Planting an organic garden gives you easy access to a source of healthy food, but buying what you need and getting it set up can be tough for a first-timer. There is a diversity of seeds that are suitable for organic horticulture as well. The following tips should help you learn what things to get to grow an amazing organic garden.
Digging in clay soil with a shovel can be very difficult. The clay isn’t easy to work with and will adhere to the shovel, which only makes the problem worse. To ease the digging, apply some car wax or floor wax to the head of the shovel and buff. This will keep the soil from sticking, and prevent rusting of the tool.
When choosing plants, pick those that produce a high yield. Normally, hybrid plants that are disease-resistant and cold-tolerant have a greater yield than traditional varieties.
Fight pests before you even plant, by getting your soil in shape. Healthy plants are naturally more resilient against pests and disease. Starting with soil that is in good condition can yield the best plants.
Baking Soda
If you start to notice some powdery mildew growing on your plants, there is no need to waste money on expensive chemicals. A great home remedy is to mix baking soda with water and a little bit of liquid soap. This solution can be sprayed onto your plants once per week until the problem is resolved. Your plants will not be harmed by the baking soda, but the mildew will definitely not like it!
Bulbs are the best solution to get flowers in spring and in summer. A hardy perennial addition to your garden, bulbs will continue to delight every year. Include a variety of plantings to get a full season of flowers, from early bloomers to late-season varieties.
Your vegetable garden should get at least six hours of sun daily. Many of the vegetables need a lot of sun, so they can grow right and at a faster pace. Some flowers also need six hours of daily direct sun in order to grow and blossom well.
Prior to planting a garden, think through what you want to do. That way, if you see your plants beginning to bud but can’t recall what they are, you can refer back to your plan to refresh your memory. This is important, because different plants require different care.
Deciduous shrubs and young trees need to be protected. If you have them in pots, you need to guard them from cold weather that will damage or kill them. The tops should be tied together, and the wigwam should be loosely covered with a sheet or blanket. People sometimes use plastic to wrap their plants, but plastic can cause the plants to rot because it impedes air circulation.
Boiling away unwanted weeds is an odd, but productive method used in many gardens. The safest herbicide that you can probably find is a cup of boiling water. Just pour boiling water directly on top of the weeds cautiously to avoid damaging your plants. If you pour the water near your plants, it will kill the roots.
Do you enjoy your mint leaves, but can’t stand how they dominate your garden? Instead of planting mint in the ground, confine it to a large pot. You can bury the container so the top is flush with the ground if desired, but the container’s walls will prevent the roots from spreading so that the plant won’t take over your entire garden.
If you are planning on growing peas, start them indoors before putting them outdoors in your garden. The seeds will have a better germination rate if you start them indoors. The seedlings tend to be healthier, which would help them resist diseases and pests more easily. Once your seedlings are sturdy, you can then move them outside.
Having a good wheelbarrow and a kneeling stool makes garden chores a lot easier. Working on the ground for long periods of time can be painful on the knees, so a small garden stool can really allow you to work in comfort. A wheelbarrow will come in handy to easily move dirt, rocks and other heavy objects.
Do some research to find out the best time for harvesting your vegetables. For the optimum flavor, be sure to follow the guidelines for planting and picking. For instance, zucchini and baby peas will taste a lot better if you pick them when they are young. Yet, in reverse, tomatoes must wait for prime-ripeness before they are subject to being picked. You should know the proper time to pick vegetables.
A great tip when running your own organic garden, is to lightly ruffle your seedlings with your hand or cardboard, around once or twice per day. That may sound like a silly thing to do, but it’s been proven to help plants grow larger than they would otherwise.
To be able to say you have legitimate organic and credible crops, you will need to be certified as having an organic garden. This also does several things to boost your business. First, it is likely to increase your sales as it builds trust in more customers. Second, it shows customers who have been loyal that the quality produce you provide is top notch.
Try using botanical insecticides to help rid your garden of pests, without using chemicals. All insecticides are strong, including botanical ones. Keep in mind, however, that natural pesticides frequently deteriorate more quickly than those with a man-made base.
An organic garden provides many benefits to your health, so understanding the various plants and options you can grow is crucial. Apply the tips you just read to start your garden to save money and eat healthier foods.