More and more people are becoming interested in organic horticulture as a safe alternative to store bought produce, which can contain all kinds of dangerous chemicals and may even present unforeseen threats with untested methods of genetic engineering. Also, organic gardening can save you a lot of money. Read on to learn a few tips if you are thinking about growing your own organic garden.
It can be very hard to shovel clay soil, especially when it sticks to your shovel as you are working. Simplify the process by putting a bit of wax onto the shovel. The clay won’t stick then. This will keep the soil from sticking, and prevent rusting of the tool.
Select plant types that will bring a higher profits and yield. A plant that is resistant to disease, or one that is tolerant of extreme weather, will deliver a higher yield.
A garden with a foundation of healthy soil is the best defense against pests. Healthier plants are stronger, which in turn can help the plants you grow to become more resistant to disease and bugs that can harm them. If you want to get the best plants, begin with a soil that has hardly any chemicals, and that will bring salts.
Baking Soda
Do not spend your money on chemicals to fight mildew. Mix a little liquid soap and baking soda in water. You just need to spray your plants with this solution once every five days until the mildew is no longer visible. The baking soda is harmless to your plants and a very effective remedy.
Ensure you have the proper soil for the plants you have selected. Different types of plants require different soils, so check soil requirements for the ones you choose. You can also create an artificial area with only one kind of soil.
Pre-soak your seeds through the night in a dark area. Drop some seeds into a small glass or other container, and fill it with water. This will hydrate your seeds and it will cause them to grow faster. The young plants will survive better, and get a boost toward maturity.
Both cat grass and wheat grass are good for giving your errant feline pause. In addition, you could put an item on the soil’s top around the plants which has a smell that cats hate, such as citrus peel or mothballs.
Get a wheelbarrow and a kneeling stool to work in your garden. Using a large portion of your time near or on the ground working on your garden puts a huge strain on your knees; therefore, having a portable, lightweight garden stool will greatly assist you in making horticulture easier on them. Using a wheelbarrow or wagon to transport heavy loads of dirt will help protect you from back injuries so make sure that you have one.
Plant with the colors of autumn in mind. Fortunately, this doesn’t have to be. If you plan properly, you can make your fall garden the most colorful time of the year. For example, maple, beech, and dogwood trees all change from their usual green to a vibrant spectrum of yellow, orange, and red. When selecting shrubs that will be colorful during the fall, consider hydrangea, barberry, or cotoneaster.
Use a plant for a focal point. To create an attractive garden design, arrange a focal point to draw attention. It is usually a type of plant that stands out from the plants surrounding it.
Young children will love it if you plant strawberries that bear continually, and organic gardens are the perfect place to do it. Small kids enjoy picking fruit themselves out of a garden. Because of this, they’ll be more likely to provide you with some assistance in your garden if they feel like they’re receiving something out of this.
If you have plants inside, make sure the thermostat stays between 65 and 75 degrees. They need this type of warm temperature in order to grow. If you think it would not be comfortable to keep your residence that warm in the winter, consider purchasing a heat lamp to use on the plants.
Before planting your favorite perennials, you must first prepare the ground. All you need to do is use a garden spade to slice under the turf, flip it over, then spread wood chips over the area about three to four inches deep. Give this area at least a few weeks, then you can dig into the area and plant the new perennials.
Use approximately two or three inches of natural, organic material as some mulch in every single flower bed. Doing this keeps weeds down, keeps the moisture in your plants, and gives more nutrients to the plants. It also adds a uniform and cohesive look to the garden.
Learn to work efficiently. Have your tools laid out in an orderly way so you do not have to search for them. Prepare them all ahead of time and have them handy before you need to garden, and then put them back in their place when done. A good way to keep your tools at hand is to buy a tool belt or utility pants with many large pockets.
Start using these tips right away, and you will be able to enjoy all of the benefits of a healthy, pollutant free organic garden in no time. As your garden starts to become more attuned with nature, you will also see it attracting more wildlife.