(NC)—The proverbial green thumb is admired by many of us who don't have one. As the neighbours' gardens and flowers start to bloom, green thumb envy is inevitable. Sure, it takes some skill and talent to grow a magnificent garden, but it's not impossible to develop a green thumb in time for gardening season this summer.
First, remember to keep insects at bay. Some insects can wreak havoc on plants. So, spray both upper and lower leaves with neem or pyola oil on a seven to 10 day cycle to keep these critters away. You can even order beneficial insects such as ladybugs to help keep the pesky ones under control.
Second, it's important to get familiar with your environment, especially soil conditions. Christian Children's Fund of Canada (CCFC), an international children's charity has helped families plant essential food items in challenging climates in parts of Africa and South America for close to 50 years. “Soil quality can be poor in certain areas, containing too much clay, gravel or sand, says Carol Froom, vice president of marketing and communications for CCFC. “So, the key is to understand the type of soil you're working with and then plant the appropriate seeds.”
And finally, the secret to having a green thumb with vegetation and flowers is pruning. It's very difficult for some of us to trim back a plant because we don't want to damage it, but it can make a plant grow stronger and produce even more when done correctly.
You can find out more about how gardens flourish in the developing world or what tools and seeds are being used online at www.ccfcanada.ca.
- News Canada