Greetings to you all steemians,

I’m glad to participate in the 5th week of this engagement challenge entitled planting and care in #steem-Agro

So without much ado, i will move over to my home work.

My country, Nigeria experiences two main seasons

• Rainy season (March to October)

• Dry season(November to February)

In some areas, there may also be a brief dry break within the rainy season, that happens in august called the “August break.”
But I’ll be writing about the southern Nigeria which is the region where I am currently.

A water leaf plantation at my garden

Best Planting Times in Southern Nigeria:

The best planting times are usually during the beginning of the rainy season (March to June) who for some crops, during the August break or just before the rainy season ends.
These periods are peak because they ensure that plants receive adequate water for growth while also benefiting from the sun during the dry season.

A plant

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

My region falls in Raining season.
These times is the best because of these following reasons;

• Rainfall: At this time, there’s frequent rainfall, meaning that Planting in the early rainy season helps crops to have enough water for proper germination and healthy root. Rainfall is very helpful in the southern part of Nigeria with makes irrigation system not so common
• Soil moisture: The rainy season help give the plant the proper level of soil moisture, which promotes healthy plant growth.
• Sunlight and Temperature The tropical temperatures (around 25-30°C) and longer daylight hours helps photosynthesis and growth, especially during the early rainy months.

Importance of planting trees in the right place

It’s important to plant trees in the right place for environmental and economic impact. The location of tree affects everything ranging from the health of the tree to the impact it has on the environment.

• Maximizing Environmental Benefits:
  Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store carbon, For Erosion Control and Biodiversity
• Improved Water Management: Trees near rivers or lakes help maintain water quality by reducing runoff.
• Energy and Climate Moderation: In urban areas, trees planted in the right places helps reduce energy consumption, shade in summer and acting as windbreaks the in winter
• Social and Aesthetic Benefits: Trees provide shade used mostly at homes and recreational parks.
• Economic Benefits: trees located in the right places helps improve property values, reduce heating costs, providing raw materials for timber or fruits in agricultural settings.

Where trees can be planted

• Urban areas such as; parks, streets, schools
• Residential areas e.g Yards and garden
• Agricultural lands e.g Orchards
• Forest and conservation areas e.g Reforestation, water shed and Riparian zones.
• Slopes and erosion-prone Areas.

A farmland

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

• Organic fertilizers which include: Compost, Manure, Bone meal, Seaweed, Green manure
• Nitrogen-rich fertilizer
• Phosphorus-rich fertilizer
• Potassium-rich fertilizer.
  There’s a need for soil test before the application of some of these fertilizers.

The appropriate Methods for gardening includes:

• Identify the problem before applying schemical by knowing the pest or disease affecting the plants.
• Read labels carefully for manufacturers instructions regarding the dosage to apply on the plant
• Apply pesticides or fungicides early
• By avoiding windy days. To reduce exposure to non target plants
• By using protective gear

Pesticides or fungicides that can be used for planting includes..Neem oil, Insecticidal soap, Pyrethrin, Organic pesticides, Organic fungicides (sulfur, copper, potassium ), Chemical fungicides (carbaryl (sevin), Chlorothanonil, Imidacloprid e.t.c)

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

• Garlic and Chili spray
• Neem oil spray
• Soap and water spray
• Compost tea.
• Eggshell tea

Conclusion
By the use of these natural home remedies, you can reduce the use of synthetic chemicals which helps promotes a healthy, garden and environment. These methods also improve the health of the soil by attracting the beneficial insects like pollinators to the soil.

I want to invite @hyacinthfavour @alexanderpeace @jovita30

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT