During the winter period

In winter we can lay the foundations for a rich and productive year in our garden and balconies, with many flowers, fruits and abundant vegetation!
During this period, the soil needs renewal, so that it is ready in spring to welcome the seeds of the plants of our choice, but also to support existing or new plants!

So what do we do?

• We carefully clean our pots and the garden of dry leaves and twigs
• We dig lightly
• We incorporate Biotron S (leonardite) into the soil, a 100% natural product that will revitalize it and make it fertile. The plants that already exist or are going to grow there will be able to properly develop their roots, shoots, have intense color in their flowers and grow harmoniously.

At the end of winter, before spring

In already existing plants such as hedges, trees, shrubs, which are fed from the end of winter, we incorporate directly into the soil, the slow-release granular fertilizer Per piante verdi with a composition of 20-10-10 and iron, which ensures complete nutrition for the plants for up to 4 months.

Where poor growth, pale leaves are observed – even in the lawn – we strengthen our plants by watering them together with liquid fertilizer, for immediate stimulation and rapid absorption, Azoto with a composition of 30-0-0.

Where chlorosis is observed (yellowing between the veins of the leaves) we apply special liquid iron chelate Ferfast 6% DTPA together with the irrigation water. It can also be used preventively, especially in acidophilic plants such as gardenia, in the lawn, etc.

leaf from a plant suffering from iron deficiency

About the products:

• Biotron S – Available in 5 and 30 kg packages.
• Dosages:
• Soil preparation, without plants. Mix 100 g of product with approximately 10 L of new soil, or that already present in the garden or pots
• Ornamental and fruit trees incorporate 250-500 g (5-6 handfuls) per plant depending on size
• Ornamental plants, green hedges, shrubs incorporate 150-250 g (2-3 handfuls) per plant depending on size
• Vegetables and garden crops incorporate 100-150 g/m² (1-2 handfuls), before transplanting
• Potted plants 15-30 g/m² (3-4 tbsp.)]

• Per Piante Verdi 1kg
• Dosages:
• Planted plants in pots: 10-15 g in each medium pot
• Garden plants: 20-25 g per medium plant

• Azoto 250 ml
• Doses:
• Dissolve 4.5 ml in 1.5 L of water and water the roots

• Ferfast  – Available in packages of 200 ml and 1 L.
• Doses:
• Dissolve 1.5 ml in 1.5 L of water and water the roots

*To calculate the dilution we can use a syringe as well as an empty 1.5 L water bottle.

Good luck!

The post 5+1 tasks for the garden and balcony in winter! appeared first on Agroza.

We can make different choices this time, say no to plastic, no to natural decorations made of pine cones, branches or wood and choose potted plants to beautify our home, or ideally, give them as gifts, “living” gifts, that can last for a very, very long time!

Such a gift brings nature, color, freshness to our home! With a little attention, Christmas plants and flowers can usually have a long lifespan. Here are some suggestions for choosing and caring for these wonderful plants!

Poinsettia or Oleander or Christmas Flower or Star of Bethlehem

A wonderful classic plant and available in many different sizes and colors, from pink to green. It is a symbol of renewal and health! For its maintenance: light, watering every two-three days and to enhance growth, you can use Cifo liquid biostimulator Algatron which will stimulate the plant.

Orchid

Phalaenopsis and Cymbidiums are the most resistant, but the duration of their flowering depends on the light (they do not like direct sunlight) and the humidity of the environment. They must be kept away from heat sources, watered frequently to keep the substrate moist (but not standing water at the bottom) and fed every 15 days with Cifo liquid fertilizer for orchids. Refined and tempting, orchids are associated with appreciation, intelligence, love and passion.

Amaryllis

During this period you can find bulbs as well as ready-made plants with large pink, red or white flowers. A symbol of freedom and vital energy, it remains in bloom for a long time if kept in a bright and cool place. Later it is transplanted into a larger pot or in the garden.

Patience or Christmas Cactus or Epiphyllum

A wonderful cactus where we can find it in various flower colors, white or in any shade of pink or even red. Some of the varieties became known as Christmas Cacti because with proper care, they bloom around Christmas. It even lives in small pots! It needs cool spaces and fertilization every 20 days with Cifo liquid fertilizer for succulents. This plant symbolizes the recovery of energy after difficult periods!

Cyclamen

Alexander Burr Unsplash

The king of winter, is perfectly preserved even in pots outdoors as long as it is protected from frost, rain and snow. It symbolizes protection from the adversities of life! It needs fertilization every 15 days with Cifo liquid fertilizer for acidophilic plants. The pots must drain well because excessive moisture “drops” the flowers.

