There are many people who’d like to have their own organic garden, but not many take the time to actually create one. To many people, it seems too complicated and unfamiliar, so they don’t know how to start. However, the following article contains many hints and tips that can simplify the process and help you turn that daunting idea into an enjoyable hobby.
It is important that you give your plants the chance to gradually adjust to the change in temperature and conditions, or you risk shocking them. Try to place them in the new area for a couple of hours at a time the first day. Throughout the week, you should leave your plants out for a little longer each day. By the week’s end, your plants should then be ready for the big move!
Digging in clay soil with a shovel can be very difficult. The clay isn’t easy to work with and will adhere to the shovel, which only makes the problem worse. 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. This will keep the soil from sticking, and prevent rusting of the tool.
Your tool handles can easily be used as handy rulers. You can use larger tools, like rakes, as measuring sticks. Lay the handles on the floor, then run the measuring tape down next to them. Label the distances using a permanent marker. When the need arises to measure something while in your garden, the measuring tool you need will literally be “on hand,” sketched into the handles of your tools.
Do not plant perennials that are prone to snail infestation. Snails and slugs can do irreparable damage to your garden in a single night. They’re particularly fond of perennials with smooth and thin leaves, especially if the plants are young. You can discourage snails and slugs from eating your perennials by choosing plants with tougher or distasteful foliage. Several good choices include heuchera, campanula, achillea, and euphorbia.
Transplanting plants and bringing them indoors can protect them from harsh winters. You should probably save the most resistant or expensive plants. Dig carefully around the roots, then transfer the plant into a pot.
You must be sure to remove all of the weeds that grow in your garden. Weeds can take a promising garden and turn it into a shell of its potential. A great way to get rid of them is to use white vinegar. White vinegar is a fantastic weed killer! If you are too busy to pull weeds by hand, make a white vinegar solution and keep it handy for a quick spray when needed.
Mint Leaves
Don’t you hate it how fresh mint leaves take over all of your garden, even though you love them? You can control the growth of the mint leaves by growing them in a large container rather than in your garden. This container can be placed in the soil if you prefer the look of mint in your garden, and it will continue to contain the roots of your mint and prevent it from taking over.
Put money into a quality wheelbarrow and kneeling stool if you plan to do garden work often. Spending too much time on the ground working can be quite hard on your knees, and a gardening stool can help alleviate this, plus make things more comfortable for you. Horticulture also typically involves transporting bags of topsoil, fertilizer and other heavy items, so using a wheelbarrow to make these tasks easier is a sound investment for your garden, and your back.
Be aware of the optimum time frame for harvesting vegetables. Each type of produce has unique time frames for harvesting at the peak of flavor. For example, baby peas and zucchini taste best when they are picked young. On the contrary, tomatoes shouldn’t be picked from the vine until they are ripe as can be. It’s best to learn when the harvest time is for your vegetables.
Give them a nutritious drink by using the water that you boiled your veggies in. If you grow rhododendrons, azaleas or gardenias, increase the acid in your your soil by working in coffee or tea grounds. Chamomile tea can be used as an effective fungicide for potted plants.
When planting seeds, make sure to take your time. Start first by moisturizing your soil. Then, evenly spread the seeds according to the type of plant and how much room they require for good growth. Typically, seeds should be planted at a depth that is equal to three times their size. There are some varieties of seed that are not planted underground since they require light to grow.
Try to work as efficiently as possible when horticulture. Have your tools laid out in an orderly way so you do not have to search for them. Keep your tools well-maintained and stored away in a designated place. That way you always know where they are and they are ready to use when you need them. Invest in a tool belt or wear pants that have lots of pockets.
Tuck away some plastic grocery bags and use them to slip over your muddy boots. This way, you can maintain your momentum and head right back to your garden so that you can finish what you were doing.
Once you know more about organic gardening, getting started should not be so intimidating. Start applying some of the tips presented above, and in the near future, you could have your very own productive organic garden.