Author: craigb

Tips To Make Your Organic Garden Succesful

~ craigb

TIP! Use climbing vines or plants to cover fences and walls. Climbing plants can cover a wall after one growing season only.

Horticulture is a relaxing hobby that can yield useful and beautiful products. It can be enjoyed as a pleasant hobby, or it may be performed for the purpose of providing fresh food for your family. This article will introduce ways you can make the most of your gardening activities.

TIP! You must be sure to remove all of the weeds that grow in your garden. Weeds can take over a healthy garden faster than you think.

When winter arrives, transfer some plants into the house to save them. It’s a good idea to save any expensive plants or those that will thrive in indoor heat. Carefully dig around the rootball and replant in an appropriate pot.

TIP! Protect your delicate deciduous shrubs from harsh elements. Cold weather is very hard on these tender shrubs, and potted shrubs should be shielded and protected.

When the fall season approaches, you must prepare to plant your favorite fall veggies and other edibles. This time, use a pumpkin for the container for your lettuce and kale, instead of plain clay pots. Simply carve open the top of a pumpkin so you can remove the innards, and then spray inside and out with something like Wilt-Pruf to prevent pumpkin rotting. Once you’ve done that, you can plant!

TIP! Fertilizing is an important step in preparing your garden soil. While a lot of people use manure, it is better to choose fertilizer from a reputable company, as this will reduce the risk of any pathogens getting into your soil.

A set of comfortable knee pads makes a great investment if your garden is full of plant material that stays low to the ground. Excessive time spent kneeling often results in significant stiffness and pain. Cushion your knees with a pair of gardening knee pads.

TIP! Protect the soil around your vegetable plants with an inch or two of organic mulch. The soil around plants can stay damper through the use of mulch.

Place organic mulch as close to your vegetables as you can. Mulch will retain water so that you won’t have to water your plants as often. It also helps prevent weeds from growing. This will save you time, money, and effort in your lovely garden.

TIP! Pick one plant to serve as your garden’s focal point. A good garden design will have a focal point which captivates attention.

Broad-spectrum pesticides should be avoided in your garden. These pesticides can also kill useful insects that eat your pests. Beneficial bugs are more sensitive to these pesticides than the bugs that are detrimental to plants, so if the good bugs are eliminated, the bad pest population may grow. In the end, you may resort to using even more pesticides in order to erase the problem.

TIP! Use cologne or other items with a distinct scent to keep your canine out of the landscaping. These scents overpower the garden’s scents, which causes your dog to lose interest.

Be sure to plant some strawberries for your children and grandchildren. Ever-bearing ones are especially nice. For kids, there are few things as fun as picking fruit fresh from the garden. Your children will be much more interesting in helping out if they know they’ll get to enjoy some tasty strawberries.

TIP! To draw good insects to your garden, plant heather. Bees are attracted to heather, and they can bring a source of nectar early in the spring.

Aspirin water will strengthen your plants against diseases. Three aspirins per four gallons of water will help keep your plants healthy. Simply spray your plants with the mixture, and this will help them fend off various diseases. Use this method to spray your plants every three weeks.

TIP! Aspirin water has disease-prevention properties that can protect plants. Dissolve one and one-half aspirins into two gallons of cold water, and use it to fortify your plants.

If you are looking at creating an endurable organic garden, you should think about keeping some of your property vacant so that wildlife may flourish there. As the natural wildlife begins to flourish, the various insects, birds, and other natural life around will all blend together and actually assist your garden as it begins to grow.

TIP! Do not rush planting seeds in your garden. Begin by adding moisture to the soil.

Having a garden of perennials can be an easy and quick process. Use your spade to slice chunks of turf up, then flip each piece over, and spread wood chips on top to a depth of four inches. After a few weeks, you may then utilize the area to plant your flowers.

TIP! You can cover your muddied gardening footware easily by keeping plastic bags around. This allows you to maintain your flow so you can rapidly get back to your gardening.

You should work efficiently, instead of working hard in your garden, to simplify things. It’s frustrating to search for a tool for a half hour. By keeping your tools in a certain area, they will always be ready whenever you are. You can keep your garden tools in a tool belt, or in your pockets. Another good idea is to keep them all in a bucket that you carry around with you.

TIP! Try not to let the chores associated to your organic garden build up. While you may not be able to spend time in the garden on a daily basis, there are still many things you can do to keep things from snowballing out of control.

Do not let your gardening chores add up. No matter what your schedule is like, you should be able to fit in small things that will help you avoid having an overwhelming amount of work all at once. Take the time to do a little weeding or something else that needs to be done each time you have to be outside keeping an eye on your dog, which for some can be several times a day.

Treated Wood

TIP! Brick, stone or untreated wood is great for building raised beds. When selecting wood, make certain you pick untreated products that have a natural resistance to rot.

If you’d like to create a raised bed, use materials like brick, stone, or untreated wood. If you choose to use wood, see to it that it’s untreated and that it can resist rotting. Examples of good woods include cedar, cypress, and locust. If you use treated wood in your vegetable garden, the chemicals in the wood can make their way into the soil, and in turn, to your crops. If you have placed treated wood in your garden, line it with a coat of plastic.

TIP! If you need to prove to customers that your produce is legitimately organic, you can become certified as an organic grower. This will result in generating more sales and creating a loyal customer base.

One way to profitably sell products from your organic garden is to be a credible organic gardener. Get organically certified. Having certification will increase your sales and verify to your customers that what you are selling is the best produce available.

TIP! Organic foods don’t contain any chemical pesticides. While this is great for your loved ones’ health, still check for pests and bugs.

As already noted, horticulture is an activity that many have enjoyed throughout history. At one time, most people saw gardening as the sole means of providing food for their family. Although many people today still rely on their gardens as a source of food, horticulture for the sheer pleasure of it has become more common. Regardless of why you are interested in horticulture, this article can give you the tools you need. You are going to gain a greater appreciation for the benefits you reap from your gardening efforts.

Top Tips For A Thriving Organic Garden

~ craigb

TIP! Clay is naturally hard, and can can stick to a shovel making it frustrating to work with. Coat and buff the digging end of the shovel with automobile wax to make digging easier.

Horticulture is something people have loved doing for centuries. It can be something that springs from a need to feed a growing family, or simply out of the joy of cultivating life and good nutrition. Below, you’ll read some excellent tips to bring more of the enjoyment surrounding gardening into your daily life.

TIP! If you want your garden to blossom with flowers throughout the spring and summer, plant some bulbs in it. Typically, bulbs are simple to grow, and they’ll grow every single year.

Trying to shovel through clay soil can be extremely difficult and tiresome. Use a thin coat of floor or car wax on your shovel, then buff it with a nice clean cloth to make dealing with clay soil easier. You will be able to work with the clay more easily, and it will not stick to your shovel.

Select plant varieties capable of producing large yields. There are genetically modified plants that resist cold and/or disease. These often give higher yields due to higher survival rates.

TIP! If you find that you have soil that has high amounts of alkaline, mix used coffee grounds throughout the soil. The coffee grounds are a very inexpensive way to add acid back into the dirt.

Try using climber plants to cover up your fences and walls. Known commonly as climbers, these plants are very versatile, easy to grow, and they will quickly spread out to cover up walls and fences within a single season. They may grow up through some existing shrubs and trees, and can even be worked to grow around an arbor. Some require ties attaching them to supports, but others will attach themselves to any surface nearby. Some of the most reliable varieties are wisteria, clematis, jasmine, honeysuckle and climbing roses.

TIP! Protect your deciduous shrubs which are tender. Any potted shrubs should be sheltered in the winter from cold weather.

If you want the best results, you need to choose the right soil. You should choose your soil depending on the plants that you are going to plant. You can also create an artificial area with only one kind of soil.

TIP! Split up the irises. Try increasing your stock by dividing your overgrown clumps of plants.

