You must have both patience and skill to grow an organic garden. When you enjoy this hobby, you often have a goal of growing healthier foods for your family to enjoy. This particular hobby may not be as easy as it sounds. The following hints and tips can help you grow your own organic garden easily and successfully.
A handy trick is to turn the handle on a tool that you use often into a makeshift ruler. You can use shovels or rakes as measuring sticks. Just lay your tool down on the floor then lay a yardstick beside the handle. Next, use a Sharpie to accurately label the distance between each one. Next time you are working in the garden, you will have a large ruler at your fingertips!
Soil Needs
Before you even place the first plant in your garden, you need to check the composition of your soil. A soil analysis report can be acquired for a nominal fee. You can then use the results of that report to determine if the soil needs to be modified before you begin planting. Many Cooperative Extension offices will provide this service, and it is well worth knowing exactly what the soil needs to avoid ruining a crop or two.
You must be sure to remove all of the weeds that grow in your garden. If you’re not careful, weeds can take over your beautiful garden, ruining it. To do this, think about using white vinegar. White vinegar can not only kill the weeds, it’s also a non-toxic spray that won’t harm pets or people. Try spraying some white vinegar in water when you are pulling weeds from your garden.
Do not cut your grass too short. If you leave your grass a bit longer, the roots can grow deeper. This results in a lawn that is stronger and less likely to dry out. Cutting your grass too short will cause it to dry out and turn brown in patches throughout your yard.
If you are planning on growing peas, start them indoors before putting them outdoors in your garden. Planting them inside helps the seeds germinate better. The seedlings will also be heartier, which means they can resist pests and diseases better. Once they grow a bit bigger, the seedlings can be easily transplanted to an outdoor garden.
An easy, inexpensive way to give them nutrients is to pour the leftover water from your steamed vegetables into the soil. It is also possible to utilize coffee ground or tea to make the soil more acidic for gardenias, rhododendrons and other plants that prefer acidic soil. If fungus is ravaging your potted plants, sprinkle a bit of Chamomile tea on them, and see if it helps.
Plant with fall season color in mind. It’s not necessary to think this way, however. The foliage of autumn makes for perhaps the most colorful season of the year. Maple, beech, and dogwood display colors ranging from dark crimson to light yellow. As you select your shrubbery, consider hydrangea, barberry or other similar plantings.
Make a plant you love the focal point of your garden. Gardens are like art; you need to give the piece (or garden) an initial focal point. Quite often a distinctive plant works well as a point of interest.
Use smarts when watering your garden. A soaker hose can save valuable time by watering all of your plants simultaneously, removing the need for hauling a watering can or hose around to each plant. Turn the water pressure on low so the soaker hose will not harm tender plants. It can water the plants for two hours so that you can do other things.
To defend your garden from errant dogs, spray something with a strong scent, including aftershave or old perfume around the perimeter of the garden. Using this will cover up the odors that your dog likes and will cut down on the intrigue of your landscaping for your furry friend.
Include your kids in growing an organic garden. They will enjoy learning about nature and bonding with you.
It’s important to let your cuts heal prior to doing any gardening without gloves. If you have an open cut while horticulture, contact with dirt or debris can infect the wound. There are bandages out there now that can seal cuts completely.
You will garden more efficiently if you keep your tools close by. Keep the tools in a big bucket, or store them in strong pockets in your pants. You should be able to do your garden work quickly if you keep a trowel, gloves, small pruning shears, and other handy devices close to you.
Sprouting seeds need less warmth than before. You should move your sprouted plants farther from the heat when they are past the sprouting stage. Make sure you remember to remove any plastic films that were on the plant containers to repel humidity and warmth. You need to read the seeds to know the best time to do this.
When planting your organic garden, spacing is an important thing to keep in mind. When the garden is bare, it is sometimes hard to envision how much space a mature plant actually needs. Space is vital for your plants not only due to their literal physical size requirements but also because of how much room your garden needs for air circulation. Plan your garden carefully and leave enough space between the seeds.
Organic horticulture uses nature, hard work and patience to support a great hobby. This hobby allows you to use the land and grow delicious food. If you follow these tips and put in a great effort, there is nothing stopping you from becoming a good organic gardener.