The trend toward organic foods has gradually escalated to become more of a movement; a permanent shift in the way we think about the foods that we put into our bodies. People who are part of this lifestyle will often need to grow their own herbs for the best health benefits, and these plants should be grown organically. This article will provide some great tips to help you explore the world of organic horticulture.
When partaking in horticulture activities, particularly in the autumn months, keep an eye on those stink bugs. Stink bugs like to reside in tomatoes, beans, and pepper plants, as well as many fruits. If not managed well, they can wreak havoc on your garden.
Your plants need to be kept dry, but sill receiving a good amount of air. If your plants get too moist, they may get sick or infested with parasites. In fact, fungi love a wet plant and can cause a great deal of damage. There are many effective fungicide products that will prevent fungi growth and clear up any existing problems as well.
Split up irises. The more you divide clusters of irises, the more your irises will multiply. Lift bulbous irises when the foliage is dead. The bulbs often divide in your hand with no intervention on your part, and when you replant them, they will usually flower the following year. Divide rhizomes with a knife. New pieces should be cut from the outside, then the old center you want to discard. Each piece should retain a minimum of one sturdy offshoot capable of spurting new growth. All that is left to do is immediately replant the pieces you have created and let the cycle begin anew.
Choose a plant as a focal point. Any great garden design involves using a focal point to grab someone’s attention and keep it there. The best focal points are those plants that really stand out from those that are adjacent.
It is important to protect your knees when you are gardening. It is not good to bend from a standing position for a long period of time. Kneeling is much easier on your body, and helps you tend to your plants without hurting your back. A kneeling pad can be placed under your knees to help reduce the pain from compression.
If you are looking at creating an endurable organic garden, you should think about keeping some of your property vacant so that wildlife may flourish there. 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.
You’ll save time and energy if you keep tools nearby while working in your garden. For example, you could use an over-sized tote bag or an apron with multiple pockets. Have gloves, shears, a trowel and anything else you need handy for quick use.
Once your seeds start sprouting, they do not need as much warmth as they needed before. Take your plants out of the heat once they start to grow. This also includes removing any plastic that you had covering the plant or container. To know when it is time for this, keep a careful eye on your seeds.
Cover your flower beds with two or three inches of compost or organic mulch. Not only will you be adding nutrients, but weeds will be less likely to grow and moisture will be retained more easily. As an added bonus, a nice mulch can help make your garden look more finished.
Make gardening efficient. Don’t spend 30 minutes searching for a tool. Before you make a trip to your garden, you should gather all tools and items in advance. Afterwards, be sure to return them to their original storage place. If needed, purchase a tool belt or heavy duty pants with plenty of pockets.
Coffee Grounds
Put coffee grounds in your soil. Coffee grounds will add nitrogen to your soil which will make them helpful for some of your plants. Coffee grounds as a source of nitrogen for plants are usually limited to acid-loving plants because coffee is acidic. Nitrogen is a nutrient that will help your plants grow taller and bloom faster, so use those coffee grounds, extra compost, or diluted urea to make this happen.
The more information you have on the subject of organic gardening, the more proficient you will become. Keep in mind that the tips in this article are only intended as a starting point.