Plants need C02 for maximum growth. With a high level of CO2 plants will grow much better. The best way to get higher CO2 for your plants is to grow them in a greenhouse. When it is exposed to high carbon dioxide levels, a plant has the best growing condition possible.

TIP! Try placing evergreens that grow berries around your garden. These year-round berries will give the rest of your yard a much-needed pop of color, especially in the winter.

When the fall season approaches, you must prepare to plant your favorite fall veggies and other edibles. Try using a pumpkin as a natural plant pot. You can plant fall vegetables such as lettuce in an empty pumpkin shell. Slice a hole around the stem, and pull the pumpkin top out. Then remove the guts and use Wilt-Pruf to cover the insides and prevent rot. After you have finished this, you will be ready to start planting.

TIP! Don’t count the fall season out. This might not be the reason why.

Don’t mow your grass too short. By leaving your grass a little higher off the ground, it give the roots a chance to grow deep into the soil which makes the lawn stronger, and that helps keep it from drying out. Short grass tends to have shallow roots, which can cause dried out, brown patches to occur.

TIP! Gardening is a great relaxation activity. There are numerous ways to seek personal comfort and peace.

You may want to think about having evergreens that will produce berries planted in your yard. This will keep your garden colorful, even during those months when other plants are not growing. These plants can help you get some color during the winter months: Winterberry, Common Snowberry, American Holly, and American Cranberrybush.

TIP! Wisely water your garden. A soaker hose can save valuable time by watering all of your plants simultaneously, removing the need for hauling a watering can or hose around to each plant.

Pest control can present a challenge for successful vegetable gardening. It’s likely you don’t want to spray pesticides around the vegetables you intend to eat. Instead of resorting to these harmful chemicals, you can keep garden pests at bay simply by paying close attention. When you catch a potential infestation early, the solution may be as simple as picking the pests off of your plants with your fingers.

TIP! Always dress appropriately when gardening in order to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun. Pair sunglasses with wide-brimmed hats and a dab of sunblock.

You can help provide nutrients by watering your plants with room temperature water that is leftover after cooking vegetables. You should also try using a bit of coffee grounds or tea to increase the acidity of the soil for your gardenias or your rhododendrons. Herbal chamomile tea is an effective, affordable treatment for fighting fungi.

TIP! Ward off certain diseases that plague plants with the use of aspirin. Crush and dissolve one and one-half 325mg tablets in two full gallons of plain water.

Broad-spectrum pesticides are really not the optimal choice for pest control in your garden. These pesticides can also kill useful insects that eat your pests. The beneficial insects, which kill the pests, are much more sensitive to pesticides than the pests. Using them will reduce your population of good bugs, and increase the bad. As a result, gardeners often have to resort to using more toxic pesticides to get rid of garden pests.

TIP! Have all of your tools available to you as you garden to increase efficiency. Carry a large bucket with you or wear pants with a lot of pockets.

To create a unique English garden, use a variety of plant types and lengths in the same flower bed. If you want a more organized look, select plants that will grow to the same height and put them in the same bed.

TIP! Do not overlook the benefits of pine mulch for your garden. There are some plants that thrive in acidic soil.

As you are working in your garden, you must take care to protect both knees. Bending over for a long while is quite difficult for a lot of people. If you have trouble with this, kneel instead of bending while horticulture. You can buy a knee pad, put it on the ground and kneel on it so that you wont have to deal with knee pain.

TIP! It is common knowledge that grounds from brewed coffee are good for soil. They contain nitrogenous nutrients which are essential to plant growth.

As previously discussed, the human race has been enjoying gardening for centuries. At first, it was a necessary means of survival. These days, people garden for a number of reasons, whether it’s need, pleasure or profit. What you read here can make horticulture more pleasant for you. Take to admire the fruits of your gardening time.

Looking For More Information On Organic Horticulture? Consider These Ideas!

~ craigb

There are a number of methods available that will allow you to create your own thriving, healthy organic garden. You just have to learn these ways and utilize them.

TIP! If you have a wall or fence that you do not like, plant climbers to mask its appearance. Plants that climb are extraordinarily versatile, and can help hide an unsightly wall or fence, usually within one season.

When powdery mildew appears on your plants, you should not rush out to purchase a costly chemical treatment. Try mixing a little liquid soap with some baking soda in water. This solution can be sprayed onto your plants once per week until the problem is resolved. This mixture will not hurt your plants and it will eliminate the mildew slowly but efficiently.

TIP! When gardening in the fall, you need to be watching for stink bugs. Stink bugs are attracted to tomatoes, beans and most fruits.

Fertilize your garden. If you decide to use manure, which is great for your plants, choose a pathogen free commercial product. There are numerous types of fertilizers available. What type you select is less of a concern; any kind of fertilizer is better than none.

TIP! When you are mowing your lawn do not cut it too closely to the dirt. If you leave your grass a bit longer, the roots can grow deeper.

Natural materials or some other plants can be used in your garden for keeping away pests. Forming a border around your vegetable garden with marigolds or onions are ideal for repelling slugs. Using wood ash as mulch around the base of trees and shrub seedlings will also help keep away insect pests. These methods prevent use of harsh chemicals.

TIP! Mint is a very tasty herb that has a tendency to run wild in the garden if not kept in check. Keep the growth under control by growing them in a large gardening pot instead.

If you decide to grow peas, think about planting them indoors when you first start them off, as opposed to planting them outdoors. When you plant them indoors first, the seeds will germinate better. Your seedlings will be stronger, and this will mean they can withstand diseases and bug attacks. Once the seedlings have become hardy enough to survive, you can transplant them to your outdoor garden.

TIP! A good green garden should start from seeds and not plants. Not only is this more of an effective method for gardening, but it’s also more environmentally-friendly.

Keep your pet out of the garden with old perfume or aftershave in the grass. Your dog will be less attracted to your garden when these scents overpower compost scents and other smells dogs like.

TIP! You should think about planting evergreens that yield berries in your garden. This will aid in giving your garden great color, even during the winter when other plants have lost their colors.

It is essential to keep your knees protected as you garden. Most people can’t bend for long periods while standing. Kneeling is a preferred way to get to your plants while minimizing back pain. You can purchase an inexpensive kneeling pad for horticulture in order to protect your knees.

TIP! An easy, inexpensive way to give them nutrients is to pour the leftover water from your steamed vegetables into the soil. Try adding used coffee grounds to the soil around plants that grow in acidic soil.

If you are a fan of organic, sustainable gardening methods, consider leaving part of your backyard untouched so that natural plants and wildlife can flourish in the area. As the natural wildlife begins to flourish, the various insects, birds, and other natural life around will all blend together and actually assist your garden as it begins to grow.

TIP! Plant with the colors of autumn in mind. That doesn’t have to be, however.

If you cut your hand, you can use a glove to protect it from germs and chemicals until it heals. A cut can become infected if dirt is allowed to enter the cut while gardening. There are bandages out there now that can seal cuts completely.

TIP! While you garden, it’s important that you wear the right clothing to protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun. Always apply sunscreen with an adequate SPF level.

Do you want to kill weeds naturally? You need to have many layers of newspapers in order to provide proper weed control. Weeds must have sunlight in order to grow. If you place sheets of newspaper over the weeds, they will die due to a lack of sunlight. Newspapers also decompose fairly quickly, and mix with your garden soil. In order to improve its attractiveness, add one mulch layer.

TIP! You can create the look and feel of an English garden by mixing different plants of varying heights throughout your flower bed. You should avoid using plants of the same height so that your flower bed doesn’t look flat and uniform.

When planting seeds in containers, remember that the planting depth should be around three times bigger than the seed size. But, is important to realize the some seeds ought not be covered, as they need complete exposure to sun. Typical examples are petunias and ageratum. With so many different types of seeds, it is important that you check seed packaging or utilize other resources, such as the Internet, to discover which seeds require exposure to direct sunlight.

