Author: craigb

Easy Techniques For Planting And Maintaining A Garden

~ craigb

TIP! Use your tool handles as rulers in the garden. Tools with long handles, such as rakes, shovels or hoes can work as great measuring sticks.

Many people, while favorably considering the practice, never actually commit themselves to organic gardening. The complexity of it and unfamiliarity with horticulture is daunting and even intimidating to many. This article can help you get the tips you need to make the leap into the fun and beneficial world of organic horticulture.

TIP! Starting a garden with the best soil is a great defense mechanism against pests. Healthy plants can better ward off pests and diseases.

Starting a garden which is pest-free is easy, if you have healthy soil. Healthy soil equals healthy plants and healthy plants can fight off diseases with ease. If you want to get the best plants, begin with a soil that has hardly any chemicals, and that will bring salts.

TIP! There is no need to purchase a costly chemical if your plants develop powdery mildew. Plain water with a bit of liquid soap and baking soda will do the trick.

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. They allow you to select different flowers from one year or season to the next. In addition, you might need something to fill empty spaces in your flower garden. Fill gaps with annuals or biennials. Just make sure the flowers will get enough sun to thrive. Some plants to get you started include petunia, marigold, sunflower, rudbekcia, and cosmos.

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

In the cold winter months, you can salvage certain plants by bringing them into the house. Think about saving your resistant plants or the expensive ones. Dig around the roots carefully and transfer the plant to a pot.

TIP! When mowing your lawn, avoid mowing the grass too short. Keeping grass with a little more height makes it healthier.

Plants will respond with maximum growth if they have the amount of CO2 they require. Often, plants achieve better growth when they are surrounded by high levels of CO2. Greenhouses provide the best levels of CO2 for plants. Make sure to keep CO2 levels high to provide the best growing environment for your plants.

TIP! Draw up a garden plan before you plant the first seed. This will assist you in recognizing your tiny plants when they start to pop up.

Seeds should be soaked in a dark area overnight. Drop some seeds into a small glass or other container, and fill it with water. This will allow your seeds to be hydrated and get a head start when growing. Seeds that are grown in this way have a higher survival and maturity rate.

Grow some wheat grass or cat grass next to the plants your cat seems to prefer. Try putting mothballs or citrus on your soil to wards pets away.

TIP! Be sure to split the irises. You can create additional irises by splitting up irises that are growing into each other’s space.

If you find that you have soil that has high amounts of alkaline, mix used coffee grounds throughout the soil. This is an easy and inexpensive method to increase the acidity of your soil. You will discover that your vegetables are more flavorful than ever before.

TIP! Fertilize your garden. Manure is probably the best fertilizer.

Deciduous shrubs should be protected from the elements. When these tender shrubs are kept in pots, cold weather can be very damaging. The tops should be tied together, and the wigwam should be loosely covered with a sheet or blanket. This is more effective than putting plastic on the plant, it will let the air flow.

Knee Pads

TIP! Avoid using broad-spectrum pesticides in your garden. Besides killing the insects you don’t want, this type of pesticide will also kill beneficial insects.

If your garden requires a lot of low work, then save yourself some strain by investing in knee pads. If you spend a large portion of your gardening session on your knees, it could create pain over time. Having a pair of excellent knee pads for horticulture can help cushion the knees to provide additional comfort.

TIP! Vegetables are softer in the heat of the hottest part of the day; even gently picking them at that time can damage them. You can also protect both your vegetables and the plant they grow on by cutting them off instead of twisting them off.

You should purchase a wheelbarrow, as well as a kneeling stool to help you garden. In order to relieve stress on your knees when horticulture, always use a small garden stool to be more comfortable. A wheelbarrow will help you move heavy items without hurting your back so ensure that you invest in one promptly.

TIP! If you have plants inside, make sure the thermostat stays between 65 and 75 degrees. Indoor plants grow best at these warm temperatures.

Make sure to wear sun protection gear if you’ll be working in the garden in the sun. Wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Protecting yourself from the sun is the best way to prevent sunburns and skin cancer.

