When planting seeds or seedlings, remember that the
most important areas for the plant are the 2 inches
above and the 2 inches below the surface of the at or
planting bed. The mini-climate created under the plants’
leaves and the protection of the upper roots in the at or
the bed by the soil is critical. Without proper protection,
the plants will develop tough necks at the point where
the stem emerges from the soil. A toughened neck slows
the ow of plant juices and interrupts and weakens
plant growth. These few inches are also important
because in a very real sense the roots are leaves in the
soil and the leaves are roots in the air. The roots
“breathe in” (absorb) gases in signi9cant amounts as if
they were leaves, and the leaves absorb moisture and
nutrients from the air. Also, plant life activity varies
above and below the ground according to monthly
cycles. Root growth is stimulated more during the third
quarter of each 28-day period, and leaf growth is
stimulated more during the second quarter, in
accordance with the phases of the moon. (See this page.)
The leaves are roots in the air.