TIP! Try to use untreated wood, brick or stone and make a raised bed. Be sure that any wood you use isn’t chemically treated, and will be able to resist rot naturally.

Throughout the year and in different climates, it may be necessary to vary your watering schedule. You will need to water differently depending on what time it is or what kind of soil you are using. 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.

Plant Garlic

TIP! When mulching your flowerbed or garden, most people recommend adding about three inches of mulch. This can help you add nourishment to your soil, retain moisture and inhibit weed growth.

Have you ever given any thought to using organic gardening methods to grow garlic? The best time to plant garlic is either early spring or in the fall. Plant garlic in moist soil with good drainage. Plant each bulb at least four inches from each other. Bury them about two inches in the soil with their pointed end facing up. Green garlic shoots, which can be cut while growing, can substitute nicely for scallions or chives. When the bulbs begin turning brown on top, they are ready for harvesting. After harvesting, leave the bulbs out in the sun until the skin hardens. This helps them dry out. Store the bulbs separately or tied in loose bunches in a cool place.

TIP! Using a soaker hose to water your organic garden is the best method. With a soaker hose, you actually help your plants grow to their potential because the water slowly seeps out the hose which helps guide it to the roots, allowing the leaves to remain dry.

A perennial garden can be set up in a few easy steps. Flip up the turf using a spade or shovel, then cover the exposed area with a thin layer of wood chips, about three or four inches. Wait a few weeks before planting perennials in the new bed.

TIP! This will be organic gardening made easy. Plan your landscaping with primarily native grasses, flowers, and bushes! Choose plants that are right for your climate and soil, to avoid the need for pesticide or fertilizer.

Try planting your organic garden in the shade. These types of gardens are incredibly low maintenance, which many people will be relieved to hear. Your plants will need less watering, saving you time and money. They grow slowly too, but they won’t have a lot of weeds to remove.

TIP! Nobody likes to see weeds popping up in their beloved garden. This is an organic weed killer that is safer for you and for the environment.

A superior garden can be created when one has adequate knowledge about how they can render the most from their plants. Be sure to apply the useful tips you have read here and enjoy.

Tips For Getting The Most From Your Garden

~ craigb

TIP! Slowly acclimatize your plants to the outside environment to keep from shocking them. Put the plants outside in the sun for one to two hours in the beginning.

Organic horticulture presents special challenges to overcome. This is especially true if you want to garden naturally. You may need to learn everything from soil pH to controlling pests without chemicals. It can be difficult to switch to organic horticulture methods for a beginner. Keep reading to find out how the professionals do it.

TIP! Plant seeds in pots that have a rich soil to give them a strong start. They are more likely to survive the transition to adulthood with this method.

Sod should be laid correctly. Start by preparing your soil with care. Pull all the weeds and loosen the soil so the new roots can take easily. Lightly, but firmly compact the soil, making sure it is flat. Water the soil until it is saturated. You should lay your sod staggered, and have the joints offset. After the sod has been flattened to an even surface, you can use soil to fill any remaining gaps. Water your sod daily for a fortnight, which is enough time for it to root and be able to withstand foot traffic.

TIP! When you mow your lawn, do not mow it close to the ground. When the grass is a little longer, the roots will be stronger and the lawn becomes more resistant.

Clay soil can be a real pain to work with as it often sticks to the end of the shovel. To make digging clay soil easier, try applying a light coating of wax, either car wax or floor wax, and then buff off and commence digging. The clay won’t stick to it, and the end will not rust as an added bonus.

TIP! If your soil is highly alkaline, try mixing used coffee grounds into the soil. This is an easy and inexpensive solution to increase the acid content back into the soil.

Keep an eye open for stink bugs in your garden, especially during the fall months. These bugs like to eat beans, peppers, tomatoes, and many kinds of fruits. If kept unchecked they can certainly do a ton of a damage to your garden so you should do what you need to to reduce their population.

TIP! Protect your delicate shrubs from harsh, wintry elements. If you’ve got tender shrubs which are potted, you need to protect them from cold weather.

A green garden needs to begin with seeds, not plants. This is a more sustainable way to start a garden. Many of the plastics used for horticulture simply end up going in the trash and clogging land fills. An environmentally-friendly garden is started with seeds or plants grown in organic pots.

TIP! Get gardening knee pads if you have low-growing plants. You will end up spending a good deal of time on your knees and this can cause a lot of pain by the end of the day.

Using pest-resistant plants or natural materials in your garden is a good way to keep pests away. Slugs are repelled by bordering your vegetable garden with either onions or marigolds. Insects can be deterred if you use wood ash instead of mulch around trees and shrub seedlings. These methods prevent use of harsh chemicals.

TIP! Your plants should always be kept in an aerated, dry area. Moisture on your plants is a sure way to attract parasites and disease.

Use only pesticides designed to kill the specific type of pest in your garden, and avoid the broad-spectrum kind. Broad-spectrum pesticides not only kill pests, but also “good” bugs like ground beetles that eat pests. The helpful insects in your garden can be highly sensitive to pesticides and if their population goes down, the harmful insect population will grow. If this happens, you just fuel an expanding cycle of needing even more pesticides.

TIP! An excellent garden shouldn’t begin from plants. They should begin from seeds.

Choose a plant as a focal point. Gardens are like art; you need to give the piece (or garden) an initial focal point. It is usually a type of plant that stands out from the plants surrounding it.

TIP! Give them a boost by watering them with the cooled water that is left after steaming vegetables. For gardenias and rhododendrons, try putting your used coffee grounds or tea bags in the soil so they may acquire the acid they need for proper growth.

Water your garden wisely. Utilize a soaker hose. This saves time as you need not water each plant one at a time with the nozzle of a hose or with a watering can. Use low water pressure for your hose so that you do not cause harm to the tender members of your garden. You can take care of other tasks or just relax while your plants are automatically watered for an hour or so.

TIP! You don’t have to plant just for spring and summer. Consider what are often beautiful colors in the fall.

Avoid sun damage by dressing appropriately whenever you will be gardening in the sun. Wear sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses. Protecting yourself from the sun will lower the possibility of sunburn and skin cancer.

TIP! To draw good insects to your garden, plant heather. Bees are naturally attracted to heather for its nectar.

Heat softens vegetables, so you can damage them immensely by pulling them out of the ground or cutting them off vines when it is too hot outside. Use garden shears to remove your vegetables from the vine to avoid damaging the plant.

TIP! Coffee grounds are a good addition to your soil. Your plants will thrive from the nitrogen contained in the grounds.

Protecting your knees while horticulture is essential. Many people find it difficult to bend over for extended periods of time when standing up. Kneeling is much easier on your body, and helps you tend to your plants without hurting your back. Place a cushioning kneeling pad on the ground or wear knee pads to make kneeling more comfortable.

TIP! Get the most out of what you have, and your property. Of all the home improvement options that you might consider, landscaping is the most cost effective.

Maximize your time by keeping your tools close. You could do this by using a big bucket, or just wear old pants that have some deep pockets. Have gloves, shears, a trowel and anything else you need handy for quick use.

TIP! A good general rule when planting your seeds into containers is that the depth of the planting should be about three times the size of the seed. There are exceptions to this rule though, as some seeds need direct sunlight to grow.

Use approximately two or three inches of natural, organic material as some mulch in every single flower bed. Doing this keeps weeds down, keeps the moisture in your plants, and gives more nutrients to the plants. It will also make your flower beds look more finished.

TIP! Use a beer trap to get rid of unwanted pests, like slugs. Start by burying a wide-mouth jar in the soil, ensuring that the rim of the jar is just at the soil’s surface.

If you want to sell your crops as organic, you should look into obtaining a certification proving that you are an organic garden. This can boost sales and tell loyal customers that you’re providing the best to them.

TIP! Grow organic garlic. Cloves should be planted whole during the fall or early spring months.