TIP! You can cover your muddied gardening footware easily by keeping plastic bags around. This helps the flow keep going so that you can get into the garden quickly to finish what you’re doing.

Vegetables are softer when they are warmer, increasing the risk that you will damage them. You can also protect both your vegetables and the plant they grow on by cutting them off instead of twisting them off.

TIP! When the time has come to gather up the produce, you need to use an old laundry basket. It makes a great strainer for your vegetables.

Prepare the ground for a perennial garden quickly and easily. You just need to use your garden spade for slicing underneath the turf, then flip it, and finally spread about three or four inch deep piles of wood chips. Let the area sit for a couple weeks, then begin digging into it and planting your new perennials.

TIP! Calibrate how much you water based upon the time of the year and the weather conditions. The level of necessary watering turns on the type of water you use, the kind of soil in your garden and the amount of direct sunlight you have.

Want to get rid of weeds naturally? To control the growth of weeds, all you need is last week’s Sunday paper. Weeds cannot grow without light. When you cover weeds with newspaper layers, they suffocate due to lack of light. It’s easy for newspapers to break down over an extended period of time, making them great for compost. Covering the newspaper with mulch will help your garden to be more pleasing to the eye.

Direct Sunlight

TIP! It’s not what’s on the surface that counts. After planting tomatoes, for example, you must closely monitor the soil for the first signs of green shoots.

Try cultivating organic gardening. Plant individual garlic cloves early in the spring or fall. They should be planted in well-drained moist soil. Space the clove about four inches apart, with the pointy end up and about one or two inches deep. Green garlic can be cur directly from the plant and used in a pinch instead of scallions or chives. The garlic is ready to be picked when the tops turn brown. Make sure you put the garlic in the direct sunlight for days so that the skin will harden. The garlic should be stored out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry place.

TIP! Open your mind to the diverse environments that can be created in your garden space. The more plant varieties you have, the more animal varieties you will attract.

When you stick to the tricks, advice, and tips in this informative article, any fear you feel towards organic horticulture should dissipate. By using the advice you have read here, you can enjoy wholesome foods that are grown in your own yard, quickly and easily.

Organic Gardening Made Simple Through These Tips

~ craigb

TIP! Insects and various garden pests can be avoided by making your soil healthy. If you are producing healthy plants, they will be stronger and better able to resist bugs and diseases.

You probably have friends who claim to eat only organic, or maybe you’ve seen these items in the store. It is typically easy to identify organic products. They have different packaging and are more expensive. Continue on for some great organic horticulture tips, so you can learn how to grow one at home.

TIP! In order for plants to grow, they must have enough CO2. A higher level of CO2 will help plants grow better.

If mildew is forming on your plants, you should not purchase an expensive chemical. Mix some baking soda and a very small amount of liquid soap into water. Spray this on the plants once per week until that mildew goes away. No damage will occur to your plants, and the baking soda is mild and efficient.

Carbon Dioxide

TIP! 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 kind of high, your roots will be deeper and your lawn will be stronger and not dry out.

For proper optimum growth, plants require sufficient amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2). Most plants will grow better with more CO2. The best method to obtain a high amount is to get access to a greenhouse. When it is exposed to high carbon dioxide levels, a plant has the best growing condition possible.

TIP! Try to keep your plants aerated and dry, every day. Moisture on your plants is a sure way to attract parasites and disease.

If you want flowers in spring and summer, plant bulbs in the garden. These are hearty choices, choices that will reward you for years despite the little effort that is involved in their care. You can select bulbs that bloom at many different times, so with a little work, you could have flowers popping up all the way from the start of spring to the end of summer.

TIP! 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.

Do not mow your lawn too short. When the grass is a little longer, the roots will be stronger and the lawn becomes more resistant. When you cut the grass too short, the roots are often not deep enough, which causes your lawn to have dry patches of brown, discolored grass.

TIP! Protect cuts from dirt and chemicals, and think about staying away from gardening until they heal. Open wounds can easily get infected while gardening because you’re exposing yourself to dirt, bacteria and germs.

