Informatics for gardening was born in 1995 from the ingenuity of the computer science teacher Umberto Toscano, a graduate of the University of Turin. It is a discipline that studies the automatic treatment of information using electronic devices and computer systems to improve all kinds of gardens or flower arrangements.
It is also defined as the automatic processing of information to facilitate the logistics of the gardens.
For this, computer systems must perform the following three basic tasks:
- Input: Digital design Process: Information processing Output: Transmission and application of results.
The concept of computing comes from the conjunction of two words: Information and automatic. It is the "Set of scientific and technical knowledge that makes the automatic processing of information possible by means of computers."
We can understand the concept of computing as that discipline in charge of the study of methods, processes, techniques, developments and their use in computers (computers) in order to store, process and transmit information and data in digital format. «. In that sense, it focuses on databases in which important information about plants is collected: years of life, how many times a plant should be watered, etc., this information is essential for the growth of nature and saving water and in other inputs used to plant and / or care for the garden.
The main functions of computing include the following:
- Creation of new work specifications. Development and implementation of computer systems. Process systematization. Optimization of existing computer systems and methods.
Informatics is applied in numerous and diverse sectors of human activity. Just some of them are: medicine, biology, physics, chemistry, meteorology, engineering, industry, scientific research, communications, art, business level (management), and now in something that seemed impossible a few years ago, also in Jardines.
It should be noted that this technology was used in the 2006 Soccer World Cup in Germany.
In gardening there are many ways to apply computer science, a correct care of plants is easier than you imagine.
Below are simple tips that as a result of this new technology has been possible, you can have your plants healthy and beautiful in an effective and safe way, saving time, money and effort.
Light: Keep your plants healthy by ensuring they receive the appropriate amount of light.
Most plants prefer bright light, but not direct sunlight. Place your pots around the patio or garden, and arrange the plants according to the light requirements of each of them.
Water: Water regularly. Be careful not to over water the plants. Watering plants not only helps plants grow, it also keeps them healthy, so they can protect themselves from disease and insect damage.
- A basic rule of thumb is to water the plants thoroughly when they are being planted, allowing the soil to dry out, and then water completely again until the plants are established. Always water deeply until the water reaches the root zone. For large areas, you may need to use a sprayer. Shallow watering can lead to shallow roots, which generally result in unhealthy plants that will not survive in hot weather. It is best to water the plants in the morning to minimize evaporation during the hottest hours. Nighttime watering can encourage fungal pests or roots.
Fertilization: Like all living things, plants must receive nutrients to survive.
In addition to light and water, they need a regular diet of minerals and other elements. No matter how good the soil is, the nutrients it contains are consumed by the plants that grow in it. Grass, flowers, trees, and even weeds compete to absorb nutrients. By regularly applying a special fertilizer like MiracleGro® to your plants, you replenish those nutrients, and so the plants can continue to grow and produce foliage, flowers and fruit.
Pest Control: Weeds, insects, animals, and plant diseases can contribute considerable loss to your garden.
- Uncover pest problems early with regular reviews to react to the first sign of attack, when pests are easier to control and can cause less damage Even well-adapted and well-maintained trees and shrubs can be affected by pests eventually. Early detection of these types of problems is the best way to easily manage them. Watch for any visible changes in the leaves, bark, or plant structure. Knowing what to look for and how to treat it will help you manage your valuable trees and shrubs. Eliminate weeds that can steal water and nutrients from your beautiful garden. If pests and / or insects appear, be sure to select a good product to control them, such as Ortho® Plant Care.Some of the most common insects that can cause damage to vegetables and flowers are aphids, whiteflies, caterpillars, and beetles. If you think you may have a problem but are not sure what to do, consult a professional gardener, or the manager of the garden department at your self-service, home center, or other store.
Once you have determined what you want to plant, the next thing to do is find out if the place has already been established or if you have to designate a site to establish a garden tailored to the needs of what is going to be planted. Sun or shade plants? Plants that require a lot or little water?
Flowers are classified according to whether they will grow in sunny (at least 6 hours of sunlight), partial sunny, or shady locations. Some tolerate soil moisture but most prefer well-drained sites.
Most prefer a lot of sun and a lot of water, that does not mean, however, that the soil must be constantly moist. Good air circulation around growing plants is an important requirement to consider.
They have similar preferences. Read the labels carefully or even look up books on these species to gain better knowledge during planting.
Not all plants grow well in all parts of the country. For each climate there is a classification that is:
- Annual: They grow, flower, give seed and die. Everything in the same season Biannual: They establish and grow during the first season. They bloom, produce seed and die in the next. Perennials: They establish, grow, develop producing their flowers and fruits for years. Vegetables: They can be annual or perennial. With the exception of rhubarb and asparagus, almost all are annual plants.Trees and Shrubs: Both deciduous and evergreen should be sold during the period of optimal growth.
Why Repot
Replanting provides a healthy space for root development, additionally the mixture provides nutrients that revitalize your plants.
When to Repot
- If the root has filled the pot (the roots roll up inside the pot) If the roots grow and extend outside the drainage holes If the lower leaves turn yellow and fall If the plant withers between waterings
For best results, replant once a year (early spring or fall)
Potted Plant Grow Cycle: The potted plant grow cycle illustrates the best time to transplant your plants, as well as other planting suggestions.
Autumn / Beginning of the season of low temperatures: Ideal time for transplanting, Nutrition and regular watering.
Spring. Second best time to transplant, Time to move houseplants (check for pests or diseases), Inspect roots.
Summer / Beginning of the high temperature season: Plants and flowers require frequent watering, Ideal time to fill the pots with soil substrates, Eliminate withered flowers
Bibliography
Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft Office Manual, Microsoft Press, USA, 2000.
Shore, Lawrence. Computers and information, 2a. ed., McGrawHill Interamericana de España, MadridEspaña, 1994.
Guardiola, J. (2008) Informatics for gardening. XHTML version Web page Available on the Internet: http: informaticaparajardineria.blogspot.com
Cañizo Peralte, Jose Antonio del. The Garden: art and technique MundiPresa Libros, SA, MadridSpain, 2006.
