Herbology Lesson 3
Sunlight
All plants need sunlight, soil, and water to grow. The specifics however, vary from plant to plant. Some plants thrive in the shade instead of the sun. It's important to know how much sunlight your plantingspot gets during the day, but also at which time of day the sun hits the spot.

Water
The same goes for watering, some plants needs lots of water, wheras other can go weeks without it. The water drainage of the area is also of importance, if the excess of water is unable to seep away the roots of your plants might get root rot.

PH level
Soil comes in various kinds. It is important to look at the ph level of the soil before planting. a ph scale measure how acidic or basic the soil is. 7 Ph is considered neutral, above 7 is basic, below is acidic (Alkaline is another word for basic). Soil usually ranges from 4,5 to 9.

To test the Ph level of the soil, there is a spell:
Acidius revealius
This spells will create a colourful mist rising up from the soil. The colour of this mist can me matched to the PH chart to see which PH level the soil is.

Caring for plants
It's important to check on your plant everyday to see if it needs anything. Additionally it helps to sing to your plant. Magical plants can be sentient in a way. Plants like different genres of songs:

Roses: Love songs
Autumn/winter plants: sad songs
Trees: are hipsters and like old songs
Bushes: are rebellious punk rockers
Dangerous plants: Something with humour.

Growing
In this stage the plant grows from sprout to plant. Don't overwater it! It will cause rot at the roots. You can also prevent this by making sure your pots have a drainage hole at the bottom.

Repotting
A plant will need to be repotted if it has grown too big for their pot. It stops growing if it doesn't have room to expand. Repotting might change the food intake of a plant (because it will get a growthspurt). This means the amount of water needs to be in- or decreased.

Harvesting
Be careful, sometimes your dragonhide gloves won't be enough protection. For these plants there is a spell called the severing charm:

The severing charm
Incantation: Diffindo
It severs things, very handy if you have to cut something but don't want to fet close (stay away from the venomous tentacula!).
Wandmovement: V-shaped, down, up and a swish towards the target.
Willpower: Low
Concentration: Moderate (depending on the position and depth of the cut)