Try dousing weeds in your garden with boiling water to get rid of them. Boiling water in a pot is a safe “herbicide.” Pour hot water right on the weeds, but do not get any on your plants. Boiling water damages the weed roots and will inhibit future growth.

TIP! It is important to keep the temperature set between 65 and 75 degrees, if you wish to raise plants in the home. The temperature needs to remain warm so they may grow.

Keep your plants dry and aerated daily. Many diseases, as well as most parasites, prefer moisture. Fungi is very common. You can control fungi with fungicides, but you must remember to use it before you notice any problems in order for it to work.

TIP! Keep your garden tools close at hand to make the most of your gardening time. Put them into a basket you carry with you, or use an apron with many pockets and hanging loops.

Make sure that you divide your irises! The more you divide clusters of irises, the more your irises will multiply. Try to life the bulbous irises when foliage begins to die. These bulbs will divide into several parts naturally when you pick them up. You can then replant them, and watch them flower the following year. Rhizomes, however, need to be divided by using a horticulture knife. New pieces should be cut from the outside, then the old center you want to discard. Each piece must have a minimum of one strong offshoot. Plant immediately.

TIP! Work properly in your garden. Keep all of your tools together; do not waste time looking for them! Take the time to prepare the necessary tools, and then store them in a easily accessed place once you are done gardening.

Use fertilizer for maximum planting success. 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 many fertilization methods out there; the type is not quite as important as actually using something.

TIP! Enhance your property value and beauty with gardening and landscaping. Landscaping increases your house’s curb appeal and give you a good return for the money invested.

If you’re going to grow peas, start them indoors before putting them in the ground outside. When you plant the seeds indoors, your seeds will start to germinate better. The seedling sprouts will be heartier, giving them a better chance to grow into a healthy adult plant capable of rebuffing diseases. Once the seedlings are sturdy enough, they can be transplanted to their rightful place in the garden.

TIP! Looking for a natural way to kill weeds in your garden? You should layer some newspaper to get weeds under control. Weeds must have sunlight in order to grow.

To give them a helping hand, pour the water you obtain after steaming vegetables over your plants. Used teabags or grounds from coffee are a great way to add acid to the soil. Chamomile tea can be effective if you have problems with fungus in your garden. Simply sprinkle it on the affected plant.

TIP! When planting seeds into a container, the depth of your planting should be three times bigger than the seed. You should know that certain seeds need not be covered, because they need the sunlight.

If you pick vegetables around high noon when it is very hot, you are likely to damage them. See to it that you cut their connection to the vine as opposed to twisting them, because twisting could hurt the plant.

TIP! You may be able to find botanical insecticides locally, which are often very helpful for preventing pest infestations. In many cases, organic insecticides work even better than commercial products that are full of chemicals.

Using aspirin water will help your plants fight diseases. Dissolve 1 aspirin per gallon of water for a plant disease fighting solution. The simple practice of spraying them with the mix will help them fight off diseases. The process can be repeated every three weeks or so.

TIP! Using a soaker hose to water the garden is probably your best choice. These hoses let water out slowly at a regular rate.

Take care of your knees when you’re horticulture. Many people find it difficult to bend over for extended periods of time when standing up. You can kneel instead to help keep your back relaxed while tending to your plants. You can purchase an inexpensive kneeling pad for gardening in order to protect your knees.

Flower Bed

TIP! Healthy soil doesn’t harbor disease and can be of tremendous benefit in helping your plants be as healthy as possible. Even though the insects remain there, you will prevent them from damaging your garden, keeping everyone happy.

Use approximately two or three inches of natural, organic material as some mulch in every single flower bed. Mulch discourages weeds and helps retain moisture while adding nutrients to your flower bed. In addition, your flower beds will have a beautiful, finished appearance year round.

TIP! Know what to look for when choosing plants for your organic garden. This is evident when purchasing perennials or annuals.