Now, you shouldn’t get your hopes up and believe that a few tips are going to turn you into an instant professional gardener. However, these tips are a great starting point if you do plan to grow organically. As you implement these tips and hone your skills, you’ll be a professional green-thumb-holder in no time.

Horticulture Made As Simple As It Can Possibly Be

~ craigb

TIP! Try to plan a variety of perennials that are slug-proof. Slugs and snails can decimate a plant in one night.

Why not learn something new about becoming a better gardener? You can have a good idea on what you need, this way you aren’t spending money on equipment you do not need, or on seeds that will not work in your environment.

TIP! Healthy soil will be your best defense against the pests that can invade your garden. Healthy plants grown in robust and enriched soil have an advantage in fighting pest infestation.

It is important to do your homework so you choose plants that produce higher yields. It is quite common to find that hybrids, which are often able to resist disease and withstand cold climates, produce yields much larger than their conventional counterparts.

TIP! Biennials and annuals are great if you would like to better your flower bed. Biennials and annuals that grow quickly can add color to a flower bed, plus they permit you to modify the way the flower bed looks each season and each year.

The handles on your gardening tools can be used as a convenient measuring instrument. Tools with long handles, such as shovels, hoes and rakes can be made into measuring sticks. Lay the handles on the floor, then run the measuring tape down next to them. Use a bright permanent marker and label the distances. This will allow you to have a ruler at your fingertips when you are working out in the garden.

TIP! Cover fences and walls with lots of climbers. Climbers have many different uses and spread quickly.

Transplanting plants and bringing them indoors can protect them from harsh winters. Think about saving your resistant plants or the expensive ones. Be careful not to damage the root system as you dig up the plant, and place it in a pot.

TIP! If you discover that your soil is very alkaline, take used coffee grounds and mix them thoroughly with your soil. Using coffee grounds is a less expensive way to make your soil more acidic than trying to replace your topsoil.

All soil is not the same. You need to check the soil to make sure it’s the best for what you’re planting. You can obtain a soil analysis for a nominal fee. Using that report, you can amend your soil as needed for a thriving garden. It can avoid ruined vegetables and flowers, so check with places, such as a cooperative extension department to see where you can obtain the analysis.

Mint Leaves

TIP! Don’t over-water your plants, and keep the soil around them aerated. Parasites are attracted to the moisture on plants.

If you find yourself in love with mint leaves, but not with how they dominate a garden, read on. You can control the growth of the mint leaves by growing them in a large container rather than in your garden. You can plant the container into the soil if you want to, but the container will restrict the roots, and make sure that the plant doesn’t run rampant in your garden.

TIP! Split up your irises. To increase the number that you have, you need to take all your overgrown clumps and split them up.

There are natural materials, and you can also use other plants to help keep pests away from your garden. Slugs are repelled by bordering your vegetable garden with either onions or marigolds. Using wood ash as mulch around the base of trees and shrub seedlings will also help keep away insect pests. When done naturally, there is no need for pesticides with harsh, and sometimes dangerous, chemicals

TIP! Fertilize your garden regularly. While a lot of people use manure, it is better to choose fertilizer from a reputable company, as this will reduce the risk of any pathogens getting into your soil.

Get a wheelbarrow, and a stool so that you can kneel down while gardening. Working in the garden means you’ll be down on the ground a lot. This can cause knee pain, so if you have a stool, you’ll have an easier time. There is also a lot of heavy lifting involved with gardening, so a good wheelbarrow is a great tool to have around.

TIP! Keeping pests out of a vegetable garden can be difficult. Don’t spray harsh chemicals since they will spoil your veggies.

Plan your garden, and plant with fall colors in mind. But, that does not have to be the case! Fall is the most colorful time of year for foliage. There are many variations in leaf color with different varieties of Maple, Beech and Dogwood trees that can give you lively yellows and deep crimsons. Cotoneaster, barberry and hydrangea can provide vibrant color if you are considering shrubs for your garden.

TIP! As you are working in your garden, you must take care to protect both knees. Most people can’t bend for long periods while standing.

Always protect yourself from the sun when you are outdoors working in the garden; you can do this by wearing clothes that will shield you from the sun. Put on some sunglasses, sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. Proper protection from the sun means a lower chance of sunburn, as well as a decreased risk of skin cancer.

TIP! Pine can be a wonderful mulch. There are many common acidic plants that prefer acidic soil.

Before planting any perennials, you have to make the ground ready. It isn’t as hard as it may seem; you basically just slice down under the turf, flip it over, and spread wood chips four to three inches. After a few weeks, dig, then plant your perennials.

TIP! A great tip when running your own organic garden, is to lightly ruffle your seedlings with your hand or cardboard, around once or twice per day. This will make your plants grow faster and they will get bigger than they would have without this practice.

When working in the garden, try to work as efficiently as possible. One of the biggest time wasters is not keeping track of your tools and having to look for them every time you need them. Have all of tools you will need for the day before you head out your garden. When you are finished, put them away neatly for the next time. If you use lots of tools, consider using a tool belt or even just some pants that have lots of pockets.

TIP! Organic gardening is more difficult than gardening with chemicals, but you will reap a greater reward. While chemical companies may make astounding claims about their products, growing organically is the most rewarding option for you and those who consume your crops.

Keep plastic bags handy to cover your muddy horticulture shoes. Having these available lets you keep your flow in movement, and helps you return to your horticulture fast so you can finish up your day.

TIP! Add mulch to keep your soil healthy. Mulch acts as a protective covering for the soil.

Enhance your property value and beauty with gardening and landscaping. Landscaping has a powerful home improvement return. Investing in the right plants could raise the resale value of your property by at least 20%. Seek out plants and shrubbery that require limited maintenance and will adapt well to the natural climate that you live in.

TIP! A great thing about organic foods produced by organic gardens is their lack of pesticides. This is healthier than other alternatives, but you need to still check for diseases and bugs regularly.

Regular maintenance prevents your gardening tasks from becoming overwhelming and unappealing. No matter what your schedule is like, you should be able to fit in small things that will help you avoid having an overwhelming amount of work all at once. You can pull a few weeds when you take your dog outside.

Laundry Basket

TIP! Make a shade garden out of your organic garden. These gardens are not high maintenance at all.

An old laundry basket works great for gathering produce from your garden. You can also use a laundry basket as a strainer. You can clean and rinse the harvest when it is the laundry basket and the water will go out of the holes.

TIP! Be sure that holes you dig for planting trees and shrubbery are ragged around the edges. If the sides of the hole you dug is packed hard by the shovel, the roots of your plant may have difficulty penetrating the surrounding soil.

You simply need to do your homework, spend some time working outdoors, and cultivate your patience. All the work will be worthwhile, when you experience the satisfaction of a thriving garden established by your own effort.

Growing A Home Garden Can Be Fun And Rewarding

~ craigb

TIP! If you want to keep your garden free of pests, start with healthy soil! The hearty plants that will grow in a garden with rich soil can resist the bugs and diseases that weak plants can’t withstand. So if you want your garden to provide plants that are as healthy as possible, you need a good quality soil that contains few chemicals and that can accumulate salts over time.

Most individuals think that horticulture is tough. This is untrue if you know the right things to do. With the correct knowledge, anyone can be an expert gardener. These tips will enable you to be more proficient at horticulture.

TIP! Make sure your soil is healthy enough before you start planting anything. Pay a small fee to have your soil analyzed, and you’ll be glad that you did when you understand what nutrients your soil is lacking.

Plant some perennials in your garden that repel slugs. Snails and slugs can destroy plants in just one night. Certain perennials that don’t have tough leaves are especially tasty to snails and slugs. Some perennials, however, leave a bad taste in slugs’ mouths or are difficult to chew through because their leaves aren’t tender. Some varieties of these plants are campanula, helleborus, heuchera, or euphorbia.

TIP! You can use boiling water to get rid of weeds naturally. This is a safe way to eliminate weeds, as this will not damage the soil.

