Author: craigb

Grow A Successful Garden By Following These Hints

~ craigb

TIP! 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.

Gardening is a very fun activity, and it can be very beneficial and rewarding. Whether it is made of vegetables or flowers, there is definitely something highly rewarding about caring for a garden. The ideas here can provide some horticulture guidance, and give you a little hand as you get started growing your own special garden.

TIP! Start your plants in some pots and plant its seedlings in the garden. This will help the plants make it to full growth.

Autumn not only means colder weather but new vegetables to plant. This time, use a pumpkin for the container for your lettuce and kale, instead of plain clay pots. 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. Once you have finished, you can begin planting.

TIP! Check your soil before you begin planting your garden. Consider getting a soil analysis and working on enrichment techniques for giving your garden a vibrant and healthy environment.

Carefully plan your garden first. This will help you to remember where you planted the different plants when sprouts begin to shoot up from the ground. In addition, your small plants or groups of plants that are limited in number won’t become lost if you have a large garden.

TIP! Take all of the weeds out of your landscaping! Weeds can take over a healthy garden faster than you think. To help you do this, you may want to consider using white vinegar.

Try “boiling” weeds to get rid of them. Any vessel of boiling water that you can carry safely can be used as an organic herbicide. All you need to do is apply boiling water right to the weeds you want to get rid of. Be careful not to get any on the plants you want to keep. The roots of the weeds are damaged by the boiling water which, in turn, inhibits further growth.

TIP! If beautiful flowers throughout the warmer months are important to you, make sure you put bulbs into the ground. Not only are bulbs hearty and easy to grow, but they’ll continue to grow as time goes on.

Fresh mint is a wonderful addition to a herb garden, but it can quickly take over your entire yard. You can slow their growth rate by planting them in a garden container or large pot instead. You can simply put the container below the soil level. Once you do, the container will constrain the roots, preventing them from overshadowing all of your other plants.

TIP! 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.

It is possible to use natural materials as well as other plants to help keep pests away from your garden. Slugs can be kept at bay with a patch of marigolds or pungent vegetables. Insects can be deterred if you use wood ash instead of mulch around trees and shrub seedlings. These methods are environmentally-friendly and mean you do not have to resort to harsh chemicals.

TIP! Deciduous shrubs need protection from the cold. Cold weather is very hard on these tender shrubs, and potted shrubs should be shielded and protected.

Try placing evergreens that grow berries around your garden. This gives your garden a bit of a “splash” of color, even in winter when everything is nearly colorless. A few of the most vivid plants in winter are American Holly, Winterberry, Snowberry and Cranberrybush.

TIP! If your landscape includes low-growing plants, you should invest in a set of knee pads specifically designed for gardening. The time that you will have to spend on your knees in your garden can cause you unnecessary knee pain.

Purchase a wheelbarrow, and a kneeling stool to use in your garden. Working on the ground for long periods of time can be painful on the knees, so a small garden stool can really allow you to work in comfort. 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! One natural method of weed removal is called “boiling”. Boiling water can be considered as an herbicide, and it is a safe one.

Horticulture should be a relaxing activity. A plethora of paths to individual relaxation and inner peace exist. Horticulture is fun, and it is definitely one of the best ways to achieve this state. There are numerous returns based on a very small monetary investment. The joy of eating food you created as well as enjoying the beauty of your garden is the best return of all.

TIP! If your gardening plans include pea plantings, try starting them off indoors rather than planting the raw seeds in outdoor beds. When you plant them indoors first, the seeds will germinate better.

Irrigate your garden efficiently. Use a soaker hose to save time so that you do not have to water each plant individually with a hose nozzle, or a watering can that needs to be refilled repeatedly. Be sure to keep the pressure of the water on low so that the hose does not damage the tender plants. Let your soaker hose run for a few hours while you do other things.

TIP! To attract insects that will benefit your garden, plant heather. Heather is quite alluring to bees; when spring comes along, it provides the bees with a source of nectar early.

You can create the look and feel of an English garden by mixing different plants of varying heights throughout your flower bed. A uniform and flat bed is created by using plants that are the same height.

TIP! Aspirin water will strengthen your plants against diseases. An aspirin and a half, combined with a couple of gallons of water, will do amazing things for your plants.

You can cover your muddied horticulture footware easily by keeping plastic bags around. You will be able to go in and out without having to keep taking your shoes on and off.

Pine Needles

TIP! You can kill weeds naturally. You should layer some newspaper to get weeds under control.

Do not underestimate pine as great mulch. Some plants like acidic soil because they have high acidity. Pine needles are an excellent form of mulch for these types of plants. Covering your plant beds with a layer of pine needles will allow the pine needles to disperse their acidic nutrients into the soil for your plants.

TIP! Lightly ruffle your seeds by hand or with cardboard, twice daily in your organic garden. Believe it or not, aerating the soil in this manner can actually make your seedlings grow larger.

Increase the value of your property! Landscaping has a powerful home improvement return. Investing in the right plants could raise the resale value of your property by at least 20%. You should purchase plants that are well-suited to your landscape and environmental conditions.

TIP! The best feature of organics is that they are pesticide free. Although this is great for your health, you need to make sure that you check all the produce careful for any bugs or pests before consuming.

If you sell or use organically grown produce in a commercial setting, you should communicate your commitment to natural growing by becoming certified. This can boost sales and tell loyal customers that you’re providing the best to them.

Weather Forecast

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. These are frequently more effective than their chemically engineered counterparts.

Too much water may hurt plants since extra water can keep roots from getting the nutrients they need from the soil. Always check the weather forecast for chances of rain before going outside to water your plants. If the weather forecast calls for rain, it’s probably wise to not water your plants that day.

TIP! Organic material that is a minimum of three inches deep should be used as mulch within your garden. Your garden will look more professional, have fewer weeds, and benefit from the moisture control and additional nutrients.

As mentioned, horticulture can be an enjoyable, rewarding hobby. The fruits of your time and labors fail to stop yielding, regardless of the dividends are vibrant color outside your windows or fresh foods on your kitchen table. By applying some of the advice you have learned, you can find a lot of joy from gardening.

Learn More About Organic Gardening By Taking This Advice

~ craigb

TIP! Pick your plants with an eye to maximize the yield you can get. A plant that is resistant to disease, or one that is tolerant of extreme weather, will deliver a higher yield.

One of the most sensible ways to improve your diet is through organic gardening. However, effort is required in order to effectively grow. It can sometimes seem overwhelming to get started in organic gardening.

TIP! Start your plants in containers, and then transplant the seedlings into the garden later on. This insures that the plants will grow and thrive into adulthood.

To prevent your plants’ systems from becoming shocked, you need to gradually transition them from higher to lower temperatures. The first day you transfer your plants, you should only allow them to sit in direct sunlight for a few hours. Over the week, try gradually increasing the time they’re left outside. By the time the week ends, your plants will be ready for their big move and should have no problems!

TIP! Brighten up your flower beds with annuals and biennials. These flowers grow quickly and can be planted at any time during the year.

To achieve the best growing results, plants need sufficient carbon dioxide. Plants will not thrive if they don’t have an adequate amount of CO2. Growing plants in a greenhouse is the best way to contain CO2 for use by your plants. Make sure to keep CO2 levels high to provide the best growing environment for your plants.

TIP! When winter arrives, transfer some plants into the house to save them. Think about saving your resistant plants or the expensive ones.

Stinkbugs can be a nuisance in the garden. These bugs are known to be proliferate in the cooler fall months. Stink bugs prefer peppers, beans, tomatoes, and various varieties of fruits. If they are left in the garden, they can do great damage to your plants, so you should do whatever you can to eliminate them.

