You have more than likely already heard a great deal about the benefits of organic food items. It is typically easy to identify organic products. These have different packages and cost a bit more. Review the ideas in this piece and see how you can have an organic garden in your own backyard.
The first thing you can do to avoid pests is to start with healthy soil in your garden. 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. To increase your garden’s likelihood of producing strong and healthy plants, use high-quality soil containing minuscule amounts of chemicals, which will eventually collect salts.
The first thing you should do when planning a garden is test the soil. A soil analysis report can be acquired for a nominal fee. You can then use the results of that report to determine if the soil needs to be modified before you begin planting. A lot of cooperative extension offices can provide this service to you and it is worth knowing what you need to do in order to avoid ruining your plants.
If beautiful flowers throughout the warmer months are important to you, make sure you put bulbs into the ground. These are hearty choices, choices that will reward you for years despite the little effort that is involved in their care. The types of bulbs you use will determine the time of year your flowers will bloom, giving you the pleasure of blooms from spring to summer, if you plant them right.
Before you plant seeds, pre-soak them for a night somewhere dark. Place some seeds in your smaller pots and add water almost to the brim. This will allow seeds to be watered and they will get a kick start when growing. This way, the seeds will have a much better shot at survival once they are planted.
If you are growing vegetables in your garden, it is important that you have them in a spot where they can get at least six hours of sun a day. Many veggies require this amount to properly grow at a faster pace. This is also true for some flowers.
Coffee Grounds
If a test indicates that your soil is very alkaline, you can mix the dirt with used coffee grounds. Coffee grounds are an inexpensive way to increase the acid level in your soil. The plants will be healthier, leading to more delicious home-grown veggies.
Protect your deciduous shrubs which are tender. Shrubs in pots especially need special care in the colder weather. The tops should be tied together, and the wigwam should be loosely covered with a sheet or blanket. This method is preferred to wrapping a plant in plastic, since it promotes circulation and prevents rotting.
One very good way to deal with weeds is to boil them away. One of the safest “herbicides” you can find is a pot of boiling water. All you need to do is apply boiling water right to the weeds you want to get rid of. Be careful not to get any on the plants you want to keep. The weeds’ roots will be damaged by the boiling water; normally, this prevents them from continuing to grow.
Use a plant for a focal point. Your focal point will be the main center of attention for anyone who sees your garden. It can be anything, but oftentimes a plant that stands out from its neighbors will do the trick.
It is essential to keep your knees protected as you garden. Bending over for extended periods can be harmful to your joints and muscles. Kneeling down on the ground is a more comfortable way for many people to tend to their horticulture chores. Knee pads will prevent any pain you may feel because of this position.
In an organic garden, ruffle any seedlings with a piece of cardboard, or even your hand, a couple times each day. Believe it or not, aerating the soil in this manner can actually make your seedlings grow larger.
Beer Trap
Keep slugs out of your organic garden naturally, using a beer trap. To create a beer trap, dig a hole in your garden that is the depth of a glass jar, leaving the mouth of the jar level with the soil. Next, add beer to the jar until it’s about nearly full, with somewhere around an inch of space remaining. Slugs are attracted by the beer and won’t be able to exit the jar once they enter.
When you water too much, then you can actually harm your plants due to the fact that the roots can’t get the nutrients they need. Before you set out to water your plants, you might want to verify that the forecast does not call for rain. You can skip watering for an entire day if rain is on the way.
Growing your garden at home might not be the most convenient thing for you, but you will save a lot of money and always have the confidence that what you’re eating and feeding your family is as fresh and as healthy as possible. Use the tips you’ve learned here and get started on your garden today.