Hellebore or Christmas Rose

Gosia Oledzka Unsplash

Its beautiful white or pink flowers open in the cold winter months. It is a symbol of rebirth and overcoming difficulties, but also of tenderness and affection. If grown outdoors, it will bloom for weeks. In the summer, if kept in the shade, it forms a thin bush of leaves and blooms again in the winter.

Olive or Ilex or Bearberry or Lioprino

Tobias Tullius Unsplash

A plant of rare beauty and a reference point in Christmas traditions for luck, prosperity, peace. At home it can live for a few days in light, but then it should be moved to the balcony or garden. It always needs slightly moist soil. Cifo Aquastick is a practical and easy alternative to watering potted plants in such cases (slow-release, water-based moisturizing gel, which is gradually released into the soil, where it remains available for about 30 days).

Ardisia or Christmas Berry

Ardisia crenata plant

Small shrub with beautiful green foliage and bright red berries. It symbolizes luck in love, work and life. It has minimal requirements and to remain beautiful for a long time it must be in a bright spot and a cool place. For its maintenance, you can use Cifo liquid fertilizer for general use, which contains the necessary food for all potted plants for both outdoor and indoor use.

…But it’s not just that!

A visit to our nearby agronomist, nursery or florist is enough to find many plants with which we can offer joy and natural beauty during the Christmas and winter periods in general. Some of them are the fir tree, a symbol of life, the anthurium with red and shiny bracts that symbolizes elegance and femininity, the red azaleas a symbol of inner strength and of course the mistletoe, which grows only on the branches of certain trees, e.g. like the apple tree. For millennia it has been a symbol of peace and love!

The AGROZA team wishes you a peaceful Christmas and a new year full of joy!

The post 8 floral ideas for “green”, sustainable celebrations! appeared first on Agroza.

Rodents invade indoor spaces looking for the same things we like – food, warmth, and shelter. In addition, they prefer undisturbed and “quiet” places like attics, closets, and storage rooms.

See below for useful tips that will help us inspect our space for the possible presence of rodents inside houses, cottages, sheds, and basements.

Checklist

• Feces – a mouse infestation is often accompanied by feces (often resembling a thin, long, dashed line).
• Strong, strange odors – attics, basements and storage areas have distinct odors. Mice have poor eyesight, but they use their urine to “mark” their territory and navigate new environments. The urine they leave behind has an ammonia-like odor.
• Gnaw marks – rodents’ teeth never stop growing, so they constantly gnaw to keep them at a certain size. Gnaw marks can be found in the form of shavings on or around baseboards, doors or cardboard storage boxes.
• Tracks – mice have poor eyesight and will “hug” various spots on walls as they move around. So they leave their scent, hair, skin, dirt, etc. A powerful flashlight can help you discover these rodent signs in the attic or basement.
• Another way to “secure” the space is to protect it and block all possible entry points.

10 common entry points for rodents into our homes

What do we do after the inspection?

After inspecting your home, talk to a professional if you spot rodents or a possible infestation.

Frequent monitoring is a surefire way to prevent infestations and is an important part of a comprehensive rodent management program.

You can always have special plastic traps, ideal for all areas and not damaged by moisture, wherever you are. They have a special non-toxic, high-strength glue, as well as a special fastener so that they cannot move.

Such traps are the Rat-a-trap, which are available in 3 convenient sizes. You can change them every 10 months.

The post How can we understand that there are rodents in our house? appeared first on Agroza.

It is worth seeing again the benefits of such a choice!

• the vegetable garden of our garden or terrace will gradually find balance and will require less maintenance
• the use of products that are compatible with organic farming, in many cases they are ready to use and thus save time and effort
• all plants give excellent results both in the short and long term
• a natural barrier is created against enemies (insects, etc.) and diseases (fungi, etc.), which means protecting the environment by increasing biodiversity.

Products to support plants during sowing, transplanting or soil enrichment in already established plants:

To start growing vegetables in pots and in the garden, there is Cifo Biotron S for vegetables, ideal for the sowing period, transplanting as well as simple soil enrichment in already established plants.
It is a natural product made from leonardite, an organic substance containing humic and fulvic acids. It is extracted from the best European deposits and is the optimal solution for improving the fertility of the soil of the pot, garden, vegetable garden and lawn. It improves the ability of the roots to absorb nutrients, promotes flowering, makes the color of the flowers more intense.

It also goes together with other products such as fertilizers and enables the plants to absorb them. We reinforce with organic fertilizer and approved for organic crops such as Cifo Per piante da orto e da frutto (2.7-0-4) which can be used on all plants, dissolving 20 ml/ 3 L and watering with this water every 10-15 days. It is ideal for tomatoes, lettuce, endives, peppers, carrots, onions, strawberries, eggplants, cabbages, aromatic plants, peach trees, olives, etc. and gives rich production and delicious fruits with a strong aroma.

