Organic fruits and vegetables are both delicious and healthy, far surpassing normal supermarket produce. So save yourself some money and grow produce from your own garden! Read on so you know what it takes to create a thriving organic garden.
To prevent your plants’ systems from becoming shocked, you need to gradually transition them from higher to lower temperatures. The first day you transfer your plants, you should only allow them to sit in direct sunlight for a few hours. Over one week, gradually build up the amount of hours you leave the plants outside. By weeks end, you should have plants that are ready for a permanent home outside with no problem!
It can be very hard to shovel clay soil, especially when it sticks to your shovel as you are working. Rubbing wax on the shovel prior to digging can kick this challenge to the curb. This will keep the soil from sticking, and prevent rusting of the tool.
The first thing you can do to ward off garden pests is to ensure you are using healthy soil in your garden. If your plants are healthy, they can more easily resist insects and disease. 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.
Be sure to weed your garden. A vibrant garden will be overrun with weeds if they are left alone. To aid in this venture, you might want to use white vinegar. Use it instead of chemical solutions to kill weeds. Spray white vinegar onto those troubling weeds.
Soak your seeds in a dark spot during the overnight hours. Take 3-4 seeds, put them in a small jar or container, and cover them with water. This hydrates your seeds and jump-starts their growth. The seeds will then have a greater chance at lasting and blossoming.
Do you enjoy fresh mint, but don’t like how they engulf your garden in their growth? You can control the growth of the mint leaves by growing them in a large container rather than in your garden. Plant the container in the ground, but its walls will hold those roots captive, and will prevent the plant from engulfing your garden!
Always fertilize your garden. One type of fertilizer that really helps plants grow is manure, but be sure to utilize a type that is commercially composted to reduce the chances of pathogens. You have many different choices for fertilizer; choose whichever is best-suited to your plants but definitely use one.
When it comes to harvesting your vegetables, know when the optimal time is to do so. Each type of vegetables has its own ideal time for picking for the best flavor. Zucchini and baby peas, for example, have the best flavor when harvested early. Tomatoes, however, should be plucked from the vine the moment they appear ripe. Thus, you ought to familiarize yourself with the best times to pick the produce from your garden.
When your seeds sprout, they will not be in need of the warmth they needed to germinate. Move your plants further away from your heat source as they grow. If you used plastic wrap to insulate your seedlings, you should now remove it. You should know when the right time is if you are keeping an eye on the seeds.
Pine Needles
For some plants, pine needles makes an ideal mulch. Many types of plants thrive in soil that has high acid levels. Pine needles to line the bed of your garden are easy to find for these kinds of plants. Cover your beds with the needles, as they will decompose and disperse their acid throughout the soil.
Try not to let the chores associated to your organic garden build up. Not everyone has time to tend their gardens every day, but by doing little things whenever you have a chance, you can avoid having things pile up. For example, snatch out a weed or two whenever you pass by the garden, such as when you take your dog out for a potty break.
If you sell or use organically grown produce in a commercial setting, you should communicate your commitment to natural growing by becoming certified. This will up your sales and prove to your loyal customers that what they have been getting is only the best that you possibly could get.
Try to avoid over-watering your plants. Too much water will make it more difficult for the plants to absorb the nutrients they need from the soil. Check the weather forecast before watering plants to see if there is rain in the near future. If showers are headed your way, it’s probably in your best interest to leave the water hose turned off.
Botanical Insecticides
You may be able to find botanical insecticides locally, which are often very helpful for preventing pest infestations. Sometimes the natural insecticides can be even more powerful than the engineered synthetic pesticides on the market. Keep in mind, however, that the biological composition of botanical insecticides can cause them to quickly decay and disappear.
At least 3″ of organic mulch should be added to the flower beds and garden. Mulch adds nutrients to the soil, keeps the soil moist, reduces weed growth, and makes beds look tidier.
Healthier soil grows healthier plants that can withstand insect damage and disease. Pests may still be present, but they will not inflict damage on your plants.
Do not keep on buying low quality produce. If you follow the advice that you have just read, you will be on your way to an even greener thumb!