Your plants need to be kept dry, but sill receiving a good amount of air. Parasites are attracted to the moisture on plants. A fungus is one of the most important and debilitating parasites for plants. To control fungi, use a fungicide spray on the area before you notice any problems.

TIP! Use common sense when watering your garden. A soaker hose can save valuable time by watering all of your plants simultaneously, removing the need for hauling a watering can or hose around to each plant.

To keep pests away, you can use plants in the garden or other natural materials. A good way to keep slugs away is to create a border with onions around a garden with vegetables. Marigolds would do this trick as well. Wood ash can be used as mulch, and if put on the base of shrub and tree seedlings, will keep insects away. When done naturally, there is no need for pesticides with harsh, and sometimes dangerous, chemicals

TIP! Avoid sun damage by dressing appropriately whenever you will be gardening in the sun. Sunglasses, a nice shady hat, and sunscreen are very helpful.

Peas have a better chance of survival when their seeds are started indoors as opposed to outside, exposed to the elements. If you plant them inside, they might germinate more effectively. The seedling sprouts will be heartier, giving them a better chance to grow into a healthy adult plant capable of rebuffing diseases. When your plants are sturdy, move them outdoors.

TIP! Your children can help you with your garden. Toiling together in the garden brings your family closer together and offers many different opportunities to learn new things and instill green values.

If you’re a new gardener, it is vital that you follow the instructions when it comes to your chemicals and tools. Irritation of the skin or even more serious injuries are possible if you ignore manufacturer’s directions. Wear protective gear, and use the products as directed.

TIP! Before you start any gardening, make sure that you do not have any open wounds on your hands. If you do, you need to wear protection from dirt and chemicals so that they do not get into your cut.

Choose a specific plant to become your garden’s focal point. Any great garden design involves using a focal point to grab someone’s attention and keep it there. Mostly it is a distinctive plant that sets it apart from the neighboring plants and flowers.

TIP! To avoid tracking the mud and dirt that will get on your gardening shoes, use plastic bags. This way, you can get in and out quickly, and get back to work in the garden.

Water your garden wisely. You can save time by using soaker hoses to water more than one plant. Keep the water running slowly so it doesn’t spray up onto the plants’ leaves. It can water the plants for two hours so that you can do other things.

TIP! Stay on top of your organic gardening to-do list, and don’t let the work pile up. Even if you’re to busy to focus on your garden’s needs each day, you could do small things that could prevent you from piling up work when you wish to work on your garden.

An English garden mixes plants of various kinds and sizes close together, which helps to give it a more multi-dimensional feel. Using plants that all grow the same height result in a flat and uniform looking bed.

TIP! You may find an old plastic laundry basket ideal for gathering vegetables from your garden. The laundry basket is a perfect strainer for any produce run off.

The ambient temperate of a room with live plants should be kept between sixty-five and seventy-five degrees throughout the day. They need this type of warm temperature in order to grow. If you are not willing to keep your house that warm during winter, you could always get the organic plants a heat lamp.

Laundry Basket

TIP! Use a beer trap to get rid of unwanted pests, like slugs. Bury a canning jar so that the open mouth and the soil top are level.

When it is time to gather your produce, you should use an older laundry basket. An old basket will act like a strainer does. Rinse off your produce while it’s in the laundry basket, and any excess water will be strained out through the basket’s holes.

TIP! Mulch your garden to keep the soil nourished. A layer of mulch can protect the soil beneath.

When planting seeds into a container, the depth of your planting should be three times bigger than the seed. Some seeds shouldn’t be covered and must be in sunlight at all times. Examples of these are petunias and ageratum. If you are unsure as to whether or not your seeds should be covered or not, try to read the package or find the answer online.

TIP! Among the most important features of organic produce is the fact that it has not been exposed to harmful pesticides. While this is great, you still need to check your produce for any bugs or other pests.

Organic horticulture is harder than relying on chemicals, but the results are worth it. Chemicals can be beneficial, but a chemical free organic garden will always produce the best results.

TIP! Making beds is one of the most important skills you need to acquire. Remove the grass turf from the area you want to plant.

After you plant tomatoes in your garden for the first time, wait three weeks and then plant a second round. The reason for this is because it helps to prevent the entire harvest from producing all at once. If something happens to ruin your harvest, you have time to fix the problem before the next set of tomatoes is due, sparing part of the harvest.

TIP! An organic garden can support hundreds of varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Mulch is a must-have for plants that require acidic conditions.

Before you start your garden, learn how to properly construct garden beds. To begin your bed, slice under the grass with a spade. After that, flip it until it’s upside down, then cover the area using three to four inches of some woods chips. Within a week or two, you should be able to cut the ground and plant your seeds.

TIP! Healthy soil translates to even healthier flowers, grasses and vegetables. If the soil is nutrient-rich, plants will be able to ward off disease and damage caused by common garden pests.

Use at least three inches of organic materials to mulch trees and flowers. This strategy is highly effective because it benefits both your wallet and your planet. Water conservation is a major environmental concern that accompanies other, non-organic gardening practices. Furthermore, an organic garden with a thick layer of mulch is far more appealing to the eye.

TIP! If you are seeking an inexpensive and pleasurable way to make compost you should use fruit peels and scraps. These pieces will create an all natural compost that is well suited for your garden by providing nutrients at almost no cost.

You know that there are numerous benefits to using compost on organic gardens, but have you ever wondered what it is made up of? Most compost is made of clippings of leaves, grass, small twigs, straw and other biodegradable matter. This matter is allowed to ferment into a nutrient rich soil. Once this mixture has composted, through a heat-producing decay process, apply it to your garden as a fertilizer superior to the commercial ones.

TIP! You can conserve more water by mulching your garden. The more mulch you have, the less you will have to water your plants.

You now have the tools to assist you in making your garden grow beautifully. When you have the right knowledge, gardening is easy. By following the proper gardening tips and strategies, you can create a beautiful gardening masterpiece.

Turn Your Thumb Green With These Horticulture Tips

~ craigb

TIP! 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.

It goes without saying that taking care of an organic garden is critical for its success. Good organic horticulture techniques can be very useful in this context. By employing your knowledge you will be able to more efficiently and reliably produce healthy, tasty food. Use this information to make the best organic garden that you can.

TIP! When winter comes, you can save a few plants by transferring them inside the house. Try to save plants that are expensive or that are resistant enough to handle the transition.

If you work with clay soil, you have probably found using a shovel very frustrating and exhausting. One way to get around this problem is to coat the shovel with wax. Use a clean cloth to spread the wax evenly. You will be able to work with the clay more easily, and it will not stick to your shovel.

TIP! Use proper soil for the best results. Depending on what type of plants you have, your soil may or may not be adapted.

You can use the wooden handles of your tools as measurement sticks. Handles of things such as rakes, hoes or shovels make excellent measuring instruments. Simply lay the handles out on the floor and run a measuring tape next to them. Then, with a permanent marker, you want to label distances. When you are at work in the garden, you will always have a handy measuring device on each and every tool.

TIP! Prepare your seeds by soaking them in a dark environment. Put some seeds (a small amount) in a container that isn’t too large for the plant you’ll be growing.

When you go to mow your lawn, make sure you don’t mow it too closely to the ground. Higher grass has deeper roots, meaning a healthier lawn that will be less likely to dry out. The shorter the grass, the shallower the roots, which makes the lawn more likely to develop brown patches.

TIP! Always have a plan for the garden prior to the start of planting it. Use this to remind you where certain things were planted, later when they start sprouting.

Protect your plants from moisture on a daily basis. Parasites are attracted to the moisture on plants. Fungus infections are common in overly moist plants. Fungicidal spray treatments can contain fungi, but spraying prior to problems even developing in the first place is the best way to go about it.

TIP! Start your garden by planting seed in small pots. Planting seeds is the most eco-friendly way to start a new garden.

