plant nursery – Jellybeans in the City

In the bustling city of Metro Manila, creating an urban oasis within the confines of your home is a delightful way to break a way from the drab and gray concrete jungle and reconnect with nature. Houseplants not only bring beauty and freshness but also provide a sense of tranquility and improved air quality.

However, taking care of houseplants in an urban environment requires some special considerations. City dwellers, keep these factors and tips in mind to successfully nurture and enjoy your indoor green companions.

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Urban Home

Consider the lighting conditions. Assess the natural light available in your home and choose plants accordingly. Low-light tolerant plants such as pothos or snake plants are suitable for shaded areas, while succulents and cacti thrive in bright, direct sunlight.
Account for space limitations. Opt for compact or vertical-growing plants that fit well in small living spaces. Look for hanging plants, trailing vines, or plants that can be placed on shelves or windowsills.
Assess maintenance requirements. Consider your lifestyle and available time for plant care. Choose plants that align with your commitment level, whether low-maintenance or more demanding.

Nurturing Houseplants in an Urban Setting

Adequate Lighting:

Maximize natural light. Position plants near windows to receive ample sunlight. Rotate plants regularly to ensure even growth.
Supplement with artificial light. If natural light is limited, invest in grow lights to provide the necessary light spectrum for plant growth.

Managing Humidity:

Increase humidity. In Manila’s dry climate, plants may suffer from low humidity levels. Grouping plants together, placing them on trays filled with pebbles and water, or using a humidifier can help create a more humid environment.
Mist plants. Regularly misting your plants with water can provide a temporary boost of humidity.

Watering:

Establish a watering routine. Different plants have varying water requirements. Learn about your plants’ specific needs and establish a consistent watering schedule. Typically, it’s best to water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Avoid overwatering. Ensure proper drainage for your pots and avoid letting plants sit in standing water, as it can lead to root rot.

Soil and Fertilization:

Choose well-draining soil. Use a high-quality potting mix that allows excess water to drain away while retaining enough moisture for the plants.
Fertilize appropriately. Feed your plants with a balanced liquid fertilizer according to their specific needs. Follow the recommended dosage and frequency, avoiding overfertilization, which can harm the plants.

Pests and Disease Management:

Regular inspection. Routinely check your plants for pests, such as spider mites or mealybugs. Early detection allows for prompt treatment.
Natural remedies and prevention. Utilize eco-friendly pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap. Practice good plant hygiene by regularly cleaning leaves and removing dead or decaying matter.

Creating a plant haven in your urban home in Metro Manila is an enriching experience that connects you with nature amidst the city’s hustle and bustle. Embrace the therapeutic benefits and aesthetic beauty of greenery, transforming your urban dwelling into a serene sanctuary. Happy plant parenting in the vibrant heart of the city!

Pictures featured here were taken during visits to Green Pot & Shovel Garden, a plant nursery and one-stop gardening shop located at Lower Park, Greenmeadows Avenue, Quezon City. For inquiries, contact +63 925 7289981.

Know more about its offers and services by following Green Pot & Shovel Garden on Facebook.

Check out my previous posts about gardening and green spaces:

New to being a plantita? Keep these tips in mind

6 ways gardening may be good for you even in your post-pandemic era

The strict quarantines may have been lifted by now but one of the trends they gave rise to sure looks like it’s here to stay.

With quite a number of plantitos and plantitas flexing their verdant and thriving plantbabies to their houseguests and social media buddies, we can definitely say that gardening has taken root among many of the metro’s denizens.

While gardening is a rewarding and fulfilling activity that has become increasingly popular during the pandemic, it still presents a variety of benefits that make it a hobby worth pursuing even as we continue on to our “next normal” lives.

Read on to see six reasons why gardening is good for you, even in your post-pandemic era.

1. It provides you with an opportunity for outdoor activity

Gardening is an outdoor activity that allows you to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while still practicing social distancing. After months of lockdowns and isolation, getting outside, loading up on Vitamin D from the sun and being in nature can provide a much-needed mood boost.

2. It is a way to de-stress from your increasingly busy life

Gardening has been shown to be an effective stress reliever. It allows you to focus on a simple task and can help calm your mind, reduce anxiety and even provide an outlet for your creativity. Additionally, seeing the fruits of your labor can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost your mood. Especially now that our days are filling up with so many tasks and responsibilities at work and at home, the simple joys of gardening can certainly lessen the load of our daily worries.

3. It can be your form of physical activity.

Gardening is also a form of exercise that can help improve your physical health. Tasks such as digging, planting, and weeding can provide a low-impact workout that can help increase your strength, flexibility, and endurance while burning off those pesky calories.

4. It can provide you with a steady source of healthy food.

Speaking of calories, you would need to burn off some of them to keep fot

Gardening can also provide you with fresh, healthy food that you can enjoy at home. Growing your own fruits and vegetables allows you to control what goes into your food and can provide a more sustainable and affordable source of nutrition.

5. It can help in building a sense of community with your neighbors

Gardening can also help build a sense of community. Whether you join a community garden or simply share your produce with neighbors, gardening can help connect you with others and foster a sense of belonging.

6. It can be your contribution towards sustainability.

Gardening can help promote sustainability by reducing your carbon footprint and promoting biodiversity. Growing your own food can reduce the amount of transportation and packaging needed to get food to your table, and planting native plants can provide a habitat for local wildlife.

Clearly, gardening provides a multitude of benefits beyond just a pandemic pastime. Continuing to garden as a hobby offers a sense of physical and mental health benefits, sustainability and self-sufficiency, connection with nature, a creative outlet, and social connection. So whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, there are plenty of reasons to continue gardening as a hobby beyond the pandemic.

https://flic.kr/p/2nSE1JY

Pictures featured in this blog post were taken during visits to EFS Garden and Pond Center.

It is a plant nursery owned and operated by Engr. Ed Santiago and Architect Errol Santiago. The nursery offers a wide range of plants and garden accessories to both novice and expert plant enthusiasts, manned by knowledgeable staff to assist you with your gardening needs and queries.

EFS Garden and Pond Center is located at Green Meadows 3 Lower Park, Green Meadows Ave, Quezon City, Metro Manila, open daily from 7am to 6pm. For inquiries, call +63 2 89824975 or email efsgardenandpondcentre@gmail.com.

To know more about its updates and offers, follow EFS Garden and Pond Center on Facebook and Instagram.