Put coffee grounds in your soil. Coffee grounds add many nitrogenous nutrients to the soil that will benefit your plants. Your plants will really bloom if they get the nitrogen they need from coffee grounds or compost or diluted urea.

TIP! A good gardening tip is to be sure to grow high-value crops. The worth of a plant is not an objective thing.

When planting seeds in containers, remember that the depth should be at least three times bigger than the seed. However, you should be aware that certain seeds should not be covered at all because they are required to be in the sunlight. Examples of these are petunias and ageratum. The directions for how to handle the seeds will usually be found on the seed’s package. You can also find this information online.

TIP! A cheap, easy way to build your compost pile is to add fruit peels and scraps from your kitchen. When natural food waste breaks down, it creates an organic compost that is perfect for your garden beds.

You must be sure to mulch your garden or flowerbed with about three inches of materials that are organic. Mulch adds nutrients to the soil, keeps the soil moist, reduces weed growth, and makes beds look tidier.

TIP! Be aware of how and when to water your organic garden plants. Utilizing a soaker hose can provide much needed help.

Growing your garden at home might not be the most convenient thing for you, but you will save a lot of money and always have the confidence that what you’re eating and feeding your family is as fresh and as healthy as possible. Use the tips you’ve learned here and get started on your garden today.

What Is All Of The Buzz About Organic Horticulture?

~ craigb

There are a variety of all-natural techniques that you can employ that will create a healthy, vibrant organic garden. You just need to learn them and use them.

TIP! If you have a wall or fence that you do not like, plant climbers to mask its appearance. Climbers have many different uses and spread quickly.

Consider planting slug-proof perennials. Snails and slugs can do irreparable damage to your garden in a single night. They’re particularly fond of perennials with smooth and thin leaves, especially if the plants are young. Perennials with hairy leaves or bitter taste are unattractive to snails and slugs, keeping them safe from harm. Achillea, euphorbia, helleborus, heuchera and campanula are good choices that slugs don’t like.

Flower Beds

TIP! Be diligent in your efforts to banishing weeds! If you’re not careful, weeds can take over your beautiful garden, ruining it. White vinegar is one option you can use in your routine weed removal.

Use biennials and annuals to add color to your flower beds. These usually grow quickly, and provide an easy-to-change solution to making your flower beds bright and beautiful. They allow you to select different flowers from one year or season to the next. You can use them between the gaps in shrubs and perennials where there is plenty of sun. There are many different varieties to choose from such as daisies, marigolds, impatiens, and lantana.

TIP! Aerate and dry your plants each day. Moisture on the surface of a plant can attract parasites, and cause disease.

Use climbers to cover walls and fences. You can hide an unsightly wall or fence, in as little as one growing season, with the right selection of climbing plant. Climbers can also be trained to grow and cover an arbor, and they will grow through or around existing trees and shrubs. Some of these plants must have support, and some can attach themselves to something using their stems and tendrils. Some dependable types include honeysuckle, clematis, jasmine, climbing roses, and wisteria.

TIP! Be careful how you water your garden. Use a hose with a soaker attachment to save you time, so the garden can get watered while you are doing other tasks.

Check the soil before you plant anything in your garden. Many nurseries offer a soil analysis service, which will tell you what nutrients your soil is lacking and what you can do about it. Ask about this service at a local university or the county Cooperative Extension office to improve the soil and insure fruitful crops.

TIP! If you know that you’ll be in the garden for an extended period of time, protect yourself from the sun with proper attire. Sunglasses, a nice shady hat, and sunscreen are very helpful.

When horticulture, be sure to look closely for stink bug infestation, especially during Autumn. They thrive on fruits, citrus, peppers and various beans. Decrease their presence as much as possible to avoid them wreaking havoc in your garden.

TIP! You can create a great English garden by mixing types and sizes in one bed. If you only use uniform plants, your bed will look boring and flat.

Using boiling water to kill weeds is both efficient and organic. Considering that boiling water is rather safe, you don’t have to worry about toxins in your soil or at your dinner table. 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. The roots of the weeds are damaged by the boiling water which, in turn, inhibits further growth.

