Clay soil makes working with a shovel difficult. The clay is hard and sticks to the shovel. Rub a thin layer of floor or car wax over the surface of the shovel, and then buff the surface using a clean cloth. This will make shoveling in clay soil easier. Not only will the clay slide off the surface, but it will keep the end from rusting.
Organic gardening may seem to be a very complicated matter when examined closely. If you chose to garden naturally, you need to acquire some knowledge of the implications of the acidity of your soil, and you need to know how to utilize the correct bugs and insects instead of pesticides. An organic garden can be more than a little challenging for the novice. You won’t be a beginner for long if you put the tips you are about to learn to use.
If mildew is forming on your plants, you should not purchase an expensive chemical. Mix plain baking soda with a small bit of liquid soap and water. Spray this onto your plants about once per week or until it subsides. Baking soda is not harmful to your plants and will take care of the issue as well as any other treatment.
In order not to shock your plants, you have to gradually accustom them to the change of temperature and conditions. Put the plants outside in the sun for one to two hours in the beginning. As the week progresses, gradually increase their exposure to the outdoors. By the week’s end, your plants should then be ready for the big move!
Plant bulbs if you want spring and summer flowers. Bulbs are usually very hearty and very easy to grow, and bulbs will grow year after year. Include a variety of plantings to get a full season of flowers, from early bloomers to late-season varieties.
Cover fences and walls with lots of climbers. Climbers have many different uses and spread quickly. No need to worry if a bush or tree is in the way, as climbers can grow through them. Also, they can match the shape of an arbor. Some varieties will climb and attach using their tendrils or branches, but some will need to be trained or supported with ties. Some dependable types include honeysuckle, clematis, jasmine, climbing roses, and wisteria.
Fertilizing is an important step in preparing your garden soil. Manure is an excellent fertilizer, but it needs to be combined with a synthetic compost to stop diseases from infecting your plants. There are a lot of different ways to fertilize plants; make sure you actually take the time to do it.
Stink Bugs
Two items you need to invest in when working in a garden are a wheelbarrow, and a kneeling stool. Gardening can be very tough on your knees, so a kneeling stool that is ergonomic and lightweight can make things much more comfortable and enjoyable. Because gardening means transporting a lot of heavy things, a wheelbarrow will also come in handy.
If you’re planning on horticulture, carefully watch for stink bugs! You should be particularly careful during Autumn. Stink bugs prefer peppers, beans, tomatoes, and various varieties of fruits. If you don’t take care of them, they can decimate your garden, so it’s best to do all you can to get rid of them.
Although organic gardening is often much harder than using chemicals, the reward is much greater. While chemicals offer an easy solution to many common gardening problems, the organic method is far healthier for you and everyone you share your food with.
Balance your alkaline soil with the acid found in used coffee grounds. Coffee grounds add acidity to the soil and are very cheap. This simple act can lead to vegetables that taste better and look more appealing.
If you’d like to improve the health of your soil, try adding some mulch. Mulch acts as a protective shield for the soil it covers. Mulch will keep the soil at an ideal temperature and protect the roots. Additionally, moisture will not evaporate from the ground so quick when mulch is applied. This also helps all the weeds you have stay under control, relieving stress from your shoulders.
Irises should be divided. You can increase the number of irises you have by splitting clumps that are overgrown. When the foliage dies, take the bulbous irises and lift them. The bulbs will then split naturally in the palm of your hand and if they’re re-planted, they can flower next year. You should split up rhizomes by utilizing a blade. Cut the center out of each rhizome but save the pieces. Each new piece you cut should possess at least one healthy offshoot. All that is left to do is immediately replant the pieces you have created and let the cycle begin anew.
Garlic can be simple to grow organically. Plant individual garlic cloves early in the spring or fall. They should be planted in well-drained moist soil. Plant them an inch or two below the soil line with the pointed end facing the sky. Each clove should be around 4 inches from the one beside it. The green shoots can be used as they grow. Use them in place of scallions or chives. When the bulbs begin turning brown on top, they are ready for harvesting. You should dry them outside in a sunny spot for a couple of days to harden the skin. They could be stored in an area that is cold, tied or loose in bunches.
In order to rid your garden of pests, take advantage of plant materials and other organic matter. Forming a border around your vegetable garden with marigolds or onions are ideal for repelling slugs. Wood ash, when used like mulch, can keep away pests after it is spread around a tree base and shrub seedlings. Natural materials and plants can be just as effective as chemical pesticides at keeping unwanted visitors out of your garden!
Try to make your organic garden a beautiful shade garden. These kinds of gardens are usually low in maintenance, which a lot of individuals like to hear. Shade gardens do not need to be watered as much, so you do not have to work in them as often. This means the garden will grow slower. However, weeds will be fewer as well.
The sun can cause irreparable skin damage; therefore, it is essential to dress accordingly when gardening. Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. Protecting yourself from harmful UV rays means you are less likely to get sunburned or suffer skin cancer later in life.
The healthier the soil the healthier your plants are, and when they are healthy they become that much more resistant to insects and disease. This won’t get rid of insects, but it does make them less harmful, which should make most people happy.
Now, you shouldn’t get your hopes up and believe that a few tips are going to turn you into an instant professional gardener. However, these tips are a great starting point if you do plan to grow organically. As you implement these tips and hone your skills, you’ll be a professional green-thumb-holder in no time.
Before you begin planting your garden, be sure to put up a protective fence. Having something to keep the animals out of your garden is a good way to keep your plants safe while they are growing, in order to reach their full size.