Foliar Feeding Indoor Plants

Foliar feeding is a fancy term that describes applying fertilizer directly to the leaves (think of the word “foliage”) of plants, instead of to the soil. Since the 1950s, agricultural scientists have proven that plants are able to directly absorb nutrients through their leaves, often leading to spectacular yields and growth spurts that can be observed in as little as an hour.

How It Works

Every grower knows that leaves are the “factories” of the plant, converting sunlight into energy for growth and repair. Plant leaves also have the capability of directly absorbing water as well as nutrients, both through the epidermis (“skin”) as well as stomata (the “pores” of the leaf surface).

Foliar feeding was once considered to be damaging to tomatoes and other fruiting indoor plants, but agricultural science has proven that the technique of applying fertilizers directly to leaves is an effective and healthy way to increase growth and crop yield for all leaf-bearing plants.

Unlike fertilizers applied to the soil, which are usually based on the nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium (NPK) matrix, foliar feeding solutions are more focused on delivering plants the 50 plus minerals that they need for health and vigorous growth. Many foliar feeding solutions are derived from kelp, sea plants, or extracts from plants that thrive in harsh and desert environments, such as Neem trees.

Tips for Foliar Feeding Indoor Plants

Because foliar feeding refers to the leaves, it is important not to begin applying nutrients to the leaves until the plants have developed enough leaf surface for this technique to be effective.

Plant leaves tighten up and close their “pores” during hot weather, so it is recommended that foliar feeding be done early in the morning, in the early evening, or during cool periods. While plant growers regularly debate over when the optimum period is to apply foliar feeding, it is generally recommended when the plant has been transplanted, during the flowering phase, and when fruiting begins.

Leafy crops such as lettuce and spinach generally prefer one application of foliar feeding after transplantation, as well as a second application three weeks later, followed by a third and final application during the last week before harvest.

Fruiting crops like peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes generally benefit the most from foliar feeding immediately following the first phase of flowering, and then regular feedings every 10-14 days during the harvest period. Medicinal plant tend to be susceptible to environmental stresses such as spider mites and Powdery Mildew. Organibliss will control both, but the spraying frequency must be at least once a week – ideally twice a week.

Organibliss

One of the best products on the market today for foliar feeding indoor plants is Organibliss™. Made entirely from organic, plant-based nutrients, Organibliss has been demonstrated to significantly improve plant health and yields, giving growing plants the essential micronutrients and nutrition that they need.

Sold in a convenient concentrated liquid formula, growers simply mix Organibliss with water to the right blend and spray on leaves. Organibliss is made from a special formula of all-natural ingredients, and includes neem extract (also known as Azadirachta indica, Nimtree, or Indian Lilac), which is jam packed with all of the essential nutrients that indoor plants need to thrive.

Testing and Observation

The best way to customize foliar feeding for your indoor plants is to experiment. Try applying the feed on some leaves, leaving other leaves untreated, and observe the differences. Many indoor growers report that they can see a noticeable difference in growth and size in as little as an hour after application of foliar feeding.

Don’t Neglect the Soil

Although foliar feeding is an amazing way to boost your crop yields and increase plant size, it is important to always remember to take good care of the soil or growth medium in which your plants are rooted. Organibasic™ – Granular Soil Adjuvant is my by the same company as Organibliss, and is also all-natural, organic. Apply just a pinch of it near the stalk of each plant as a top dressing at the beginning of the growing season, and then once again half way through.  Each time you water the nutrients penetrate the soil to build a healthy, vigorous root system, and they wick up through the roots to become systemic – part of the fabric of the plant.

Eliminate Synthetic Pesticides

Since Organibliss is all-natural, organic, and OMRI listed – approved for organic use, there is no need to “flush” because it is made from plants and nothing else. Farmers can completely eliminate synthetic pesticides once they switch to Organibliss and Organibasic.

Pull out one of your plants that is currently in a plastic pot. See how it is root bound? Roots actually seek oxygen, just as much as they seek water. Most novice gardeners don’t realize the importance of both in healthy plant growth. In a plastic pot. the only oxygen near the root system are the holes punched into the bottom. The primary roots of the plant grow to the very edge of the pot, instead of evenly throughout the middle of the soil, as they seek the air. They keep swirling around the outside of the pot, growing longer and longer. The more that they twist and grow, the less healthy they become. Some may even start to turn brown and to die off.