Knee Pads

TIP! Carefully plan your garden first. This will assist you in recognizing your tiny plants when they start to pop up.

If your landscape includes low-growing plants, you should invest in a set of knee pads specifically designed for gardening. Spending lots of time on your knees while horticulture can injure them and create lasting pain. Having a pair of excellent knee pads for gardening can help cushion the knees to provide additional comfort.

TIP! Take extra care of any fragile shrubs that are known to drop their leaves in the autumn. Tender, potted shrubs must be protected when the weather is cold.

Do you like mint, but not how they ruin your garden? Keep your mint growth under control by planting them in pots and/or garden containers. By using a separate containment unit, you are limiting the plant’s ability to spread its roots and subsequently grow like wildfire. You can even plant the entire pot so that it still looks just like another plant in your garden.

TIP! If many of the plants in your garden grow close to the ground, some gardening knee pads will prevent pain and knee injuries. The amount of time that you spend gardening on your knees can make your knees hurt by the time you are done.

See to it that you fertilize your garden. One type of fertilizer that really helps plants grow is manure, but be sure to utilize a type that is commercially composted to reduce the chances of pathogens. 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! Many people delight in the taste of fresh mint leaves, but become frustrated when the plant spreads wildly. That’s why it’s better to place mint in containers rather than letting it have free rein in your garden.

In order to rid your garden of pests, take advantage of plant materials and other organic matter. 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. If you place wood ash around the base portion of a shrub seedling or tree, you will ward off insect pests. Using methods like these eliminates the need for chemical pesticides, which can be harsh or even harmful.

TIP! In order to start the best garden possible, remember that you should always start with the seeds and not pre-purchased plants. Starting with your own seeds is more environmentally friendly than buying plants from a nursery.

To ensure a healthy garden, make sure you surround your plants with a few inches of good organic mulch. Mulch is used to keep extra moisture and provide nutrients for your plants. It can also prevent weeds from growing. You will be able to save the time you would spend watering your plants and pulling out weeds.

TIP! If you are a first time gardener, it is important that you follow all of the instructions on all of your tools and chemicals. If you use your gardening chemicals wrong, you can abrade or even burn your skin.

Take a look at planting berry-producing evergreens in your yard. These year-round berries will give the rest of your yard a much-needed pop of color, especially in the winter. The American Holly, American Cranberrybush, the Winterberry, and the Common Snowberry help provide color during the winter.

TIP! To create an attractive, quintessentially English garden, you need to use a mixture of different plants that all grow to varying heights in each bed. If you use plants that are all the same size your garden will look flat.

Choose one stand-out plant to be a focal point. Any great garden design involves using a focal point to grab someone’s attention and keep it there. Frequently, it will be a plant that’s very different from others in the neighborhood.

TIP! When you are organic gardening, ask your children to lend a hand. The benefits for your children will be a closer bond with nature and an understanding of where food comes from.

Avoid damage from the sun by dressing correctly when you garden. Pair sunglasses with wide-brimmed hats and a dab of sunblock. Using the right protection from the harmful rays of the sun means less of a chance of you getting sunburn and skin cancer.

TIP! If you are growing plants organically indoors, you have to consider the light that they are getting. If you live somewhere without strong natural sunlight, you might want to look into growing plants that thrive in lower-light environments.

If little ones live in your home, consider including everbearing strawberries in the garden plot. You will find that they enjoy participating in gardening if they are allowed to pluck the fresh berries and eat them straight from the earth.

TIP! Make the most of the time spent in your garden. One of the biggest time wasters is not keeping track of your tools and having to look for them every time you need them.

You never want to do any horticulture 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 will likely become infected if it is exposed to dirt when horticulture. You can get bandages that can completely seal your cut.

TIP! Use equal parts of green and dried plant material in your compost pile. Green plant material consists of spent flowers, veggie and fruit waste, leaves, weeds, and grass clippings.

Take your time when planting seeds. You need to start by adding moisture to the soil. Take the seeds and place them evenly across the horticulture area, giving them plenty of space to grow. The depth at which you bury them should be three times their size. Make sure you are not burying the seeds that need light to grow.

TIP! Organic gardening is harder than relying on chemicals, but the results are worth it. Although chemical fertilizers and pesticides can offer impressive claims, choosing the organic route will always yield the best food in the end.

Make horticulture efficient. By having your tools in one location, you will not spend hours looking for them. Keep your tools well-maintained and stored away in a designated place. That way you always know where they are and they are ready to use when you need them. You may also wish to invest in a tool belt to keep all of your tools within reach while horticulture.

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

In conclusion, creating and maintaining an organic garden requires hard work, effort and research. For the best possible results, one must be willing to put forth a lot of energy into their gardening. If you keep the tips provided here in mind, you can find your way to organic gardening success. Enjoy your harvest!

Helpful Advice And Tips On Organic Gardening

~ craigb

TIP! Think about planting your seeds in indoor pots and then transplanting them to your garden once they become seedlings. They are then more likely to survive and to become thriving, mature plants.

Organic produce is both nutritious and tasty, far surpassing the typical supermarket selection of fruits and vegetables. You could save money by growing your own fruits and vegetables instead of getting them from the store. This article will show you how to plan an organic garden right in your own yard.

TIP! The handles of your tools can double as clever rulers. Tools with long handles such as hoes and rakes can double as measuring sticks.

Use the handles of your tools as a handy ruler when doing your outdoor chores. Tools with long handles, such as rakes, shovels or hoes can work as great measuring sticks. Lay the handles upon the floor and use a tape measure along side of them. It’s a good idea to label distances with a permanent marker. Next time you work in the garden, you can have a larger ruler with you!

TIP! Plants need CO2 grow well. A major portion of plants grow their best in an environment with a saturated level of CO2.

Keeping your garden soil rich and healthy is the best way to discourage garden pests. If you are producing healthy plants, they will be stronger and better able to resist bugs and diseases. Use a high-quality organic soil and as few chemicals as possible.

TIP! While caring for your garden in the fall, you will want to keep a lookout for stinkbugs. They enjoy tomatoes, peppers, beans, and many different varieties of fruits.

Brighten your garden with biennials and annuals. These flowers grow quickly and can be planted at any time during the year. If you want to maintain a flower garden all year or you want to add new flowers to reflect the changing seasons, annuals and biennials are for you. They can be used to fill in gaps in your garden between the perennials or shrubs so your garden looks fuller. There are plenty of varieties including petunia, marigold, cosmos, sunflower, hollyhock, and rudbeckia.

TIP! Use bulbs to ensure continuous flowers throughout the spring and summer. Not only are bulbs hearty and easy to grow, but they’ll continue to grow as time goes on.

Soak the seeds and store in a dark area overnight. Place some seeds in your smaller pots and add water almost to the brim. This will keep seeds hydrated and help them to grow faster. This improves the chances of successful plant development.

TIP! Give them a boost by watering them with the cooled water that is left after steaming vegetables. Some plants, such as gardenias, azaleas and rhododendrons need acidic soil for proper growth.

If you are considering planting a garden take the time to plan it out. This will assist you in recognizing your tiny plants when they start to pop up. Another benefit is that you won’t lose the little plants in a big garden patch.

TIP! Choose a plant as a focal point. A focal point, in a strong garden design, will attract eyes and hold them there.

Don’t forget to use a good fertilizer in your garden. Manure helps your plants grow. Make sure you use a product that is commercially composted so you don’t risk adding pathogens to your garden. The options for fertilizing are vast and include environmentally sound choices, so no matter which you choose, just be sure to use one.

