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Light, Water, and Nutrients Required for Mature Plants
In previous articles, we looked at light, water, and nutrients as separate fields to discuss in depth. Here, we are going to lump them together for one simple reason. Every mature plant is different. There's no one-size-fits-all strategy here, but plenty of little notes to consider while growing. It will be best for you to do some individualized research into your plants and make sure there aren't any unusual requirements.
Also, similar to the relationship between corn and beans, make sure your plants have some form of trellis if they require it. There is nothing worse than growing something only to realize too late you needed to put in a cage or a trellis to guide its growth. Put the plants that grow tall on the northern end of your planter. When the sun travels along its path south of your garden, the lower crops will receive ample light without the trellis casting a shadow.
Word to the wise: if you're planning on having a container garden, be prepared for challenges.
Container gardening is possible and can yield some fantastic results. Still, you will need to pay more attention to your plants throughout their maturity. Some plants are heavy feeders and may struggle with the limited nutrients you provide in the pot. There are some pots, like terracotta, that will dry out faster than others, making watering a regular chore. Be sure to research container gardening before you begin this process to ensure you know what you may be combating.
Regardless of what growing method you select, one thing that I recommend is to mulch your soil! Whether you are using straw hay, bark, or stone, covering your ground helps protect it from the sun's rays and reduces the rate at which it dries. Think of this as armor for your soil, keeping it and your plant's roots protected from the constant pressure of the sun's rays.
Tomato Plant Example
We've watched our tomato go from a small seed to a tender seedling and now a mature plant - ready to be placed into the ground. You spend almost two weeks hardening off your tomato, ensuring the weather is comfortable enough, and giving it occasional stints in the sun.
After finding the gardening style that works best into your life, you have prepared your garden and are ready to put your tomato plant in the soil. You've decided you wanted to work with a polyculture garden, adding in garlic, parsley, and basil nearby as companions. These plants give a variety of benefits, ranging from pest control to shading the soil from direct sunlight.
Over the next few weeks, you watch your tomato and its close friends. As the plant shows signs of stress, you take a few cups of water and apply them to the base of the plants. Doing this, you notice the plants appear to be showing signs of yellowing. You consult your guide on nutrient deficiencies and find that yellowing leaves with green veins are a sign of nitrogen deficiency. Purchasing a fertilizer of Nitrogen, Potassium, and Phosphorous, you measure out the recommended amount on the bottle. Within a few days, you begin to see your plants bouncing back and beginning to thrive.
After a few weeks, the noticeable yellow flowers of the tomato plant begin to emerge. Before long, the first small green tomato begins to develop. Success!
Tanner Sagouspe
Tanner Sagouspe has a Masters in Environmental Management and is a Permaculture Designer who promotes tackling the climate crisis at home.
