How can I ensure my plants thrive and flourish?

Successful Plant Care can result in healthier, attractive and thriving plants. It helps produce better yields, whether in the form of fruit, vegetables, or flowers. a) Soil: Ensure that it provides the right drainage, aeration, nutrients and microbial activity. b) Watering: Take care not to overwater or underwater. c) Fertilization: Apply the right balance of nutrients and avoid over-fertilization d) Pest Management: Use preventive practices rather than remedial to ensure reduced plant damage and enhanced environment safety. e) Light: Rotate your containers periodically to ensure that the plants receive adequate sunlight. f) Love: This can involve talking to your plants, playing music for them, and even just spending time with them.

How much time do I need to dedicate to gardening?

At IFFCO Urban Gardens, our products are designed for weekly / monthly applications, and scheduling these activities along with regular watering would typically take only 1-2 hours a week.

How can Organic Gardening benefit my plants and the environment?

Organic gardening helps reduce exposure to chemicals that can be harmful to both human health and the environment. By using natural materials like compost, organic fertilizers and pesticides, organic gardening helps promote biodiversity. Additionally, organic gardening can lead to healthier and more nutritious produce, as organic methods tend to focus on building soil health and promoting natural resistance to pests and diseases

Can’t I rely on soil alone for optimal plant growth?

While soil can provide many of the necessary nutrients for plant growth, it may not always be optimal plant health and growth. Urban soils can contain high levels of contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and pollutants, which can be harmful to the plant as well as human health and the environment. Urban soils can be compacted, lacking in nutrients, or have a pH level that is not suitable for growing certain plants. Gardeners may need to amend the soil with the right substrates to improve its quality for ideal plant growth.

What are some signs that they need more nutrients?

There are several signs that your plants may need more nutrients. Some examples include - Plants not growing as quickly or as tall as they should be, Leaves are turning yellow or brown, leaves appear withered, plants are not producing fruit or flowers as expected, they have weak or thin stems that are easily bent or broken.

What are some common pests and diseases that can affect plants and how can I prevent or treat them?

Plants can be attacked by a range of pests and diseases, which can hinder growth, damage leaves or fruit, and even kill the plant. They can be categorised as Pest Attacks, Bacterial & Fungal Infections, Nematodal Attacks, Grubs and Termites. Additionally, under/overwatering and extreme temperatures can also effect the plants health. Preventing attacks on plants requires a combination of proactive measures like maintaining healthy soil, and using organic pest control methods. Our Doctor Series products work perfectly as both preventative as well as treatment solutions against a variety of pests and diseases.

Can I use my food and garden waste as fertilizer for my plants?

Yes, food and garden waste can be a great source of nutrients for your plants. By composting your waste, you can create a rich, organic fertilizer that can be used to nourish your plants and improve the health of your soil. To get started, you can collect food scraps and yard waste in a compost bin, and use a Kitchen Waste Decomposer like Bokashi, that helps break down organic waste into nutrient-rich compost.

I have low light on my balcony. Can I still grow plants there?

You can choose low-light plants to grow on your balcony, which receives very low sunlight. There are several plant species, like Money Plant (Pothos), Peace lily, Zamicoculcas zamifolia (ZZ), Snake plant, and Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp) which you can grow on a balcony that gets low sunlight. These plants are also low maintenance.