TIP! I

Use a wheelbarrow and a kneeling stool when you’re working in your garden. Horticulture can take a toll on the knees, but a small ergonomic stool will be a comfortable solution. Using a wheelbarrow or wagon to transport heavy loads of dirt will help protect you from back injuries so make sure that you have one.

TIP! If you plan to raise organic plants inside, you need to think about how much light they will get. If your dwelling does not enjoy a great deal of natural sunlight, it makes sense to grow only those varieties meant to thrive in such environments.

Pouring the excess water from your dinner of steamed veggies on them can help. It is also possible to utilize coffee ground or tea to make the soil more acidic for gardenias, rhododendrons and other plants that prefer acidic soil. Spray your plants with a 9:1 mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide to eliminate fungus without harming your plants.

TIP! For some plants, pine needles makes an ideal mulch. There are many common acidic plants that prefer acidic soil.

Be sure to plant using the colors of Fall. However, that does not have to be the case! The brightest season of the year when it comes to foliage is fall. Fall hues of orange, yellow and red can be seen falling from maple trees, and dogwoods and beech trees offer comparable spectacles. When selecting shrubs, consider barberry, hydrangea, or cotoneaster.

TIP! Be aware of spacing considerations when you are first planting your organic garden. Many people don’t realize exactly how much space a plant needs when it grows.

Gardeners who are intrigued by the ideas of organic and sustainable methods should think about designating a portion of their landscape to support native plants and animals. Certain wildlife can be good for an organic garden; birds and insects can help your plants reproduce and be as healthy as they can be!

TIP! Use an old laundry basket to collect your produce. This will be like a strainer for all your produce.

If you can’t wait for a cut to heal before digging in the dirt, then at least protect your cuts from exposure. If grime gets into the cut, it could become infected. There are bandages out there now that can seal cuts completely.

TIP! Do you want to kill weeds naturally? You should layer some newspaper to get weeds under control. In order to grow, weeds need sunlight.

In order to maximize the efficiency of your gardening, ensure your horticulture tools are kept close by you. You can wear an apron or pants that have a lot of pockets, or use a big bucket or can. Tools you’ll need to garden efficiently include towels, gloves, pruning shears and other plant-specific tools.

TIP! A rule of thumb followed by many planters is to bury the seeds in soil to a depth of around three times the diameter of the actual seed. Some seeds need to be in direct sunlight, though, so you need to know information about each type of seed.

Make the most of the time spent in your garden. If it takes you thirty minutes to find a needed tool, then you are doing something wrong. In addition to keeping your gardening tools in one location, you should also clean your tools after each use. You can use a tool belt for this purpose, or choose pants that contain several large pockets.

TIP! Organic gardening is more difficult than gardening with chemicals, but you will reap a greater reward. Harsh chemicals may be easier to use, but they can affect the nutrition and taste of your vegetables.

When planting seeds in containers, remember that the planting depth should be around three times bigger than the seed size. There are some seeds, however, that you should not cover at all, since they need sunlight to germinate. Among the seeds meeting this definition are ageratum and petunias. 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.

There’s no need to buy produce that’s not up to standard. By following the advice in this article, you will soon be growing your own healthy veggies and fruits!

Tired Of Chemicals? Grow An Organic Garden With These Tips

~ craigb

TIP! Use your tool handles as rulers in the garden. Tools with long handles, such as a shovel or rake, are absolutely perfect for this job, and make your workload a little bit smaller.

Taking the time to use good gardening practices really shows in the end. It shows that you care about taking care of your plants and that you want them to grow up healthy. This is an admirable thing. However, you can always find new things to learn about, and improve your skills. Read this article to become a better gardener.

TIP! Plant perennials that are slug-proof. These creatures can wreak havoc on a garden in a short time.

It may be helpful to let your plants begin their life in a pot and to transfer them to your garden when they’re seedlings. By allowing them to sprout first, you are increasing the odds of a seedling reaching maturity. This also helps tighten time between plantings. The seedlings are ready to go, once you remove the mature plants.

TIP! Having healthy soil in your garden will help your plants avoid insect pests. Healthy soil encourages vigorous plant growth and makes your garden more resistant to common diseases and insects.

Get a slug-proof variety of perennials. Slugs and snails are voracious eaters that can destroy a plant literally overnight. They’re particularly fond of perennials with smooth and thin leaves, especially if the plants are young. Some perennials are not preferred meals for snails and slugs, especially if their foliage is hairy and tough, or tastes bad. Some of the best varieties of these include achillea, campanula, euphorbia, and heuchera.

Knee Pads

TIP! Let your new seeds soak in a dark spot overnight. Drop your seeds into a small jar that is filled with cold water.

If many of the plants in your garden grow close to the ground, some horticulture knee pads will prevent pain and knee injuries. 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. Having a pair of excellent knee pads for gardening can help cushion the knees to provide additional comfort.

TIP! In order to rid your garden of pests, take advantage of plant materials and other organic matter. A border of marigolds or onions around your veggies can prevent slugs.

You could try to boil weeds if you are trying to remain organic. One of the safest “herbicides” you can find is a pot of boiling water. Just pour boiling water directly on top of the weeds cautiously to avoid damaging your plants. Boiling water is not good for the weed roots and will stunt further growth.

TIP! Apply organic mulch generously around your vegetable plants. Mulch helps the soil surrounding the plants remain moister for a longer time.

Think about using evergreens in your yard that produce berries during the year. These types of trees can offer your garden a splash of color, especially during the winter when all other plants and trees have lost their hues. Some examples include Holly, Snowberry trees, Winterberry and similar plants.

TIP! Keeping pests out of a vegetable garden can be difficult. The vegetables are intended to be eaten, thus you should refrain from using harsh pesticides and chemicals.

To keep your dog out of your garden, spray old perfume, aftershave, or other scented items in the grass around it. This will help mask the scents that attract your dog, and will make your garden a less interesting place for your pet to be.

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

Any time that you are gardening in direct sunlight, dress appropriately to prevent skin damage. Wear sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and sunblock. Wearing sun protection is important to help ward off the unnecessary pain of sunburn, and it will help lessen your skin cancer risk, too.

TIP! Be careful how you water your garden. Soaker hoses save time by watering all of your plants at once, rather than individually with a standard hose or watering can.

Heather is a magnet for friendly insects. Heather attracts bees, and when they come out in the spring, this provides an early nectar source. It is common to find all types of insects inside of an undisturbed heather bed. Protect yourself from being surprised by these bugs by donning gardening gloves before disturbing your heather beds.

TIP! Always dress appropriately when gardening in order to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun. Make sure you wear a wide brimmed hat along with sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen.

Your children will enjoy the experience of working with you in the organic garden. Growing a garden offers a unique learning experience, and you and your child can grow closer while growing healthy food for your family.

TIP! Grow heather so that you can attract useful insects. Heather is great for getting bees to stop by at the beginning of spring, as heather plants have nectar available early in the season.

Plants growing in your home need a constant temperature of no less than 65 degrees. Indoor plants grow best at these warm temperatures. You can also buy a heat lamp to maintain ideal conditions for your inside plants during the winter.

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. A cut will likely become infected if it is exposed to dirt when gardening.

When you are working in your garden, you will want to have all of your tools in a convenient location. Don’t spend 30 minutes searching for a tool. Have all of your tools gathered and prepared for use before you work in the garden, and make sure to put them away neatly. Even something like a carpenter’s tool belt or some cargo jeans work well to keep tools organized.

