Is a sunny or more shady location suitable for the new garden dweller? Here you can find out everything you need to know when choosing a location.
The right location: Is the plant hardy?
Some plants cope well with cool temperatures and survive winters in the high double-digit minus range on the thermometer without any problems. Others, on the other hand, are dependent on a tropical or subtropical climate and require temperatures of at least 10 °C even in winter. These needs must always be taken into account when choosing the location in order to be able to enjoy the plants for a longer period of time. If the green protégés are hardy or can be brought through the cold season with simple hibernation measures, they can be planted out in the bed with peace of mind. If they are not, however, it is better to keep them in containers and put them in a warm place before the frost.
The wind is also part of the climate factor. Some plants do not do well in a very windy location. Specimens with large leaves tend to dry out particularly quickly. And also in general, some plants can simply be particularly sensitive to wind. Either a wind-protected place is sought or by means of wind-protecting planting (e.g. in the form of hedges) is created, thus enabling optimal growth.
The right location: soil properties
The soil or substrate in which the plants are to take root can vary greatly. The following factors are important for the plants:
Composition of soil
The basis of a soil's properties is its composition. If the soil consists exclusively of sand, it cannot store water well, but it is well aerated. Clay soils, on the other hand, store water very well, but are anything but rich in air in the pores. A certain proportion of humus, for example, ensures better structural stability of the soil and, especially in combination with clay, better storage and holding powerof the important nutrients in the soil.
Floor aeration
It is important that the soil also contains air. The roots need these to breathe. Otherwise there is a risk of dangerous root fungi, which often lead to death. Whether a soil tends to be well aerated or not depends on its composition. Many plants are very sensitive to poorly aerated soil.
Water Storage of Soil
Water is also referred to as blue gold and not without reason - it is essential for every plant to flourish in life. Mediterranean plants prefer it dry and therefore enjoy somewhat more permeable soils. These can be stony, for example, or have a high proportion of sand. Other plants, on the other hand, resent it if they get a little drier, so daily watering in summer is essential. Of course you can help with these soil properties: work in sand or expanded clay to promote permeability, or mix in loam and clay to increase the water in the soil. Our article on watering plants tells you how and when to water the plants in your garden.
Nutrient Availability in Soil
Basically the same nutrient elements are required for the growth of plants, but the extent of the requirement differs between plants. Especially for plants with a high nutrient requirement - so-called heavy consumers - it is advisable to check the supply of nutrients in the soil or to pay attention to the contents of the substrate. The supplementary fertilization must then be adjusted accordingly.
Soil pH
The pH value of a soil is crucial for various processes in the soil. For example, it depends on whether certain nutrients are available or not. However, some plants do better in acidic soil, while others prefer a more calcareous, alkaline soil. In general, however, most plants do well with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. If the pH value is too low, it can be easily adjusted with commercially availableGarden lime to be raised. Of course, you have to pay attention to the right dose in order not to overshoot the target. If the pH value of a soil is too high, countermeasures are not so straightforward. For example, the regular incorporation of organic materials over several years is one of the tedious but adequate options.
Tip: Our sustainable organic soils - such as the peat-free Plantura organic universal soil - are not only sustainable, but also harmless to humans and animals.
Shady or sunny location?!
For optimal growth, each plant has a specific idea of how much light it wants. Looking across the whole year, it is looked at how many hours of sunshine a day can be expected at that location. The following subdivision is made:
- Sunny: more than 6 hours of sunshine
- Partial shade: 3 to 6 hours of sunshine
- Shady: less than 3 hours of sunshine
However, the intensity of the light must also be taken into account. If there is sun at the location only in the morning hours, this of course covers the needs of the plant in a completely different way than if the plant is placed in the blazing midday sun. The light factor should therefore not be forced into rigid structures, but should be assessed fluently and individually. In principle, however, it is important to take the tendency into account and not to plant shade-loving plants too brightly and, conversely, to place plants with a high light requirement in the garden accordingly.
To find out how to determine and change soil pH, click here.