When you use a fabric pot, roots have continuous and even exposure to the oxygen that they require. Natural air pruning occurs, which allows for the necessary secondary roots to grow, instead of just one really long root. The roots do grow toward the edge of the pot and sometimes into the pot as they seek the oxygen. Natural air pruning occurs. Roots sense the change in air as they hit the edge of the pot and only those exposed edges die and naturally break off. At the same time, secondary roots grow behind them. Secondary roots start to grow behind this dried out section, thus increasing the root mass. Stronger roots that continue to grow within the pot help to prevent root rot. These healthy roots are also more likely to do their job of feeding the plant, thus giving you a healthier plant and a better yield.

Plastic pots also were popular for a while because they provided better drainage than traditional clay pots. They have holes punched into the bottom, whereas clay ones require something like rocks or pebbles to be placed in the bottom. Clay can’t drain if too much water gets into them. Water naturally goes straight for the holes in plastic pots. Fabric pots, though, allow for the water to evenly distribute throughout the entire root area, as the water can drain from all areas. This also contributes to better plant growth.

1. Set your freezer to the coldest setting you can without overloading it. The quicker they freeze, the less damage is done.
2. Choose vegetables that are just ripe and have a low moisture content. Be ready to freeze anything you harvest immediately, the sooner you freeze them, the fresher they’ll be.
3. Clean, and cut your veggies as you desire then blanch them by placing them in boiling water for 1-3 mins (different veggies have different cook times) and then immediately placing them in ice water to halt the cooking process.
4. Choose air tight, heavy weight containers or bags to store your veggies in. Portion out your veggies into bags, squeeze/suck out as much air as you can, mark, and freeze.  Or spread pieces on an open cookie sheet in a single layer, freeze and then store to prevent sticking and clumping.

For perfect defrosted veggies: make sure your storage containers will keep out all air and moisture, quickly freeze on coldest setting after harvest.

Frozen veggies are good for 12-18 months depending on how well they are stored. Always check for any spoilage while the veggies are thawing, so you won’t ruin any meals.

Ants often start invading homes after the first few rains of the season when their underground nests are flooded, and spiders are attracted to warmth and shelter they can’t find outside in the winter weather. Fleas can also be a bigger problem this time of year because they need certain humid and warm conditions to survive and hatch, and the outside environment is too cold and wet this time of year. But insect repellents and traps can be hazardous to pets and children, so how do you keep them out of your home without much effort, or threat of someone being poisoned?

DIY Natural Insect Repellent Spray:

-Spray bottle

-1 qt. Water

-4-5 drops citrus oil

-3-4 drops peppermint oil

-4-5 drops Natural dish washing liquid

Directions: Mix together oils, soap and water and pour into spray bottle. If you have pets or toddlers, be more conservative with the oils, as the smell can be overwhelming for family members closer to the floor. Spray the repellent around door frames, windows, and anywhere you see bugs coming in. Spiders, Fleas and ants will stay away from the overwhelming smells of the oils.

Natural Flea Repellent for the Home:

-A few handfuls of fresh eucalyptus leaves, depending on size of home

Directions: Crumple/crush leaves in your hands and scatter lightly throughout the home, in corners, under furniture like beds, sofas, and end tables, anyplace fleas might hide or retreat to. If they are biting you, crumple up some leaves and rub your hands on your feet/legs. Fleas will leave your house within 2-7 days depending on how much eucalyptus you used and how large your house is. Be sure to de-flea pets as well.  Clean up any visible leaves after they’ve gone and refresh leaves under bends/sofas and other non-visible places monthly to keep them out.

(Note from the Author: I personally use the eucalyptus leaves in my home and they work like an absolute charm. I sprinkle it everywhere and they’re generally gone within 24 hrs, and don’t come back if you keep refreshing your leaves, which is perfect if you have an inside/outside animal.)

Most living animals on the planet breathe oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, where as trees and plants breathe CO2, and exhale oxygen, in a circle that benefits both parties. Generally, our atmosphere has 400ppm of CO2, but many greenhouse growers are using CO2 generators that crank the local environment up to 1500ppm. This ultra concentration of carbon dioxide sends the plants into a growth frenzy. Plants grown in a ultra-rich CO2 environment grow faster, are healthier, and produce larger amounts of larger fruit and flowers than a plant grown in a regular outside garden.  Why? Because CO2 itself is actually great for plants, and higher levels of CO2 accelerates and improves growth. If CO2 was truly a pollutant, it would kill the plants and the local environment would be unsustainable if using a CO2 generator.