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

In order to rid your garden of pests, take advantage of plant materials and other organic matter. Planting marigolds or onions around the border of your vegetable garden will help repel slugs. Wood ash used as mulch helps repel pests as well when around shrubs and trees. These are methods you can use to get rid of the need to use pesticides.

TIP! For the best results, properly prepare your garden for planting. To begin with, you need to dampen the soil sufficiently.

Have one plant be the most interesting eye-grabber in your garden. A focal point in the garden will capture your attention. A perfect example of a focal point is using a plant that doesn’t bear any resemblance to those that surround it.

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.

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.

TIP! Your compost pile should contain green plants and dried ones in equal amounts. Green means plant cuttings including grass, produce and weeds.

Prior to working in the garden, make sure any cuts on your hands heal completely, or shield any cuts from contact with chemicals and dirt. A cut will likely become infected if it is exposed to dirt when horticulture. Instead, opt for a bandage that entirely covers your wound.

TIP! You should use wood that is untreated, brick or stone when building the raised bed. Any wood you use needs to be untreated and resistant to rot.

Planted flowers will benefit from organic materials that are built up to as much as three inches. Mulch will minimize weed growth and maximize nutrients and moisture. It also adds a uniform and cohesive look to the garden.

Laundry Basket

TIP! While any kind of gardening can make you feel as though you’re in tune with nature, organic gardening takes this to the next level. You will be a witness of the growing process of many different plants and understand how a whole ecosystem functions.

When it is time to gather your produce, you should use an older laundry basket. The laundry basket can be used as a colander for your produce. The basket won’t be affected by the water and it will drain right off as though it were poured into a large sieve.

TIP! Plant your own garlic with organic methods. Wait until early spring or the fall to plant cloves in a moist soil.

When you run your personal organic garden, try ruffling seedlings using your hands or cardboard one or two times daily. This will sound a bit strange. However, it has been proven to cause plants to grow larger.

TIP! You need to mulch your garden with about three inches of material that is organic. This affects your garden in a variety of ways, including enriching the soil, locking in moisture, and improving the overall appearance of the garden.

Use a few inches of organic materials to mulch your flowerbed or garden. This will add nutrients to your soil, keep it moist, stop the growth of weeds and keep the garden looking beautiful.

TIP! Make your organic gardening experience easier. Stick to native plants, grasses, flowers and bushes when you plan out your landscape.

The best option available to water an organic garden are soaker hoses. The water seeps slowly out of these hoses and can be directed straight to the roots so that the leaves stay dry. Compared with sprinklers, a soaker hose wastes less water and is far more convenient to use.

TIP! Learn the right way to buy your plants. Find out if you are supposed to buy them when they are in bloom, when they are budded, or at some time in between.

When you garden, be aware of what you can use. Try using organic substitutes for the typical chemical fertilizers. Compost is a popular type of fertilizer. Inorganic materials, such as those found in commercial fertilizers, are responsible for toxic chemical buildup in both soil and drinking water. This can be avoided by using eco-friendly organic methods.

Shade Gardens

TIP! One needs to build a border using a fence around the garden prior to planting in it. Being able to keep pests and animals away minimize the factors that could cause destruction in your garden.

For an easy, organic garden option, try a shade garden. Shade gardens do not take a lot of work, people love to hear this! This type of garden requires only a small amount of water, which makes it especially easy to maintain. While the plants in shade gardens grow slower, so do the weeds.

TIP! You need water for a healthy garden. Plants, just like humans, require water for survival.

Anybody can grow a garden, but those who bother to understand what they’re doing will be the only ones to reap rich rewards from their crop. Remember these helpful tips the next time you are working in your garden!

Don’t Know How To Garden? That Is Going To Change

~ craigb

TIP! If you have a wall or fence that you do not like, plant climbers to mask its appearance. These types of plants can climb anything, which makes them perfect for covering up a wall or fence that needs to be hidden.

