Author: craigb

Grow A Healthy Organic Garden With These Tips

~ craigb

TIP! Digging in hard clay soil is made even more difficult because it sticks to the shovel. Try applying a coat of wax onto your spade prior to working with clay soil, and then buff the spade head with a cloth.

Starting and maintaining an organic garden requires a lot of patience, and an affinity for growing plants. This hobby can help you grow food that is free of pesticides. How hard can it be, right? See these tips to learn how to get started with this healthy, rewarding hobby.

Clay Soil

TIP! Beginning your garden with healthy soil is your first defense against pests! If you are producing healthy plants, they will be stronger and better able to resist bugs and diseases. Start your garden off with a high-quality soil that you can enrich over time.

Clay soil is hard and will also stick to a shovel, making it difficult to work with. 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. The wax prevents the clay from sticking to the shovel, and stops rust from forming.

TIP! When winter comes around, save some plants by putting them in the house. Think about saving your resistant plants or the expensive ones.

For a garden that thrives, choose the right type 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 make an artificial area using only one type of soil.

TIP! Before you begin to plant your garden you will need to check the soil. Soil analysis costs a little money, but the report can inform you how to enrich your soil and open the door to a lush garden.

Keep the weeds out of your garden by removing them regularly. Weeds can turn a thriving garden into a total wasteland. To help with weed destruction, use white vinegar. White vinegar is a weed killer! Apply it full strength to any areas where weeds are a problem.

TIP! Consider adding coffee grounds to your soil if it contains high levels of alkaline. This is a simple way to replenish your soil with acid.

Plant bulbs if you want spring and summer flowers. Bulbs are hardy, easy to grow into flowers, and will blossom for several years. Bulbs bloom during different seasons, if you pick them carefully you will have flowers almost all year.

TIP! If your garden requires a lot of low work, then save yourself some strain by investing in knee pads. The time that you will have to spend on your knees in your garden can cause you unnecessary knee pain.

Both cat grass and wheat grass are good for giving your errant feline pause. Alternatively, you can try putting mothballs, citrus peel or anything else with an odor that cats find distasteful in the soil surrounding the plants.

TIP! Do you ever wish that your fresh mint leaves would not grow as quickly and overcome your garden? Keep the growth under control by growing them in a large gardening pot instead. You have the option of planting the container with the plant to keep the roots from taking the garden over.

Make sure that you divide your irises! If you divide the overgrown clumps of flowers, you’ll find that your stock grows proportionally. Lift bulbous irises when the foliage is dead. The bulbs should split naturally, and the replanted bulbs will usually flower within a year. Rhizomes, however, need to be divided by using a horticulture knife. Get rid of the center and keep the new pieces you cut from the outside. Each new piece you cut should possess at least one healthy offshoot. Replant each one immediately.

TIP! There are natural materials, and you can also use other plants to help keep pests away from your garden. For example, planting a border consisting of marigolds or onions can repel slugs.

When tending a vegetable garden, you might find that pest control is a bit difficult. Avoid spraying harsh chemicals on fruits and vegetables destined for your table. Research the methods available for eliminating garden pests organically. If you catch pests right away, the easiest way to eradicate them is to pick them off plants by hand.

TIP! You may want to think about having evergreens that will produce berries planted in your yard. This will aid in giving your garden great color, even during the winter when other plants have lost their colors.

Choose plants that will provide color in autumn. However, you can still maintain your gardening hobby throughout the fall months. Fall is the most colorful time of year for foliage. Maple, Beech and Dogwood trees are available in a number of fall colors, varying from bright yellow to rich crimson. Shrubs such as cotoneaster, hydrangea, and barberry will also provide a splash of color in the fall.

TIP! It’s crucial for you to protect knees when doing gardening work. Many people experience back pain and stiffness from bending over and working in the garden for extended amounts of time.

To keep your dog out of your garden, spray old perfume, aftershave, or other scented items in the grass around it. By masking the smells he may be attracted to, he should take less interest in the garden plants.

TIP! Pay attention to how much light your indoor plants are getting. 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 you have recently planted seeds in your organic garden, you should regularly aerate the soil by using your hands to gently sift it. That may sound like a silly thing to do, but it’s been proven to help plants grow larger than they would otherwise.

TIP! As the seeds sprout, they’ll need less warmth. Take your plants out of the heat once they start to grow.

You may want to grow garlic organically. It’s best to plant garlic cloves in either spring or fall. Make sure the soil is drained well. Plant individual cloves pointed end up approximately two inches deep and four inches apart. Cut the green garlic shoots and use them as a substitute for chives or scallions. When the tops of the bulbs begin turning brown, they are ready for harvesting. Allow the sun to dry out the bulbs for a few days until the skin gets hard. They could be stored in an area that is cold, tied or loose in bunches.

TIP! You can cover your muddied gardening footware easily by keeping plastic bags around. Doing this prevents lengthy work interruptions, and allows you to finish the job quickly.

Botanical pesticides that are from your local area can be incredibly effective on pests. Natural insecticides are often more powerful than ones that have chemicals in them. But, because they are made of natural materials, these types of insecticides frequently fade much faster.

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

If you’re planning on adding some tomatoes to your garden, try planting a new set of tomatoes exactly three weeks after you plant the first batch. Staggering the planting times ensures that you are able to consistently enjoy ripe tomatoes. Also, if something goes wrong during one harvest, all your tomatoes won’t be ruined.

TIP! In order to claim your crops are legitimately organic and be credible, it is important to your customers that you become organic garden certified. This should improve sales and attract customers who are environmentally conscious.

The mulch in your organic flowerbeds should be made of organic material and be no shallower than three inches. The mulch retains moisture, enriches the soil, and prevents weeds from growing. Mulch also makes your garden appear neat and well cared for.

TIP! It’s time to plant some organic garlic. Plant single garlic cloves during the spring or fall seasons in soil that is moist and well-drained.

This tip greatly eases your organic horticulture attempts. One of the best techniques is to plant native flowers, grasses and bushes to your landscape. By choosing plants that coexist easily with your soil types, climate and neighboring plants, you will reduce the need for additional fertilizers and natural pesticides. In fact, you are sure to discover that such plants are able to grow beautifully in compost made out of other indigenous substances.

TIP! Increase the biodiversity in your organic garden. Increasing your plant variety will draw further variety in the wildlife around.

When it’s time to dig a hole for a shrub or a tree in an organic garden, make the hole super ugly-looking. Roots may not be able to tap into nearby water sources if the hole is cut to cleanly with the shovel.

TIP! Mulch your flowers and trees with three inches of organic materials. This method is not only good for the earth, but conserves water, saving you money on your water bill and offering a bit of relief to the environment as well.

An organic gardener enjoys the benefits of working with nature, producing wonderful food through hard work and patience. This hobby allows you to use the land and grow delicious food. By using these tips and giving some effort, you can be a skilled organic gardener.

Organic Gardening Tips That Are Fun And Easy

~ craigb

TIP! The handles of your tools can double as clever rulers. Large handled tools like rakes, hoes or shovels may be used like measuring sticks.

There is quite a bit to learn if your goal is to have a healthy and wonderful garden. While having a garden is a ton of work, it is also a very rewarding experience. Below you will find some wonderful tips for making horticulture more fun and less work!

TIP! Try to plan a variety of perennials that are slug-proof. A plant can be completely demolished overnight by slugs and snails.

A good way to ensure that your seeds sprout effectively is to start them in smaller pots and then transplant them once they reach the seedling stage. This insures that the plants will grow and thrive into adulthood. This method also reduces the waiting time between plantings. Using this method, you can remove the mature plants, then put the seedlings in their places.

TIP! All plants need an adequate supply of carbon dioxide in order to thrive. With a high level of CO2 plants will grow much better.