Protect the soil around your vegetable plants with an inch or two of organic mulch. Mulch will keep soil moist for longer. It will also dramatically decrease weed growth. This could save you lots of weed-pulling time.

TIP! Any time that you are gardening in direct sunlight, dress appropriately to prevent skin damage. Make sure you wear a wide brimmed hat along with sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen.

If you are going for a British feel with your garden, then vary the heights of your plants. Plants that are all at the same height makes a garden bed look flat and uninteresting.

TIP! If you’re really serious about environmentally-friendly gardening practices, refrain from developing some of your land and use it as an animal habitat. You will then find that the wildlife that can help you create a garden that can flourish become present; from birds to insects, they’ll be around your garden and help your produce grow better.

You should teach your children how to garden alongside you. Gardens are a wonderful place for kids to learn, and working side by side with them can strengthen the bond that you have.

Flower Beds

TIP! After your seeds begin to sprout, it is not as important to keep them warm. You should move your sprouted plants farther from the heat when they are past the sprouting stage.

When mulching your flower beds, aim for anywhere between two or three inches of mulch. Using this much mulch retards weed growth, locks in moisture, and ensures that your plants are well-nourished. In addition, your flower beds will have a beautiful, finished appearance year round.

TIP! Pine can make a great mulch. There are many common acidic plants that prefer acidic soil.

Pine can make surprisingly great mulch. Some plants do better in soil with high acidity as they are highly acidic themselves. 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.

TIP! Try using coffee grounds on the soil. They contain nitrogenous nutrients which are essential to plant growth.

Spacing is one important factor in gardening. Plants take up quite a bit of space as they grow, and it’s easy to underestimate just how much. Air circulation and room to grow is important for any plant. Think ahead and give each plant room for expansion, by properly spacing the seeds.

Treated Wood

TIP! One way to help maintain healthy soil is to incorporate mulch into your landscape. Mulch acts as a protective covering for the soil.

Create a raised bed for your garden out of stone, bricks or untreated wood. If you choose wood, it needs to be naturally rot resistant and untreated. Good choices are cedar, locust and cypress. In a veggie garden, don’t use treated wood since its chemicals can leech into the food crops and soil. If your existing garden structure contains treated wood, at least take the time to make a plastic lining beneath the soil.

TIP! Adding too much water could be harmful to the plants, because excess water will hinder the roots ability to get the nutrients they need from the soil. Always be sure to check the weather and keep a tight watering schedule.

Drowning your plants with water can kill them! It will stop your plant’s roots from being able to obtain any nutritional goodness out of its surrounding soil Don’t go ahead and water your garden if the weather report predicts rain that day. If a downpour is coming, you may want to forgo watering your plants that day.

TIP! Any gardening can connect you with Mother Nature, but particularly if you employ organic gardening techniques. Organic gardening is an excellent lesson in the plant life cycle and how to get the most from the planting process.

One of the most wonderful things about buying food that is organic is that they don’t contain pesticides. Though this is certainly a great thing for the health of your loved ones, it is important to watch for additional pests and insects that may be present.

TIP! When organic gardening, it is important to know how properly make an ideal bed for your plants. To begin this process, cut under the turf and leave a space open.

Gardening can not only be an excellent hobby for consuming time, but is great for saving money and aiding a healthy diet. Organic gardening is an excellent lesson in the plant life cycle and how to get the most from the planting process.

TIP! You should know how to water your plants. Purchasing a soaker hose would be a worthwhile expenditure.

Every year, rotate your organic garden. Repeatedly planting the same greenery in the same place can cause fungus and disease. The fungus and bacteria will stay in the ground a whole year and attack your plants when the time is right. If you mix things up, by planting in different spots, you will have enlisted a natural method of keeping fungus and diseases at bay.

TIP! You can be a bit more environmentally friendly by doing things like saving rainwater. Use barrels or buckets to catch water for your garden.

Grow garlic. Cloves should be planted whole during the fall or early spring months. Garlic grows best in soil that retains moisture but drains well. Place them about one or two inches deep into the soil pointed upwards and four inches apart. Green garlic shoots, which can be cut while growing, can substitute nicely for scallions or chives. You will know when to harvest the garlic, because the tops will gradually turn brown. Allow the skin to harden by letting your bulbs sit out in the sun. You should store your garlic cloves in a cooler area and tie them in some bunches.

TIP! Draw up a planting calendar to plan your gardening efforts. This calendar should have the dates when each type of plant will go in the garden.

As you now know, the taste and quality of your produce can be greatly enhanced from utilizing the method of organic gardening. It takes a lot of work and tons of patience, but it is all worth it in the end to have a successful organic garden.

Things You Must Know When It Comes To Organic Gardening

~ craigb

TIP! The kind of soil you use will influence the results. Depending on the types of plants you would like to grow, your garden’s soil might need to be amended with different substances to alter drainage, acidity and other charactheristics that make plants happy.

Organic horticulture is a hobby that anybody can do in order to relax. However, for a beginner, the whole gardening experience can be a very intimidating thing to enter into. So, what exactly should a novice learn and do when they want to start growing plants? This article will give you some great ideas to begin.

TIP! Do you hate how fresh mint leaves grow and take over your lovely garden but still like them? Rein their growth; you can do this simply by planting mint inside a larger garden container or pot. You can simply put the container below the soil level.

Put down sod correctly. You want to prepare the soil before you lay down the sod. Remove the weeds, then break up the soil into fine tilth. Lightly, but firmly pack the soil down, and make sure that it is flat. Water the soil until it is saturated. Be sure to stagger the rows of sod. The joints should be offset like bricks in a wall. Make sure that the sod forms an even, flat surface, and if you have any gaps show between the sod, fill them with a little bit of soil. According to your climate, you will likely need to water the new sod daily over a period of a couple of weeks. This will insure proper root formation and establishment.

TIP! Good green gardens begin from seeds, not plants. As a green-friendly gardener, you always want to use seeds to start your new plot.

Start your plants in containers, and then transplant the seedlings into the garden later on. Doing this will increase the survival rate of all your outdoor plants. It also helps you make your planting times more frequent. The seedlings are ready to go, once you remove the mature plants.

TIP! There are several all-natural ways to keep pests out of your garden, including certain plants. A border of marigolds or onions around your veggies can prevent slugs.

If beautiful flowers throughout the warmer months are important to you, make sure you put bulbs into the ground. These are hearty choices, choices that will reward you for years despite the little effort that is involved in their care. Include a variety of plantings to get a full season of flowers, from early bloomers to late-season varieties.

TIP! Place at least an inch of mulch that is organic in with your veggies! The soil will stay moist thanks to the mulch. It also prevents weed growth.

You can create a great English garden by mixing types and sizes in one bed. By using plants which are all the same height your garden will appear flat and boring.

TIP! Efficiently water your garden. Consider a soaker hose as a way to water multiple plants while saving time.

A good tip to help your plants stay healthy and fight diseases is to use aspirin water. An aspirin and a half, dissolved in about two gallons of fresh water, is great for your plants. Help your plants to fight disease by spraying them with the aspirin water. Plants should be sprayed once every two to three weeks.

TIP! Keep your gardening tools close by to maximize gardening efficiency. You can wear an apron or pants that have a lot of pockets, or use a big bucket or can.

It is important to protect your knees when you are gardening. Not everyone has the ability to remain standing in a bent position for an extended time. Kneeling is much better for your back, and it will help you to tend to your plants with greater ease. Place a cushioning kneeling pad on the ground or wear knee pads to make kneeling more comfortable.

TIP! When the time has come to gather up the produce, you need to use an old laundry basket. An old basket will act like a strainer does.

If you have recently suffered a cut, discontinue gardening until the cut has healed completely. It is possible for a cut to become extremely infected if it comes into contact with dirt and grime while gardening. Get a bandage that seals the cut properly.

TIP! Be sure your new compost pile contains roughly the same proportion of dried and green plants. When you pull weeds from your garden, throw them in the compost.

