Important plant nursery activities at Liz Pepper Gardens

Things We Do at Liz Pepper Gardens 

Budding

Budding refers to the method of grafting where a bud from one plant is inserted into another plant of the same family (grafting). The plant receiving the bud, known as the stock, is joined with a scion (usually a shoot with buds) of another plant, called the rootstock.

Grafting

Grafting, also known as budding, is a method of plant propagation. It involves the union of parts from two separate plants: a scion (a shoot with buds) that is attached onto the rootstock (usually a young plant). Commonly grafted plants in Liz Pepper Gardens include mango, jackfruit, guava, vanilla, and mangosteen.

Layering 

A common method of propagation followed in Liz Pepper Gardens is known as layering (MAID). Through this method, a branch of a plant is bent and secured to the ground, encouraging it to develop roots. Examples of plants propagated through layering in Liz Pepper Gardens include betel leaf, curry leaf, aloe vera, basil, turmeric, and lemongrass. We use  this alot that other methods, and our favourite is the tomotao-sundakkai combo.

Pruning 

Pruning, the process of selectively removing parts of a plant such as branches, is essential for proper growth and production. It helps maintain the correct shape of plants, remove diseased or damaged parts, and promote growth and productivity. Pruning is aided by proper tools and techniques to make it efficient and effective.

Seed Sowing

Sowing seeds is essential for providing the necessary elements for grafting. Speeding up the germination process by using plant hormones is a common practice.

Nurturing

The initial nurturing of healthy seeds/plants is crucial for the success of farming. Varieties of green leafy vegetables like spinach, fenugreek, and cucumber are first protected in nurseries in Liz Pepper Gardens before being transplanted to the fields. Protective measures, including coco peat and vermicompost, aid in the healthy growth of plants.

Pest Control

It is possible to do it without causing harm to the ecosystem, various methods are utilized to protect plants from pests, ensuring the safe growth and production of crops. From our experience, some creatures often termed as pests ,do more good that harm - will detail more in a different post.