Long plants that run up or around a fence or wall are often useful for masking ugliness. Climbing plants can cover a wall after one growing season only. Climbers can also be trained to grow and cover an arbor, and they will grow through or around existing trees and shrubs. A number of climbers need to be attached to a support, but others just take care of their own attachments via tendrils and stems that twine. Wisteria, jasmine, honeysuckle, clematis and some rose varieties are good choices for climbers.

TIP! When you are mowing your lawn do not cut it too closely to the dirt. 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.

Fall edibles are a wonderful addition to your garden. If you’d like to change things up a bit this season, put away your standard clay pots and plant your lettuce and kale inside of a pumpkin instead! Once you cut an opening at the top of the pumpkin and scoop out the insides, spray the inside and edges with Wilt-Pruf to keep the pumpkin from rotting. You are prepared to plant after this is done.

TIP! To save your knees from the wear and tear of gardening, invest in some knee pads if your garden includes a lot of low-growth plants. Gardening is supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable; you don’t want to finish every gardening session with aching, throbbing knees.

Grow some wheat grass or cat grass next to the plants your cat seems to prefer. Another option is to protect your plants by lacing them with offensive entities, such as peels from citrus fruit or even moth balls from your closet.

TIP! When tending a vegetable garden, you might find that pest control is a bit difficult. You want to avoid spraying harsh chemicals since the vegetables are meant for consumption.

If you would love to have access to fresh and healthy mint leaves from your own back yard, but dread the way the plant spreads so quickly, worry not. Rein their growth; you can do this simply by planting mint inside a larger garden container or pot. Then, you can plant the container into the ground. However, the container walls will keep the roots held, and prevent the plant from consuming too much of your garden space.

TIP! Try to avoid direct sun exposure when you are gardening during the day; wear protective clothing. Choose hats with overlapping brims, don those sunglasses and smear on the sunscreen.

If you are a first time gardener, it is important that you follow all of the instructions on all of your tools and chemicals. You might end up damaging your plants or getting a skin irritation. Directions, especially safety rules, are there for your own good, so make sure you follow instructions on your tools and chemicals to the letter.

Beneficial Bugs

TIP! If you have a cut on your hand, take the time to make sure it is either healed or completely covered before you put your hands in the soil. Cuts that are infiltrated by soil or other substances have the potential to breed serious infections.

Avoid using broad-spectrum pesticides in your garden. This particular type of pesticide will also kill the useful insects that consume the pests. Beneficial bugs usually have more sensitivity towards pesticides than bad ones. Therefore, if the number of beneficial bugs drops, the problem with pests can get bigger. Your problem will only get worse and you will find yourself using more pesticides.

TIP! Pine can make surprisingly great mulch. There are many types of plants with a high acidity, which means they thrive in acidic soil.

Working in your garden is an excellent way to relax yourself. There are many ways to find personal relaxation and peace. Gardening on a sunday afternoon is a simple method of making this happen. While you do have to invest a little bit of money, the returns on that are huge. The most important reward, however, is the sense of accomplishment you experience when your plants mature.

TIP! Keep your compost pile balanced with a combination of dried and green plant mulch. Add grass clippings, waste from fruits and vegetables, leaves, and weeds for the green materials in your compost pile.

Using a solution of aspirin and water can prevent certain plant diseases. Try dissolving around one and one half aspirins into around 2 gallons of water for your plants. Spray this mixture onto your plants. Give your plants a spray of the aspirin-water mixture about one time every three weeks.

TIP! Consider the climate and season when watering your plants. The amount of water you need depends on when you are doing the watering, whether your water is high-quality and the grade of the soil in your garden.

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. Wildlife can help the plants in your garden to thrive, as insects support plant reproduction, while the excrement of many species contains nutrients which can help to fertilize your soil.

TIP! Look closely at the seedlings you purchase. Oftentimes, tomato seedlings that show verdant green starts have poor roots.

When you are growing organic plants within the home or an enclosed area, considering how much light the plants will receive must be emphasized. If your residential space has limited sunlight, it will be best that you grow plants that are ideal for this type of environment. Using UV lamps is a great way to grow an organic garden anywhere.

TIP! Use a soaker hose to water your garden. The water comes out very slowly and evenly, and the hose can be placed exactly where water is needed, such as at the roots.

Do not rush when planting seeds. Start by getting the soil good and moist. You should then spread the seeds evenly, and make sure they have room to grow. Seeds should be buried about three times deeper than their own size. There are some varieties of seed that are not planted underground since they require light to grow.

TIP! Open your mind to the diverse environments that can be created in your garden space. When you have a bigger variety of plants, you also attract different wildlife as well.

With these tips, you’re better equipped to grow the most beautiful garden you can imagine. In learning how to create your dream garden, you’ll also be growing as a person. That’s because learning how to nurture your plants will not only help you reach the goal of having a great garden, but it will help you learn to nurture yourself.

Organic Gardening Can Be Fun With These Tips

~ craigb

TIP! The handles on your gardening tools can be used as a convenient measuring instrument. Tools that can be used for more than one task are quite handy to own.

A garden can provide far more than just decorative appeal. It isn’t just a hobby or pastime for green-thumbed enthusiasts. Gardens give the people working on them a feeling of serenity and a close bond with nature. The effects can be especially profound if horticulture is something you excel at.

TIP! Prior to planting anything in your garden, check your soil. You can do a soil sample analysis for an affordable fee and then know what you need to properly treat your soil with so you can grow the best plants.

When you’re out and about in the garden, particularly in the fall, keep an eye out for sink bugs. Stinkbugs are most prevalent on tomatoes, beans and peppers. Stink bugs may get out of hand and do significant damage in your garden. It is important to take steps to eliminate them from that area.

TIP! Plants need CO2 grow well. In general, higher amounts of CO2 are related to better plant growth.

If you want your garden to sport flowers in the spring as well as summer, plant bulbs. Bulbs are hearty and will continue to grow every year. Different bulbs will bloom during different time periods. Therefore, if you select your bulbs correctly, you could have blooms in your garden for all of spring and summer.

TIP! In a place that’s dark, pre-soak the seeds. Take 3-4 seeds, put them in a small jar or container, and cover them with water.

Your vegetable garden should get at least six hours of sun daily. Pretty much any vegetable you plant in your garden requires sunshine for this duration. It allows them to grow in the proper manner and also much faster. This holds true for some types of flowers.

TIP! Plant a little catnip or wheatgrass in the area surrounding the plants that your cat is devouring. Alternatively, you can try putting mothballs, citrus peel or anything else with an odor that cats find distasteful in the soil surrounding the plants.

Try to keep your plants aerated and dry, every day. Moisture not only attracts parasites, but also makes it easier for your plants to contract diseases. Fungi is the most common parasite for plants. To control fungi, use a fungicide spray on the area before you notice any problems.

Mint Leaves

TIP! Use fertilizer for maximum planting success. Composted manure is effective in raising healthy plants, and commercial fertilizer products are safer and more convenient.

Do you love fresh mint leaves but hate how they quickly grow to take over your garden? Control their expansion by confining them to a large pot. The container will keep the roots from spreading throughout you garden, and prevent the mint leaves from sprouting in other areas.

TIP! Using pest-resistant plants or natural materials in your garden is a good way to keep pests away. For example, slugs can be deterred by the presence of marigolds or onions.

Familiarize yourself with the optimum harvesting time of your vegetables. Most vegetables have a relatively small harvesting window when they will taste best. For instance, zucchini and baby peas have the best taste when you pick them early. Yet, in reverse, tomatoes must wait for prime-ripeness before they are subject to being picked. So, make sure you do some research, and find out when the best time to harvest your vegetables is.

TIP! Be aware of the optimum time frame for harvesting vegetables. Each type of vegetables has its own ideal time for picking for the best flavor.

If you have a vegetable garden, it can be quite difficult to decide what to do about pest control. It is wise to limit the use of harsh chemicals, because the vegetables will be eaten. There is only one way to effectively control pests in your garden, and that is to stay vigilant in your efforts. When you are vigilant, you can simply remove the pests from your plants manually as soon as you notice them. Early detection is the best solution to ridding your garden of pests.