If you are planning to grow plants within the house, the temperature should be maintained between 65 and 75 degrees within the daylight hours. The temperature needs to remain steady and warm so the plants can grow. If your thermostat is normally kept lower in winter, you can use a heat lamp to keep your plants warm enough.

Coffee Grounds

TIP! Use a beer trap to capture slugs and stop them from eating your plants. Take a glass jar and bury it in your garden, making sure that the lip of the jar is even with the soil.

Coffee grounds can benefit many types of soil. Coffee grounds have a lot of nutrients that plants can use. The more nitrogen you have in the soil, the greater the growth of your plants will be, so adding grounds or compost will ensure your plants grow large very quickly.

TIP! An organic garden is a benefit to you and everyone else who consumes the food that grows there. Although chemical fertilizers and pesticides can offer impressive claims, choosing the organic route will always yield the best food in the end.

Consider solving your weed problem without the use of toxic chemicals. Pile newspapers on top of each other to kill weeds. Weeds can’t grow without sunlight. If you put a thick layer of newspaper on them, weeds will not be able to get light or air, and they will die! Because newspapers decompose well with the passage of time, they make great additions to compost. Covering the newspaper with mulch will help your garden to be more pleasing to the eye.

TIP! While all kinds of gardening can help you feel more connected to the planet, gardening organically is especially good for this. Not only does organic gardening provide you with quality food, but also you learn all of the plant’s cycles.

Use untreated wood, stone, or brick to build a raised bed. Choose a wood that is resistant to rot and does not contain any chemicals. Cypress, locust and cedar are all great examples of what woods to use when building a raised bed. Take care to avoid wood that has been chemically treated when your garden will hold vegetables, since unknown substances in the wood can make their way into your future food. If you must use treated wood, create a barrier, such as with plastic sheet.

TIP! Do some research on the botanical insecticides that are available in your area, many of which are extremely helpful in preventing pests from invading your garden. You can find more power from natural insecticides, as opposed to engineered synthetic pesticides.

If you plant tomatoes, make sure you plant a second batch roughly three weeks after the first ones were done. This way, all of the tomatoes will not be ready to harvest at once. This will also prevent the entire harvest from spoiling if there are any problems.

TIP! It’s best to plant tomatoes in an organic garden on a three-week cycle. This way you will not have to harvest all of your crops at once.

Hopefully, the reasons for organic gardening’s wide appeal are now clear. Working in your garden will bring you great relaxation while you have a fun experience. Use these tips to get your organic garden up and running in no time.

Gorgeous Gardens: Tips And Advice To Help You Get There

~ craigb

TIP! Think about starting plants in pots, and then placing the seedlings in the garden later. They are more likely to survive the transition to adulthood with this method.

With the right tools and information, you can enjoy delicious, fresh fruits and vegetables from your own yard. The only thing better than picking fresh tomatoes for your salad, is having an entire salad for your efforts. Let this article guide you to greater gardening success.

TIP! Starting a garden which is pest-free is easy, if you have healthy soil. Healthy soil encourages vigorous plant growth and makes your garden more resistant to common diseases and insects.

Learn the proper way to lay sod. Before laying the sod, have your soil prepared. Eradicate any weeds and work the soil until it is very fine. The next step is compacting your soil and carefully leveling it. Moisten the soil thoroughly. Be sure to stagger the rows of sod. The joints should be offset like bricks in a wall. Press the sod down firmly so that the surface is flat and even. If there are gaps remaining, fill them with a bit of soil. Water the sod each day for two weeks so it will become well-rooted and ready for foot traffic.

TIP! Use biennials and annuals to beautify your flower beds. Biennials and annuals that grow quickly can add color to a flower bed, plus they permit you to modify the way the flower bed looks each season and each year.

To keep your plants from getting shocked, you need to gradually introduce them to changes in temperature and conditions. Try placing them outside in sunlight for about an hour or maybe two the first day. Over the course of a week, slowly increase the amount of time that you leave them outside. After a few more days, your plants will be more resistant and ready to stay outside all the time.

TIP! Analyze the soil before you even get started with working in a garden. There are soil testing services that can analyze a garden’s soil content for a small charge.

Plants that result in a larger yield should be higher on your priority list when planning the garden. A plant that is resistant to disease, or one that is tolerant of extreme weather, will deliver a higher yield.

TIP! Soak the seeds and store in a dark area overnight. Simply place a handful of seeds in a container, cover the seeds up with water, and stash it away.

Turn the handles of your garden tools into measuring rulers. Tools with long handles, such as rakes, shovels or hoes can work as great measuring sticks. Lay the handles on the floor, then run the measuring tape down next to them. Mark your distances with a permanent marker. This will allow you to have a ruler at your fingertips when you are working out in the garden.

TIP! To help young plants, try pouring boiling water on top of nearby weeds. Water is cheaper than chemical herbicides, and less hazardous to humans and soil.

Analyze the soil before you even get started with working in a garden. Have a soil analysis completed so you can know what you need to add to have soil which will fully support your garden. There are numerous places to find this service, such as your local Cooperative Extension office. The cost is well worth it to avoid a potentially ruined crop.

TIP! If you are going to grow peas, start them inside rather then planting them outdoors. Install your plants inside and wait for the seeds to germinate.

Be sure to plant some strawberries for your children and grandchildren. Ever-bearing ones are especially nice. Kids really enjoy plucking snacks directly from the ground, and may have greater enthusiasm for the work if they see the results of their labor right away.

TIP! Two items you need to invest in when working in a garden are a wheelbarrow, and a kneeling stool. In order to relieve stress on your knees when gardening, always use a small garden stool to be more comfortable.

If you are growing your organic plants inside of your home or office, it is vital to make sure that the right amount of light reaches them. If your house or apartment doesn’t get a lot of natural light, one option is to grow something that only requires medium or low light. If the type of plant does not help, you can always use lights to help.

TIP! If you want the best tasting vegetables, learn about the optimum time to harvest them. There is a specific time to pick every sort of vegetable in order to maximize its taste and cooking utility.

Increase the value of your property! Improving your landscape is one of the best ways to get a high return from your house. You can raise your home value up to 20 percent! For landscaping your yard, pick out plant species that fit your climate and require little watering.

Laundry Basket

TIP! Avoid allowing chores in your organic garden stack up. Even if you end up being too busy to do garden chores every day, do small tasks that will help you avoid having to do large tasks when you finally do have time.

Use an aged laundry basket when you want to collect your produce. A benefit of using something like a laundry basket is that it can strain for you, as well as hold a large amount of produce. Doing this allows you to both rinse and drain your fresh produce.

TIP! Build raised beds with untreated stone, brick or wood. If you choose wood, ensure that it has not been treated with a sealant or other chemicals.

Consider solving your weed problem without the use of toxic chemicals. To control the growth of weeds, all you need is last week’s Sunday paper. It is a fact that weeds cannot thrive without light from the sun. When you pile up layers of newspapers right on top of the weeds, they will suffocate and die. The newspapers will break down over a period of time, and will become part of your compost. In order to improve its attractiveness, add one mulch layer.

TIP! Be aware of the location you are in, and the seasonal and climate changes that occur. Make sure that you adjust your watering cycles to match these changes.

If you’re planning on selling crops to people and labeling them as organic, you will need to receive an organic gardening certification. This can boost sales and tell loyal customers that you’re providing the best to them.

TIP! Excessive amounts of water makes it harder for plants to get the nutrients they need from the soil. Always check the weather forecast for chances of rain before going outside to water your plants.

Adding too much water could be harmful to the plants, because excess water will hinder the roots ability to get the nutrients they need from the soil. Before you set out to water your plants, you might want to verify that the forecast does not call for rain. Make your decision about watering dependent on the weather.

TIP! Organic gardening is simple and effective! Select native specimens for your landscape design. Native plants will thrive in your soil type and climate, without the need for inorganic fertilizers or pesticides.

