Organic horticulture requires a green thumb and a lot of patience. It is an enjoyable way to grow your own nutritious foods that are free of pesticides and other harsh chemicals. This seems to be easier said than done, though, right? Keep reading to learn what you can do to make your garden succeed.
For the best results, select the right kind of soil. Dependent on the type of plants you are choosing for the garden, the soil may not be right for them. It is also possible to make an artificial area using only one type of soil.
Keep an eye open for stink bugs in your garden, especially during the fall months. They like fruits, as well as peppers, beans and tomatoes. If left unattended, your garden could be ravaged by these bugs, so you need to proactively keep their population under control.
Vegetables should be placed in a spot in your garden that will get about six hours of sun every day. Most vegetables need at least that much sun for optimal growth speed. The same can be said for some flowers.
Learn the ideal times for harvesting your vegetables. Each type of produce has unique time frames for harvesting at the peak of flavor. Some vegetables, such as zucchini and baby peas, should be harvested when they are relatively young. On the contrary, tomatoes shouldn’t be picked from the vine until they are ripe as can be. Take some time to learn about the best harvest time for the vegetables that you have growing.
Horticulture is a great relaxation activity. While there are many different ways to relax, choosing the right one for you is key. Working in the garden is among the simplest. Gardening only requires a small investment and you will get so much more out of it. The joy of eating food you created as well as enjoying the beauty of your garden is the best return of all.
Make sure to water your garden properly. To save time, use a soaker type hose so each plant doesn’t need individual watering from the nozzle of a hose or a little watering can. Keep the water running slowly so it doesn’t spray up onto the plants’ leaves. It can water the plants for two hours so that you can do other things.
When you are organic horticulture, ask your children to lend a hand. Gardens are terrific teaching tools for kids, and provide great opportunities for interaction, growth, and instruction on healthy living.
Gardeners who are intrigued by the ideas of organic and sustainable methods should think about designating a portion of their landscape to support native plants and animals. One side effect of this is that where animals thrive, so do birds and insects that help nurture and pollinate plants, which will increase the quality of your garden.
To keep your houseplants happy during the day, your thermostat should be set anywhere between 65 and 75 degrees. Young plants need a temperature within that specific range to grow. If you want to save money on gas bills in the winter, you can provide local heating for the plants with a heat lamp instead.
Have all of your tools available to you as you garden to increase efficiency. You could do this by using a big bucket, or just wear old pants that have some deep pockets. Have gloves, shears, a trowel and anything else you need handy for quick use.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds work great mixed in with your soil. Coffee grounds are full of nitrogenous nutrients that growing plants need. This nutrient is often lacking in home gardens, and adding it will give you taller plants that bloom beautifully.
When you plant the seeds in containers, be sure the planting’s depth is three times bigger than the seed. However, some seeds do not need to be covered, they need the sunlight. These seeds include petunias and ageratum. If you are unsure if your seeds should be covered, refer to the seed packet, or if that is not available, look for information online.
Ruffle the seedlings carefully with a piece of soft cardboard or your hands twice a day. While it seems a little odd, it has been reported that this can encourage plant growth.
Organic gardening is a high-risk, high-reward activity compared to normal horticulture, but the rewards certainly are sweet. Although the chemicals may claim greater results, using organic methods to tame your garden will do less harm to your body, and the environment.
Invite biodiversity into your garden. The different types of plants will draw a variety of wildlife to your garden. Try replicating nature by creating a garden with a variety of different plants. If you do this, your garden will not only be relaxing, but environmentally friendly, as well.
Dig a large hole in the organic garden when you want to plant a shrub or tree. If the sides of the hole show glaze which was caused by the shovel, the root may be restricted from entering into the adjacent soil.
The healthier the soil the healthier your plants are, and when they are healthy they become that much more resistant to insects and disease. Although the insects might still be present, you will be able to avoid their damage, which is what makes everyone happy.
Organic horticulture uses nature, hard work and patience to support a great hobby. This hobby allows you to use the land and grow delicious food. If you put in the work, learn through trial and error, and most importantly, keep this tips in mind, your organic gardening skill will increase greatly.