TIP! Pest control can be very difficult when dealing with a vegetable garden. You want to avoid spraying harsh chemicals since the vegetables are meant for consumption.

Prevent damage from the sun by making sure you dress correctly whenever you go outside to garden. Wear sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and sunblock. Protecting yourself from the sun will lower your chances of getting skin cancer, as well as prevent premature aging from sun damage.

TIP! Pick one plant to serve as your garden’s focal point. When you design your garden, think of a great focal point that will grab attention and add interest.

Vegetables are softer when they are warmer, increasing the risk that you will damage them. Do not twist the vegetable to remove it from the vine; instead, cut the stem to avoid damaging the plant.

TIP! Put coffee grounds in your soil. Coffee grounds are filled with nutritional elements plants need, such as nitrogen.

Are you a parent? If you are, try planting some strawberries like everbearing strawberries in your garden. 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! When planting seeds in containers, plant the seed roughly three times deeper than the seed’s size. It is important to note though, that not all seeds are covered to this depth, as some need direct sunlight to grow properly.

Add aspirin to your plants to help them fight sickness. An aspirin and a half, combined with a couple of gallons of water, will do amazing things for your plants. The solution can then be used to spray the entire plant, and will offer protection naturally. Plants should be sprayed once every two to three weeks.

TIP! A beer trap is an effective way of of dealing with any slugs that invade your organic garden. Take a glass jar and bury it in your garden, making sure that the lip of the jar is even with the soil.

Your seeds, once they begin sprouting, don’t need the same amount of warmth as they did before. It’s important to move the plants away from any heat source as they grow larger. Make sure you remember to remove any plastic films that were on the plant containers to repel humidity and warmth. You should know when the right time is if you are keeping an eye on the seeds.

Flower Beds

TIP! One of the benefits of organic produce over commercial produce is that it is not spayed with any toxic pesticides. This is great for the health of your family, but you will still have to regularly check your plants for bugs and pests.

In your flower beds and garden, utilize a few inches of organic mulch. This will help to inhibit weed growth, helps to lock in moisture, and adds needed nutrients to your organic garden. In addition, your flower beds will have a beautiful, finished appearance year round.

TIP! The watering of organic garden plants should be done with care. Visit a home and garden center to purchase a soaker hose.

Pine needles make a great organic mulch. A number of plants commonly grown in garden settings do best in an acidic soil. If that’s the case, the easiest thing to do is use pine needles for beds. Cover up your beds with a few inches of needles. As they start to decompose, they’ll spread out acid onto the ground and soil.

TIP! Laying mulch is a wonderful way to keep your garden vibrant. It also has the added benefit of keeping the soil moister and reducing the likelihood of weeds.

It can be hard to grow an organic garden without chemicals, but the end result is worth the effort. Growing organic is healthier and just overall better for you. Make sure you try your best to grow organic as opposed to adding chemicals to your garden.

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

Garlic can be simple to grow organically. It’s best to plant garlic cloves in either spring or fall. Make sure the soil is drained well. Plant individual cloves pointed end up approximately two inches deep and four inches apart. Green garlic can be cur directly from the plant and used in a pinch instead of scallions or chives. Harvest the garlic bulbs when the tops of the plants turn brown. Allow the sun to dry out the bulbs for a few days until the skin gets hard. Store them in a cool, dry location. You can store them as loose bulbs, or fasten them together into bunches.

TIP! Use a mix of ammonia with water to keep the snails away. The ammonia won’t hurt the fragile plants, and it will later convert to useful nitrogen.

Use the tips you just read to revitalize your garden with your new found green thumb. When your plants bloom and come alive you will feel tremendous joy and satisfaction. Horticulture is a way of relieving stress and making the world a prettier place so go out and start growing things and bringing life back to the world.

Learn New Organic Gardening Techniques With These Simple Tips

~ craigb

TIP! Take the proper approach to laying sod. Your soil should be prepared before you lay the sod.

Gardening is a relaxing hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Ask your friends and family to keep you company in the garden. If you have children, they will be amazed at how your seeds grow into beautiful plants. It also provides a great life lesson, allowing you to appreciate everything that nature has to offer. This article contains the information that you need for you and loved ones to enjoy growing a gorgeous garden together.

TIP! Always allow your plants to adapt gradually to any changes in light conditions, temperatures or soils, if you do not, you might shock them and cause them to die. You need to give them about an hour of sunlight during the first day.

To prevent your plants from getting shocked by a big change, get them gradually used to climate and temperature changes. Put them outdoors in the sun for no more than two hours the first day. Throughout the week, you should leave your plants out for a little longer each day. The plants should be prepared to move outside permanently at the end of this week.

TIP! Shoveling soil that is mostly clay can be difficult because of the hardness of the soil, and because it sticks to the shovel. To ease the digging, apply some car wax or floor wax to the head of the shovel and buff.

Digging in clay soil with a shovel can be very difficult. The clay isn’t easy to work with and will adhere to the shovel, which only makes the problem worse. Simplify the process by putting a bit of wax onto the shovel. The clay won’t stick then. The clay will slide off of its surface and it will prevent rust.

TIP! The handles of your tools can double as clever rulers. Tools that can be used for more than one task are quite handy to own.

If you want to effectively weed out young plants, you can try “boiling” away the weeds. Any vessel of boiling water that you can carry safely can be used as an organic herbicide. Pour boiling water over the weeds to kill them, but make sure not to pour the water over any plants you don’t want to kill. Boiling water is not good for the weed roots and will stunt further growth.

TIP! Choose perennials that won’t be taken out by slugs. Snails and slugs can quickly wreak havoc on a garden.

You should make sure to divide your irises. You can get more irises by dividing the overgrown clumps. If you notice a dead foliage, lift the bulb. The bulbs split in your hand, then you replant them, and they will most likely flower next year. You can divide rhizomes with a knife. You can trim new pieces away from the outside of the bulbs and then simply throw the old center away. Each new piece you cut should possess at least one healthy offshoot. Replant each one immediately.

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.

You can keep pests away from your garden by using other plants or natural materials. Plant marigolds or onions around other vegetables to keep slugs away from them. Wood ash also makes a great insect deterrent; simply use it as mulch around your shrub and tree seedlings. These are proven methods without having to use harsh chemical pesticides.

TIP! Keep the weeds out of your garden by removing them regularly. Weeds steal nutrients from plants, robbing a garden of its potential harvest.

Start your peas in a protected indoors environment rather than outside. Seeds that are planted indoors will enjoy superior germination. They will also be healthier and hardier, allowing them to better resist pests and disease. You can transplant the seedlings outside after they are sturdy enough.

TIP! Vegetables in a garden need to have at least six hours of sun every day in order to thrive. Many types of veggies require this amount in order to thrive and produce the food source that you are hoping for.

Broad-spectrum pesticide is not a good garden choice. Broad-spectrum pesticides not only kill pests, but also “good” bugs like ground beetles that eat pests. Since these pesticides often affect the good bugs more than the bad, using them can actually increase your pest problem. This can cause you to actually use more pesticides than you originally needed to combat the problem.

TIP! Deciduous shrubs and young trees need to be protected. If you have them in pots, you need to guard them from cold weather that will damage or kill them.

Plant things that will give you color for the fall. It’s not necessary to think this way, however. The autumn season can be one of the best growing seasons and is certainly the most colorful. For example, maple, beech, and dogwood trees all change from their usual green to a vibrant spectrum of yellow, orange, and red. When thinking about shrubs, consider barberry, hydrangea and cotoneaster.

TIP! If you are going for a British feel with your garden, then vary the heights of your plants. By using plants which are all the same height your garden will appear flat and boring.

After your seeds sprout, the containers do not need to stay as warm as they once did. You can begin to move them further from the heat source as they become seedlings. You can now take off any protective coverings on your plants that were there to shield them from the elements. Check on your seeds often so you catch them when they are ready.