Annually rotate your garden. Repeatedly planting the same greenery in the same place can cause fungus and disease. These things can get into the ground, and attack plants the next year. If you change things up by planting things in different places, you can naturally prevent fungus and disease from taking over.

TIP! With healthy soil, plants remain healthier, therefore can withstand more disease and even damage caused by insects. While you still have insects present, they won’t cause any damage.

As you prepare to plant shrubs and trees in the organic garden, make sure your holes are rough, not smooth. If, after digging a hole, you notice the sides look “glazed” from the action of the shovel, this could restrict plant roots from growing through to the surrounding soil.

TIP! You know that there are numerous benefits to using compost on organic gardens, but have you ever wondered what it is made up of? It is made from a variety of items, including wood chips, bits of produce, twigs, straw, grass clippings, and leaves, all of which have decomposed into a sort of soil. You can use a compost instead of a commercial fertilizer and save money.

As mentioned earlier, the art of gardening means that your dining table can have fresh and tasty vegetables and fruits, that you grow in your own garden. Making use of your fruits and veggies in your meals that you create will make you proud. Utilize the advice from the above article in order to maximize your experience with horticulture.

Want Flowers In Your Garden All Year Long? Try These Tips.

~ craigb

TIP! Digging in hard clay soil is made even more difficult because it sticks to the shovel. Use a thin coat of floor or car wax on your shovel, then buff it with a nice clean cloth to make dealing with clay soil easier.

In the world of organic gardening, there are plenty of great resources available to both new and experienced organic gardeners alike. There are many e-guides, books, videos, and other resources available. This set of tips contains some of the best advice for helping a good organic gardener become a great organic gardener.

TIP! Create useful rulers from your tool handles. You can use shovels or rakes as measuring sticks.

To prevent shocking your plants, you must gradually introduce new temperatures and other conditions to them. 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. Once the transition is complete, your plants will probably be able to tolerate the outdoor conditions.

TIP! Healthy soil will also assist in your battle against pests. If your plants are healthy, they can more easily resist insects and disease.

Think about planting your seeds in indoor pots and then transplanting them to your garden once they become seedlings. They are more likely to survive the transition to adulthood with this method. This also enables you to close gaps between planting cycles. Once you’ve removed the previous group of plants, your seedlings can go into the ground.

TIP! Use climbers for covering fences and walls. Climbing plants are extremely versatile, helping to hide an ugly fence or wall, often within one growing season.

If beautiful flowers throughout the warmer months are important to you, make sure you put bulbs into the ground. Most bulbs are extremely hearty and grow easily. They also come back year after year. Choose from the variety of bulbs that bloom at various times of the growing season for a garden of color all spring and summer long.

Knee Pads

TIP! A garden needs the right type of soil to grow properly. Pay a small fee to have your soil analyzed, and you’ll be glad that you did when you understand what nutrients your soil is lacking.

If your garden requires a lot of low work, then save yourself some strain by investing in knee pads. Without pads, you may have pain in your knees from spending too much time kneeling on the hard ground. Using a pair of quality knee pads designed for gardening can provide your knees with cushioning and support, preventing any discomfort.

TIP! Grow wheat or cat grass in the area around the plants that your cat is eating. You could also repel your pet by planting rosemary or placing citrus fruit peels around your garden.

The best gardens start with seeds, as opposed to plants. When starting a new garden, the most environmentally friendly way is to start from seed. Plastic used in nurseries normally end up in landfills. For an garden that helps the environment, plant seeds directly in the garden’s soil or purchase plants grown in organic packaging.

TIP! When mowing your lawn do not cut it as short as possible. If you leave some of the grass when you mow, the roots grow further into the ground, which makes the grass less prone to drying and other hazards.

Look for evergreen variants that produce berries. These evergreens will color your lawn, even when other flowers are not blooming. Other winter plants include the American Holly, Winterberry, The American Cranberrybush and the Common Snowberry.

TIP! A set of knee pads is a great investment if your garden has a lot of low-growing plants. Weeding, watering and picking through your vegetation can cause a lot of damage to your knees if left unprotected.

If you know that you’ll be in the garden for an extended period of time, protect yourself from the sun with proper attire. Wear sunglasses and hats with wide brims, and apply sunscreen. When using the right protection in the sun, you will lower your chance of getting a sunburn and decrease your risk of getting skin cancer.

TIP! If you find yourself in love with mint leaves, but not with how they dominate a garden, read on. Keep your mint growth under control by planting them in pots and/or garden containers.

One way to create a great organic garden is to allow for a portion of your yard to be undeveloped for wildlife. You will find that many of the supporting cast of insects and birds that aid in plant production and pollination will be present on your land and actually help your developed gardens to produce better.

TIP! An excellent garden shouldn’t begin from plants. They should begin from seeds.

You must consider how much light is available when starting your plants indoors. Almost every type of plant you grow requires ample sunlight, so think about how much natural light you home receives or if you perhaps need to supplement with UV lamps. If you want to grow plants that need a lot of light, consider using artificial lighting.

TIP! Look for targeted pesticides instead of using popular but damaging broad-spectrum products. Besides killing the insects you don’t want, this type of pesticide will also kill beneficial insects.

Before planting any perennials, you have to make the ground ready. Using a garden spade, dig underneath the turf and flip it. Then, create a layer of wood chips at least three inches deep over the area you just flipped. Wait two weeks, then dig in and plant the new perennials.

Coffee Grounds

TIP! Put coffee ground into your soil. Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, an essential nutrient for plant growth.

Use coffee grounds on your soil. The grounds contain essential nitrogen, which will benefit your plants in many ways. Plants need nitrogen in order to thrive, so give it a natural source with coffee grounds, then watch everything come to life much more quickly.

TIP! Don’t let all the little chores in your organic garden build up. While you may not be able to spend a lot of time every day in your garden, even little items done daily will stop the mountain of work from growing.

Get the most value from your property. Landscaping your yard will bring you a big return on your investment. A few select plants can raise your property value dramatically. You should purchase plants that are well-suited to your landscape and environmental conditions.

Plant Materials

TIP! When you are growing seedlings in your organic garden, lightly brush over them using your hand up to twice a day. This will sound a bit strange.

Your compost pile should contain green plant materials and dry plant materials. Green plant material can include items such as leftover produce waste, grass clippings and leaves. For the dry end of the spectrum, think of things like paper and cardboard, sawdust, hay, etc. Materials to avoid during composting include diseased plants, meat, ashes and charcoal.

TIP! Buy a soaker hose if you plan to plant an organic garden. The water oozes out of the hoses, and it goes directly to the roots of the plants without watering everything around them, including the leaves.

Try using untreated stone, brick, or wood to create a raised bed. Choose a wood that is resistant to rot and does not contain any chemicals. Optimal wood choices that fit these criteria are locust, cypress, and cedar. In a vegetable garden, never use treated wood, as the chemicals can leach out into the soil and food crops. If you have placed treated wood in your garden, line it with a coat of plastic.

TIP! You should plant trees in a manner that allows them to serve as shade for your home. You can get more savings on energy bills because the shade you get from the trees will cool your home naturally.

Among the most important features of organic produce is the fact that it has not been exposed to harmful pesticides. Although this is better for your health, you do need to check organic produce for infestation of bugs before eating it.

TIP! If you don’t want to put lots of money into buying fertilizer, try making compost. You can do this by creating a worm composting bin.

Annually rotate your garden. Keeping plants that belong to the same family in the same place can eventually spark fungus growth and disease. The diseases and fungi are harbored in the soil and are ready to make a comeback each year. By using the crop rotation method, you will be able to ward off disease and fungus naturally.

TIP! Healthy gardens cannot exist without water. Your plants need it to survive.

After you have read the suggestions here, you will have a better idea of what you need in order to be an organic gardener. There are many resources available; you just have to learn how to find and use them. If you keep this information in mind, you should be able to grow a great organic garden in no time.