The real issue is the burning of fossil fuels and other chemicals which do release CO2, but more importantly, releases several harmful, actual pollutants like sulfur and mercury. Because CO2 is also released at the time, it’s gotten lumped in with all the real harmful stuff.  Saving the planet is important, and we should do all we can to move away from fossil fuels and other dangerous chemicals, but it’s good to remember that CO2 is not one of those. CO2 is an important nutrient, and our planet needs it to maintain our global ecosystem.

Created by The Garden Apartment, a collaboration between Miriam Josi and Stella Lee Prowse, Nomad is made from scrap sailcloth they source locally, packs flat and features 2 pocket-like areas to plant smaller plants, and a sturdy ring for hanging. Additionally, it can sit like a regular planter on any surface. Because of its light-weight, yet sturdy design, Nomad is extremely portable and can go anywhere and hang from most things.

Keep in mind that this isn’t available yet, Nomad is only a prototype. The creators are hoping to win the award and use the money to move into the production phase. The national winners for the James Dyson Award will be announced on Sept 18^th, and the international winners on Nov. 6^th.

Unfortunately, Bees are not the only pollinators in danger either. Butterflies, specifically the Monarch Butterfly, have the lowest population count in 20 years. And, while they are not pollinators, the US population of bats has been declining as well. Bat’s keep insect and bug populations in check, especially the ever- annoying mosquito, and can be very helpful critters for those who enjoy maximum time outdoors with minimal pests.

Luckily, we have a much better idea of what is harming our bats and butterflies. Climate change and loss of habitat are largely to blame for population losses. Conservationists have already made improvements with certain species by raising awareness and protecting areas of habitat, but it won’t be enough in the long run without more help. Anyone with space can plant a garden that helps support all of our very important little friends, and it’s as easy as choosing to plant certain helpful plants. Even if you don’t have much space, even a window box can made into the perfect place for a pit-stop for bees, butterflies and bats alike. Make your garden into the perfect spot for our pollinators and save them, and in the long run, the planet.

Choosing the Right Plants:

Bees, butterflies, and insects that bats like to eat, are attracted to many of the same flowering plants. When choosing plants, please make sure they are not Hybridized, as those plants are generally sterile, and therefore produce less pollen. Always plant native plants as they will be more attractive to native critters. A simple online search will tell you what kind of plants that grow in your area are best for bees and butterflies. Most importantly, plant for continuous bloom. Choose plants that flower at different times so that there is food for our friends all season long.

-Bees and Butterflies love: Milkweed, Lupines, Goldenrod, Butterfly Bush, and Bergamot, or other flowering types colored: white, pink, purple, yellow, red and blue.

Go Organic!

Pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and insecticides are largely to blame for population loss of bees, butterflies and bats, as they are highly toxic. Instead use natural remedies and fertilizers, or purchase ladybugs and praying mantis to release into your garden and keep pests in check naturally.

Create a Water Source:

Bees, Butterflies and Bats can all get a drink in a shallow dish of water or birdbath. Fill one side of your dish with sand and small pebbles until it almost resembles mud, so that butterflies and bees can land in it and drink. Keep one side of your dish a bit deeper for other critters to drink, like bats. Plant around your water source if you can to provide shelter and hiding places for wary drinkers.

Create a Home:

Bat boxes are extremely easy to build or purchase, and can provide the perfect shelter for your visitors. Leave uncultivated spots of weeds and grass, and piles of wood, branches, and hollow reed plants for bees and butterflies to nest and hide in.

DIY Batbox

Edyn is described as a “smart garden system” that gives you real-time information on your garden, above and below ground. The Edyn Garden Sensor is solar powered and is staked into the ground in your garden. Its sensors monitor nutrient levels, and moister content in your gardens soil, as well as temperature, humidity, and the amount of sun your plants are getting. All this data is sent to your Smartphone where you can use the Edyn app to monitor your garden in real-time, anywhere.  The whole Edyn system is wirelessly connected and built to withstand weather, water, and fertilizer.

The Edyn Water Valve can be paired with the Garden Sensor to regulate and water your plants automatically based on your local weather and garden conditions. You can also manually control and water your garden from the app, anywhere.

Taking it a step further, Edyn also has a database of over 5,000 plants that it uses to help you grow your plants at optimal conditions. The information gathered from your particular environment allows Edyn to suggest the plants that will grow the best in your garden, the perfect time for planting, and can even help you group particular plants with the same conditional needs. Edyn also monitors weather and other important conditions continuously and will alert you with information on how and what to do to keep your garden healthy and happy, even during extreme conditions.

