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Green Thumb Secrets - Plant and Garden Essentials + Resources

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A list for all those who want to invest in their garden or greenery. Wether you have a huge rose garden, have gone all in on chili peppers, or if you have an extensive collection of tropical plants indoors, you will definitely find some good stuff he...
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Green Thumb Secrets

 
Emily Jensen profile picture
Improves soil texture, and fertilizes.
 You might think ew. But I assure you, rabbit poops are cute little brown pellets, suspiciously similar to coco pops. It dries few minutes after being dropped, and needs no composting before use. Put a handfull in around plants when you repot, or push...
Rabbit Manure
 
Emily Jensen profile picture
Increases root growth, and secures healthy plants. 

Mycorizzae refers to the symbiotic relationship between fungi and the roots of a plant. Plants rely on fungi and bacteria to transport nutrients to their roots. 

Add some of this when you transplant a plant, and the root system will develop much faster and stronger, which again yields bigger growth above ground, and a more resistant plant overall
Mycorrhizal - Root Growth
 
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Mulching your garden does not only create a cohesive look, but has multiple benefits for your plants;
It creates a barrier and retains moist, suppresses weeds. It also protects agains the cold air in winter. is any material used to cover soil's surface. 

Small bags like these are great if you only have small areas to cover, for example containers and pots. If you want to mulch your entire garden, I recommend visiting your local garden center to buy in bulk.
Mulch
 
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An extension office is a departement located in local counties and universities. These offices are run by university employees and volunteers that are experts in local crops, landscaping, soil, gardening, pests, and more. Almost every single county i...

They can help you with everything from weed identification and soil testing to recommendations of plants that suit your environment.

This link will help you find your nearest one. npic.orst.edu/pest/countyext.htm
Your new best friend - The Extension Office

Plant Containers

 
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The air pot has a number of small holes in the sides of the container. When a root grows through the hole, the tip dries off and dies. This stimulates the growth of filamentous growth on the roots (The small hairy sideshoots on roots). These are the ... In a regular pot, roots will meet the container wall, and keep on circlcling round and round.

"The air holes also ensure perfect drainage and aeration of the growing medium, creating ideal conditions for healthy bacteria to release more nutrient to the plant."
Air Pots - Stimulates Root Growth
 
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Sturdy trays that lasts, with holes for root development.

These trays have wholes up the side of them. This enables easy watering from below (When they sit in a tray), and cuts off long roots. When roots are cut off, small root filaments are encouraged to grow on the existing root instead, creating a rootne... 
The hole on the bottom makes it easy to push out when you want to transplant them.
6-Cell Seed Starting Trays - Designed for Life

Watering

 
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This watering can is a work of art, in my opinion. I use it indoors, where it looks very nice and is always displayed in my apartment. It is of great quality and will last you a lifetime. Many of my family members sport Haws watering cans. My mothers...
Haws Green Watering Can
 
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Great if you have a bucket outside where you gather rainwater for watering. This is a great gadget for using that water, without making a wet mess.  

A watering bell is a containter with a few holes in the bottom, and a hole in the top. You submerge it in water, and let it fill itself up. Then you put your thumb over the top hole, this will stop water from running out from the bottom holes as you ...
Watering Bell
 
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Drip irrigation systems ensures a consistent moisture content of your soil.

This is great for hot days, when you cannot water your plants manually during the day. Or for when you go on holiday, no need to hire a waterer for your darling tomatoes.
Drip Irrigation System -
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Pests

 
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We have all experienced those extremely annoying fungus gnats, that hatch in our indoor plants. Not only are they annoying, but they can be transmitters of plant diseases. 
This product contains a bacteria that is harmless to people and pets.

Put 1- 2  tablespoons in a gallon of water, and water your plants. This targets the larval stage of the fungus gnats, and you should repeat the treatment once a week for a few weeks.
Mosquito Bits against fungus gnats (Harmless to people and pets)
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Emily Jensen profile picture
Predatory Mites or Nematodes to battle Thrips infection.

It might seem odd to introduce insects on purpose. Your plants are living things, living in symbiosis with a lot of other organisms. Just like us. These beneficial insects wont harm your plant or you, only the “bad” insects trying to kill your plant. 

It is a great alternative to pesticides. This site has a lot of different options to choose from, depending on you needs and surroundings.
Thrip Control - Beneficial Insects

Gardening tools

 
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Cut resistant gardening gloves! Handylandy produces gloves in all sizes. These are quite bulky, but are great for gardening around thorny bushes and sharp objects.
Handlandy Work Gardening Glove PU Coated Cut Resistant 1083 (12 Pairs)
 
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Durable, easy-to-carry multi-tool for gardening. A hori hori is a knife/gardening tool designed to weed, plant, split and transplant.
Hori Hori Garden Tool
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Knee pads for gardening, these wrap around your clothes, and are easy to put on and remove.
Garden Knee Pads