TIP! If you can’t wait for a cut to heal before digging in the dirt, then at least protect your cuts from exposure. A cut that has come into contact with extraneous materials like dirt can become seriously infected.

Work properly in your garden. Don’t spend 30 minutes searching for a tool. You can prepare what you need beforehand, keep it all handy in a toolbox or a shed, and you will be ready to work in your garden at a moment’s notice. 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! Pine can make a great mulch. Certain plants are acidic, and thrive in acidic soil.

Ruffle the seedlings carefully with a piece of soft cardboard or your hands twice a day. However odd this may sound, research shows that this touching encourages seedlings to grow better than they would without touching.

TIP! When planting seeds in containers, remember that the planting depth should be around three times bigger than the seed size. It is important to note though, that not all seeds are covered to this depth, as some need direct sunlight to grow properly.

Look closely at the seedlings you purchase. Make sure that the root system is healthy when you buy tomato seedlings and that the starts are healthy looking as well. These starts will stick to the seedlings for quite some time, which prevents the seedlings from growing until the starts are gone.

TIP! Be careful with the amount of water that you’re giving your plants when gardening. Roots need to draw in nutrients via the soil, and they cannot do this if they’re flooded with water.

Horticulture is a great activity that you can do on your own, or share with others. Regardless, the advice in this article can be helpful. You can take what you’ve learned here, and show your family how amazing the hobby is, enjoying it with them as often as you wish.

Use This Piece As Your Personal Horticulture Guide

~ craigb

TIP! Your tool handles can easily be used as handy rulers. Tools with long handles, such as rakes, shovels or hoes can work as great measuring sticks.

Lots of people think that gardening is a tough task to accomplish, but that’s false, if you know how to do it. The right information can help anyone become a master gardener. These tips will enable you to be more proficient at horticulture.

TIP! If you are gardening, be wary of stink bugs in your garden, especially in the autumn. They like beans, peppers, tomatoes and many fruits.

Consider starting your plants in pots and then planting the seedlings in your garden. Your plants will be more likely to mature this way. This method also reduces the waiting time between plantings. Your seedlings will be ready to be planted when you remove your old mature plants.

TIP! Try and maintain daily aerated and dried plants. Many diseases, as well as most parasites, prefer moisture.

Use slug-proof varieties of perennials wherever possible. Snails and slugs are garden nightmares, and only need a single evening to obliterate a plant. They often enjoy feeding on perennials with very smooth and tender leaves. Young plants are a special favorite of theirs. There are some perennials that do not appeal to slugs, such as those with leaves that are hairy and tough with a bad taste. Some varieties of these plants are campanula, helleborus, heuchera, or euphorbia.

Baking Soda

TIP! Pest control is one of the hardest things about growing a vegetable garden. It is important not to use harmful chemical agents, because you are growing produce that is intended to be eaten.

There are home solutions available to combat the powdery mildew you may find on your plants. Mix a solution of baking soda, water, and a tiny bit of dishwashing liquid. Spray this mix on your plants every week and the mildew should go away. The baking soda is harmless to your plants and a very effective remedy.

TIP! Some people use gardening as a source of relaxation. You may be aware of various ways to find peaceful relaxation.

If many of the plants in your garden grow close to the ground, some horticulture knee pads will prevent pain and knee injuries. Without pads, you may have pain in your knees from spending too much time kneeling on the hard ground. Your knees can get supported with a decent pair of horticulture knee pads.

TIP! Make sure to wear sun protection gear if you’ll be working in the garden in the sun. Always apply sunscreen with an adequate SPF level.

Allow enough room between plants for air to circulate, so that plants do not stay too wet. Moisture on plants is sure to attract disease and parasites. A fungus is one of the most important and debilitating parasites for plants. Proactively treat fungi through the use of fungicidal sprays and treatments.

TIP! For in-home organic gardeners, you are looking for an ideal temperature of around 60-75 degrees for your plants. The temperature needs to remain warm so they may grow.

A touch of organic mulch will boost the potential of the vegetable plants in your garden. Mulch helps the soil surrounding the plants remain moister for a longer time. It will also prevent weeds from growing. This could save you lots of weed-pulling time.

TIP! When planting your organic garden, spacing is an important thing to keep in mind. Many people don’t realize exactly how much space a plant needs when it grows.

Get a wheelbarrow and a kneeling stool to work in your garden. Spending too much time on the ground working can be quite hard on your knees, and a gardening stool can help alleviate this, plus make things more comfortable for you. You often need to move large objects from place to place, so it’s a good idea to have a sturdy, well-balanced wheelbarrow.

TIP! If you sell or use organically grown produce in a commercial setting, you should communicate your commitment to natural growing by becoming certified. This attracts customers who are willing to drive a little farther and pay a little more for products that are safe and healthy.

Learn the appropriate time to pick different vegetables. Each type of vegetables has its own ideal time for picking for the best flavor. For example, baby peas and zucchini taste best when they are picked young. The opposite is true of tomatoes. They taste their best if you allow them to ripen on the vine as long as possible. To get the most out of your horticulture efforts, find out when to harvest your crops.

Pectrum Pesticides

TIP! Add mulch to your garden to improve the vitality of the soil. A thick layer of mulch offers protection to the soil underneath it.

When gardening, don’t use any broad-spectrum pesticides. Broad-spectrum pesticides will kill insects that are helpful to your garden as well as the harmful ones. In fact, beneficial insects are more likely to die than pests if you spray these types of pesticides. As the population of “good” bugs dwindles, your garden may become overrun with pests. This will leave you using even more pesticides to fix the problem.

TIP! Try cultivating organic gardening. Cloves of garlic should be planted in well-drained soil with frequent watering in either the fall or spring.

In order to bring in good insects to your garden, you need to plant heather. Heather will attract bees early in the spring as well as other beneficial insects. Because heather beds require very little maintenance, they often become the home of spiders, ground beetles, and other insects that can benefit your garden. For this reason, you should always remember to put on your horticulture gloves when tending to your heather.

TIP! In organic gardens, like any garden, weeds take a lot of attention to keep them under control. This will help kill off weeds without harming you or the environment.

You must always take care of your knees when working in the garden. Most people can’t bend for long periods while standing. You should kneel while tending to your plants for the sake of reducing stress to your spine. Many types of gardening pads and cushions are available so that avid gardeners can kneel for longer periods of time without experiencing knee pain.

TIP! You are aware of how helpful compost is in growing your organic garden, but do you have any idea what is actually in it? It’s a mix of grass clippings, leaves, produce scraps, straw, small twigs and wood chips that break down and turn into a “fake” soil. Compost can be used instead of commercially produced fertilizer.

Keep the temperature in your home between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, if you are keeping or growing any kind of plant in your house. Plants require a warmer climate 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.

TIP! Plant garlic in different places to keep the bugs away. The smell will repel pesky insects.

After your seeds begin to sprout, it is not as important to keep them warm. As your plants grow, you will want to put a little distance between them and heat. If you used plastic wrap to insulate your seedlings, you should now remove it. Check on your seeds often so you catch them when they are ready.

TIP! Go ahead and make your own compost so you have access to your own fertilizer in your garden. You can do this by creating a worm composting bin.

A beer trap is an effective way of of dealing with any slugs that invade your organic garden. Take a glass jar and bury it so that the soil is even with its mouth. Fill it with beer to about one inch below the top of the jar. Slugs will be attracted by the beer and fall into the jar.

TIP! Your garden won’t be able to survive without an adequate supply of water. Just like people do, plants need to have water in order to live.

Use a soaker hose to water your organic garden. 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. This is less tedious than watering by hand, and they consume less water than using sprinklers.

TIP! A great tip to implement when gardening is to plant only what you enjoy to eat. You will make get the most from your garden, and you will cut your monthly grocery bill.

