You have probably heard about organic food and perhaps purchased some. Organically produced foods typically stand out from the rest. It’s usually easy to identify them by the higher price tag and organic labels. Keep reading for a variety of tips and tricks for maintaining an organic garden.
Try not to cause shock to your plants by gradually changing their conditions and temperature. When starting the transition, leave the plants in the sun for just 1-2 hours. After a week, leave your plants outside for twice as long. Once the transition is complete, your plants will probably be able to tolerate the outdoor conditions.
Use both annuals and biennials to add a splash of color to your flower beds. These fast growing flowers let you change how your flower bed looks season to season. In an area that is sunny, they make good plants to place in the gaps found between shrubs and perennials. There are many different varieties to choose from such as daisies, marigolds, impatiens, and lantana.
A garden needs the right type of soil to grow properly. Many nurseries offer a soil analysis service, which will tell you what nutrients your soil is lacking and what you can do about it. A lot of Cooperative Extension locations offer this service, and you can prevent ruining a few crops by identifying the specific steps to take.
If you plan on growing peas, you should consider starting them indoors instead of beginning them outside. When the plants are started inside, the seeds will have an easier time germinating. The seedling sprouts will be heartier, giving them a better chance to grow into a healthy adult plant capable of rebuffing diseases. When these pea plants are sturdy, you can place them outside in your garden.
Take the time to place organic mulch in the area around your vegetable plants. Mulch will retain water so that you won’t have to water your plants as often. It will also prevent weeds from sprouting. This will save you tons of time from pulling out tons of weeds.
Learn the best harvesting time for each kind of vegetable you plant. Every vegetable has a proper time to be picked in order to capture the perfect flavor. Peas, for instance, should be harvested rather young if you wish to obtain the best flavors and texture. However, tomatoes should be as ripe as they can be when pulled from the vine to ensure the best taste. Take the time to learn when your produce will be at its best for harvesting.
As you are working in your garden, you must take care to protect both knees. Bending over from a standing position is something many people cannot do. Kneeling allows you to reach your plants easily and is healthier for your back and legs. Knee pads will prevent any pain you may feel because of this position.
When you plant a seed, take your time. To begin with, you need to dampen the soil sufficiently. Take the seeds and place them evenly across the gardening area, giving them plenty of space to grow. Bury your seeds about three times deeper than the size that they are. There are some varieties of seed that are not planted underground since they require light to grow.
You should add a two to three inch layer of organic mulch to your flower bed. A thick layer of mulch will prevent weeds, reduce watering needs and fertilize your garden. This will also give a nice, professional appearance to your garden all year.
When the time comes to harvest your produce, collect it using an old laundry basket. An old basket will act like a strainer does. If you leave your produce in the basket while rinsing it, the basket will be able to serve as a strainer, with the extra water dripping out the holes in the bottom of the basket.
Slugs are a nuisance that can be easily remedied with the use of an organic beer tramp. Take a glass jar and bury it in your garden, making sure that the lip of the jar is even with the soil. Fill that with beer just under an inch from the top of your jar. Slugs will be attracted to the beer and find themselves trapped.
Ensure your soil is health by adding mulch. A layer of mulch can protect the soil beneath. On hot days, mulch insulates the ground, keeping it cool and protecting your plants’ roots. This will ensure your soil stays moist by reducing the time in which it evaporates. This also helps all the weeds you have stay under control, relieving stress from your shoulders.
A great thing about organic foods produced by organic gardens is their lack of pesticides. This will improve your family’s overall health, but it does mean you have to be extra vigilant about checking for pest infestations.
To plant a shrub or tree, make sure the edges of the hole you dig are rough and uneven. If your hole has several “glazed” sides created by the shovel, it could keep roots from penetrating the soil nearby.
Take some time to carefully plan the items to include in your organic garden. Many garden plants come in a wide range of varieties, and these varieties can often have quite different care requirements. For instance, a number of kinds of roses are available, but some will grow and bloom in your garden whereas others won’t. So you want to make sure you find ones that are suited for your organic environment.
Growing your garden at home might not be the most convenient thing for you, but you will save a lot of money and always have the confidence that what you’re eating and feeding your family is as fresh and as healthy as possible. Use the tips you’ve learned here and get started on your garden today.