Improving plant resistance to various types of adversity with ready-to-use products, in a natural way:

We simply spray these preparations, without even having to dilute or mix:

• Cifo Propoli RTU propolis, which activates the natural defense of plants against insects, fungi, bacteria and viruses.
• Cifo Linseed Oil Οlio di lino RTU, which helps the plant withstand attacks by coccid insects.

Together with the other preparations in the Cifo series such as Cifo Αlgatron, the powerful general biostimulant, taking care of vegetable gardens with natural methods is now easy and accessible to everyone.

Respect for the environment is primarily a duty to ourselves: it is time to act and we can also start from our garden or terrace.

The post The spring care of an ecological and sustainable home vegetable garden appeared first on Agroza.

THE PLANTS THAT “EAT” THE ETHALOMICHLI

They are not “magical” and certainly cannot work miracles, but they certainly help a lot! There are certain species that have a remarkable power to absorb from the foliage, through microscopic openings (stomatoes), during their normal daily metabolic process, certain toxic elements (metals, chemical and chemical-organic substances) which then become inactive and are “stored” in the cell walls, without causing harm to the plant. Such are tropical plants such as dracaena, chlorophytum, dieffenbachia, pothos, spathiphyllum, anthurium and some succulents such as aloe and sansevieria.
Greenery in our homes makes us live better, because it releases oxygen and therefore enriches the air with this fundamental element for life.

FOR THEIR MAINTENANCE

To get the most out of your indoor plants, there are a few simple rules that will keep them healthy and vibrant. Some can live for years, while others have a shorter life cycle. Their water, light and fertilizer needs can also vary greatly. You can ask the staff at a good store for help when buying them. Other basic rules are as follows:

• TRANSPLANTING

Use a substrate enriched with perlite, a natural material that promotes proper hydration and optimal drainage. You can also put a layer of expanded clay at the bottom of the pot, as a drainage layer.

• NUTRITION

Feed them regularly, from spring to autumn, applying Cifo Liquido per piante verdi liquid fertilizer for green plants every week (for tropical indoor species) and Cifo piante grasse liquid fertilizer for succulents, every two weeks, for cacti and succulents.

• CLEANLINESS

Keep the plants clean, using Cifo Mirax, a propellant-free leaf polish, gas every 15-20 days on those with smooth leaves. Cacti and plants with hairy leaves can be cleaned with a soft brush.

• BIOSTIMULATION

Regeneration of plants weakened by stress conditions we use Cifo Algatron biostimulator, 100% natural, which helps stressed plants regain vitality (2-3 applications every 15-20 days).

• IMMUNE SYSTEM STRENGTHENING

Cifo Propoli is an excellent propolis-based product that provides nutrition with a natural substance that strengthens plants to develop a strong system and fight off diseases and insects.

• GENERAL ADVICE

If the tap water is “hard” and full of salts, physopathy, chlorosis (pale leaves, yellowing) may occur. This is not treated with fertilizer but with applications of Cifo Radicale, a rapidly absorbed iron chelate that gives the leaves their natural color and shine.

Good luck!

The post Fill your home and office with “green” for truly “clean” air and psychophysical well-being! appeared first on Agroza.

In spring, the nutritional requirements of plants gradually increase. Choosing the right formulation helps to achieve better results and better support for the different categories of plants during their growth process. Here are four different categories that should be treated accordingly.

Ornamental plants in the garden and in large pots.
For the proper fertilization of all perennial and annual plants, you can choose a general-purpose granular formulation such as Agroza General-Purpose Fertilizer (10-6-15+3 CaO+ 2 MgO + 22 SO3+ B +Zn). It is suitable for all plants such as: ornamentals, green plants, fruit trees, vegetables, conifers, shrubs, green fences, lawns, flowering plants, etc. It contains a balanced ratio of nutrients and important trace elements to ensure complete nutrition and healthy plant growth. It is applied directly to the soil regularly, every 25-30 days.

Photo by Nikita Tikhomirov on Unsplash

Roses.
Their nutritional requirements are high. At this time, the flowers are formed. It is necessary to apply Cifo per rose fertilizer for roses in granular composition, directly to the soil. It has an immediate effect and ensures early and continuous flowering. We repeat the fertilization every 20 days. It is also recommended for flowering shrubs such as forsythia, philodendron, oleander, etc.