As was discussed at the start of this article, if you have an idea what you are trying to do, horticulture will come easy. These suggestions have given you a solid foundation in how to design and maintain a fabulous garden.

Bloom Where You’re Planted: Perfect Horticulture Ideas For All

~ craigb

TIP! To prevent your plants’ systems from becoming shocked, you need to gradually transition them from higher to lower temperatures. Put them in the sun outside for a couple of hours during the first day.

People who start doing organic horticulture do so because they don’t like toxic effects of pesticides and fertilizers. Also, organic horticulture is quite cheap on the whole. The following tips will help turn you into a successful organic gardener in no time at all.

TIP! Consider starting your plants in pots and then planting the seedlings in your garden. This will help the plants make it to full growth.

Regular weeding is essential to the health of any garden. If you have weeds in your garden, it will not be as nice as it could be. Try using white vinegar to get rid of weeds. The acid in white vinegar kills weeds. You may also be using plants that need that very same acid. A spray solution is much easier to apply than to rid your garden of weeds by hand.

TIP! When the fall season approaches, you must prepare to plant your favorite fall veggies and other edibles. Clay pots are boring, so replace those ordinary lettuce and kale pots with pumpkins.

Cooling weather of early fall signals the opportune time to plant seasonal edibles. This year, instead of using your regular clay pots to plant your kale and lettuce, use a pumpkin as the container instead! Simply cut the pumpkin open at the top, so you can remove the seeds and insides. After that, spray Wilt-Pruf along the edges and on the inside of the pumpkin, so it doesn’t rot. You can start planting now.

TIP! Plant some wheat grass or cat grass near where you car tends to nibble in your garden. Alternatively, you can try putting mothballs, citrus peel or anything else with an odor that cats find distasteful in the soil surrounding the plants.

Pre-soak your seeds through the night in a dark area. Use a small container filled with water to nearly the top and place several seeds in it. The seeds will get the hydration they need to start growing. The seeds will most likely have a greater chance of maturing and surviving.

TIP! If you have a lot of low-growing plants to take care of in your garden, purchase gardening knee pads. Spending lots of time on your knees while gardening can injure them and create lasting pain.

Don’t plant a garden without planning it. Doing this makes it easier to keep track of where you planted what when you first start to see sprouts. It can also keep you from planting any of your garden favorites too close to each other.

TIP! Pest control is tough when you have a veggie garden. It’s wise to avoid harsh insecticides if you plan on consuming your fresh fruits and vegetables.

Your plants should always be kept in an aerated, dry area. If you have excess moisture, this can attract bugs or diseases. Fungi is a common problem in the world of plants. Although fungi can be treated with sprays, it is possible to preempt the problem and very important to plant health that you do so.

TIP! Make a plant you love the focal point of your garden. The best garden designers always use a focal point that draws the eye.

In order to rid your garden of pests, take advantage of plant materials and other organic matter. For example, planting a border consisting of marigolds or onions can repel slugs. Insects also avoid shrubs and trees that are mulched with wood ash. By utilizing these methods, you will not have to apply chemical pesticides on your vegetation.

TIP! Use cologne or other items with a distinct scent to keep your canine out of the landscaping. This kind of scent is going to mask the scents your dog is attracted to.

Apply organic mulch generously around your vegetable plants. Mulch keeps soil moist for longer periods of time. It will also dramatically decrease weed growth. You will save time by not pulling weeds.

TIP! To attract the right kind of insects, plant heather. Bees are very attracted to heather.

Read instructions before using any gardening tool you aren’t familiar with, including pesticides or other chemicals. Use the tools only as directed in the instructions. If you don’t do this, you could cause unnecessary skin irritations, which are very painful. Keep your health intact and follow the directions to the letter.

TIP! It’s crucial for you to protect knees when doing gardening work. Not everyone has the ability to remain standing in a bent position for an extended time.

Try placing evergreens that grow berries around your garden. These evergreens will color your lawn, even when other flowers are not blooming. 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.

TIP! Make sure any open cuts are completely protected from dirt and chemicals before you go to work in your garden. If dirt and grime get into a cut while gardening, it may become infected.

Do some research to find out the best time for harvesting your vegetables. Every vegetable has a proper time to be picked in order to capture the perfect flavor. For example, baby peas and zucchini taste best when they are picked young. Tomatoes, however, are best picked from the vine later when they are very ripe. So, be aware of the best harvest time to pick your veggies.

TIP! When you are cultivating an organic garden inside, you should think about the lighting situation. Ideally, these plants should be kept in a room that offers natural light from a window or glass door.

Horticulture is a great relaxation activity. Many methods of relaxation can be employed to lead a peaceful life. Gardening on a sunday afternoon is a simple method of making this happen. The cost is low and the reward is often high. Great satisfaction will come from raising produce and flowers in your own environment.

TIP! A good way to plant seeds is in containers. Plant them three times as deep as their overall size.

When you are horticulture out in the sun, wear the proper clothing so that you do not get any type of sun damage. Wear sunglasses and hats with wide brims, and apply sunscreen. Proper protection from the sun means a lower chance of sunburn, as well as a decreased risk of skin cancer.

TIP! Use a beer trap to capture slugs and stop them from eating your plants. Place a container in the ground so that the lip is even with the soil surface.

When growing plants inside of the house, you should ensure the thermostat is set at around 65-75 degrees in the daytime. The temperature needs to remain steady and warm so the plants can grow. If you don’t like keeping your home that temperature in the winter, you may wish to consider getting a heat lamp, instead, to keep your organic plants the correct temperature.

TIP! Ensure your soil is health by adding mulch. Mulch can help protect your soil.

Tuck away some plastic grocery bags and use them to slip over your muddy boots. When you do this, your flow stays going, and you can just get right back out to your garden and finish quick.

TIP! Over-watering can essentially drown the roots of plants, making them unable to grow well. If you are going to water your plants outdoors, you should first check the weather for you area to see if any rain is coming that day.

Use the advice here to start your own organic garden. It is an interesting hobby and one that can improve your health. Your foods will taste better and not contain the heavy chemicals of store bought produce. You might actually notice more wildlife in and around your garden due to your natural horticulture methods.

Excellent Organic Horticulture Ideas To Maximize Your Garden!

~ craigb

TIP! Transform your gardening tool handles into clever measurement rulers. Large handled tools like rakes, hoes or shovels may be used like measuring sticks.

There is quite a bit to learn if your goal is to have a healthy and wonderful garden. There is much fun and much work involved in horticulture. Try these hints to bring the fun out in gardening.

TIP! Before you begin to plant your garden you will need to check the soil. You can do a soil sample analysis for an affordable fee and then know what you need to properly treat your soil with so you can grow the best plants.

Try not to cause shock to your plants by gradually changing their conditions and temperature. Place them outdoors in the sun for about an hour or two on the first day. Over one week, gradually build up the amount of hours you leave the plants outside. At the end of a week, they should be accustomed to the outdoors and ready to transition to outside safely.

TIP! If your garden requires a lot of low work, then save yourself some strain by investing in knee pads. Excessive time spent kneeling often results in significant stiffness and pain.

Your tool handles can easily be used as handy rulers. Tools with long handles, such as a shovel or rake, are absolutely perfect for this job, and make your workload a little bit smaller. Lay the handles of said tools on the ground where it is flat and there is no interference, such as gravel, and stretch a measuring tape along one side. 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.

Knee Pads

TIP! Learn the proper way to handle chemicals, and the right way to use garden tools. If you do not do this very simple step, you can end up causing skin irritation problems that are very painful.

If your landscape includes low-growing plants, you should invest in a set of knee pads specifically designed for gardening. Weeding, watering and picking through your vegetation can cause a lot of damage to your knees if left unprotected. Investing in a comfortable pair of knee pads made specifically for horticulture can really reduce the pain you may feel from the pressure of being on your knees for extended periods.

