Tips for growing plants
Planting substrates with neem
Neem Press Cake
Neem press cake is obtained from neem seeds. It is mainly used as an organic compound fertiliser and also helps to keep unwanted soil-borne insects and nematodes away from the plants. This is where the bioactive ingredients of neem come into play, which can be absorbed by young and germinating plants with their roots. For these reasons, Neem press cake is a very good plant breeding agent.
Application:
We offer Neem press cake ground or pressed into pellets.
- Mix approx. 3 to 5 g per litre of plant soil, or work 30 to 50 g per m2 into the surface; for young plants 5 g per plant
- Add 30 g per litre of water to the irrigation water, then spread the mixture over the soil between the plants
- Organic farming: Apply Neem press cake pellets with a fertiliser spreader; recommended quantity 300 to 500 kg/ha before spring sowing; possible second application in autumn after harvest; then work in lightly on the surface with a cultivator, harrow or tiller.
Neem Net Coins
Neem net coins contain coconut coir, which is the dried short fibres from the shells of coconuts, and neem press cake, obtained from neem seeds. They are surrounded by a fine cotton net. The coins store water very well, contain all the nutrients required for the initial development of the plant and protect it from infestation by voracious pests thanks to the valuable neem active ingredients. All substances in the neem net coins are of natural origin and biodegradable without leaving any residue.
Application:
- Place the coins, which are about the size of a 5-mark coin, in a shallow dish and pour in some water. The coins now swell to 9 times their original volume. The fine cotton net surrounding the coins grows with them and keeps them in shape.
- Then place the seed or cutting in the prefabricated hollow to create ideal conditions for germination and root growth.
- Now place the tray in a warm and bright place, water regularly and watch how the little plants develop.
- When the roots grow out of the root ball, it is the ideal time to transplant the young plant. Take the entire root ball and place it in a larger pot or directly in the open ground.
Neem Discs
Neem Discs are productive planting substrates, both for growing young plants and as a planting substrate to supplement plant soil. They also loosen the soil, enrich it organically and store water very well. Like the Neem Netzcoins, they contain coconut coir and Neem press cake.
Application:
- Place one or more discs in a bucket and pour in about ½ litre of water per disc. The discs will now swell to 6 times their volume.
- Stir the material a little with a shovel or stick and apply.
Natural additives for the rearing process
Trichoderma
Trichoderma is a fungal microorganism that occurs naturally in all soils. Processed and applied in concentrated form, it ensures healthy and vigorous plant growth. It coats the soil and plant roots with a fine film and thus prevents the spread of soil-borne fungal pathogens.
Application:
- Sowing/cuttings: 1-2 days after sowing or cutting, apply 2g per litre of water once with the fertiliser solution or irrigation and repeat monthly with 1g per litre of water.
- Cuttings: Mix 50 g Trichoderma per litre of water and dip cuttings Mixture of Trichoderma with rooting hormones: Mix 1 part Trichoderma powder with 10 parts hormones.
- Young and ornamental plant cultivation, vegetables: Apply 1 to 2g per litre of water monthly with the fertiliser solution or irrigation and repeat monthly. Acts in the root and soil area, therefore moisten the root zone. May leave white spots on plant parts, which can be rinsed off by subsequent spraying.
Mycorrhiza
Mycorrhiza is a fungal microorganism that occurs naturally in all soils. The mycorrhizal fungi connect with the fine roots of the plants and enter into a lifelong symbiosis with them. They permeate the soil with their hyphae and thus increase the catchment area of the plant roots many times over. In this way, they supply the plants with nutrients and water, and in return receive plant-produced metabolic products for their nutrition.
Application:
- Mycorrhiza is applied once when planting. It is important that the microorganisms reach the roots directly. Either stir the powder thoroughly into water, stirring frequently to prevent settling, or sprinkle the powder directly onto the well-watered root ball or root.
- Sowing: Sprinkle Mycorrhiza fine directly into the seed furrow with the seeds.
- Planting out young plants: Sprinkle 1 to 2 level teaspoons of Mycorrhiza per plant on the side of the well-watered root ball when planting.
- Planting or replanting trees or shrubs: Either sprinkle mycorrhiza to the side of the well-watered root ball or mix it with a little plant soil and use it to fill in the side of the plant hole. This allows the fine roots growing at the side to quickly come into contact with mycorrhiza. Water thoroughly after planting.
- Application quantities: up to 4 L root ball 75 g, up to 8 L 150 g and up to 40 L 300 g
ChiProPlant (Chitosan)
ChiProPlant (chitosan) is a natural polymer obtained from the chitin of marine crustaceans (crabs, shrimps). Its antibacterial, bacteriostatic and fungicidal effects are important for use in gardening and plant cultivation. ChiProPlant triggers defence mechanisms in the plants against bacterial and fungal pathogens. When used regularly as a preventative measure, any epidemics that do occur are triggered only weakly or not at all.
Application:
- It can be sprayed as an aqueous solution or poured. To prepare an aqueous solution, add one heaped teaspoon to a glass of water. Stir well and leave to stand for about 30 minutes. Then dilute to the application rate.
- Seeds: use 0.5 to 2 g / litre of water to pickle the seeds or dip the cuttings