Gardenias, azaleas and rhododendrons.
They have special needs and the liquid fertilizer Cifo acidophile for acidophilic plants is essential, also suitable for camellias, hydrangeas, magnolias, maples, heathers. We repeat the fertilization every 20 days.

Photo by Bart Zimny on Unsplash

Green plants on the terrace and indoors.
Plants such as monstera, areca, shefflera, zamia, ficus, kentia, dracaena, calathea, bucarnea, tropical plants, require fertilizer for green plants for their maintenance. Such is Cifo liquido per piante verdi for green plants. We repeat the fertilization every 20 days.

Good luck!

The post Spring fertilization: How to choose the right products appeared first on Agroza.

For a good result during the high temperatures of summer, special care is needed regarding fertilization, mowing and watering. How can we help it?

To reduce the risk of yellowing and drying, it is necessary to keep the soil always slightly moist and always fertile. We apply the water-soluble fertilizer of AGROZA 30-10-10 for green plants and growth by watering it. We incorporate 10 g of product in 5 liters of water. We repeat every month.

The presence of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and sulfur guarantees the formation of a uniform thick, rich lawn, with an intense and bright green color, resistant to tread and heat.

We are careful when mowing the lawn! It should not be too short, so that the soil does not dry out too quickly and “burn” from excessive sunlight and heat. Also, if the cutting is done when the lawn has already grown a lot, its base may be hard and yellowed afterwards. Regular mowing keeps the lawn stronger, the roots spread out and the growth remains more compact and homogeneous.

In case of very high temperatures, we can use an antistress product based on Macrocystis Algae such as Macys by Cifo and in this way protect our lawn against extreme temperatures. Dissolve 10ml of the product in 10 liters of water and spray.

In general, irrigation should be very regular, never excessive and should be done at times when the soil is able to absorb water better without causing stress to the roots. On the hottest days it is better to water at sunset or early in the morning, thus allowing the water to penetrate the soil slowly without the risk of rapid evaporation. Automatic irrigation is ideal, because this avoids sunburn and the development of diseases.

Good luck!

The post 3 ways to help your lawn in the summer appeared first on Agroza.

Tomatoes like the heat and it helps them produce lots of flowers and fruit!

Various tomato varieties are late-ripening and can also be harvested on the terrace until autumn.

For growing in pots, we prefer those with a small size, such as cherry and small cherry tomatoes in various colors.

For a satisfactory result, here are some useful tips.

FIRST TIP: WATER GENEROUSLY, CHOOSING SOIL AND POTS THAT DRAIN WELL!

This is a fundamental principle for protecting the health of the roots, which are sensitive to water stagnation. Therefore, before watering them again, it is a good idea to check the soil: if it is dry, water it, if after 15-20 minutes there is still water in the saucer it is better to throw it away.

We prefer soil suitable for vegetables, rich in organic matter.

SECOND TIP: LUBRICATE REGULARLY!

Tomatoes are great consumers of nutrients and in pots the need is even greater than in those planted directly in the ground.

We recommend fertilizing every 15 days, with Cifo’s liquid fertilizer for vegetable and fruit plants Per piante da orto e da frutto suitable for organic crops and Algatron, a unique algae biostimulant, also suitable for organic crops, which helps fruit formation, growth and ripening.

THIRD TIP: PROTECT THEIR HEALTH AND YOUR PRODUCTIVITY!

In addition to regularly removing shoots that form in the axils of the main branches, it is necessary to monitor the health of the plants by removing them immediately, at the first signs, when we notice dry or diseased spots.

We recommend using products from the Cifo series to prevent the risks of parasitic insects and diseases. Propoli Cifo is an excellent aid to strengthen the immune system for potted tomatoes, based on propolis. Thanks to the ingredients naturally present in propolis, a natural shield is activated against attacks by insects, fungi, bacteria and viruses.

Another ecological way that helps to avoid insect enemies is to simultaneously cultivate marigolds and basil in rotation with tomato plants.

AND SOMETHING LAST!

Never wet tomato leaves with irrigation water and immediately pick up any fruits or leaves that have fallen to the ground dry or rotten. This way you prevent the transmission of diseases!

The post Potted tomatoes at the end of summer: 3 useful tips appeared first on Agroza.

Below you can see some of the most interesting autumn plants:

Cyclamen

With large and small flowers, very resistant. Their flowering period is longer if they are protected from rain and frost.

Erica

Its flowering lasts much longer if it is in partial shade and if its soil is sufficiently watered (avoid creating stagnant water). We fertilize every 15-20 days, with Cifo’s liquid fertilizer for acidophilic plants, which contributes to maintaining flowering.