TIP! Use only pesticides designed to kill the specific type of pest in your garden, and avoid the broad-spectrum kind. Broad-spectrum pesticides will kill insects that are helpful to your garden as well as the harmful ones.

There are natural steps you can take to keep garden pests at bay. For example, if you plant onions or marigolds along the edges of your vegetable garden, you can ward off slugs. Wood ash also makes a great insect deterrent; simply use it as mulch around your shrub and tree seedlings. When done naturally, there is no need for pesticides with harsh, and sometimes dangerous, chemicals

TIP! Gardening is an excellent relaxation tactic. Countless methods of unwinding from the stresses of life exist.

If you are new to gardening, make sure you read and follow all the directions on any tool or chemical you use. Some of the chemicals in these products can cause skin irritation, or worse, if you fail to take this simple precaution. Ensure that your body is protected by always following instructions.

TIP! If you have children, plant strawberries, especially everbearing strawberries, in your organic garden. Little ones will be more likely to help when they can enjoy the fun of harvesting their own fruit.

Controlling pests in your vegetable garden can be extremely difficult to deal with. It is important not to use harmful chemical agents, because you are growing produce that is intended to be eaten. One way that you can help control garden pests is to remain vigilant. Natural pest control depends on the type of soil in your garden and the variety of plants growing there.

TIP! You must always take care of your knees when working in the garden. Bending over while gardening can be painful and unhealthy for your back.

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. Since these pesticides often affect the good bugs more than the bad, using them can actually increase your pest problem. This will leave you using even more pesticides to fix the problem.

TIP! You never want to do any gardening with open wounds, so make sure everything is completely healed up before you begin; otherwise, you run the risk of your cut being exposed to dangerous chemicals and dirt. A cut could get infected if it gets in contact with grime and dirt in the garden.

Choose one stand-out plant to be a focal point. There should be a solid focal point for every good garden design. It is usually a type of plant that stands out from the plants surrounding it.

TIP! Do not plant your seeds in a rush. Before taking any other steps, you should first moisturize the soil.

You need to be smart when it comes to watering your garden. You can save time by using soaker hoses to water more than one plant. Use low water pressure for your hose so that you do not cause harm to the tender members of your garden. It can water the plants for two hours so that you can do other things.

TIP! Space is very important when you plant an organic garden. Leave a little more space than you think your full grown plant will need to make up for overgrowth.

Make sure that you wear appropriate clothing when you garden so as to avoid any sun damage. Wear hats and sunglasses, and make use of sunscreen. Using the right protection from the harmful rays of the sun means less of a chance of you getting sunburn and skin cancer.

TIP! Looking for a natural way to kill weeds in your garden? Put down old newspapers in several layers for controlling weeds. Weeds must have sunlight in order to grow.

Bring your young ones into the garden with you so they will learn about organic methods. An organic garden will help your child learn more about plants and insects, and it’s a wonderful bonding time while growing healthy produce.

Open Wounds

TIP! Use at least three inches of organic materials to mulch trees and flowers. This is a technique that provides benefits to the land itself, but that also minimizes water usage, allowing you to save money and the environment simultaneously.

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. Open wounds can easily get infected while horticulture because you’re exposing yourself to dirt, bacteria and germs. Bandage all cuts completely, using bandages that cover and seal cuts.

TIP! Grow crops that are high-value. The values of individual types of plants do vary by person, though.

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 you want indoor plants, choose specimens that can grow in relatively dark places. Otherwise, you could simply use your own lights.

TIP! When organic gardening, know when and how much to water your plants. The style of hose known as a soaker would be most effective for this purpose.

You should add a two to three inch layer of organic mulch to your flower bed. Mulching is the perfect way to lock in moisture, nourish soil, and to keep away weeds. It also adds a uniform and cohesive look to the garden.

TIP! By planting garlic around your garden, you can deter bugs from taking up residence. The smell of garlic repels the majority of garden pests.

You should work efficiently, instead of working hard in your garden, to simplify things. Wasting time finding tools is inefficient gardening. Prepare them all ahead of time and have them handy before you need to garden, and then put them back in their place when done. You may also wish to invest in a tool belt to keep all of your tools within reach while horticulture.

TIP! Don’t waste or discard that precious rainwater. Use barrels, buckets or any other appropriate containers to provide water for your garden.

With these tips, you’re better equipped to grow the most beautiful garden you can imagine. In learning how to create your dream garden, you’ll also be growing as a person. That’s because learning how to nurture your plants will not only help you reach the goal of having a great garden, but it will help you learn to nurture yourself.

Building Raised Beds To Reduce The Weeds In Your Garden

~ craigb

TIP! Plants that result in a larger yield should be higher on your priority list when planning the garden. A disease-resistant hybrid plant can be a good option to consider over a more traditional variety due to its tendency to produce higher yields.

When you use the correct organic gardening products, techniques, and equipment, it shows. Your caring skills will shine through in the quality of your garden. This is extremely laudable. Like other skills, there is always room for improvement. Some advice that will be of use to you follows.

TIP! Fight pests before you even plant, by getting your soil in shape. Healthy plants grown in robust and enriched soil have an advantage in fighting pest infestation.

Properly lay your sod. Get your soil ready before you lay the sod. Weeds should be removed, and you should break up the soil into a tilth. Compact the soil firmly but lightly, and make certain it is flat. You then will want to thoroughly wet the soil. You want the sod laid down in staggered rows, and the joints to be offset from each other. After the sod is in place, go over the surface to ensure everything is level. Use loose soil to fill in any gaps between seams. You will have to water the sod every day for 2 weeks, and then it should be firmly rooted to the ground, and able to be walked on.

TIP! If your landscape includes low-growing plants, you should invest in a set of knee pads specifically designed for gardening. The amount of time that you spend gardening on your knees can make your knees hurt by the time you are done.

Grow some plants that cats like to eat – try catnip or wheat grass. You can put something over the soil which surrounds the plants which has a bad smell to cats to deter them.

TIP! Try to keep your plants aerated and dry, every day. Parasites are attracted to the moisture on plants.

When mowing your lawn, avoid mowing the grass too short. When the grass is a little longer, the roots will be stronger and the lawn becomes more resistant. Leaving the grass short makes it more prone to drying out, which leaves your lawn look really brown and yucky.

TIP! Do you hate how fresh mint leaves grow and take over your lovely garden but still like them? Contain their growth with a garden container or large pot instead. You can bury the container so the top is flush with the ground if desired, but the container’s walls will prevent the roots from spreading so that the plant won’t take over your entire garden.

Always have a plan for the garden prior to the start of planting it. Doing this makes it easier to keep track of where you planted what when you first start to see sprouts. This is important, because different plants require different care.

Knee Pads

TIP! Plant strawberries for your children. Strawberries are a favorite of children due to their sweetness.

If many of the plants in your garden grow close to the ground, some horticulture knee pads will prevent pain and knee injuries. Long hours spent in the garden will wreak havoc on your knees. Buy yourself a pair of knee pads to use in the garden to cushion and protect your knees.

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.

Remember to place a layer of mulch over the soil around your vegetables, approximately 2 inches deep. The mulch will keep the soil around the plants moist a little longer. It will also prevent weeds from growing. That helps you save a great deal of effort and time in weed eradication.

Winter Months

TIP! Depending on the season and weather, adjust your watering habits. There are many variables of how much water your plants need including soil, light, and outdoor temperatures.

You should think about adding evergreen plants that yield berries into your yard space. They will provide a splash of color in the drab and dreary winter months when a lot of other plants have lost their colors. These plants can help you get some color during the winter months: Winterberry, Common Snowberry, American Holly, and American Cranberrybush.

TIP! Excessive amounts of water makes it harder for plants 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.

Familiarize yourself with the optimum harvesting time of your vegetables. Every vegetable has a proper time to be picked in order to capture the perfect flavor. For instance, peas and zucchinis are tastiest when picked young. Plant winter vegetables at the right time for a sweeter flavor. So, make sure you do some research, and find out when the best time to harvest your vegetables is.