Organic horticulture is as old as human cultivation but many people are just discovering the benefits. By using the advice below, you will be able to get started in organic horticulture and create a thriving and beautiful garden. Use these tricks and tips to get the best results.

TIP! Choose the right soil for best results. Different types of plants require different soils, so check soil requirements for the ones you choose.

Bring some plants into your home to protect them against winter weather. You might want to transplant your most valuable varieties. Carefully loosen the dirt around the roots, then transfer the plant into a pot filled with the same soil.

TIP! Make sure your soil is healthy enough before you start planting anything. A soil analysis report can be acquired for a nominal fee.

Remember to remove weeds from the garden. Weeds and gardens do not mix; they will destroy your garden. For this task, try using white vinegar. White vinegar will definitely kill the weeds! If you are too busy to pull weeds by hand, make a white vinegar solution and keep it handy for a quick spray when needed.

TIP! 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.

Plant a little catnip or wheatgrass in the area surrounding the plants that your cat is devouring. You could also place something that will cause your cat to go away from your plants, such as citrus peels or mothballs.

Knee Pads

TIP! Your vegetable plants need about two or three inches of mulch placed around them. Mulching helps keep moisture in the soil.

Knee pads are absolute miracle accessories if you work in a garden with plenty of low-growing plants. Without pads, you may have pain in your knees from spending too much time kneeling on the hard ground. Having a good pair of knee pads will cushion your knees in comfort.

TIP! Any time that you are gardening in direct sunlight, dress appropriately to prevent skin damage. Clothing should keep your skin covered, and don’t forget to wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Start a new garden from seeds. It’s better for the environment to begin from seed. Many of the plastics used for horticulture simply end up going in the trash and clogging land fills. An environmentally-friendly garden is started with seeds or plants grown in organic pots.

TIP! Add coffee grounds to your garden’s soil. Coffee grounds add many nitrogenous nutrients to the soil that will benefit your plants.

It can be tough to keep insects and other plant-ruining crawlies from infesting your garden. It is wise to limit the use of harsh chemicals, because the vegetables will be eaten. Remain alert in order to control garden pests. If you catch them when there are only a few around, you can actually pick them off the plants by hand.

TIP! Space is very important when you plant an organic garden. It can be easy to underestimate how much space your plants will need once they begin growing.

Cooled water left over from steaming vegetables can be fed to them as a little snack. You may fertilize the soil with tea or coffee for plants that favor acidic environments, like rhododendrons and gardenias. Spray your plants with a 9:1 mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide to eliminate fungus without harming your plants.

TIP! Gardening can not only be an excellent hobby for consuming time, but is great for saving money and aiding a healthy diet. When you garden organically, you see the entire process from the beginning to the end.

When you water your garden, do it with care. 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. Turn down the water pressure to its lowest setting, as anything higher could harm the plants. This allows you to leave the hose running as you go about your business.

TIP! Garlic is an excellent choice to grow organically. You should plant garlic cloves in either early spring or late fall.

To keep dogs from disturbing your garden, spray some old aftershave, cologne, perfume or other strongly-scented products in the dirt or grass surrounding it. This can help mask any scents which attract animals so pets will now avoid the garden.

Cover your muddy shoes with plastic bags. This lets you be able to return to the garden without interrupting your work.

TIP! Keep the soil healthy for optimum plant health so they can combat disease, and even destruction caused by insects. You won’t be killing off large amounts of insects, but good practices can help avoid the damage they can cause.

The correct depth for planting seeds in containers is triple the seed’s size. However, you should be aware that certain seeds should not be covered at all because they are required to be in the sunlight. Petunias and ageratum are two examples of seeds that require sunlight. Read the instructions that came with the seeds, and do some research on the Internet to find out the sunlight that your seeds need.

TIP! You have likely heard about the positive benefits of a compost bin for your organic garden, but you may not have a clue what to put in a bin like this. Compost is a mixture of wood chips, straw, leaves, scraps of produce, and grass clippings that have been allowed to sit until they are broken down into mock soil.