Pine Needles

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

Do not overlook the benefits of pine mulch for your garden. Many types of plants thrive in soil that has high acid levels. If you have some of these plants, then pine needles are an easy way to add acid to their bed. Cover the plots with pine needles. As the pine needles decay, they’ll raise the soil’s acidity.

TIP! Every year, you should plant different things and in different places. If you keep planting the same thing in a particular area every year, it can cause a buildup of disease in the 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, it is important to understand that some seeds require sunlight and should never be covered. Among the seeds meeting this definition are ageratum and petunias. If you don’t know whether your seeds require sun exposure, check the seed package or search online for the information.

Treated Wood

TIP! When deciding which plants you want to focus your organic gardening efforts on, you should be as specific as possible. You will need to cultivate specific environments for various vegetables and plants.

Use untreated stone, brick or wood to build raised beds. If you choose wood, ensure that it has not been treated with a sealant or other chemicals. Some good woods are locust, cedar and cypress. In order to avoid toxic substances from getting into the ground and perhaps into your vegetables, avoid using treated wood to enclose or demarcate different sections of your vegetable garden. If your existing garden structure contains treated wood, at least take the time to make a plastic lining beneath the soil.

TIP! Plant your landscaping trees in places that will provide 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.

You have the tools, the products, and the skill set to apply those tips to your organic garden. This is a positive thing. Learning is a constant process, so use the insights gained here to enhance your skills in organic gardening. Hopefully, you’ve learned things that will help make your organic garden beautiful.

Gardening Like A Pro: Organic Gardening Tips

~ craigb

TIP! Start your plants in containers before transferring them to the garden. This raises the chances of the plants growing until adulthood.

There are many sources of advice and information about gardening techniques. You can easily go through an entire day looking at various websites, and searching for tips that can help your garden. If you are ready to start creating your own garden you don’t have to learn everything there is to know about horticulture, but you will want to pay attention to a few important steps that can increase the success you will have with planting and maintaining your garden. Read on to start learning.

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.

Start your plants in containers before transferring them to the garden. This boosts the chance that the plants can survive to adulthood. In addition, it offers you a smaller time frame between plantings. As soon as the mature plants are removed, you can replace them with fresh seedlings.

TIP! When fall is here, you need to plant autumn edibles. This year, instead of using your regular clay pots to plant your kale and lettuce, use a pumpkin as the container instead! To use the pumpkin as a planter, it is important to prevent it from rotting.

When dealing with any type of seeds in gardening, it’s important that you soak them overnight in a cool, dark location. Place a small amount of seeds in a little container, while filling it to the brim with water. That way, the seeds will have sufficient hydration and will have the best start possible. The seeds will have a better chance of surviving and maturing.

TIP! 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.

Allow enough room between plants for air to circulate, so that plants do not stay too wet. Damp leaves can lead to plant disease and parasites. A fungus is one of the most important and debilitating parasites for 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! Prior to planting your garden, devise a plan. Use your seed packages to make fun markers that will remind you where each type of plant is growing.

Learn the best harvesting time for each kind of vegetable you plant. Most vegetables have a relatively small harvesting window when they will taste best. Peas, for instance, should be harvested rather young if you wish to obtain the best flavors and texture. On the contrary, tomatoes shouldn’t be picked from the vine until they are ripe as can be. So, make sure you do some research, and find out when the best time to harvest your vegetables is.

TIP! If your garden contains lots of short plants, purchase some gardening knee pads. Weeding, watering and picking through your vegetation can cause a lot of damage to your knees if left unprotected.

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. Wear sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and sunblock. Using the right protection from the harmful rays of the sun means less of a chance of you getting sunburn and skin cancer.

TIP! Split up your irises. You can divide those overgrown clumps and increase the amount of irises you have.

Vegetables are softer in the heat of the hottest part of the day; even gently picking them at that time can damage them. Cut vegetables to remove them from vines rather than twisting and pulling them. Twisting vegetables off vines damages them.

TIP! Interested in using Mother Nature to keep pests at bay the natural way? Forming a border around your vegetable garden with marigolds or onions are ideal for repelling slugs. Insect pests will stay away from seedlings and trees if you use wood ash around the base as a mulch.

The ideal temperature to set your thermostat for indoor plants is between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit during the daylight hours. Warm temperatures encourage plant growth. If there are times during the year when you would prefer not to have the temperature that high, another solution you can utilize is to purchase heat lamps for your organic plants.

Flower Beds

TIP! Keep your pet out of the garden with old perfume or aftershave in the grass. Using this will cover up the odors that your dog likes and will cut down on the intrigue of your landscaping for your furry friend.

The optimal amount of organic mulch to use in your flower beds is 2-3 inches. Mulching is the perfect way to lock in moisture, nourish soil, and to keep away weeds. This also gives your flower beds a more aesthetic aspect.

TIP! One way to help your organic garden thrive is to leave an undeveloped area that is conducive to the wildlife around your area. 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.

Pine is a mulch that is great. There are some plants that thrive in acidic soil. If that’s the case, the easiest thing to do is use pine needles for beds. Sprinkle the pine needles over your beds. As the needles decompose, they add to the acid level in the soil.

TIP! When you are growing organic plants within the home or an enclosed area, considering how much light the plants will receive must be emphasized. The amount of light available can determine which type of organic plants you should grow.

Increase the value of your property! Landscaping can make the value of your property go up. Certain plant investments could raise your home’s resale value by approximately 20% or possibly more! Plants that are low in moisture and suit your environment are a good investment.

TIP! After your seeds sprout, the containers do not need to stay as warm as they once did. You should move your sprouted plants farther from the heat when they are past the sprouting stage.

Mulch is necessary for a healthy soil. Protection is provided by placing the layer of mulch upon the soil. This protective effect is especially important during the summer, as it protects the roots from the effects of the heat. The layer of mulch will also minimize evaporation, reducing your need to water as frequently as you would a garden without mulch. This also helps all the weeds you have stay under control, relieving stress from your shoulders.

TIP! Organic fruits and vegetables grow without being exposed to pesticides and other chemicals. 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.

If you over-water your plants, they can’t get all the nutrients they need from the dirt. Check the weather for the next couple of days to see if you actually need to water your plants. After reviewing the weather forecast, you can decide whether or not to spend the time and resources watering the garden.

TIP! When setting up an organic garden, plant tomatoes three weeks apart. The reason is, this will prevent your entire harvest from coming in all at once.

Make sure you plant your garden in different areas every year. Planting the same family of plants in the same area over and over can cause disease and fungus to start growing. The diseases and fungi are harbored in the soil and are ready to make a comeback each year. However, by alternating the locations of your different types of plants, you can naturally prevent the fungi and diseases from developing.

TIP! Build a garden full of diversity. Packing your garden with multiple species and varieties helps ensure you attract wildlife.

Knowing what you are doing in the garden can be very satisfying. The rewards increase as you develop your skills and your garden flourishes. You should take all the good information you can get. Start out with the tips you have learned from this article, and soon you will have an amazing garden that you thought was never possible.

Grow Organic Produce For Your Family With These Tips

~ craigb

TIP! Think about starting plants in pots, and then placing the seedlings in the garden later. Doing this will increase the survival rate of all your outdoor plants.

Organic gardening can really be an intelligent move for having a healthier diet. You will have to put in some time and energy to be successful in this venture, however. This can leave you wondering where to start when it comes to organic gardening.

TIP! A garden needs the right type of soil to grow properly. Many nurseries offer a soil analysis service, which will tell you what nutrients your soil is lacking and what you can do about it.

Fight pests before you even plant, by getting your soil in shape. Healthy soil encourages vigorous plant growth and makes your garden more resistant to common diseases and insects. 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.

