If you want to be an organic gardener, you need a green thumb, but more importantly, you need a lot of patience. It is a hobby with the goal of growing healthy, pesticide-free food to enjoy. Does this seem to be easier said than done? Read the following article and you will gain great knowledge you can use while you garden organically.
Transform the handles of your tools into convenient measuring devices. Large handled tools such as shovels, rakes, and hoes can be used as measuring sticks. Place the handles on the ground and measure them. Use a bright permanent marker and label the distances. When you are horticulture next, you’ll have a ruler beside you at all times.
Prior to planting anything in your garden, check 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. Cooperative Extension departments often offer this testing service. It is a worthwhile effort so a garden can be productive on the first year of planting.
Pre-soak your seeds to keep them healthy. Drop your seeds into a small jar that is filled with cold water. The seeds will get the hydration they need to start growing. The young plants will survive better, and get a boost toward maturity.
Be sure to plant using the colors of Fall. However, you can still maintain your gardening hobby throughout the fall months. In the fall, the foliage displays every color of the rainbow. Maple, beech trees or dogwood take on some amazing colors. Barberry, conaneaster and hydrangea are all wonderful choices in shrubs.
Keep your pet out of the garden with old perfume or aftershave in the grass. This will mask any scents that might attract your dog and make your garden less interesting to him.
Heather can be planted to attract useful insects. Heather is quite alluring to bees; when spring comes along, it provides the bees with a source of nectar early. Heather beds are also attractive to bugs such as spiders and ground beetles that will kill pests. Because of this, don’t forget to protect your hands when pruning heather beds.
You can help to prevent your plants from developing diseases with aspirin water. One and half tablets of aspirin in a couple gallons of water will be a wonderful help to the plants you have. Spray this mixture onto your plants. Your plants should be sprayed one time each three weeks.
Avoid getting an infection by not allowing dirt and other chemicals to get into open wounds. Cuts have a much higher likelihood of getting infected if they are in contact with dirt when you garden. However, there are bandages available that will seal the cut completely. Using these should protect the cut from any infection while horticulture.
Organic indoor plants may need additional light sources to make up for the light they miss out on by being indoors. This needs to be considered. If you’re living in a home that doesn’t receive much sunlight, you should consider growing plants that thrive in environments with low to medium amounts of light. If your plants still need more light, there are always artificial light sources that you can use.
If you want to sell your crops, you should become a certified organic gardener. Having this certification will create a lot of trust with customers. People who want to eat organically will purchase from you with full confidence.
Water demands from plants will depend on the season and the climate in your area. When watering your plants, consider the time you are watering them, the kind of soil you are using and how good the water is. For instance, if you live in a warm, humid climate watering the leaves can cause leaf fungus. Instead, focus water on the plant’s root system.
Keep the soil healthy by adding mulch. Mulch can give your soil some additional protection and nourishment. On hot, dry days, mulch keeps the dirt underneath cool and moist. This protects and nourishes plant roots. It helps the soil retain moisture longer by reducing the evaporation rate. It also is helpful in keeping weeds under control.
Excessive amounts of water makes it harder for plants to get the nutrients they need from the soil. If you are going to water your plants outdoors, you should first check the weather for you area to see if any rain is coming that day. You can skip watering for an entire day if rain is on the way.
One of the biggest benefits from eating food that is organically grown is the absence of pesticides. Although this is better for your health, you do need to check organic produce for infestation of bugs before eating it.
Annually rotate your garden. Planting the same type of plant in the same area of your garden each year can cause disease or encourage fungus growth. The diseases and fungi are harbored in the soil and are ready to make a comeback each year. Changing your planting layout will allow you to avoid costly problems and have large, bountiful plants.
Organic Gardener
An organic gardener enjoys the benefits of working with nature, producing wonderful food through hard work and patience. This hobby enables you to grow delicious food in your own backyard. Being a competent organic gardener can be achieved by simply putting in some effort, and learning a few helpful tips.