Chrysanthemums

Photo by Harald Arlander on Unsplash

They come in many different shapes and sizes and their flowering lasts a long time. They need regular fertilization every 15 days with Cifo liquid fertilizer for flowering plants. We must remember to remove the faded flowers to encourage the formation and opening of new buds. They often remain in bloom until December, if they are slightly protected from frost.

Pansies

Excellent choice for pots and flower beds: they are inexpensive, colorful and durable, almost always lasting until spring. They should be fertilized throughout the fall with Cifo liquid fertilizer for flowering plants, fertilizing should be stopped in winter and repeated from February-March onwards.

Aster

We try to protect them from heavy rain to prolong their flowering and help them maintain their vitality with υγρό λίπασμα Cifo γενικής χρήσης.

Ornamental cabbages

Small or large, in many wonderful colors, they are very resistant to cold and lend themselves to beautiful compositions with other seasonal plants. They remain beautiful even in the snow. At the end of winter they lose their compact form. Be careful not to water them too much and do not bring them indoors: they cannot stand the heat.

Chili peppers

Decorative small peppers, maintain their beauty if watered regularly and protected from severe frost.

Solanum

A hardy plant that can live for years if protected from frost. In autumn, its small white flowers produce long-lasting, inedible, small, round, impressive fruits.

Other autumn plants that can decorate pots and flower beds:

• Pernettya and Sinforina, shrubby plants with beautiful, colorful fruits
• Ambelia, a shrub with small white flowers that is very resistant to both frost and summer heat
• Ivy, with small, greenish flowers, organized in inflorescences.

The post 8+ flowers to welcome autumn! appeared first on Agroza.

Indoor greenery is a necessity, it is not just for aesthetic pleasure. Plants contribute to improving the quality of indoor air in domestic environments and help combat stress. A house full of plants gives vitality and a good mood. Observing and caring for plants is an effective way to help our psychology.

Photo by Sandra Martins on Unsplash

It takes very little time to create green spaces in our homes

Our time is limited for many reasons and many times we think that we do not have time to do anything. In fact, to take good care of the greenery in our home, a few minutes every 3-4 days can be enough!

6 time-saving plants that allow us to have real natural beauty, better air and certainly the environment for mental relaxation:

• Chlorophytum. Very resistant, even to irregular watering. It must be kept away from heat sources and requires deep pots: if there is enough light, it grows quickly and thickens. It absorbs formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from the air.
• Pothos. Useful for purifying the air from formaldehyde and cigarette smoke. It tolerates low light and does not need special care, it just needs to be watered every 8-10 days.
• Zamia. African plant of rare elegance with beautiful foliage, lives well in domestic environments in a bright position and away from drafts. It is not bulky.
• Sansevieria. Absorbs toxic agents and combats the effects of electromagnetic radiation. It needs little water, but a lot of light. Avoid exposure, however, to direct sunlight.
• Boston fern. Effective for absorbing pollutants from domestic air, it is ideal in humid environments, such as the bathroom. It also loves the coolness of outdoor stairs or protected terraces.
• Kalanchoe. Small and beautiful, this succulent remains in bloom for many weeks. Simply water moderately and keep the plant away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

But how can we minimize the time we spend on their maintenance? Here are 5 basic rules.

1. In winter, fertilizing every 30-40 days with Cifo liquid fertilizer for green plants is sufficient. Flowering succulents such as Kalanchoe will appreciate Cifo liquid fertilizer for succulents once a month in winter. In spring, we fertilize every 15 days.
2. Beware of pests: a weekly check of the leaves and stems is recommended. In the event of an attack by pests, such as insects, the natural protection that can save them is Cifo linseed oil, which is able to activate the natural defense of plants against insects and especially coccoids.
3. Cleaning the foliage every two weeks is important. The shiny leaves of plants such as Zamia, Pothos and others (ficus, philodendron, croton, etc.) must be cleaned and protected with the special Cifo Mirax polish, which gives the leaves all their natural shine and vigor, allowing regular breathing and transpiration of the leaves.
4. Group the plants in “islands” of greenery. Their proximity helps each other, creating an area with greater environmental humidity. Saucers with wheels are the best and practical solution for their easy movement.
5. Worried about forgetting to water? The problem is solved with Cifo Aquastick, a practical and convenient alternative to the usual watering of potted plants: it is a moisturizing gel based on clean slow-release water that is gradually released into the soil, where it remains available for about 30 days.

The time we dedicate to taking care of the “green” of our home, even if “stolen” by a thousand other commitments, is not wasted, but an investment in mental health, well-being and the pleasure of seeing the home “alive” and welcoming!

The post Extremely easy plants to create “green” at home, which simultaneously decorate and “clean” the air appeared first on Agroza.