A single Garden Sensor and Water valve can take care of a 250 sqft garden and wirelessly connects with excellent signal up to 300ft. For larger gardens, several Edyn systems can be combined, and for indoor gardens, Edyn can be charged with ambient or grow lights.

Eager gardeners will have to be patient though. Edyn has just wrapped up it’s kickstarter project, and is currently getting everything ready for pre-orders and retail shelves.  A price has not been set yet, but you can sign up for updates on their website here.

http://www.edyn.com/

Beans
Choose a variety of bean that you like, and will grow well in your area. Pole beans grow tall and generally can’t support their own weight, so they will need a trellis, or some sort of support. Bush beans support themselves and are more compact for smaller gardens. Make sure the area you want to plant in has full sun, or gets 5-7 hrs of direct sun.
-If you live in a mild climate and get good sun, Green Beans are an excellent thing to plant.
-For hot climates, try Asparagus Beans, or Lima Beans that do well in heat, humidity, and drought.
-Colder, wet climates are ideal for Fava Beans.

Broccoli
Choose a variety of broccoli that you like and grows well in your area. Make sure the area you are planning on planting them in is well fertilized, well-drained, and sunny. Larger varieties need more space, so plan accordingly.
-If you live in a mild climate and get good sun, Arcadia, Belstar and Calabrese Broccolis are good varieties to plant.
-For hot climates, try the Romanesco or Natalino varieties that do well in 80 degree weather
-For cooler climates, Early Fall Rapini and Sessantina Grossa are a fast growing variety that produces continuously for several weeks.

Carrots
Choose a variety of carrots that you like and grows well in your area. Prepare your planting area by working and loosening the soil to at least 1ft deep, and fertilize it well.
-If you live in a mild climate and get good sun, Early Nantes or Kuttiger Carrots will do very well.
-For cool climates, Danvers and Healthmaster Carrots are the best varieties to plant.

Cucumbers
Choose a variety of cucumbers that you like and grows well in your area. Prepare a sunny, fertilized area for planting by making elevated rows, or hills spaced 6 ft apart. You can also use a trellis, and train the vines onto it.
-If you live in a mild climate with good sun, plant Straight Eight, County Fair, Shintokiwa, or Green Finger Cucumbers.
-For hot climates, Jelly Melon, Poona Kheera and Yard Long Armenian Cucumbers are heat resistant and do well in warm climates.
- If using a trellis, Cool Breeze and Diva cucumbers train and produce well.

Kale
Choose a variety of kale that you like and grows well in your area. Prepare your soil with a large application of fertilizer, as these plants are heavy feeders. Plant seeds at least 1ft apart. Kale does well in mild and cool climates, but can become tough if exposed to too much hot weather.
-If you live in a mild climate with good sun, plant Red Russian, Scotch Curled or Napus Kale.

Give your garden a growth boost! 

In response, vertical farms using hydroponic or aquaponic systems have been springing up on rooftops, greenhouses, restaurants, and homes all over the country. The people now want fresh, local, organic produce that is harvested from sustainable gardens, but even with the sudden boom of these kinds of producers, it’s still hard to find. The best way to ensure your produce meets your standards is to build your own hydroponic or aquaponic system, which is fairly simple, but requires space, time, and money that many people don’t have. A new company, Fresh With Edge, is working to eliminate the problem.

The difference between hydroponic systems and traditional gardening is the lack of soil. Nutrient rich water is pumped directly to the root of plants. An aquaponics system takes it a step further, by raising fish that can be eaten for food, using plants to purify the fish’s water while simultaneously feeding the plants with their nutrient-rich waste. On average hydroponic systems use 10% of the water, 25% of fertilizers, and 1/5 the space of a traditional farm, and produces healthier produce in about half the time. Fresh With Edge uses vertical towers with hydroponic and aquaponic systems to grown mass quantities of herbs and greens organically using very little space. Produce is grown in their greenhouses, and transferred to the towers when it is ready to be harvested.  These 5-ft towers are portable and Fresh With Edge is placing and managing them in local farmers markets, and restaurants, so that anyone can pick live produce by the ounce.  Later this year, they hope to be able to provide towers for home use.

Though they are still getting off the ground, Fresh With Edge is booming in their local community. You can find their herb and greens towers at the local Rochester Downtown Farmers Market, and several local restaurants. Hopefully farmers and communities will take some inspiration from Fresh with Edge, and soon we’ll all have access to sustainable, fresh, organic produce all over the USA.

Details and More Information: Fresh With Edge.com