Now that we started a new season in our small urban garden, we have to acquire substrates for our new crops. The substrate is the material used as a support to germinate seeds or grow plants. With it we will fill our pots or grow tables. It is, in a way, the substitute for earth, since it is the medium where the roots will grow and from which they will extract the necessary nutrients for plant growth. Of the correct choice of substrate the success of our flowerpot.
The substrate will make our plants grow up healthy in an environment that actually lacks soil. In the case of vegetables, not just any substrate will do. In fact, there are low-quality substrates on the market, which can give good results with ornamental plants, but they do not meet the needs of the vegetables and lead the pot-garden to failure.
To choose a good substrate, the following must be taken into account characteristics:
- Keep it light: it will reduce the weight of the garden and facilitate its handling, transport and maintenance.
- That it is porous, that it has free spaces in its structure and has a spongy touch: it will allow the development of the roots and the circulation of water.
- It must be nutritious, with a good mix of nutrients. Most substrates provide few nutrients to plants and must be mixed with organic fertilizer.
- That it is stable, that it maintains its properties for several months.
The substrates that meet most of these characteristics are the organic substrates or vegetable lands.
We will especially avoid substrates that do not have the composition and characteristics detailed on the container and those with unpleasant odors, odors that reveal the presence of fresh, non-decomposed organic matter.
More information – , , . If you want to learn more about the vegetable cultivation In your container garden, there are various specific substrates you can use, suitable for the different varieties you want to plant. The key is to maintain a good mix that promotes healthy plant growth.
Also, if you are interested in How to grow fruits and vegetables in potsThere are substrates specifically formulated to maximize the yield of these crops. Remember that each type of vegetable may have specific substrate requirements.
Another option is to know the root vegetables, which require a different depth and type of substrate than leafy vegetables. For this reason, it's essential to know the specifics of each crop.
In the case of peppers, for example, you'll need a substrate that retains moisture in a balanced way. You can learn more about how to plant peppers in a pot to choose the right medium.
Substrates that combine organic matter and coconut fiber are excellent for growing various types of vegetables. You can also opt for mixes that include perlite or vermiculite, as these elements help improve aeration and drainage, key elements for avoiding waterlogging.
Finally, when choosing a substrate, make sure it's easy to handle and mix. This will make preparing your pots and planting your chosen vegetables easier. With a good substrate, you'll be one step closer to having a successful garden at home. Remember that the quality of the substrate is essential for the proper growth of your plants, so choose wisely.
Ana, I love your articles. They are very entertaining and understand very well
Thank you very much, Anamaper. I am very happy that you tell me because that is precisely the objective: that they be entertaining, useful and understand each other well. A hug!