Organic horticulture has become more popular with increased concern about the effects of fertilizers and chemicals on the environment, as well as overall health. Also, organic gardening is quite cheap on the whole. To begin your journey into the world of organic gardening, follow these tips.
Clay is naturally hard, and can can stick to a shovel making it frustrating to work with. Get better results in clay by rubbing car wax or floor wax onto the shovel, then buff off and dig. By waxing the shovel head, the clay will not be able to adhere to the surface.
Healthy soil will be your best defense against the pests that can invade your garden. If you have healthy looking plants, they are stronger and more resistant to diseases and bugs. High-quality soil that is low on chemicals is key. It’s the first thing you should think about when planning on growing your garden.
Make sure to pre-soak seeds, preferably in a dark location. Take 3-4 seeds, put them in a small jar or container, and cover them with water. That way, the seeds will have sufficient hydration and will have the best start possible. This will also give your seeds a much better chance to survive and mature.
Coffee Grounds
One way to correct your soil’s alkalinity is by amending your soil with used coffee grounds. The coffee grounds provide a cheap way to re-supply needed acid to the dirt. This simple act can lead to vegetables that taste better and look more appealing.
Make sure that your deciduous shrubs are protected. If you have some tender shrubs that are in planters, you need to protect them from cold weather. Tie the tops together, and loosely cover the wigwam with a blanket or sheet. This will work better than wrapping your plant with plastic, because air can still circulate, which will help to prevent rotting.
If you have a lot of low-growing plants to take care of in your garden, purchase gardening knee pads. You will spend a lot of time on your knees while horticulture, which can result in knee pain. A set of quality knee pads designed for horticulture can be a world of relief for your central leg joints.
It is possible to use natural materials as well as other plants to help keep pests away from your garden. Onions and marigolds can get rid of pests in the garden. Wood ash used as mulch helps repel pests as well when around shrubs and trees. These are proven methods without having to use harsh chemical pesticides.
If you are just getting into horticulture, make sure you heed all of the directions on fertilizer and chemical labels. You might end up damaging your plants or getting a skin irritation. Directions, especially safety rules, are there for your own good, so make sure you follow instructions on your tools and chemicals to the letter.
Pest control is one of the hardest things about growing a vegetable garden. It is important not to use harmful chemical agents, because you are growing produce that is intended to be eaten. One way to keep pests at bay is to remain diligent about your garden. When you are vigilant, you can simply remove the pests from your plants manually as soon as you notice them. Early detection is the best solution to ridding your garden of pests.
The water that is leftover from the steamed vegetables is great to pour over them. Try adding used coffee grounds to the soil around plants that grow in acidic soil. Some types of plant fungus problems can be solved by sprinkling with chamomile tea.
Beneficial Insects
Add some heather plants to your garden, to attract good insects. Heather will attract bees early in the spring as well as other beneficial insects. Undisturbed shrubs, such as beds of heather, are probably home to a number of beneficial insects like spiders and ground beetles. Keep this in mind and remember to always wear appropriate gardening gloves.
If you have children, plant strawberries, especially everbearing strawberries, in your organic garden. Little ones will be more likely to help when they can enjoy the fun of harvesting their own fruit.
If you’re planning on horticulture inside, the first thing you should consider is an adequate light source. If the garden will receive little sunlight, find plants that can grow in medium or low-light environments. If you already have plants that need full light and the natural light provided is not sufficient, artificial lights can supplement their needs.
Build raised beds with untreated stone, brick or wood. If you choose to use wood to construct your bed, choose a species that is naturally resistant to rot and avoid treated wood entirely. The best varieties include cedar, locust and cypress wood. Treated wood can leach chemicals into any soil it rests against, so don’t use it in a garden with vegetables. If you have built a bed with treated lumber already, use a barrier such as plastic to line the bed.
To be able to say you have legitimate organic and credible crops, you will need to be certified as having an organic garden. This will not only increase sales, but it will demonstrate to your customers that your products are legitimate and that you are doing what it takes to grow the best crops.
If you’d like to improve the health of your soil, try adding some mulch. Protection is provided by placing the layer of mulch upon the soil. On hot days, mulch will offer protection to a plant’s root system by cooling the soil. This will ensure your soil stays moist by reducing the time in which it evaporates. This can also help control any weeds.
If you follow these advice on organic gardening, you will be able to have a productive, toxic-free, healthy garden in the future. Planting a natural garden also encourages wildlife to enjoy your garden, and this even benefits the plants growing within.