TIP! While caring for your garden in the fall, you will want to keep a lookout for stinkbugs. These bugs like to eat beans, peppers, tomatoes, and many kinds of fruits.

When horticulture, beware of stink bugs and other insects, particularly in the autumn. These destructive pests enjoy many kinds of fruit, as well as beans, peppers and tomatoes. If you don’t take care of them, they can decimate your garden, so it’s best to do all you can to get rid of them.

TIP! Prepare your seeds by soaking them in a dark environment. Take 3-4 seeds, put them in a small jar or container, and cover them with water.

You can plant wheat grass or cat grass near the plants that the cat eats. Additionally, use your cat’s keen sense of smell to your advantage. Citrus fruit peels and mothballs both smell horrible to cats, so put them on the soil near the plants your cat likes to eat.

TIP! Sometimes the soil you want to use for your garden has a high alkaline content. Combine coffee grounds with the soil to reduce this.

Always make sure to mow your lawn to the appropriate length, always making sure that the cut is not too close. If you leave your grass a bit longer, the roots can grow deeper. This results in a lawn that is stronger and less likely to dry out. The shorter the grass, the shallower the roots, which makes the lawn more likely to develop brown patches.

TIP! Take extra care of any fragile shrubs that are known to drop their leaves in the autumn. If you have some tender shrubs that are in planters, you need to protect them from cold weather.

Do you ever wish that your fresh mint leaves would not grow as quickly and overcome your garden? Instead of planting mint in your garden, keep it in a large container or pot to prevent it from spreading. 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! Make sure you read instructions on products and tools before using them. If you use your gardening chemicals wrong, you can abrade or even burn your skin.

Split up your irises. Overgrown clumps of irises can be divided up to increase your numbers of this lovely flower. When foliage is dead, lift bulbous irises. The bulbs, when harvested, should easily split by hand – allowing you to replant them for even more blooms next spring. You should split up rhizomes by utilizing a blade. Cut healthy pieces from the root stalk and throw out the dead center. Be sure to retain a sturdy offshoot on every piece that you intend to plant. You also need to make sure that you replant the new pieces as soon as possible.

TIP! When deciding on which plants to include in your landscaping projects, consider evergreens which produce colorful berries. These help to give your garden nice looking color, even during winter when most vegetation is colorless.

Peas have a better chance of survival when their seeds are started indoors as opposed to outside, exposed to the elements. When you plant the seeds indoors, your seeds will start to germinate better. Give the seeds enough time to get stronger: growing indoors will make it easier for your plants to resist diseases and the pesky bugs. Once they are strong enough, you can transplant them outside.

TIP! Learn the best harvest time for each vegetable. Every veggie variety has an ideal time frame for picking, so it’s important to catch them when their flavors peak.

Try planting berry-bearing evergreens in your yard. These plants will look good year-round, even during the winter, when your other plants have lost their bloom. Other plants that boast of winter berries include: Holly, Snowberry and Winterberry.

TIP! Make sure your pesticides are focused on only what you’re trying to kill. These pesticides can kill the useful insects that work as predators to pests.

Know when is the best time to harvest your vegetables. Different vegetables have different, ideal times that they should be picked for best flavor. For example, baby peas and zucchini taste best when they are picked young. On the other hand, tomatoes taste best when they are as ripe as possible from the vine. Take some time to learn about the best harvest time for the vegetables that you have growing.

TIP! Allow your children to actively participate in planting your organic garden. Gardening is a great way for children to learn, and it gives you two a chance to spend some quality time together and produce healthy food.

Have all of your tools available to you as you garden to increase efficiency. Keep the tools in a big bucket, or store them in strong pockets in your pants. Keep your gloves, pruning shears, a hand spade and your other tools handy to quickly and easily do your garden maintenance.

TIP! As you are working in your garden, you must take care to protect both knees. Not everyone has the ability to remain standing in a bent position for an extended time.

Store a few plastic bags near your garden to slip on over your dirty gardening shoes. This helps you stay in the zone so that you can continue horticulture when you have completed your tasks in the house.

TIP! Increase the worth of your investment. Landscaping your property provides one of the best returns on home improvement.

Enhance your property value and beauty with horticulture and landscaping. You can get a very high return from improving your home through landscaping. Strategic landscaping can increase the resale value of your home up to 20%, if you choose the right plants. You should purchase plants that are well-suited to your landscape and environmental conditions.

TIP! Try using untreated stone, brick, or wood to create a raised bed. If you choose to use wood, see to it that it’s untreated and that it can resist rotting.

One of the most wonderful things about buying food that is organic is that they don’t contain pesticides. While this is great for your loved ones’ health, still check for pests and bugs.

TIP! You may want to grow garlic organically. You can place garlic cloves directly into the moist, fertile soil during spring or autumn months.

You need to be very specific about what organic plants you plan to grow in the garden. Not all varieties of flowers and produce are suited to the same type of environment. As an example, take the beautiful rose bush. There are hundreds of variances available and while some will do well in your garden, others won’t. So make certain that you are picking the distinct varieties of plants that are able to call your garden home.

TIP! If you want your starts to thrive, take the time to look underneath the ground. Oftentimes, tomato seedlings that show verdant green starts have poor roots.

As you have read, a lot of hard work and homework go into producing a plentiful organic garden. For the best results, you need to be dedicated to the work. If you keep all these suggestions in mind, you have taken the right steps towards becoming a successful organic gardener.

Avoid Failure When Horticulture With These Tips

~ craigb

TIP! Your first and best line of defense against pests is having healthy soil. Healthy plants can better ward off pests and diseases.

An organic garden can be an essential part of a healthy diet, but understanding it and buying the right equipment can be tricky. Additionally, there are a variety of seeds with different planting times to consider. The following tips will help you make the most of your organic garden.

TIP! Brighten up your flower beds with annuals and biennials. You can use biennial and annual flowers to brighten the bed, and let you change how it looks.

Clay soil can be a real pain to work with as it often sticks to the end of the shovel. To make your digging project easier, apply a coat of automobile wax to your shovel first and then buff it lightly. This will keep the soil from sticking, and prevent rusting of the tool.

TIP! Before you even place the first plant in your garden, you need to check the composition of 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.

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 also grow through tress and shrubs that are already grown, or you can train them to cover your arbor. Some varieties of these plants will have to be tethered to some sort of support, but other varieties will be able to attach to the medium they are climbing. Climbing roses, honeysuckle, wisteria, clematis, and jasmine are some great plants to try out.

TIP! When it’s autumn, you know what that means. It’s time to plant fall vegetables! Try using a pumpkin as a natural plant pot.

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. White vinegar can be a good solution. That’s right, you have safe way to get rid of weeds right there in your kitchen cabinet. If you’re annoyed with pulling up weeds manually, douse them with a white vinegar solution.

TIP! Don’t mow your grass too short. If you leave more height to your grass, the roots will grow deeper into the soil, making the lawn stronger and more resistant to drying out.

Soak seeds overnight, preferably in a cool, dark place. Place your seeds in a container filled with water. This will allow seeds to be watered and they will get a kick start when growing. This improves the chances of successful plant development.

TIP! Draw up a garden plan before you plant the first seed. This way, you will remember the places you planted your seeds when they start sprouting.

Coffee grounds can be used to amend soils that are high in alkaline. This affordable trick will give back the acid that your dirt requires. This simple act can lead to vegetables that taste better and look more appealing.

Natural Materials

TIP! Consider planting evergreens in your garden that produce berries. These types of trees can offer your garden a splash of color, especially during the winter when all other plants and trees have lost their hues.

