In the world of organic horticulture, there are plenty of great resources available to both new and experienced organic gardeners alike. There are many e-guides, books, videos, and other resources available. This set of tips contains some of the best advice for helping a good organic gardener become a great organic gardener.
Make sure to lay the sod properly. Make sure you prepare your soil before you lay any sod down. Remove any weeds, and break the soil up into a fine tilth. Make sure your soil is flat and compacted. Gently sprinkle water on the soil until you are certain that it is thoroughly moistened. You should lay your sod staggered, and have the joints offset. Firm sod until there is an even, flat surface; fill in gaps with soil. Sod has to be watered daily for two weeks, and then it can be rooted.
To prevent your plants’ systems from becoming shocked, you need to gradually transition them from higher to lower temperatures. On the first day, place them in the sun outside for only an hour or so. Over a period of several days, slowly increase the time they are allowed to stay outside. By the time the week ends, your plants will be ready for their big move and should have no problems!
Shoveling soil that is mostly clay can be difficult because of the hardness of the soil, and because it sticks to the shovel. Make your shoveling job easier by lightly coating a shovel with a layer of wax, then buffing the surface. Either car wax or floor wax will work just fine. Not only will the clay slide off the surface, but it will keep the end from rusting.
The handles of your tools can double as clever rulers. You can use shovels or rakes as measuring sticks. Lay the handles on the floor, then run the measuring tape down next to them. Mark the measurements with a permanent marker. Next time you work in the garden, you can have a larger ruler with you!
If you have a wall or fence that you do not like, plant climbers to mask its appearance. 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. They also have been known to grow through existing trees or shrubs, or can be easily taught to cover any size arbor. Some of these plants must have support, and some can attach themselves to something using their stems and tendrils. If you’re looking for the most reliable varieties available, choose from clematis, wisteria, and climbing roses.
Check the soil before you plant anything in your garden. There are soil testing services that can analyze a garden’s soil content for a small charge. With those results, it’s then possible to refine and supplement the soil to make it as fertile as possible. Several Cooperative Extension locations offer this service, and it’s advantageous for you to know what type of soil you have, in order to avoid growing faulty crops.
You can plant wheat grass or cat grass near the plants that the cat eats. Another option is to place something smelly, like citrus peels or mothballs, on the soil surrounding the plants that have previously been eaten.
A good fertilizer is important to add nutrients to your soil. Choose commercial compost instead of homegrown manure to keep toxins out of your plants. Of all the fertilizing options available, it doesn’t really matter which one you choose as long as you use something.
Try to pour a bit of leftover water from your steamed veggies on them. You can also acidify soil for rhododendrons, gardenias and more by using coffee or tea grounds. Chamomile tea applied to plants can be an effective remedy for fungus problems.
It is important to protect your knees when you are horticulture. Bending over while gardening can be painful and unhealthy for your back. Kneeling is much easier on your body, and helps you tend to your plants without hurting your back. You can pick up a knee pad for you to rest on so that your knees are at ease on the ground.
These tips are intended to help you become an excellent organic gardener. Keep learning more tricks and start practicing with a few plants. Utilize the advice in this article to improve the techniques you have been using, and grow a better organic garden.