Horticulture is a very fun activity, and it can be very beneficial and rewarding. Whether you choose to grow flowers, vegetables or ornamental plants, many find that nurturing and tending to a garden brings such a rewarding feeling and sense of accomplishment. In the following information, you’ll find some suggestions that will improve the way that you garden.
Start your plants in some pots and plant its seedlings in the garden. This can give your seedlings the advantage they need to survive and reach adulthood. Seeds can’t always thrive in gardens, and are often eaten by birds. When you remove your mature plants, the next batch of seedlings should be ready.
If you have a wall or fence that you do not like, plant climbers to mask its appearance. Known commonly as climbers, these plants are very versatile, easy to grow, and they will quickly spread out to cover up walls and fences within a single season. They also have been known to grow through existing trees or shrubs, or can be easily taught to cover any size arbor. There are those that have to be fixed to a support, but others will find a surface to cling to all on their own through twining stems or tendrils. There are many varieties you can choose from. Honeysuckle, climbing roses and jasmine are among the best.
Plants require a good amount of CO2 in order to grow to their maximum height. In general, higher amounts of CO2 are related to better plant growth. Getting a greenhouse is the best way to get a higher amount. CO2 levels, when kept high, give your plants optimal growing conditions.
Stink Bugs
Keep an eye open for stink bugs in your garden, especially during the fall months. Stink bugs are attracted to tomatoes, beans and most fruits. If left unattended, your garden could be ravaged by these bugs, so you need to proactively keep their population under control.
Split up your irises. You can increase the number of irises you have by splitting clumps that are overgrown. You can do this by simply picking up bulbous irises once the foliage has withered. These bulbs will divide into several parts naturally when you pick them up. You can then replant them, and watch them flower the following year. You should divide rhizomes using a knife. Cut several new pieces out of the outside and get rid of the old center. If done properly, each piece that remains for planting should have a minimum of one viable offshoot. Do this cutting beside your garden bed, so that you can place your new groupings into the ground immediately.
Natural materials or some other plants can be used in your garden for keeping away pests. Planting marigolds or onions around the border of your vegetable garden will help repel slugs. Mulch around the bottom of trees and shrub seedlings with wood ash to reduce unwanted infestation of pests. Natural remedies, like the ones listed, will help reduce the need and usage of harsh chemical pesticides.
Pest control can become a major issue. Don’t spray harsh chemicals since they will spoil your veggies. One way to keep pests at bay is to remain diligent about your garden. When you catch a potential infestation early, the solution may be as simple as picking the pests off of your plants with your fingers.
Heather can bring you beneficial insects. Bees love heather, and it is a favorite stop when they emerge in early spring.
Because it is usually left alone, heather beds can become a home for spiders, beetles and other insects. With this in mind, be sure to prune your heather while wearing horticulture gloves.
Get your kids to help you grow your organic garden. Toiling together in the garden brings your family closer together and offers many different opportunities to learn new things and instill green values.
Protecting your knees while you are horticulture is very important. Bending over while gardening can be painful and unhealthy for your back. You should kneel while tending to your plants for the sake of reducing stress to your spine. You can pick up a knee pad for you to rest on so that your knees are at ease on the ground.
As stated at the beginning of this piece, horticulture is something you can really enjoy and benefit from. The benefits always seem to be great, like having fresh vegetables, flowers and a nice outdoor activity to tend to throughout your days. Apply these tips to make sure you do everything properly for better results.