Archive for February, 2006

Artificial Light

Given proper temperature and humidity, many flowering plants, such as African violets, gloxinias, other gesneriads, and foliage plants, thrive under artificial light. The addition of fluorescent or incandescent light, or a combination of these, can convert dark, wasted space under benches and on window-less wall areas, as well as in basements and closets, into profitable plant-growing space.

Some greenhouse owners have found that fluorescent light speeds propagation and flowering of African violets, so they grow the plants in a combination of natural and artificial light.

Day Length

The growth and flowering of many plants depend on their daily hours of exposure to light-either natural or artificial. Without going into technical detail, this, roughly, is called photoperiodism, a phase of which is called day length. Plants are informally classified into three groups.

1. Dahlias, delphinium, pansies, tuberous begonias, and other plants which come into flower more rapidly during the long summer days of maximum light-or under the stimulus of artificial lighting-are called long-day plants.

2. Chrysanthemums, gardenias, poinsettias, etc., which start to flower when their light-exposure period goes down, are called short-day plants.

3. A third group contains plants-including African violets, carnations, and roses-which are unaffected by day length; these are called indifferent.

Science is now trying to determine whether plant growth and flowering are actually governed more by the daily period of uninterrupted darkness than by the length of exposure to light. Thus the plants that are now classed as long-day and short-day eventually may be called short-night and long-night plants.

Xeriscaping is an attractive landscaping that conserves water and is based on good horticultural practices. There are a few important practices to know before you start you new landscape project.

Reading and learning

If you are new to the xeriscaping process, then it is important to read and discover all information that goes along with the project. The more you know about what you are doing will give you the tools that you will need to make your landscape a success. There are plenty of places to get the facts and directions to xeriscaping.

Furniture

Another important factor in designing a tropical landscape is the furniture that you choose. There are plenty of stores that offer great wicker and tropical themed furniture. You will be sure to find something that matches your theme with the same style and also add comfort to your backyard.

Accessories are the final touch

Picking the perfect tropical accessories will accent any tropical paradise just right. You will want to choose items that compliment you look and also add a calm peaceful look to your design. Candles and lights are great choices. Citrus and fruit scents are a great choice for this design. String lights across the patio and lie back and enjoy your own personal paradise.

Add a water feature

What is a better way to feel like you are in a tropical getaway then having a beautiful water feature in your backyard. You can design something small or if you have the space go for the gold and design something magnificent. Make sure that you have enough space and do not make it look gaudy or overbearing.

You can add rocks and stones around your yard along with the plants and flowers. This will add to the tropical feel and bring a more natural look to your landscape.

Ponds and fish

One great way to bring a tropical feel to your backyard is adding a pond. Even if you do not have a large area, you can make a great looking small pond just the same. To add to the whole tropical theme, add some tropical fish and plants. This will create a soothing and peaceful atmosphere.

Humidification and cooling

Evaporative coolers do a wonderful job of both humidifying and cooling. One unit offers controlled cooling and humidifying-from a gentle breeze to a full torrent of air at the turn of a three-speed motor switch. At full capacity this unit will change the air in a 14- by 30-foot greenhouse approximately every 2 minutes. Directional air-flow louvers on the fan swing easily into position to control flow to any part of the house to promote draft-free ventilation, cooling, and humidifying.

Most coolers currently on the market are built for eye appeal, as well as service and stability. In one model, heavy-gauge zinc-coated steel cabinets and louvers are primed with rust-resisting zinc chromate and finished in baked-on enamel, while special non-vibrating mountings support the heavy three-speed motor. Evaporating elements are constructed of three removable pads of odorless aspen.

Light and plant growth

Green-leaved plants need light to live. Light acting upon leaf and stem cells helps change carbon dioxide taken from the air and moisture from the soil into sugars and starches, necessary elements for plant growth. This manufacturing process is called photosynthesis. To carry on photosynthesis plants must have, in addition to light, proper temperatures and nutrients.

Measuring Light

Light is measured in foot-candles. One foot-candle is “the illumination at all points that are 1 foot from a uniform source of 1 candle-power of light.”

22. Ready-made fluorescent-lighted cases for propagation or growing

can be slipped under greenhouse benches, workroom tables, or into any

dark, unused spot. (Courtesy, General Electric Co.)

The intensity of light varies with the seasons. In summer, it may reach 10,000 foot-candles or more during the brightest part of the day. This is too much light for African violets, begonias, and decorative green pot plants. During winter months, light intensity may be reduced to a meager 500 foot-candles. Clouds and smoke from factories also reduce light. When light intensity becomes too low, plant growth slows almost to a halt, stems become weak, leaves thin, and flowers are paler than under normal conditions. Under too-high light intensity, plants tend to wilt, wither, and may become yellowed or show burned spots.

With optimum conditions such as good soil, correct watering, and proper temperatures, food production in plants is stepped up as they receive more light. To achieve maximum growth and flowering, you must regulate light intensity to make up for seasonal changes. Shade your greenhouse during summer to cut down the light; remove shade to admit more winter sun; brighten all dark corners with artificial light.