Goat's Rue (Galega officinalis)

Growing Pelargonium - Regular Acidic Substrate, Sunny Location or Partial Shade, Moderate Watering

Basic Requirements for Growing Pelargonium

Pelargonium, commonly known as geranium, is one of the most popular flowering plants for balconies, terraces, and gardens. Its cultivation is relatively simple, but following a few basic principles will ensure abundant flowering and healthy growth throughout the season.

Suitable Substrate for Pelargonium

Pelargonium thrives in regular slightly acidic substrate with good drainage. The ideal pH ranges from 6.0 to 6.5. Use quality potting soil for flowering plants or a universal substrate enriched with perlite or sand for better drainage. Heavy, waterlogged soil can lead to root rot and fungal diseases.

Substrate Composition:

Quality potting soil or universal substrate
Addition of perlite or coarse sand (approximately 20%)
Well-decomposed compost for nutrient enrichment
pH 6.0-6.5

Light Requirements - Sun or Partial Shade

Pelargonium is a sun-loving plant that performs best in full sun with at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it also tolerates partial shade, where it will still flower, though perhaps less abundantly. In very hot climates, light afternoon shade is appreciated.

Location Tips:

South-facing or west-facing balconies and terraces are ideal
In partial shade, choose varieties with darker foliage that tolerate less light better
Protect from strong winds that can damage stems and flowers
In indoor cultivation, place near bright windows

Watering Pelargonium - Moderate Approach

Moderate watering is key to successful pelargonium cultivation. The plant prefers soil that is slightly moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top layer of substrate to dry between waterings. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes leading to root rot.

Watering Principles:

Water when the top 2-3 cm of substrate is dry
Water thoroughly until water flows from drainage holes
Always drain excess water from saucers
Water in the morning or evening, avoid wetting leaves and flowers
Reduce watering in winter during dormancy
In hot weather, watering may be necessary daily

Nutrition and Fertilization

During the growing season (spring to autumn), pelargonium appreciates regular fertilization. Use liquid fertilizer for flowering plants every 7-14 days. Fertilizers with higher potassium content support abundant flowering.

Additional Care Tips

Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to promote formation of new buds
Pruning: In spring, cut back stems by about one-third for better branching
Overwintering: Move plants to a cool, bright place (10-15°C) and reduce watering
Repotting: Repot into fresh substrate every spring

Common Problems and Solutions

Yellowing leaves: Often caused by overwatering or nutrient deficiency. Check soil moisture and adjust fertilization.

Poor flowering: Insufficient light, excess nitrogen, or lack of deadheading. Move to a sunnier location and use fertilizer with higher potassium content.

Leaf spots: Fungal diseases from excessive moisture. Reduce watering, improve air circulation, remove affected leaves.

Conclusion

Pelargonium is a grateful plant that rewards proper care with abundant and long-lasting flowering. A combination of slightly acidic substrate, sunny location, and moderate watering creates ideal conditions for healthy growth. With regular fertilization and basic care, your pelargoniums will adorn your balcony or garden from spring to autumn.

Tarragon is a perennial herb reaching 60-120 cm in height that can withstand several degrees of frost. It has a light brown, brittle and fleshy rhizome with thin roots. The densely branched stems are light green and woody. The glossy leaves with oil glands emit a bittersweet peppery aroma. The lower leaves are linear-lanceolate. Pale yellow flower heads grow in loose panicles as the spice known as tarragon.

Russian tarragon: its taste is sharp and slightly bitter. It grows easily and tolerates lower temperatures.

French tarragon (true): has a more delicate flavor, is harder to grow and requires protection from frost. (Dishes with tarragon must not be consumed by pregnant women, as with other wormwoods, as it can induce miscarriage when consumed in larger quantities).

Cultivation

Plant at a distance of 30-45 cm. In autumn, cut it back and cover with straw for winter. It is also suitable for indoor cultivation.

Uses

Leaves can be harvested at any time, but trim two-thirds of the branches so the plant produces new growth. Leaves can be frozen or dried. They have high content of iodine, mineral salts and vitamins A and C. Chewing fresh leaves refreshes breath. Tarragon infusion can stimulate appetite, support good digestion, serve as a general tonic and relieve stomach upset, flatulence, hiccups, gastric catarrh, rheumatism, joint inflammation and toothache. Drinking tea before bed helps with insomnia. It acts as a diuretic as it supports kidney function and induces menstruation.

It belongs to the Asteraceae family.