Once a year, you must rotate your garden. Keeping plants that belong to the same family in the same place can eventually spark fungus growth and disease. These things can get into the ground, and attack plants the next year. Different plants have different immunities and vulnerabilities. Changing what you plant where will naturally stave off fungus and disease.

TIP! Find out how to buy the plants you are interested in for your garden. When it comes to perennials and annuals, this is particularly important.

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. Plant them approximately 4 inches apart at a depth of 1 or 2 inches beneath the surface of the soil with the pointed end facing upward. As your garlic shoots grow, you can cut them and use them instead of scallions or chives. When the tops of the bulbs turn brown, they’re ready to harvest. Allow the sun to dry out the bulbs for a few days until the skin gets hard. They can be stored in a cool area, either loose or tied in bunches.

TIP! By planting garlic around your garden, you can deter bugs from taking up residence. Garlic plants emit a smell that many pests do not like.

This will be organic horticulture made easy. One of the best techniques is to plant native flowers, grasses and bushes to your landscape. Plants that are adapted to your region’s climate, soil type and surrounding ecosystem thrive without the need for expensive fertilizers or insecticides. Native plants will also reap the benefits of compost made from native materials such as grass clippings and leaves.

TIP! You should use plenty of mulch if you want to save water when growing a home garden. The more mulch you use, the less you need to water the plants.

As you can see from the information provided in this article, organic horticulture requires time and perseverance. Use the tips above to see how great your new garden may be. Whatever you chose to plant, the suggestions from this article will help your gardening be a success.

Use These Tips To Get The Best Garden

~ craigb

TIP! Your tool handles can easily be used as handy rulers. Tools that have long handles such as rakes, hoes and shovels can be used in place of a measuring stick.

Creating a beautiful garden is not an immensely difficult task. You may think your neighbor is harboring a secret about having such a healthy garden. Truth is, they aren’t doing anything overly amazing. All you need is some knowledge on the proper care of your garden’s plants. Begin your search for horticulture knowledge with the tips below and get ready to develop an even greener thumb.

TIP! Plant slug-proof perennials. If slugs or snails find their favorite perennials in your garden, they’ll snack all night.

When selecting among several varieties of a plant, choose the ones that will produce the largest yield. There are genetically modified plants that resist cold and/or disease. These often give higher yields due to higher survival rates.

TIP! Check the soil before you plant anything in your garden. You can obtain a soil analysis for a nominal fee.

Plant a variety of annuals, biennials and perennials to keep your flower beds bright. By utilizing quick-growing biennials and annuals, not only will you be brightening up your flower bed, you can also alter its look each season and each year. They can make a handy, gap-filler between shrubs and perennials located in sunny areas. The most popular varieties to use include petunia, zinnia, cosmos, snapdragon, marigold, hollyhock, and sunflower.

TIP! There are grass varieties, such as wheat grass or catnip, that will give your feline something to nibble on besides your garden. Another option is to place something smelly, like citrus peels or mothballs, on the soil surrounding the plants that have previously been eaten.

If you want the best results, you need to choose the right soil. The soil that is already in your garden might need amending, depending on the particular plants that you want to grow. You can also make an artificial area with one variety of soil.

TIP! If you are considering planting a garden take the time to plan it out. This way, you will remember the places you planted your seeds when they start sprouting.

Before you start planting your garden, plan it! Having a planting plan will help you correctly identify the young plants once they start to sprout. In addition, some plants are so small you might forget you planted them once all your plants sprout. Planning stops these plants from getting lost in the crowd.

TIP! Allow enough room between plants for air to circulate, so that plants do not stay too wet. Moisture can be a magnet for disease and parasites on your plants.

If your horticulture plans include pea plantings, try starting them off indoors rather than planting the raw seeds in outdoor beds. If you were to plant them inside first, the seeds should germinate better. You will also have hardy seedlings that will be able to resist disease and pests much better. You will be able to transfer the seedlings outdoors after they become better established.

TIP! The best way to start a garden is from first principles: seeds. When planting a garden, the best way is to initially start with seeds.

