"SEC | S20W5:"Planting & Care"

Agriculture is has helped us a great deal over here in my country and I also believe it has helped us globally too. Sometimes I wonder what life will be without agriculture.

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

In Nigeria, we are fortunate to experience two distinct seasons: the Dry season and the Rainy season. The dry season is synonymous with harvesting, while the rainy season is dedicated to planting and typically spans from April to October. During this time, farmers and individuals interested in planting trees and crops have the opportunity to sow and reap various crops and trees.

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Before embarking on any farming activities, it's crucial to clear out old crops and dry plants before the rainy season arrives. Since we already wjen this season would start, it is imperative to prepare before its arrival. It's equally important to prepare the land to manage weeds, replenish plant nutrients, and create a soft soil bed for transplanting or directly sowing seeds. This preparation is essential before the onset of the rainy season.

Land clearance can be carried out manually or using machinery. Once the clearing is done, farmers should await the arrival of rain before proceeding to the next phase, which involves creating mounds, ridges, or beds, depending on the type of crops they intend to cultivate. It's worth noting that the rainy season is the optimal planting season in my region/country.

The optimal time for planting is during the rainy season, particularly from April to June, when the soil is most fertile and conducive for planting. This period is ideal as there is no need for manual watering, as the plants are naturally irrigated by the rain. This alleviates the stress associated with watering trees, which is common during the dry season.

The good thing about this planting season in my country is that, most crops/plants do well during this time. They are known to have best yields during this time unlike when replicated maybe during dry season farming system. Who doesn't need a soft and easy farming time that comes with higher yields.

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

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Planting trees in the appropriate location is crucial for maximizing their positive impact on the environment, economy, and society while minimizing potential negative effects. Here are some compelling reasons for planting trees in the right place.

The Importance of Planting Trees

Protecting Infrastructure:

Careful tree placement near buildings, underground utilities, or sidewalks helps prevent structural damage. Many may not.be conversant with this, but they play this essential role to our developmental and infrastructural strides.

Maintaining Environmental Equilibrium:

Strategic tree planting contributes to the provision of oxygen, temperature regulation, and absorption of carbon dioxide, thereby enhancing air quality, supporting local biodiversity, and conserving water in our surroundings.

Many do not know about this; just as human inhale oxygen and exhales carbondioxide, this is the opposite reaction for our plants/trees. In so doing,.they help us remove the numerous impurities and toxins in the air that later affect human.

Energy Efficiency:

By planting trees in appropriate locations close to buildings, they can provide shade during summer and act as a windbreaker during winter, thus reducing energy costs. Great role we may not quantify but very pratical when its need arises.

Preventing Soil Erosion amd Leaching

Trees play a vital role in stabilizing the soil with their roots, thereby reducing the risk of erosion and flooding in areas close to water bodies or on slopes. Their cover leaves also reduces the force that would ordinarily leach nutrients beyond the reach of plant roots.

For optimal tree growth, it is recommended to plant trees in tropical zones or in areas with ample space, ideally at least 15 feet away from buildings. This allowance ensures that the roots and branches have sufficient room to reach their full size and potential.

The act of planting trees yields numerous environmental benefits. Strategically planting trees around your property can significantly enhance the local environment, contribute to environmental initiatives, and play a part in mitigating climate change.

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

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• Wood Ash: Unfortunately, we don't know the leftover ash from fire wood is great for the garden. The ash part is usually recommended, not the black one.

• Phosphorus Fertilizers: Phosphorus fertilizer are nutrient-rich product that plays a crucial role in modern agriculture. Phosphorus is the main nutrient in this type of fertilizer. However, we cannot remove the full complement needed by our soil which is the NPK.

• Compost: When we talk about compost, we talk about natural ingredients that's great for plants and soil. It's an amazing choice for garden lovers. It helps the soil replenishes and as well nourishes plants.

• Manure: Manure is another type of fertilizer that is made from decomposed plants and animals. It gets the soil ready for use when applied. Typical example of this is our regular poultry droppings and those from our grazing cows. They are great source of adding nutrients to our dear soil.

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

It's effective to use pesticides appropriately for the best results and to reduce harm to the environment.

It is good to read labels and follow written informations before using any pesticides. From the labels, you can see some Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like gloves, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and eye protection that needs to be worn.

Insecticides like pyrethroids organophosphates and carbamate are used to kill insects.

When applying pesticides, it is good to apply the recommended rates to avoid reservation and ensure effectiveness. It is good to always use the products recommended or directed because using more product than directed can cause sprayed weeds not to be fully killed. This can be dangerous to the lawn.

The weather is best put into consideration when using pesticides. Applying pesticides during rainy weather could be dangerous because the rain could wash off these paesticides and carry them to another plant that won't be needing them.

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

Neem Oil Spray: This is an insect-repellent oil that is naturally made, which can be mixed with water and sprayed on the plant.

Garlic and Chili Spray: Blend garlic and chili pepper mixed with water and can be sprayed on plants to repel pests.

Castile Soap Spray: Dissolves insects' exoskeletons and make them to dry up, and it is also made from vegetable oils and plant-based extracts.

Dilute Milk Solution Spray: Dilute milk is similar to baking powder and cinnamon also it can function as a fungicide.

Cinnamon Powder: This powder contains natural anti-fungal properties, that makes it a good natural fungicide for the garden.

Baking Powder Spray: Baking powder spray is ideal spray that can create an alkaline surface that can help prevent fungal diseases

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