Wind

One of the most disregarded forces influencing your garden is air. Perhaps because we can't see it, or because we can't really change it much anyways, we tend to ignore the impact it has on our plants. However, even if you can't control the air, you can understand its effects on your garden and plan accordingly. 

First, most plants in your garden don't want to be wet. Moisture on plants can attract fungus and mold which can kill them. Air circulation is essential to keep plants dry and help prevent these problems. You can improve air circulation in a few different ways.

1- Space you're plants appropriately when planting. I am notoriously bad at this so do as I say and not as I do. Most plants have spacing information on the seed package or plant tag. 2 - When you water your garden, water the soil, not the leaves. The more you can avoid getting the plants wet, the better off you are. 3 - Some plants that are particularly susceptible to mold or fungus, such as grapes or tomatoes, can benefit from selective trimming of the foliage. The more you can let light and air into the middle of the plant the healthier the plant will be.

Second, air means temperature. I'm writing this in July when the air is bringing so much heat to the plants that many of them look droopy in the afternoon. However, in spring and fall, air can mean freezing temperatures that can kill plants. If you know what the weather forecast is, then you can cover your plants as needed.

Third, air can mean wind. It can be incredibly windy where I live. High winds can topple plants. Keep an eye on your taller plants and reinforce them as needed. Things like sunflowers can be staked to keep them standing upright.

Finally, in some places, air can mean pollution. Unfortunately, you generally can't change the amount of pollution in your air. However, being aware of the circumstances can help you select appropriate plants. Some plants will tolerate  air pollution better than others. It's best to ask at your local garden center for recommendations.

As you can see, air plays a big role in the success of your garden. With some research and planning, you can utilize it to best support your plants.