Your soil needs to be of good quality before you start a garden. You can actually get an analysis of soil for a little fee, and with the report you get back you can figure out how to create a vibrant garden by enriching it properly. A Cooperative Extension office can provide you with this service, saving you learning on your own by trial and error.
A green thumb and a great deal of patience is needed to take on the hobby of organic horticulture. It is an activity that has a goal of growing fresh, nutritious food that is free of pesticides. Although this may sound easier than it is. Check out the tips laid out below to learn what you must do to begin horticulture organically like a professional.
Natural materials or some other plants can be used in your garden for keeping away pests. For example, planting a border consisting of marigolds or onions can repel slugs. Wood ash, when used as mulch, can help keep insects away from trees and shrubs. When done naturally, there is no need for pesticides with harsh, and sometimes dangerous, chemicals
Always allow your plants to adapt gradually to any changes in light conditions, temperatures or soils, if you do not, you might shock them and cause them to die. Try to place them in the new area for a couple of hours at a time the first day. Then over the next week, gradually increase the time they are in their new habitat. Hopefully, after about a week or so, your plants should have adjusted to the change. Now you can transplant them without any worries.
Be smart about how you water your garden. You can save time by using soaker hoses to water more than one plant. Lower your water pressure on the soaker hose to avoid harming tender plants. Allow the soaker to stay on for a few hours, so your plants can receive water while you tend to other tasks.
Save some plants in the winter by bringing them indoors. Perhaps save the most resistant or expensive plants. Dig carefully around the roots, then transfer the plant into a pot.
Avoid getting an infection by not allowing dirt and other chemicals to get into open wounds. Cuts have a much higher likelihood of getting infected if they are in contact with dirt when you garden. You can get bandages that can completely seal your cut.
When mowing your lawn do not cut it as short as possible. If you let your grass keep some height after mowing, it will be able to absorb more sun and moisture resulting in a lusher, greener lawn. Short grass on the other hand is more susceptible to drying out.
Use plastic bags to cover muddy gardening shoes. This allows you to work steadily and without distractions, making you a happier and more productive gardener.
Vegetables should be planted in an area where they will get a minimum of six hours of daily sunlight. Most vegetables need at least that much sun for optimal growth speed. The same can be said for some flowers.
You should always take spacing into account when placing plants in your organic garden. Many people underestimate the space needed for plants to grow to their full size. Air circulation and room to grow is important for any plant. Because of this, you should always take the time to ensure that there’s enough distance between all your seeds.
Protect your deciduous shrubs which are tender. Tender shrubs are very sensitive to cold weather, especially those that are planted in pots. Tie together the tops, and then use a sheet or blanket to cover the wigwam loosely. This is more effective than putting plastic on the plant, it will let the air flow.
When planting seeds, you should bury them three times as deep as their actual size. It is important to note though, that not all seeds are covered to this depth, as some need direct sunlight to grow properly. Petunias and ageratum are two examples of seeds that require sunlight. If you aren’t sure, look online or at the package.
Separate irises. To increase the number that you have, you need to take all your overgrown clumps and split them up. When the foliage has died off, it is time to harvest the iris bulbs. The bulbs should split naturally, and the replanted bulbs will usually flower within a year. Rhizomes, however, need to be divided by using a horticulture knife. Cut new outside pieces and dispose of the center. A strong offshoot is needed on every piece that you decide to plant. Replant your cuttings immediately for the best results.
Excessive amounts of water makes it harder for plants to get the nutrients they need from the soil. Check the weather forecast before watering plants to see if there is rain in the near future. You may want to skip the watering during a day that will receive significant rainfall.
Think about starting your peas indoors rather than planting them directly in the garden. Seeds will always germinate much better when you first plant them indoors initially. Seedlings will grow stronger, and withstand attacks from pests and diseases a lot better. Once the seedlings have become hardy enough to survive, you can transplant them to your outdoor garden.
An organic garden doesn’t have to be restricted to a few types of plants. You can grow anything. Plants that favor an acid soil need adequate mulch. Every year these plants should actually be mulched right up with pine needle layers that are thick around fall time. When pine needles break down, they fortify the soil with their natural acids.
Heather can bring you beneficial insects. Heather is quite alluring to bees; when spring comes along, it provides the bees with a source of nectar early. Spiders, ground beetles and other insects helpful to your garden tend to live in a heather bed, because heather beds are generally undisturbed. If you do have to tend to your heather, wear gloves in case you accidentally annoy one of the residents!
A good gardening tip is to be sure to grow high-value crops. Of course, a particular plant’s value will be subjective. Buying expensive organic fruits and vegetables can be avoided by growing them yourself. It will save you a lot of money and give you some and exciting to try. So, plant things that you love and enjoy their results.
Involve your children in gardening. You can provide a good learning experience that your children can appreciate the more they learn on how to grow healthy produce.
Save your rainwater and use it to keep your plants happy. Use barrels, buckets or any other appropriate containers to provide water for your garden. This way, you don’t need to spend money on water for your garden. It’s a free resource. You will see that rainwater can help your plants.
The hobby of organic horticulture will take dedication, patience and a little bit of help from Mother Nature. It’s an activity that lets you get in touch with nature while growing something very tasty. If you are willing to put in the effort and if you follow the tips, you can become a great organic gardener.
Bumble bees can help with the pollination of your garden. However, certain bee varieties, such as carpenter bees, can be harmful because they create their hives by burrowing into wood structures. Most bees you will come across are beneficial to gardeners and should be allowed to do their business in peace.