What better time than now? It can be overwhelming knowing where to begin, so this article will help guide you towards getting started. Listed below is some very valuable advice that will help tint your thumb green, and bring you horticulture success.
Using a shovel in clay soil is a lot of work, not only is the clay hard, but it will stick to the shovel and make it twice as hard to handle. Coat the shovel with floor or car wax, and buff it with a clean rag to make the job a lot easier. You will be able to work with the clay more easily, and it will not stick to your shovel.
Your tool handles can double as measuring sticks. Tools with substantial handles, like rakes, hoes and large shovels are great for taking measurements. Place the handles on the ground and measure them. Label the distances using a permanent marker. Now when you go garden the next time, you’ll have a giant ruler at your command.
Use climbing vines or plants to cover fences and walls. Climbing plants are known to be very versatile, and can help hide any ugly wall or fence, and this often only takes one growing season. You can direct them over certain branches or boards, or you can send them through plants you already have. Some types of climbers support themselves naturally through twining stems or tendrils, but others will have to be attached to something. Wisteria, jasmine, honeysuckle, clematis and some rose varieties are good choices for climbers.
Save some plants in the winter by bringing them indoors. Your best bet would be try to save the best or most hearty plants. Always be careful when digging around the roots, and put the plant in a suitable pot.
Fall edibles are a wonderful addition to your garden. A pumpkin makes a great container, and costs less than a clay pot. When you have finished cutting and cleaning the pumpkin, spray it with some liquid that will stave off wilting to keep it from rotting. After you have finished this, you will be ready to start planting.
Irises can be easily divided. Take clumps that have become overgrown and divvy them up into separate plants. Lift bulbous irises when the foliage is dead. The bulbs will naturally split in your hands, and after you replant them, will flower about a year later. Make use of a knife to split up rhizomes. Cut healthy pieces from the root stalk and throw out the dead center. Be sure to retain a sturdy offshoot on every piece that you intend to plant. All that is left to do is immediately replant the pieces you have created and let the cycle begin anew.
If you are going to grow peas, start them inside rather then planting them outdoors. Seeds are more likely to sprout when started indoors. The seedling sprouts will be heartier, giving them a better chance to grow into a healthy adult plant capable of rebuffing diseases. When these pea plants are sturdy, you can place them outside in your garden.
Pouring the excess water from your dinner of steamed veggies on them can help. You may fertilize the soil with tea or coffee for plants that favor acidic environments, like rhododendrons and gardenias. A natural cure for plant fungus is chamomile tea. Sprinkle some on the plant, and see if it works.
You can keep your dog away from your garden by spraying perfume or aftershave in the grass. This will mask any scents that might attract your dog and make your garden less interesting to him.
Mixing a variety of plants at different heights is how you can make a very interesting English garden. You should avoid using plants of the same height so that your flower bed doesn’t look flat and uniform.
When horticulture, protecting your knees is important. Bending over while gardening can be painful and unhealthy for your back. Concentrate on kneeling. This will still make it easy to reach plants as well as minimize back stress. Many types of horticulture pads and cushions are available so that avid gardeners can kneel for longer periods of time without experiencing knee pain.
In order to maximize the efficiency of your gardening, ensure your horticulture tools are kept close by you. Large pockets or a sturdy bucket can be used to store tools. Keep your gloves, pruning shears, a hand spade and your other tools handy to quickly and easily do your garden maintenance.
When you are working in your garden, you will want to have all of your tools in a convenient location. Don’t waste your time by searching high and low for that packet of seeds or spade. Organize the tools you will need before you head to the garden, and put every item away when you finish your work. Wear pants with several pockets or use a tool belt.
Now you should be ready to get gardening. You thought were doing well before, but you will do much better now! Ideally, you will be able to start horticulture with much greater success after using these tips.