Plants, of course, are alive, and so have both general and specific needs, depending upon the variety of plant in question.

In this article, we'll learn about the different parts of plants - root, stem, leaf and flower - and how they work together.

Roots

Most often overlooked and neglected, the root system of any plant plays a critical role in overall plant growth, health and vigor.

The root system is responsible for supplying a plant with water, vitamins and minerals, all necessary ingredients that promote and maintain healthy vigorous growth. As the nutrients around the plant are consumed, the roots will continue to grow out and down, searching for new sources of food and water.

Gardening Tip: Adding a granular or slow-release fertilizer to the soil before you plant will ensure a steady supply of nutrients throughout a plant's growing season, especially important for vegetables and flowering plants.

Gardening Tip: Growth above ground mirrors growth below ground. For example, if your bell pepper plant is 1 foot tall and 1 foot wide, its root system is 1 foot deep and 1 or more feet wide.

Gardening Tip: Always follow the directions for any gardening product (fertilizer or pest controls). Although if you're not sure, using less is always safer than using too much. Using the right amount however, will help ensure consistent results.

Roots and Soil

As you may have guessed, the type of soil in your garden plays an important role in overall plant health and vigor.

In general, most plants like a loose, well-drained soil with lots of organic material. Organic material can be peat moss, shredded bark, composted or decomposed plant material, some form of manure (generally cow manure), or even worm casings or rice hulls to name a few.

Potting soil is usually some combination of the above list and may have little or no actual "dirt" in it. Organic material helps to maintain moisture content levels in the soil and helps to prevent soil compaction.

Stem

The stem, stalk or trunk is the "super highway" of the plant. It starts at ground level and supplies the food and water from the roots to the leaves and flowers or fruit.

Leaves

The leaves of a plant take the food and water from the roots through the stem and with the help of sunlight will turn the water and nutrients into energy. That energy is then sent back through the stem to the entire plant, including right back down to the roots. Natures example of Solar Energy at work.

Flowers

The flower or fruit of a plant is responsible for the reproduction of the plant. Whether it's strawberries, lemons, tomatoes, pansies or pine-cones, their sole purpose in life is to reproduce more of their own kind.

Humans have found over time that various plants either taste good, have a nice scent or are pleasant to look at and have therefore selected out of millions of varieties just a few types to cultivate.

The Gardening Tips and Advice found throughout Your Healthy Gardens are written with the beginning gardener in mind. However, as time passes and the seasons change more and more detail will be added to help any home gardener improve their gardening skills.

About the Author:
For more information on creating and maintaining lush and healthy gardens visit http://www.your-healthy-gardens.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Tips On How Plants Grow

Consumers are becoming more and more aware of the affects that every day household items can have on the environment. Let's face it, going "green" has become hip. Americans are increasingly looking for products that do not harm the environment.

Manufacturers are jumping on the trend towards environmentally friendly products in big way. In fact, even the standard tried and true garden hose is getting an extreme makeover these days.

Have decided to replace that old garden hose with an eco-friendly one? If so, here are few guidelines that will help you choose the right one.

Recycled Materials

A true earth friendly garden hose should be made from at least 50% recycled material, usually polyurethane or rubber, or a combination of both. Polyurethane hoses are generally much lighter than an all rubber hose. From an environmentally friendly perspective, the more recycled material in the hose you choose, the better.

Water Conservation

Water may one day very soon be Earth's most precious resource. The conservation is water is critical and hose manufacturers have stepped up to do their part. Eco-friendly hoses today use patented water restrictors that control pressure and help avoid soil erosion and puddling. A good hose will use at least 50% less water than a traditional garden hose.

Lighter and More Flexible

Recycled polyurethane is 2-3 times lighter than all rubber hoses. Look for a light hose that still contains a UV protective coating. Without it, the hose could become cracked much easier after exposure to direct sunlight. This will also prevent the hose from kinking as well.

Drinking Safety

Everyone who has taken a drink for a garden hose has probably has this thought: "just how safe is this water after traveling from the spigot to the other end?". With today's eco-friendly hoses, this is no longer a concern. As with other products bearing the name, "green" garden hoses use non-toxic substances and are completely safe to drink from.

Environmentally safe hoses come in all sizes and lengths. Next time you go to replace your old hose, consider purchasing one that is not only easier to use, but better for the environment as well.

About the Author:

For more information on garden hoses, garden hose reels and gardening in general, visit Garden Hose Guide

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - How To Choose An Environmentally Friendly Garden Hose