The Surprising Insights That Your Garden And Plants Harbour

Gardening isn’t for everyone. We are not all blessed with green fingers. But the majority of us will enjoy being out in the garden at some point. That may be for entertaining or just a nice quiet morning coffee. Our gardens, however, are not just something pretty to look at. A lot goes on that we don’t even realise. It’s a whole new world.

Sometimes it is interesting to understand exactly what goes on and how things work in the garden, and it can even give you a new found respect as you sit admiring your flowers, or when you decide you want to grow something. With that in mind, here are some surprising facts that you never knew about your garden or what you could plant in them. Some of them might help you with your gardening efforts. Others may just allow you to appreciate the splendour that little bit more.

Insects galore

It’s difficult to tell you how many species of insects or bugs that lurk in your garden. But let’s just say it is a lot. The general opinion is that most of these bugs and insects are pests. Perhaps causing problems with any vegetables or fruit growth. But in fact it’s as little as 10% of the amount of species of insects and bugs that are bad for the garden. The rest all have a role as such into keeping your garden in top condition. Some may have bigger jobs than others, but they are all equally as important. However, it is also to be mindful that some insects that roam in your garden, may also like it inside your home as well. While you are happy for them to do their thing in your flower beds, you may not be as happy if they start appearing in your kitchen or living room. This is when ensuring the exterior of your home is protected from holes and cracks where they could enter.

Did you know that certain plants have healing properties?

Would you believe that certain elements of plants in your garden that you could plant quite happily actually may have healing properties? Let’s start with the obvious one and talk about herbs. Herbs such as lavender can be very calming when using the scent on the leaves. Other herbs can be used in cooking. There is also the elements of a plant such as terpenes. Where the science behind terpenes suggest that there are healing qualities that can be used in different substances and medicines that can help in many different aspects of health. Quite fascinating if you think about it.

Wood that has special powers

Many of us have pine furniture. But the pine tree itself has a lot more to it than just providing pretty furniture to look at. It has medicinal powers and plenty of nutrients within the bark. The pine needles can be the perfect fire lighter when camping. The tree itself can provide much-needed shelter. Last of all the pine cones can provide sustenance with pine nuts. Who knew that antioxidants in pine bark would provide more nutrition than chewing on a steak? It’s quite incredible to think that something we would consider as a material actually has many more uses.

Household items can make your vegetables better

Did you know that not only is baking soda great for cleaning your home, but it can make your tomatoes grow to taste much sweeter too? By giving your soil a regular sprinkle of this kitchen cupboard essential, it can help reduce the acidity. Also, you don’t have to be an expert composter to provide essential nutrients to your soil. But just sprinkling banana skins, egg shells and such is enough. While they decompose, they are giving off valuable nutrients. The pressure is off.

The soil is alive

Well, not necessarily as alive as us but alive all the same. There are more microorganisms in a teaspoon of soil than there are people on this planet. How crazy is that? This may make you feel a little weird, but these microorganisms are essential to the soil. Providing valuable nutrients to make everything grow and stay alive. So the soil is quite incredible.

Talking to your plants will help them grow

It is an old wives tale but in fact your plants respond to sound. There have been studies that support that the sound waves in music or your voice can have an effect on plant growth. So get out there and tell your vegetable plants or flowers exactly what you think of them.

Maybe these facts may help you appreciate your garden a little more.