Natural materials or some other plants can be used in your garden for keeping away pests. Plant marigolds or onions around other vegetables to keep slugs away from them. Wood ash around your tree will help you keep pests away as well. Natural materials and plants can be just as effective as chemical pesticides at keeping unwanted visitors out of your garden!

TIP! You should be cognizant of the peak time for harvesting your vegetables. Each type of vegetables has its own ideal time for picking for the best flavor.

It is particularly important for new gardeners to read and follow instructions that come with tools, as well as chemicals. If you do not do this very simple step, you can end up causing skin irritation problems that are very painful. Keep yourself safe and always follow instructions.

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

The warmth of the day can make vegetables soft, making them more prone to damage as you pick them. Twisting could cause plant damage, so ensure that produce is removed by cutting only.

TIP! Choose one stand-out plant to be a focal point. A focal point in the garden will capture your attention.

Plants growing in your home need a constant temperature of no less than 65 degrees. This level of heat is required in order for plants 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! Vegetables are softer in the heat of the hottest part of the day; even gently picking them at that time can damage them. For vegetables growing on vines, cut them carefully rather than twisting them off to avoid damage to the plant.

Use about two to three inches of organic material as mulch in all of your flower beds. Mulching is the perfect way to lock in moisture, nourish soil, and to keep away weeds. You will also have a gorgeous and finished organic flower bed.

TIP! If slugs are disrupting the balance of your garden, you can diminish their population by using a beer trap. Start by burying a wide-mouth jar in the soil, ensuring that the rim of the jar is just at the soil’s surface.

Organize your gardening so that you can work efficiently. Have your tools laid out in an orderly way so you do not have to search for 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 need, use a tool belt or even pants that have quite a few pockets.

TIP! 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.

Horticulture can actually increase the value of your property! Improving your landscape is one of the best ways to get a high return from your house. When you invest into plants they can do a lot to your home, they can raise the resale value of your home by 20% and possibly more. Try to find plants that are relatively low-moisture plants, suited well to your particular environment. This will add a lot of value to your property.

TIP! You may want to grow garlic organically. Wait until early spring or the fall to plant cloves in a moist soil.

Use an old laundry basket to gather your vegetables and fruits. The basket will make a great strainer when you wash your vegetables. You can rinse your produce off while it is in the basket, and the excess water will strain through the holes of your laundry basket.

TIP! When mulching your flowerbed or garden, most people recommend adding about three inches of mulch. Your garden will look more professional, have fewer weeds, and benefit from the moisture control and additional nutrients.

Once a year, you must rotate your garden. Fungus and disease are more likely to affect plants if they stay in the same location for long periods of time, especially if they belong to the same family. These plant enemies can become stored in the ground, ready to attack your plants the following year. By changing up varieties and locations, you are reducing the chances of damaging your plants.

TIP! Know what you’d specifically like to grow within your organic garden. Different variations of a certain flower or vegetable need different kinds of environments.

When planting tomatoes in your organic garden, a great tip is to plant another set of tomatoes after three weeks of planting the original ones. This allows your harvest to grow in stages. If there’s an issue with one of your harvests, you’ll still have a batch of tomatoes that are safe.

Organic Garden

TIP! Consider the value of the crops you choose to grow. Buy what crops you personally like in large quantity.

As mentioned earlier, an organic garden could be a valuable asset for improving your diet. It is also important to be knowledgeable of the various types of plants that you can choose from. Use the tips and advice presented here to get the most of your organic garden. It can be a source of pleasure for years to come.

Solid Advice To Make Your Organic Garden A Success

~ craigb

TIP! The handles on your gardening tools can be used as a convenient measuring instrument. Tools with long handles, such as rakes, hoes, and shovels can be converted into handy measuring sticks.

The rewards of an organic garden to your health and eating pleasure are innumerable. Taking care of a garden does require effort in order to make things grow. Knowing where to start when planning an organic garden can be a little confusing.

TIP! Keep your plants thriving through the winter by bringing them inside. Perhaps you can save your most expensive or resistant plants.

You can alleviate this problem by planting grasses that your cat will naturally gravitate towards. 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! All plants need an adequate supply of carbon dioxide in order to thrive. With a high level of CO2 plants will grow much better.

If your garden includes vegetables, make sure you plant them in a location whether they are exposed to sunlight for a minimum of six hours each day. Many vegetables need about this much sun to grow quickly. The same can be said for some flowers.

TIP! Be sure to get rid of the weeds growing in your garden. Weeds can turn a beautiful garden into an eyesore.

Using natural materials in the garden will keep pests away. Slugs are repelled by bordering your vegetable garden with either onions or marigolds. You can also mulch around trees and shrubs with wood ash, which drives away insects. By utilizing these methods, you will not have to apply chemical pesticides on your vegetation.

Organic Mulch

TIP! Take the time to spread around five centimeters of organic mulch near your vegetable plants. Mulch helps the soil surrounding the plants remain moister for a longer time.

Place organic mulch as close to your vegetables as you can. The organic mulch will keep moisture in the soil for a little longer. In addition, mulch will help you to prevent weeds. Every gardener can appreciate pulling fewer weeds.

TIP! Pest control is tough when you have a veggie garden. Do not spray harsh chemicals on the vegetables you are going to eat.

Pest control is very difficult if you are dealing with your veggie garden. One major benefit of growing your own produce is knowing that they haven’t been treated with pesticides and other harsh chemicals. There is only one way to effectively control pests in your garden, and that is to stay vigilant in your efforts. When you see bugs, remove them by hand before they have a chance of spreading.

TIP! Choose plants that will provide color in autumn. That doesn’t have to be it though.

Use common sense when watering your garden. Soaker hoses save time by watering all of your plants at once, rather than individually with a standard hose or watering can. To avoid damaging delicate plants, you should water them with low pressure. Just use it on your foliage for a few hours.

TIP! You can attract the insects you need by planting heather. Bees will go straight for these plants in the spring.

If you pick vegetables around high noon when it is very hot, you are likely to damage them. Do not twist the vegetable to remove it from the vine; instead, cut the stem to avoid damaging the plant.

TIP! If you are growing plants organically indoors, you have to consider the light that they are getting. If your apartment or home does not receive a huge amount of sunlight, you might want to grow plants that adapt to medium and low light environments instead.

When growing plants inside of the house, you should ensure the thermostat is set at around 65-75 degrees in the daytime. Plants need to be in an environment that is neither too warm nor too cool for them to grow. If you wish to keep your house cooler than that, you may want to use a heat lamp just for the plants.

TIP! Create a space perfect for any perennial garden with this easy method. Using a garden spade, dig underneath the turf and flip it.

After your seeds sprout, the containers do not need to stay as warm as they once did. Remove plants from the heated environment once they begin growing. Plastic films should be removed on the containers, as that helps to keep out humidity and warmth. Watch the seeds so you can know when you do this.

TIP! When mulching your flower beds, aim for anywhere between two or three inches of mulch. This is a good way to keep weed growth at bay and add nutrients that you need in your garden.

Store a few plastic bags near your garden to slip on over your dirty horticulture shoes. You’ll be able to keep your momentum going without needing to take off your shoes, and stay on track with your horticulture project.

Compost Pile

TIP! You should always take spacing into account when placing plants in your organic garden. It’s common to not think about how much space a plant will need once it’s full grown, and you don’t want to crowd your garden.

Your compost pile should contain green plants and dried ones in equal amounts. Examples of good green material to use for compost include grass clippings, flowers, leaves, and weeds. Dried materials are things like hay, wood shavings, cardboard and paper. Your compost pile should never contain meat, ashes or charcoal.

