they need certain basic nutrients from the soil that they're in. Selecting a good soil for potted plants, or mixing in compost or mulch (and possibly some potting soil) for ground plants can drastically improve their chances of growing big and strong. Remembering to make sure that they get enough water for their type, as well as the occasional liquid or granule plant food is also important for their growth.
Next, you need to watch out for illnesses or parasites that might think that your plant is a tasty treat. Periodically check the leaves and stems of your plants for any signs of illness or insect that may be feeding on the plant. If the plant seems to be wilting or dying but you can't find a reason for it, then there may be something eating at the roots. Consult your local nursery or Department of Agriculture if you suspect illness or root problems; they likely will be able to advise you on how to take care of the problem, as well as how to keep it from spreading.
There are other things that can affect your plants as well. They need to be sheltered from extreme changes in temperature, as well as frost and too much water. Some plants thrive in direct sunlight, while others will wilt and die if they are given too much sun. For most plants, partial sunlight works well, meaning that they are in the sun for part of the day and in the shade for the remainder. (By that same token, some plants do better in early spring, while others prefer summer.)
A final consideration is that plants really do like it when you talk to them. It has long been rumored that it's because speaking gives off carbon dioxide, but experiments have shown that tape recordings left playing can have different effects on plants with no carbon dioxide given off at all. Of course, it doesn't really matter what you say... it's all a matter of how you say it. Horrible things that are said in a soft and happy voice will give better results than wonderful things that are said harshly or in a bored manner. Classical music can work, as long as it is a light and carefree piece... some of the heavier pieces can actually have a negative effect on the plants. But even if you don't feel like leaving music or recorded words playing for hours on end, stopping once a day to say a few nice things (and perhaps even misting clean water onto the leaves in the afternoon) can have a drastic effect on the growth and beauty of the plants around your house.
In closing, remember that plants like some of the same things that people do. They want to be not too cold, but not too warm, not too wet but not too dry, and they enjoy light music and the occasional nice word just as much as the next guy.
