Gardening for Gold: Training Your Plants Like an Athlete

Have you been plastered to your TV, all eyes on the Olympics over the past week, like me? These two weeks every two years are the rare occurrence that I am actually interested in sports. Well, that is only if you do not count RuPaul’s Drag Race as a sport. Caring for your plants with the same dedication as an Olympic athlete can ensure they thrive and look their best. Here are some fun and practical tips to help them achieve G.O.A.T status. Watch out, Simone Biles.

1. Start with Strong "Athletes"

• Selection: Choose healthy, robust plants from reputable nurseries (cough, cough Ginger Root Plant Co). Look for plants with full foliage and vibrant leaves. I also look for plants that are putting out new leaves! This shows the plant is happy and healthy. Locally grown is always preferred as well. Imported plants are stressed and not always acclimated to your environment.

2. Create the Optimal Training Environment

• Light: Ensure your plants get the right amount of light. Some plants need full sun, while others thrive in partial shade. Do your research to understand the requirements for each.

• Temperature: Maintain a consistent temperature YEAR ROUND. Avoid placing them near drafts or heating vents.

3. Nutrient-Rich Diet

• Soil: Use high-quality soil with plenty of drainage. Consider enriching the soil with custom amendments based on the plant’s needs. Some examples include worm castings, charcoal, compost, orchid bark, vermiculite, and much more.

• Fertilizers: Feed your plants regularly with the right type of fertilizer.

4. Hydration is Key

• Watering Schedule: Water your plants consistently, but be mindful of their specific needs. Overwatering can be as harmful as underwatering. Moisture meters to the rescue!

• Watering Quality: The type and quality of the water matters. Just like people, some plants are more particular than others. Rainwater is always best! DO NOT USE SOFTENED WATER TO WATER PLANTS.

• Drainage: Ensure your pots have good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

5. Training and Support

• Pruning: Regularly trim dead or yellowing leaves to encourage new growth and maintain plant health. Removing dead and yellowing leaves ensures plant energy is going to new and healthy growth. Pruning is like an athlete’s training regimen, keeping them in top shape.

• Support: Use stakes, moss poles or trellises to support plants that grow tall or vine.

6. Pest Control: Defense Strategy

• Inspection: Regularly check your plants for signs of pests or disease. Early detection is crucial, much like a coach monitoring an athlete’s health.

• Natural Remedies: Use natural preventative pest control methods, such as neem oil or introducing beneficial insects, to keep your plants safe.

7. Mental and Physical Stimulation

• Rotation: Rotate your plants occasionally to ensure even growth and exposure to light, similar to how athletes cross-train.

• Interaction: Talk to your plants or play music. While it might sound quirky, some studies suggest that plants respond positively to sound.

8. Rest and Recovery

• Dormancy: Allow your plants to rest during their dormant periods. Venus Fly Traps are a good example of this, as they must be put in cold storage during the winter. This is their time to recover and prepare for the next growth cycle, much like an athlete’s rest days.

• Re-potting: Refresh the soil and give your plants more room to grow by re-potting them as needed. Signs that a plant needs to be repotted: roots are growing out the bottom of the pot or yellowing leaves.

9. Celebrate Successes

• Bloom Time: Celebrate when your plants flower or put out new leaves! I get so much joy when new growth emerges!

• Sharing: Share your plant care achievements with friends or with fellow plant enthusiasts, just like athletes share their progress and successes. I love to talk about plants and share my successes! Need someone to share photos with? I love to see them!

By following these tips and treating your plants with the dedication and care of an Olympic athlete, you’ll ensure they remain healthy, vibrant, and ready to take the gold in your indoor garden!