Ep 17. Plant Nutrition

As people become more conscious of environmental issues and sustainability, the need for understanding plant nutrition rises significantly. In Things Green season 4 episode 17, viewers get an in-depth look at different plant nutrients that keep plants healthy and strong. This episode is all about answering the questions, "What do plants need to grow?" and "What are the different nutrients that plants require?"

The episode begins with an overview of different types of plants and their specific nutrient needs. The audience is introduced to macronutrients and micronutrients, which are essential to plant growth and survival. The host explains that different plants have varying nutrient requirements depending on their species and growth stage.

The attention turns to macronutrients, which are those that plants require in larger quantities. The host delves into the six primary macronutrients: nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. Each nutrient is explored in detail, discussing where it comes from, its significance, and the signs of nutrient deficiency in plants. The host explains that an imbalance in macronutrients can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves or dead branches and in the worst-case scenario, plant death.

After explaining macronutrients, the focus shifts to micronutrients, which plants require in small amounts. The episode gives an overview of the seven essential micronutrients: iron, boron, copper, manganese, zinc, molybdenum, and chlorine. The episode explains the role of micronutrients in the plant's development, leaves, flowers and fruit production. The host discusses how micronutrient deficiency signs are difficult to diagnose due to how plants display nutrient needs.

The episode highlights factors that affect plant nutrition, such as soil pH and temperature. The audience is introduced to soil testing and the importance of understanding soil pH, which can affect a plant's ability to absorb nutrients. The host explains that different plants thrive in various pH ranges. The episode discusses how temperature also affects a plant's nutrition and highlights how controlling temperature in an indoor garden is crucial.

The episode provides informative content on different types of fertilizers, including inorganic and organic options. The audience learns the advantages of each fertilising method. The hosts explain that inorganic fertilizers provide the nutrients that plants need at a faster rate, but organic fertilisers are more sustainable and last longer, but are often slower to act.

The show ends with the host answering some frequently asked questions from viewers. The questions discussed revolve around plant nutrition and include: How can I tell if my plant isn't getting enough nutrition? How often should I fertilize my plants? Should I use organic or inorganic fertilizers? and How can you adjust soil pH for different plants?

In conclusion, this episode of Things Green provides an informative guide for viewers on plant nutrition. It covers different types of plants and their nutrient requirements, macronutrients, micronutrients, how soil pH, and temperature can affect plant nutrition and different types of fertilizers. This is an essential episode that all gardeners and household plant enthusiasts should watch to have healthy and happy plants.