Allow your children to assist with the work to be done in your organic garden. They will enjoy learning about nature and bonding with you.

TIP! When checking out tomatoes to buy, do a bit of poking in the soil. When you are purchasing tomato seedlings for your organic garden, you should watch out for lush green starts with bad root systems.

Make sure any open cuts are completely protected from dirt and chemicals before you go to work in your garden. If dirt and grime get into a cut while gardening, it may become infected. Get the appropriate bandages to seal the cut completely.

Laundry Basket

TIP! For an easy, organic garden option, try a shade garden. This kind of garden requires surprisingly little maintenance, which is a relief for those without much time to devote to gardening.

When the time has come to gather up the produce, you need to use an old laundry basket. 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! If you are going to plant a shrub or a tree in your garden, dig an ugly hole for it to go in. 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.

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. However, you should always know that some seeds cannot be covered, even the slightest bit, because they need to be in direct sunlight. Ageratum and petunias fall into this category. If you’re not sure if your seeds need sunlight, you can find out online or through the seeds’ package.

TIP! If you want to do some organic gardening, plan ahead. Decide exactly which plants you’re going to grow.

A beer trap can help to eradicate slugs. Dig a hole the size of a glass jar, and bury the jar with the top at ground level. Keep the jar filled with beer, up to about an inch from the top. Slugs will be attracted to the beer and find themselves trapped.

Organic foods do not possess any pesticides on them. While this is great for your loved ones’ health, still check for pests and bugs.

TIP! Weeds are a plague to any garden. This organic weed killer is safe for the environment and you.

Horticulture of any type can be a great hobby that helps you to feel more at one with the earth, but organic gardening is especially good at this. When you grow organic, you will learn much more about the planting and growing process, from A to Z.

TIP! It is economically smart to focus your gardening efforts on crops that would cost you more to buy at the supermarket. The worth of a plant is not an objective thing.

Remain conscious of when your organic garden requires watering. A soaker hose is your best option for watering. This can help you water the base of your plants and reduce moisture loss by evaporation. It is usually best to water your garden early in the morning.

TIP! You should build a tent over your garden during the winter months. Take a few bean poles and place them at the corners of your plant beds.

Making compost is a wonderful way to get fertilizer for the garden. A worm composting bin is very efficient and fun. Place red wiggler worms in the compost bin along with with dirt, kitchen scraps and shreds of newspaper.

TIP! Water plants with rainwater to be more eco-friendly. Almost any container, such as a barrel, is suitable to collect rain water.

Now you know more about organic horticulture. That is all well and good, however, you must put them to use. These suggestions can help beginners get started, and can give experienced gardeners more techniques to work from. You can always benefit from learning! In fact, it is possible that you came across a trick that you never would have thought of otherwise.

Your Dream Garden Is Just A Few Days Away!

~ craigb

TIP! Plant perennials that slugs and snails won’t be interested in eating. Slugs and snails can decimate a plant in one night.

Pay close attention to your organic garden, and take the absolute best care of it that you possibly can. Smart organic gardening can com in handy here. This will help you grow more healthier, happier and tastier produce in your garden. If you apply the tips from this article, you will have a lush, green organic garden.

TIP! Insects and various garden pests can be avoided by making your soil healthy. If you have healthy looking plants, they are stronger and more resistant to diseases and bugs.

Brighten your garden with biennials and annuals. The annuals and biennials are usually fast growing because they only last one season, and this will let you change the garden every season for a nice change of pace. You can fill any spaces between shrubs and perennials when they are in the sun. The most popular varieties to use include petunia, zinnia, cosmos, snapdragon, marigold, hollyhock, and sunflower.

TIP! Try using annuals and biennials to add color to your flower beds, and brighten them up. These fast growing flowers let you change how your flower bed looks season to season.

It’s sometimes possible to save certain plants from winter cold by bringing them inside. Choose the plants that are most likely to survive. Use caution when digging around the roots of your plant. You need to keep the root structure intact for it to thrive after being potted.

Carbon Dioxide

TIP! Do a soil analysis prior to planting. Consider getting a soil analysis and working on enrichment techniques for giving your garden a vibrant and healthy environment.

Carbon dioxide, or CO2, is essential to the growth of plants because of its role in photosynthesis. The majority of plants thrive when they are exposed to a high level of carbon dioxide. A greenhouse will provide the best method of providing enough CO2 for your plants. CO2 levels, when kept high, give your plants optimal growing conditions.

TIP! Remember to remove weeds from the garden. A vibrant garden will be overrun with weeds if they are left alone.

Grow some wheat grass or cat grass next to the plants your cat seems to prefer. Another option is to place something smelly, like citrus peels or mothballs, on the soil surrounding the plants that have previously been eaten.

TIP! Both cat grass and wheat grass are good for giving your errant feline pause. Additionally, use your cat’s keen sense of smell to your advantage.

You could try to boil weeds if you are trying to remain organic. Water is cheaper than chemical herbicides, and less hazardous to humans and soil. One simple layer across the weeds with a pot of boiling water will take care of the problem, but you have to remember the same applies to your plants, as well. What this does it essentially kill the weeds by damaging their roots. The result is that those weeds are unlikely to regrow.

TIP! You should get a wheelbarrow and a kneeling stool for garden work. Spending too much time on the ground working can be quite hard on your knees, and a gardening stool can help alleviate this, plus make things more comfortable for you.

If your gardening plans include pea plantings, try starting them off indoors rather than planting the raw seeds in outdoor beds. Seeds are more likely to sprout when started indoors. They will also be healthier and hardier, allowing them to better resist pests and disease. You could transplant the seedlings outdoors once they are able to survive and thrive.

TIP! When growing a vegetable garden it can be hard to control pests. It is important not to use harmful chemical agents, because you are growing produce that is intended to be eaten.

Horticulture is an excellent relaxation tactic. There are a variety of ways to find peace and relaxation on a personal level. One of the greatest such methods is the art of horticulture. The returns are huge for a very minute up front investment cost. Great satisfaction will come from raising produce and flowers in your own environment.

TIP! Plant items with fall color. That doesn’t have to be it though.

To defend your garden from errant dogs, spray something with a strong scent, including aftershave or old perfume around the perimeter of the garden. This will help to cover the scents that are attracting the dog, and make it less of an appealing place for your dog to be.

TIP! Make a plant you love the focal point of your garden. A good garden design will have a focal point which captivates attention.

The flesh of vegetables gets soft in the heat of the day, making them especially vulnerable to inadvertent damage with even the gentlest picking. See to it that you cut their connection to the vine as opposed to twisting them, because twisting could hurt the plant.

TIP! Prevent damage from the sun by making sure you dress correctly whenever you go outside to garden. Wear sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and sunblock.

Heather can bring you beneficial insects. Bees like it because it gives them nectar in the springtime. Heather beds are common grounds for helpful insects such as spiders and ground beetles, because they don’t usually get bothered by human activity. Because of this, you might want to invest in a good pair of horticulture gloves for the times when you need to prune it.

TIP! Add used coffee grounds to your garden soil. These coffee grounds have many nitrogenous nutrients that your plants could use.

You must always take care of your knees when working in the garden. Bending over for extended periods can be harmful to your joints and muscles. Kneeling is much better for your back, and it will help you to tend to your plants with greater ease. You can pick up a knee pad for you to rest on so that your knees are at ease on the ground.

TIP! Increase the value of your property! Landscaping your yard will bring you a big return on your investment. There are some varieties of plants that increase property values by over 20%.

Easily and quickly prepare your ground for a garden of perennials. Simply slice into the ground with a spade, flip the top layer of soil, and then cover it with several inches of wood chips. Wait for a few weeks and plant new perennials in this area.

Flower Beds

TIP! Feeling in harmony with the earth is a benefit of gardening as a hobby, and this holds especially true when it comes to organic gardening. When you do this type of gardening, you will start to have a good idea of the whole process of planting from start to finish.

