Plant health starts at the root.
A common mistake made by new gardeners is to overlook the health of the root systems of their plants. Healthy root systems are the anchor and lifeline of a plant—taking up water and nutrients from the soil and moving them up into the leaves for a big, healthy harvest.
A plant’s root system consists of numerous spiderweb-like structures existing below the surface, which perform four basic key functions in overall plant health.
Anchoring
Healthy roots serve to secure a plant to the ground. Without a healthy root system, a plant is not stable, and will likely be carried away by wind or washed away through soil erosion. The larger a plant’s root system, the more surface area is covered. As the surface area increases, a plant is better positioned to thrive.
Water Absorption
The root system is the conduit through which plants are able to draw water and essential nutrients from the ground. It also works as a storage unit to protect plants from times of drought as a plant’s root system is able to store excess water for later use.
Nutrient Uptake
Picture your plants’ roots as straws the plant uses to suck up nutrients that ensure crop development through the grow cycle. Thicker roots can suck up more nutrients at once, while longer roots can reach further into the plant’s rhizosphere.
Disease Protection
Roots condition the plant’s rhizosphere by secreting compounds that affect the microorganisms in the soil, doing things like helping protect the plant from disease and encouraging it to absorb nutrients from the soil. This ultimately strengthens the plant by increasing its capacity to take up nutrients.
So how do you get a system of good, healthy roots?
In order for plants to grow and develop properly, they require certain nutrients that are found naturally in soil. But as nutrient levels diminish over time, the plants will cease to grow unless the soil’s nutrients are replenished. Thus, you’ll want to apply a liquid feed, such as H-G Plant-Aide throughout the season. While plants will naturally absorb whatever nutrients are found around them, H-G Plant-Aide facilitates this process and offers plants a wider spectrum of nutrients than those found in surrounding soil.
H-G Plant-Aide provides a solid foundation for your plants by enhancing root growth and encouraging healthy microbial populations. With care, patience, and H-G Plant-Aide you’ll be well on your way to:
- Increased yield
- Improved quality
- Larger plants
- Healthier soil
- Higher nutrient base
When you make it a priority to build and maintain strong, healthy roots, your efforts will pay off later as you get more enjoyment from your flowers and plants. Check out our products to learn more about H-G Plant-Aide specifically formulated for roots!