TIP! Have you ever given any thought to using organic gardening methods to grow garlic? Plant garlic cloves individually. Do this in early spring or during the fall in moist and well drained soils.

If you are starting your seedlings out in small containers, you should use a layer of potting soil that is three times as deep as the size of a single seed. Some seeds need sunlight and should not be buried. This is true of popular flowers like petunias and zinnias. If you do now know how to plant your seed, consult the information that came with the seed when you bought it or check online for helpful information.

TIP! Look up local botanical insecticides; they can be very useful in keeping the pest population at bay. Sometimes natural insecticides are more efficient than the synthetic pesticides you can buy.

A beer trap can help to eradicate slugs. Take a glass jar and bury it in your garden, making sure that the lip of the jar is even with the soil. Next, fill up the jar with beer until there is around one inch between the liquid level and the jar top. Slugs are attracted to beer. They will crawl into the jar and be trapped.

TIP! You need to be very specific about what organic plants you plan to grow in the garden. Different plants require different sorts of environments.

You should use wood that is untreated, brick or stone when building the raised bed. If you choose wood, ensure that it has not been treated with a sealant or other chemicals. Some good woods are locust, cedar and cypress. Treated wood has chemicals that can be harmful to a vegetable garden. If you have already used lumber that is treated, you can line it with plastic or another type of barrier.

Organic Horticulture

TIP! If you’ve spent even a little time gardening, you’re probably well aware of how beneficial compost can be, but how much do you know about what it contains? Compost is actually a mixture of grass clippings, wood-chips, leaves, produce scraps, twigs, and straw which all breaks down to “psuedo-soil”. It is recommended that you use this compost in place of commercial fertilizer on your organic garden.

As has been outlined in the above article, you need to research all about organic horticulture, and know that it will take a lot of work and effort in order to grow organic plants of your own. In addition, it’s true that you must be consistent if you want to see results. With the advice from this article, you are now ready to begin a successful organic horticulture adventure.

Tips For Great Organic Horticulture

~ craigb

TIP! Shoveling clay is very difficult and lots of work because the clay is hard and sticks to the shovel, making it tough to handle. Rub a thin layer of floor or car wax over the surface of the shovel, and then buff the surface using a clean cloth.

Depending on the effort you put into it, an organic garden can be a great pleasure or a great pain. If you want to be a great organic gardener, follow these hints.

TIP! 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. Your plants will have a better chance of getting big and healthy! The period between plantings will also be shorter.

Gradually acclimate plants to temperature changes and conditions, if you want to avoid shocking them. Try placing them outside in sunlight for about an hour or maybe two the first day. Over the week, try gradually increasing the time they’re left outside. Once the transition is complete, your plants will probably be able to tolerate the outdoor conditions.

TIP! Slug-proof your garden with smart perennial choices. Slugs and snails will quickly destroy your garden if you let them.

Beginning your garden with healthy soil is your first defense against pests! 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.

TIP! Try using annuals and biennials to add color to your flower beds, and brighten them up. These usually grow quickly, and provide an easy-to-change solution to making your flower beds bright and beautiful.

Brighten your garden with biennials and annuals. These fast growing flowers let you change how your flower bed looks season to season. Use them to fill gaps between shrubs and perennials in the sun. Some examples include sunflowers, marigolds, petunias, hollyhocks, cosmos, and rudbeckia.

Baking Soda

TIP! When fall has arrived, it is time to plant the edibles for the autumn. Rather than using clay pots or planters for your lettuce and kale, plant them in 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.

If you see mildew that is powdery, stay away from expensive chemicals to treat it. Plain water with a bit of liquid soap and baking soda will do the trick. Spray this mix on your plants every week and the mildew should go away. Do not worry about your plants; the baking soda cannot harm them.

TIP! As the weather turns colder, it is important to prepare your sensitive shrubs for the change. Cold weather is very hard on these tender shrubs, and potted shrubs should be shielded and protected.

Plant bulbs if you want spring and summer flowers. These are hearty choices, choices that will reward you for years despite the little effort that is involved in their care. The types of bulbs you use will determine the time of year your flowers will bloom, giving you the pleasure of blooms from spring to summer, if you plant them right.

TIP! When you boil vegetables, use the leftover water on your potted plants. You may fertilize the soil with tea or coffee for plants that favor acidic environments, like rhododendrons and gardenias.

If your garden includes vegetables, make sure you plant them in a location whether they are exposed to sunlight for a minimum of six hours each day. Most members of the vegetable family need this minimum of light for proper growth. This is true of some flowers.

Knee Pads

TIP! Take care of your knees while working in the garden. Many people experience back pain and stiffness from bending over and working in the garden for extended amounts of time.

If your plants do not grown very tall, try buying some knee pads used for horticulture. Kneeling on the ground as you garden will eventually cause serious discomfort for your knees. Using a pair of quality knee pads designed for gardening can provide your knees with cushioning and support, preventing any discomfort.

TIP! Use plastic bags to cover muddy gardening shoes. This way, you can maintain your momentum and head right back to your garden so that you can finish what you were doing.

Make sure air can circulate around your plants, and keep leaves moisture-free. Moisture can be a magnet for disease and parasites on your plants. A common parasite to plants is fungi. Sprays and liquids exist that are perfect for killing the fungi, but be sure you use it on the area before the fungi actually appear.

TIP! Pine needles should not be overlooked as a great source for mulch. Some plants need acidic soil to grow properly, because of their own acid content.

Controlling pests in your vegetable garden can be extremely difficult to deal with. Don’t spray harsh chemicals since they will spoil your veggies. One way to control gardening pests is to be vigilant. If you catch them early, you can take them off the plants by hand.

TIP! Increase your property value with landscaping. One of the best things you can do to increase property value is to have proper landscaping.

Have one plant be the most interesting eye-grabber in your garden. A focal point in the garden will capture your attention. The focal point should be a plant totally different from the others around it.

TIP! If you sell your crops and label them organic, you should get an organic garden certified seal. Having this certification will create a lot of trust with customers.

In order to maximize the efficiency of your horticulture, ensure your horticulture tools are kept close by you. Keep the tools in a big bucket, or store them in strong pockets in your pants. Have shears, a trowel, gloves and other commonly used garden tools portable and easy to access.

TIP! A biologically diverse garden is one of the most interesting and rewarding kinds. The more types of plants you have, the more kinds of wildlife you’ll have.

Space is important to remember when planting an organic garden. People often underestimate how much space plants will need when once they’re grown. You will need to provide this space to provide ample room and because you need air circulating to your garden. Plant the plants appropriately when it comes to spacing the seeds.

TIP! For the best results when gardening, the hole you dig for your plants should be very rustic; think jagged, rough and unappealing. When holes you have dug end up with slick sides due to the shovel you used, it is possible that the roots may not be able to sink into the soil properly.

To be able to say you have legitimate organic and credible crops, you will need to be certified as having an organic garden. This will improve your sales and show your faithful customers that they are getting the best possible food that is grown.

TIP! For flowers and trees, use three inches of organic material as mulch. By using mulch, you will be able to save money on your water bill and help your plants grow.

When choosing plants, dig a little deeper. Oftentimes, tomato seedlings that show verdant green starts have poor roots. The first start remains attached to the developing seedlings for many weeks. Until these sneaky starts fall away, the plant will not grow.

TIP! Weeds are a recurring issue in both organic and traditional gardens. This will help kill off weeds without harming you or the environment.