Add three inches of mulch to your flower beds. Doing this keeps weeds down, keeps the moisture in your plants, and gives more nutrients to the plants. Also, the flower beds will look beautifully maintained at all times.

TIP! If you are planning to plant trees or shrubs in your yard, you should pay close attention to the hole that you have dug. 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.

Get the most out of what you have, and your property. You can get a very high return from improving your home through landscaping. Some plant investments can raise your resale value by 20% or more. Get low moisture plants for your garden and yard that are suited for your environment.

TIP! While you may already understand the importance of compost to organic gardening, are you aware of its true components? Compost is made up of things like old produce scraps, leaves, twigs, grass clippings and wood-chips that have broken down into something similar to soil in texture. It is recommended that you use this compost in place of commercial fertilizer on your organic garden.

It can be hard to grow an organic garden without chemicals, but the end result is worth the effort. Chemical giants claim miracles, but those miracle crops come at a price to whoever eats the produce.

TIP! Increase the amount of mulch you use in your garden to conserve water. Watering will be decreased with an increase in mulch.

Change how much you water your plants with the changing of the seasons. You should also adjust your watering habits if the temperature or amount of rainfall changes dramatically. You will need to water differently depending on what time it is or what kind of soil you are using. An example would be that if you live in a humid and warm climate, then you’ll want to avoid watering the plant’s leaves as this will cause fungus to grow on your plants. Instead, water the roots only.

TIP! One way to improve the quality of an organic garden, is to separate rows of plants with ditches. This will mean that water will flow directly to the plants with no additional effort on your part.

As you can conclude from what you have just read, having an organic garden can provide you with nutrient rich and fresh fruits and vegetables. 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.

Great Guide When It Comes To Organic Gardening

~ craigb

TIP! Try planting seeds in pots, and then transferring the seedlings to your garden. This raises the chances of the plants growing until adulthood.

Many people are interested in organic horticulture but are unsure how to get started. It can seem like a daunting task to learn all that it takes to have a successful garden the natural way. Peruse the following article to discover some very useful advice that will prepare you for success in this most enjoyable pastime of organic gardening.

TIP! Give your flower beds a boost by introducing annuals and biennials. Annuals and biennials that grow quickly can really wake up your flower beds, and they allow you to have a new garden look every season or every year, if you choose to.

When it’s autumn, you know what that means. It’s time to plant fall vegetables! Try planting your fall veggies, especially leafy greens, inside of a pumpkin! 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. You can now use it to plant in, as you would a pot.

TIP! If you’re planning on gardening, carefully watch for stink bugs! You should be particularly careful during Autumn. Stink bugs are attracted to tomatoes, beans and most fruits.

Always have a plan for the garden prior to the start of planting it. Doing so means you can remember where each particular plant is when you start seeing sprouts arise from the earth. It can also keep you from planting any of your garden favorites too close to each other.

TIP! Remove your garden’s weeds! A vibrant garden will be overrun with weeds if they are left alone. White vinegar is one option you can use in your routine weed removal.

For weeds that aren’t in the middle of your plants, use boiling water to kill their roots. Boiling water is an excellent, organic substance for use against weeds. Although this method is organic, it does pose a danger to your plants. This can cause enough damage to the roots of any plant to kill it.

TIP! Bulbs are the best solution to get flowers in spring and in summer. A hardy perennial addition to your garden, bulbs will continue to delight every year.

Consider planting evergreens in your garden that produce berries. They add color to your yard, throughout the year. These plants can help you get some color during the winter months: Winterberry, Common Snowberry, American Holly, and American Cranberrybush.

TIP! Try growing some cat grass or wheat grass in the vicinity of the plants that your cat likes to eat. You can also try to offend the cats sense of smell with orange rinds or mothballs.

Learn the ideal times for harvesting your vegetables. Every type of vegetable has a different moment of ripeness. Harvesting zucchini is best done when they are small and baby peas should be harvested when they are young. On the other hand, tomatoes taste best when they are as ripe as possible from the vine. So, make sure you do some research, and find out when the best time to harvest your vegetables is.

TIP! Divide your irises. The more you divide clusters of irises, the more your irises will multiply.

Efficiently 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. To avoid damaging delicate plants, you should water them with low pressure. Keep the water turned on for about two hours; while your plants are being watered, you will have time for other activities.

TIP! The best gardens will evolve from original seeds rather than transplanted items. When you begin a garden, it’s most eco friendly to do so with seed.

During the day, when the weather is hot, vegetables tend to be softer, which causes them to be damaged even if you gently pick them. Use garden shears to remove your vegetables from the vine to avoid damaging the plant.

TIP! Fertilizer in the garden is a must. Manure can help grow plants, but to eliminate risk of pathogens, try using a type of commercially composted product.

To draw good insects to your garden, plant heather. Bees are drawn to heather, as heather is an early provider of spring nectar. Heather beds are also attractive to bugs such as spiders and ground beetles that will kill pests. Keep this in mind and always wear gloves when you prune your heather!

TIP! Broad-spectrum pesticides are really not the optimal choice for pest control in your garden. Besides killing the insects you don’t want, this type of pesticide will also kill beneficial insects.

The ideal temperature to set your thermostat for indoor plants is between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit during the daylight hours. The temperature needs to be this warm so they are able to grow. Another option is the use heat lamps that will protect your organic plants.

TIP! Take the necessary time when planting seeds. You should start by moisturizing the soil.

Before planting any perennials, you have to make the ground ready. Use your spade in a slicing motion to cut a flap of turf. Carefully turn the flap over, then cover the area with a three-inch layer of untreated wood chips. Let the area sit for a couple weeks, then begin digging into it and planting your new perennials.

TIP! To be most efficient in your gardening, always keep your tools close at hand. For example, you could use an over-sized tote bag or an apron with multiple pockets.

Try to work in your garden at least a short time each day. 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. For example, pull a few weeds if you’re outside and waiting for your dog to finish his business.

TIP! Avoid allowing chores in your organic garden stack up. Sometimes it might prove difficult to get in a little gardening time every day.

One odd but apparently useful tip for growing organic plants, is to lightly brush your plants with your fingers or a piece of cardboard 1-2 times a day. Even though it sounds strange, it will help plants get bigger.

Beer Trap

TIP! Make sure you look at what lies beneath in order to start off on the right foot. When you are purchasing tomato seedlings for your organic garden, you should watch out for lush green starts with bad root systems.

If slugs are problematic in your garden, you can use an all-natural beer trap to do away with them. To create a beer trap, dig a hole in your garden that is the depth of a glass jar, leaving the mouth of the jar level with the soil. Pour beer into the jar until it’s almost full. Leave an inch of space between the beer and the jar top. The slugs will be attracted to the beer, and will then become trapped within the jar.

TIP! Botanical pesticides that are from your local area can be incredibly effective on pests. All insecticides are strong, including botanical ones.

Though organic farming can present challenges that traditional farming with the use of chemicals does not, harvesting the crops is reward itself for the hard work. Growing organic is healthier and just overall better for you. Make sure you try your best to grow organic as opposed to adding chemicals to your garden.

TIP! You must be sure to mulch your garden or flowerbed with about three inches of materials that are organic. This can help you add nourishment to your soil, retain moisture and inhibit weed growth.

Consider the climate and season when watering your plants. Knowing how much to water your plants can be a difficult task. You will want to look into various things, such as time of day, quality of water and type of soil. For example, if your climate is humid and warm, you should not water the leaves because it will encourage leaf fungus. Instead focus on watering the root system.

TIP! Water your organic garden using a soaker hose. These hoses let water out slowly at a regular rate.

When you keep in mind the tips, tricks and advice in this article, the prospect of organic horticulture should not seem so fearful. By using the information you have learned from the tips above, you can start to grow the organic garden that you’ve always wanted.