If you invest your time in doing organic gardening properly, the results are obvious. Using these environmentally sound techniques means you care about your own health and that of your garden. That is a great trait to have. Like with any other skill set, you can always add and improve. Here are some suggestions that can help.
Try planting your plants in flower pots first, then transferring them to your garden once they have had a bit of time to grow. This raises the chances of the plants growing until adulthood. The period between plantings will also be shorter. When you take out the prior set of adult plants, your seedlings will then be prepared to go in.
For the best results, select the right kind of soil. The soil that is already in your garden might need amending, depending on the particular plants that you want to grow. It is also possible to set aside a portion of your garden to include just one type of soil.
The first thing you should do when planning a garden is test the soil. You can actually get an analysis of soil for a little fee, and with the report you get back you can figure out how to create a vibrant garden by enriching it properly. Ask about this service at a local university or the county Cooperative Extension office to improve the soil and insure fruitful crops.
Pre-soak seeds overnight in a dark place. Take 3-4 seeds, put them in a small jar or container, and cover them with water. The idea here is for your seeds to become fully hydrated by the time they hit the dirt. This will also give your seeds a much better chance to survive and mature.
Grow wheat or cat grass around the plants your cat likes nibbling. Offensive smells also work to repel cats and other pesky animals from eating your plants. Try putting mothballs, citrus peels, garlic and other pungent items on the topsoil.
Vegetables should be placed in a spot in your garden that will get about six hours of sun every day. Most vegetables require this amount of sun in order to grow properly and at a quicker pace. This arrangement will also benefit some types of flowers.
Coffee Grounds
Sometimes the soil you want to use for your garden has a high alkaline content. Combine coffee grounds with the soil to reduce this. Using coffee grounds is a less expensive way to make your soil more acidic than trying to replace your topsoil. With it, you will find that your greens and vegetables will be more vibrant and tasty!
Fertilizer is important when you garden. Manure can help grow plants, but to eliminate risk of pathogens, try using a type of commercially composted product. Of all the fertilizing options available, it doesn’t really matter which one you choose as long as you use something.
Consider planting evergreens that produce berries in your yard. The evergreens will add some color to your garden or yard, especially during the winter, when other plants have died or lost color. There is quite a variety of plants that will give your garden a splash of color during winter, including the American Cranberrybush, American Holly, Common Snowberry or Winterberry.
Aid them by dumping any leftover water from steaming vegetables over them. You may fertilize the soil with tea or coffee for plants that favor acidic environments, like rhododendrons and gardenias. Chamomile tea can be an effective treatment against fungus attacking plants.
Try to relax with horticulture. Many hobbies can help you to relax and attain inner peace. Amongst the simplest ways to get there is to start a garden. It requires a small monetary investment and has numerous returns. One particularly enjoyable return is the pride you will feel when you grow your own food.
Using a solution of aspirin and water can prevent certain plant diseases. You will need 2 gallons of water and one and one half aspirin mixed together for a wonderful add-on to your plants. Spray your plants with the water if they have a disease. Try to apply the mixture to the plants at least once in each three week period.
When planting your organic garden, spacing is an important thing to keep in mind. It can be easy to underestimate how much space your plants will need once they begin growing. Beyond just the physical space that the plants will need, you should also consider the airflow that the plants will require. Try to plan your garden and place sufficient distance in between your seedlings.
Add more value to your property. Landscaping your yard will bring you a big return on your investment. Investing in the right plants could raise the resale value of your property by at least 20%. Get plants for your yard and garden that are low moisture, and well suited to your environmental conditions.
Laundry Basket
When you want to harvest the produce in your organic garden, always have an old laundry basket to hand. The basket strains the produce as well as stores it while you are going through your garden. Rinse your crops while in the laundry basket to strain the excess water.
If you over-water your plants, they can’t get all the nutrients they need from the dirt. Before you set out to water your plants, you might want to verify that the forecast does not call for rain. If the weather forecast calls for rain, it’s probably wise to not water your plants that day.
Now you know how you can use these ideas in your own garden. Great! The advice in this article was compiled to contribute to your overall knowledge of organic gardening. There is always something new to learn. Hopefully, this article has provided you with a new technique that you can utilize in your organic garden.