Before putting shrubs or trees in an organic garden, dig an uneven hole in which to place them. If the hole that you create for them has any “glazed” sides that were caused by a shovel, then it may restrict the root from penetrating into the nearby soil.

Even organic gardens can have trouble with weeds. This organic weed killer is safe for the environment and you.

TIP! Leaves make a great organic compost that you can mix with soil. When the leaves decompose, they turn into a nutrient rich organic compost, providing a healthy addition to your garden soil.

You should put a lot of thought into selecting the plants that will go in your all-natural garden. This is especially true when buying annuals or perennials. Avoid getting ones that are in bloom. You only want ones that have become budded and nothing more. The root system will grow stronger in budded plants than in blooming plants.

TIP! Use plenty of mulch so that your home garden can save water. A greater amount of mulch means less frequent watering of the garden.

Know your organic garden and when the plants are needing water. Obtain a soaker hose to use for the watering. Soaker hoses can provide water directly to your plants’ bases. This stops the water from evaporating, which causes plants to lose moisture and become dehydrated after being watered. Try to do your watering early in the morning before the sun is at its strongest.

Organic Gardening

TIP! Plant dwarf fruit trees in small gardens. Many gardens have tight space requirements, especially if you live in a large city.

As this article has demonstrated, organic gardening is more complex than some may think. While creating a lovely organic garden takes a lot of effort, the results are more than worth the work. Utilizing the advice provided in this article will definitely help you improve your organic gardening techniques.

Working Your Soil So You Can Grow Healthy Plants

~ craigb

TIP! Transfer your favorite plants inside so they survive the winter. You should probably save the most resistant or expensive plants.

Planting an organic garden gives you easy access to a source of healthy food, but buying what you need and getting it set up can be tough for a first-timer. There are a lot of different kinds of seeds you can choose from. Keep reading for insight on what is best suited for the garden of your dreams.

TIP! Many people delight in the taste of fresh mint leaves, but become frustrated when the plant spreads wildly. Stunt their growth a little by planting your mint into a garden container or large pot instead.

In order not to shock your plants, you have to gradually accustom them to the change of temperature and conditions. You need to give them about an hour of sunlight during the first day. Over the course of a week, slowly increase the amount of time that you leave them outside. At week’s end, the plants should be welcoming of their new home.

Select plant varieties capable of producing large yields. In most circumstances, a cold-tolerant or disease-resistant hybrid will have a higher yield when compared to a more traditional variety.

TIP! Place organic mulch as close to your vegetables as you can. The mulch will add beneficial moisture to your soil.

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. 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! Know when is the best time to harvest your vegetables. Every vegetable has a proper time to be picked in order to capture the perfect flavor.

Plan your garden, and plant with fall colors in mind. That doesn’t have to be the case. The foliage in the fall probably exudes more color than any other season. Maple, beech, and dogwood trees are many colors in the fall, from yellow to a deeper crimson. Some vibrant shrubs include hydrangea, barberry, and cotoneaster.

TIP! Make a plant you love the focal point of your garden. Any great garden design involves using a focal point to grab someone’s attention and keep it there.

You don’t want to pick vegetables during the day when it is hot, as that is when they are prone to damage due to them being softer. Make sure to chop the vegetables off the vine, but be careful not to twist them. Twisting can actually damage the plant.

TIP! When you are organic gardening, ask your children to lend a hand. Growing a garden is a great way to teach your children about nature while allowing you to have time to bond with them.

To make a creative English garden, include many different kinds of plants and vary their height in the same garden bed. If you use plants that are all the same size your garden will look flat.

TIP! Are you a parent? If you are, try planting some strawberries like everbearing strawberries in your garden. Kids are quite eager to pick fruit from a garden, and will help with the planting if they get a nice snack out of it at the end.

Let your children be involved in your organic horticulture efforts. Gardening helps your children learn about biological processes and serves as a social activity that helps the family grow closer while eating healthier.

TIP! Keep your plants in a warm, moist environment, if possible. Young plants need a temperature within that specific range to grow.

Protecting your knees while horticulture is essential. Most people can’t bend over while standing up for a long period of time. You should kneel while tending to your plants for the sake of reducing stress to your spine. A kneeling pad can be placed under your knees to help reduce the pain from compression.

TIP! For the best results, properly prepare your garden for planting. The first thing you should do is moisturize the soil.

Do not plant your seeds in a rush. To begin with, you need to dampen the soil sufficiently. Then distribute the seeds so that they are evenly spaced and have sufficient room to grow. The depth at which you bury them should be three times their size. Some seeds you won’t have to bury because they need light in order to grow.

TIP! Work properly in your garden. Don’t spend 30 minutes searching for a tool.

Try to avoid letting your organic garden chores build up. Sometimes it might prove difficult to get in a little horticulture time every day. However, you shouldn’t fret, as there are a few things you can do that can minimize the time you spend gardening when you do manage to get to it. For example, if you are playing in the yard with your child, take a few moments to pull some weeds as well.

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.

In your compost, use green and dried plants in equal parts. Examples of good green material to use for compost include grass clippings, flowers, leaves, and weeds. Dried materials are things like hay, wood shavings, cardboard and paper. Certain substances will undermine your composting efforts and cancel out any benefits; these include meat, charcoal, ash or plants that have diseases or fungal growths.

TIP! Calibrate how much you water based upon the time of the year and the weather conditions. The amount of water needed will change based on time of the day, the content of your municipal water and what your soil make-up is.

Would you like to kill those obnoxious weeds naturally? You can easily control weeds by using layered sheets of newspaper. Weeds need sunlight to grow. The layers of newspaper will kill the weeds because they no longer receive any sunlight. Newspapers easily break down over a period of time, and eventually become a portion of the compost. Add a layer of mulch on top to make it look more attractive!

TIP! After you plant tomatoes in your garden, plant another set three weeks later. The reason for this is because it helps to prevent the entire harvest from producing all at once.

Use a beer trap to capture slugs and stop them from eating your plants. Dig a hole the size of a glass jar, and bury the jar with the top at ground level. Fill the jar with beer about an inch lower than the top. The slugs will be drawn to the beer and then drown in the jar.

TIP! While gardening, be careful of what products you use. There are many organic fertilizers and pesticides available which are much better options than chemicals.

Many organic gardeners get the best results from watering with a soaker hose. This will allow the water to seep slowly into the soil straight to the plant’s roots. Soaker hoses need less water than their sprinkler counterparts, and it takes less of your time to use one than it does to water each plant by hand.

TIP! Here you have organic gardening, simplified! Stick to native plants, grasses, flowers and bushes when you plan out your landscape. Plants that are naturally suited to your environmental parameters are unlikely to require the degree of fertilization and chemical pest protection that would have to be expended on other plants.

Think carefully about any product you buy to use in your garden. Rather than dousing your garden with chemical fertilizers, use an organic alternative. One of the best substances is simple compost. Compared with chemical-based approaches, organic methods are safer for both the people and the planet.

TIP! Try planting your organic garden in the shade. These gardens are low maintenance, which is very appealing to people.

Dig a large hole in the organic garden when you want to plant a shrub or tree. If the sides of the hole show glaze which was caused by the shovel, the root may be restricted from entering into the adjacent soil.

TIP! Make sure any trees you plant near your home are located to provide optimal shade for your home. This can generate greater savings on your electric bill, as the shade provided by the trees offers a natural cooling method that will reduce your consumption of energy.

As discussed earlier, there are many benefits to growing your garden with natural and organic methods. This opens up a world of possibilities for your flowers, vegetables and herbs. The tips in this article will set you on the right path to a successful organic garden, that provides healthy food for your family.