If you want to improve your diet, you should think about organic gardening. Much patience and effort are required though, in order to produce a successful and flourishing organic garden. Perhaps you are unsure of the benefits of organic horticulture, or you are unsure how to get your garden started.
Turn the handles of tools you have on hand into rulers to make measurements in your garden. Large handled tools such as shovels, rakes, and hoes can be used as measuring sticks. Lay your handles on the floor, and put measuring tape right next to them. Label the distances using a permanent marker. Now you will always possess a large ruler ready for your use in the garden.
Carbon dioxide, or CO2, is essential to the growth of plants because of its role in photosynthesis. A higher level of CO2 will help plants grow better. Getting a greenhouse is the best way to get a higher amount. CO2 levels are usually kept high to get the best growing situation for your plants.
Two items you need to invest in when working in a garden are a wheelbarrow, and a kneeling stool. It can be very uncomfortable on the knees when working so close to the ground, so a light, portable stool makes horticulture easier. A wheelbarrow will help you move heavy items without hurting your back so ensure that you invest in one promptly.
Use smarts when watering your garden. Use a type of soaker hose so that you don’t need to do individual waterings with the hose nozzle, or be refilling a watering can constantly. Be sure to keep the pressure of the water on low so that the hose does not damage the tender plants. You can take care of other tasks or just relax while your plants are automatically watered for an hour or so.
Heather can be planted to attract useful insects. Bees will go straight for these plants in the spring. Since a heather bed is normally left undisturbed, ground beetles, spiders and other beneficial insects tend to live inside it. Keeping this is mind, you need to wear gloves when you prune your heather!
Your children will enjoy being involved with your organic gardening endeavors. A garden can be a great learning experience for your children, and it gives you a chance to bond while producing healthy food.
Put an organic material, such as mulch two or three inches deep, in your flower beds. Doing this keeps weeds down, keeps the moisture in your plants, and gives more nutrients to the plants. You will also have a gorgeous and finished organic flower bed.
Do you prefer to eliminate weeds without the use of harmful chemicals? Take newspapers and layer them for controlling weeds. In order to grow, weeds need sunlight. The layers of newspaper over the weeds will block out the light and kill them. As an added benefit, the newspapers will decompose over time, becoming organic compost. Put mulch over top to increase the attractiveness of the pile.
When planting seeds you should cover them with fine soil. Determine its depth by looking at the seed’s size and multiplying it by three. It is important to note though, that not all seeds are covered to this depth, as some need direct sunlight to grow properly. Petunias and ageratum are two examples of seeds that require sunlight. If you are unsure about the specific needs of your seeds, you should consult your local garden center or conduct further research online. Important things to look for include water requirements, ideal soil type, and recommended sunlight exposure.
Treated Wood
Use untreated wood, stone, or brick to build a raised bed. If you choose to use wood to construct your bed, choose a species that is naturally resistant to rot and avoid treated wood entirely. Optimal wood choices that fit these criteria are locust, cypress, and cedar. In order to avoid toxic substances from getting into the ground and perhaps into your vegetables, avoid using treated wood to enclose or demarcate different sections of your vegetable garden. If you are already using treated lumber, you can use plastic liners, or a different barrier, in order to protect your garden.
While organic horticulture costs more and requires more effort, the produce that will come out of your garden will be healthier for you. Growing organic is healthier and just overall better for you. Make sure you try your best to grow organic as opposed to adding chemicals to your garden.
Be aware of seasons and climates when you are watering, and change accordingly. The amount of water you need depends on when you are doing the watering, whether your water is high-quality and the grade of the soil in your garden. As an example, leaves should not be watered in humid, warm climates else leaf fungus could occur. Make sure that your root system is well-watered.
As you were reading through this article, were you inspired to put forth the research, time and effort into adopting organic gardening techniques? Also, to get the best results, you must stay focused and keep up with it. If you use the advice in this article, you will soon see great results from your organic garden.