SEC | S20W6:"Planting & Care"

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Hello steemians,

Today I am participating in the SEC | S20W6:"Planting & Care", organized by @mainuna. Plantation is a vital part of agriculture and environmental protection. Proper planting and maintenance of trees help control global temperatures provide oxygen absorb carbon dioxide and prevent soil erosion. In this post I’ll briefly cover the best planting times choosing suitable trees preparing soil and caring for trees. I'll also share simple home remedies to protect small gardens from pests and diseases. Through these practices we can contribute to a healthier environment.

Which season does your region/country falls; and what are the best planting times and why are these times the best?

In Tunisia, I notice that the climate varies from one region to another but right now we are in the middle of autumn, a crucial period for agriculture. Autumn is an ideal time for me and for many farmers in the country to start various plantations. This is due to several climatic factors that favor the growth of plants. The temperatures are moderate, neither too hot nor too cold and the autumn rains bring the necessary moisture to the soil without risking saturating it unlike the heavy winter rains. The soil after the heat of summer relaxes and becomes more malleable which facilitates plowing and planting.

By choosing autumn to plant, I know that the plants will have enough time to establish their roots before the arrival of harsher winter temperatures.This is particularly true for fruit trees and perennial crops as these types of plants need strong roots and their conditions are favourable and ideal as they are not exposed to intense heat which allows them to establish themselves gradually. In addition, the natural humidity of the air and soil reduces the need for excessive artificial irrigation which is advantageous in areas where water can sometimes be scarce.

What is the importance of planting trees in the right place and in which places can trees be planted?

Indeed, planting trees requires a lot of attention because every detail is important for their growth, that is why when I decide to plant a tree I think about several aspects. First I check the presence of sunlight because it is essential for photosynthesis which helps the tree to feed and grow, since some trees like the olive tree need a lot of sun every day to grow well. This is the reason why I choose to plant them in open areas where they receive maximum light without being blocked by buildings or obstacles. I also make sure that the soil is suitable for the tree species because good soil helps the tree to root well and absorb nutrients. To prepare the soil I make it lighter and add organic matter so that it is conducive to the tree's growth.

Another important point is the space available for the roots. The roots can extend a long way underground and if the tree is planted too close to a building it can cause problems like cracks or damaged sidewalks. I pay attention to the distance between the tree and buildings to avoid these problems. I also make sure not to plant under power lines to avoid the branches touching the cables. By taking all these elements into account I can guarantee that the tree will have the best conditions to grow healthy without creating problems later.

What kind of fertilizers or organic fertilizers should be used to prepare the soil before planting?

Also the soil preparation stage is very crucial to ensure the success of the planting stage that follows. Personally, I opt for organic fertilizers because they enrich the soil naturally while being environmentally friendly. Among these fertilizers I prefer compost that I prepare myself from vegetable waste from the kitchen and the garden. This compost is a valuable source of organic matter that not only improves the structure of the soil but also promotes better water retention and stimulates microbial life. In addition, compost helps to avoid the use of chemical fertilizers which in the long term can degrade the quality of the soil.

In addition to compost, I also use well-decomposed manure usually from sheep or cows. This manure is rich in essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which are essential for plant growth. However, it is important to ensure that the manure is well decomposed before using it because manure that is too fresh can burn the roots of the plants. Once incorporated into the soil I make sure to mix it well and wait several weeks before planting. This allows the nutrients to distribute well and the soil to stabilize, thus guaranteeing an optimal environment for the development of the plants.

What is the correct method of using pesticides and fungicides for gardening and which pesticides/fungicides can be used?

When it comes to protecting my crops from pests and diseases I am careful about how I use pesticides and fungicides. Using these products carelessly can not only harm the environment but also affect the quality of my plants. Natural insecticides such as neem oil are my favorites because they have a low impact on the ecosystem while being effective against harmful insects like aphids or scale insects.

This Neem oil work by interfering with the insects' hormonal system which causes a massive disruption in their ability to grow and reproduce which preventing harmful pest from becoming a bigger problem without harming beneficial species like bees. Also, to minimize the adverse effects I can apply the treatment at the end of the day when beneficial insects are less active. For fungal problems I prefer to use natural alternatives such as sulfur. These solutions effectively combat fungal infections while aligning with organic farming practices ensuring both crop and environmental health.

What home remedies can be used to protect plants for the roof or back garden?

In addition to these practices I like to use home remedies to protect my plants especially those that I grow on my roof or in my small backyard garden. For example to fight aphids I often prepare a solution based on mild soap diluted in water. This mixture sprayed on the leaves helps to suffocate the insects without damaging the plant. Another remedy that I frequently use is pepper or garlic infusion very effective against harmful insects such as caterpillars and slugs. These home solutions have the advantage of being economical and environmentally friendly.

For mild fungal diseases such as mildew or powdery mildew I prepare a solution based on baking soda mixed with water. This alkaline treatment changes the pH of the leaves and prevents the development of fungi. In addition during periods of high heat I make sure to mulch my plants well with organic materials such as dead leaves or wood chips. Mulch not only helps retain soil moisture but it also acts as a barrier against certain soil pests.

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Thank you very much for reading, it's time to invite my friends @graceleon, @simonnwigwe, @josepha to participate in this contest.

Best Regards,
@kouba01