Plants and flowers beautify and bring life to any environment, and they are even more special when the daily care is done by us, at home. Watering, planting and caring are considered therapeutic practices due to the tranquility they provide. Furthermore, gardening brings incredible results to promote a feeling of warmth and sophistication. 

Moving the soil, planting seeds, growing different species of flowers, pruning bushes, among other activities related to gardening, go beyond just beautifying an environment. This brings benefits ranging from developing new skills to connecting with nature.

Despite being a simple and apparently easy exercise, gardening also holds its secrets, such as soil preparation, watering frequency, ideal sunlight and the type of substrate, which we will discuss below. Do you know what substrate is and how it helps with planting? If you like gardening or are thinking about starting this activity in your home, learn more about substrate and its advantages for your plants and flowers. Shall we?

After all, what is substrate?

The substrate is a prepared earth that serves as a support to fix the plants and their roots, being the source of nutrients and responsible for the drainage and water absorption system. We can divide substrates into three different types:

Vegetable land: Generally found in closed packages, it is already composed of fertilizers and natural elements, being rich in organic matter.

Sandy: Due to its permeability, it is an ideal substrate for species that adapt to this type of soil, such as succulents and cacti, because it prevents water accumulation.

Pine wooden hull: Widely used to cover vases and flowerbeds, pine wooden hull does not contain added dyes or chemicals. It keeps the soil moist for longer, helping to prevent pests and diseases. It is ideal for plants such as ferns, violets and orchids.

Expanded clay: Due to the solidity of clay grains, this substance is generally placed at the bottom of vases to ensure effective drainage. Expanded clay is great for those plants that cannot be too waterlogged and that need balanced amounts of hydration.

When and how to use substrate?

The substrate can be used to produce seedlings, helping with their development as an organic waste that provides a natural environment with ideal conditions similar to the natural habitats of each plant, such as the drainage system. Furthermore, one of the great advantages is the supply of nutrients necessary for the growth of different species.

When to use the substrate?

To determine which type of substrate and when to use it, it is essential to know the characteristics of the plant. Generally, the substrate is used for planting, replanting or transplanting (when you move the seedling from one place to another), and also to improve soil conditions. 

Where to find the substrate?

You can buy the substrate for your vegetable garden, orchard or garden on our website. In addition to polished pine hull, of different sizes and applications, we also offer specific pine hull for planting orchids and the desert rose, everything to leave your plants well-nourished and cared for.

Do you want to start or improve gardening in your home? Don’t forget to check out other Tramontina materials and tools to start your landscaping project and start caring for your garden today!