Organic horticulture is a hobby of great patience and a green thumb. You want to grow healthy and non-contaminated food that can be enjoyed by you and your loved ones. Easier than it sounds though, correct? Keep reading to learn what you can do to make your garden succeed.
To prevent your plants’ systems from becoming shocked, you need to gradually transition them from higher to lower temperatures. Start by placing your plants outside for a few hours only. Throughout the week, gradually increase the time they are spent outside. If you do this correctly, the plants should be able to make their final move at the end of a week’s time.
When winter arrives, transfer some plants into the house to save them. Perhaps you can save your most expensive or resistant plants. Remember to be gentle when digging up your plants; carefully dig away from the roots and gently place the plant into a container.
Soil needs to be rich in certain nutrients to grow healthy plants. Different types of plants require different soils, so check soil requirements for the ones you choose. You can also create an artificial area with only one kind of soil.
Before you begin to plant your garden you will need to check the soil. A soil analysis is inexpensive and can be used to figure out which nutrients should be added to provide a healthy garden environment. A lot of cooperative extension offices can provide this service to you and it is worth knowing what you need to do in order to avoid ruining your plants.
Draw up a garden plan before you plant the first seed. It will be a while before things start to sprout and visually remind you of what was planted where, so a written record can be helpful. This is also a great way to keep track of all your plants.
It is important to follow the instructions on your chemicals and tools closely, especially if you are new to horticulture. Failing to heed this simple advice can mean skin irritation that you are going to remember, and not pleasantly at that. Always follow packaging directions to ensure your body’s safety.
Before you start working in your garden, purchase a wheelbarrow and a good kneeling stool. In order to relieve stress on your knees when gardening, always use a small garden stool to be more comfortable. Gardening also requires transporting heavy objects and lots of dirt, so purchasing a wheelbarrow can be a very smart investment.
Wisely water your garden. A soaker hose will save you time because you won’t have to individually water each plant, like you do with a regular nozzle, or a can that you need to constantly refill. Keep the water running slowly so it doesn’t spray up onto the plants’ leaves. You can take care of other tasks or just relax while your plants are automatically watered for an hour or so.
Easily and quickly prepare your ground for a garden of perennials. You just need to use your garden spade for slicing underneath the turf, then flip it, and finally spread about three or four inch deep piles of wood chips. Let this sit for a couple weeks, next dig into it to plant your new plants.
Add three inches of mulch to your flower beds. Mulching helps to hold moisture in the soil, enhance the soil quality, and slow down the growth of weeds. It also adds a uniform and cohesive look to the garden.
Do you want to kill weeds without using commercial chemicals? Use a lot of layers of newspaper in order to achieve weed control. The main thing that a weed needs to thrive is sunlight. They will suffocate and die if you cover them with newpapers. Because newspapers decompose well with the passage of time, they make great additions to compost. Of course, you may wish to cover the paper with mulch to make it appear more attractive.
Treated Wood
Try using untreated stone, brick, or wood to create a raised bed. If you choose wood, ensure that it has not been treated with a sealant or other chemicals. Some good choices you might consider are locust, cedar, and cypress. In a veggie garden, don’t use treated wood since its chemicals can leech into the food crops and soil. If you have placed treated wood in your garden, line it with a coat of plastic.
Depending on the season and weather, adjust your watering habits. Knowing how much to water your plants can be a difficult task. You will want to look into various things, such as time of day, quality of water and type of soil. For instance, if you live in a warm, humid climate watering the leaves can cause leaf fungus. Water the plants root system thoroughly instead.
The hobby of organic gardening will take dedication, patience and a little bit of help from Mother Nature. When you enjoy this hobby, you can find new opportunities to grow healthy and nutritious foods. By using these tips and giving some effort, you can be a skilled organic gardener.