Having a good wheelbarrow and a kneeling stool makes garden chores a lot easier. It’s rough on your knees to spend lots of time on the ground kneeling or squatting. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a portable, lightweight garden stool on hand. A wheelbarrow will help you move heavy items without hurting your back so ensure that you invest in one promptly.

TIP! Fertilize your garden regularly. 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.

Plant with fall season color in mind. However, you can still maintain your gardening hobby throughout the fall months. Fall foliage provides for the most colorful season of the year. Maple, beech trees or dogwood take on some amazing colors. Cotoneaster, barberry and hydrangea can provide vibrant color if you are considering shrubs for your garden.

TIP! 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.

You need to be smart when it comes to watering your garden. 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. Keep the water running slowly so it doesn’t spray up onto the plants’ leaves. Allow it to water your plants for a couple of hours, so that you are free to do other things.

Flower Beds

TIP! Pest control is tough when you have a veggie garden. Avoid using a bunch of harsh chemical pesticides in your garden.

For your flower beds, organic material should be used as mulch. Two or three inches should be enough. This is a simple method of discouraging weeds, retaining moisture, and adding excellent nutrients into the garden. In addition, your flower beds will have a beautiful, finished appearance year round.

TIP! Paying attention to spacing is important. People often underestimate how much space plants will need when once they’re grown.

Coffee grounds can benefit many types of soil. Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, an essential nutrient for plant growth. A strong nitrogen source in your garden area is a wonderful way to have healthy and strong plants.

TIP! You need to avoid chores in your organic garden stacking up. If you’re too busy to do all those little things each day, there are some small steps you can take to not have all that work build up on you.

Creating a trap with beer can help reduce the number of slugs in your garden. 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. Next, add beer to the jar until it’s about nearly full, with somewhere around an inch of space remaining. Slugs are attracted by the beer and won’t be able to exit the jar once they enter.

TIP! Consider the climate and season when watering your plants. The watering depth and temperature depends mainly on the time you water them and the soil they are planted in.

To make a credible claim that your crops are organically grown, you should be certified as organic by a credible organization. This also does several things to boost your business. First, it is likely to increase your sales as it builds trust in more customers. Second, it shows customers who have been loyal that the quality produce you provide is top notch.

TIP! One way to help maintain healthy soil is to incorporate mulch into your landscape. A layer of mulch can protect the soil beneath.

Be aware of the location you are in, and the seasonal and climate changes that occur. Make sure that you adjust your watering cycles to match these changes. 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 the climate is hot, but humid you’ll have to avoid watering the leaves, for example. You have to make sure to water the root system.

TIP! Drowning your plants with water can kill them! It will stop your plant’s roots from being able to obtain any nutritional goodness out of its surrounding soil Check the weather for the next couple of days to see if you actually need to water your plants. Depending on the weather, you might want to skip watering for the day.

Over-watering your plants can be harmful, because roots that are drowning in water cannot effectively pull nutrients out of the soil. Check the weather forecast before watering plants to see if there is rain in the near future. You may be able to skip watering because of the pending weather.

TIP! W

To become a great organic gardener, you need to look under the surface! Even if the plant looks lush on the upper leaves, the root system can have problems. Some green starts can last for several weeks, which will actually inhibit the growth of new seedlings that are delayed.

TIP! Keep leaves you rake from your yard for use as organic compost you can mix in with your soil. Leaves will decompose and create a healthy, nutrient rich compost.

In conclusion, these horticulture tips are easy to follow and simple to understand. Now that you have learned what to do, it is time to apply it. Monitor the response of your plants when you apply these tips. If your thumb turns out to be brown rather than green, take corrective action. After some time, your neighbors will be envious of you!

A Must Read If You Are You Ready To Garden

~ craigb

TIP! Gradually acclimate plants to temperature changes and conditions, if you want to avoid shocking them. Start by placing your plants outside for a few hours only.

Horticulture lets you grow beautiful flowers and fresh vegetables just outside your door. Nothing is better than fresh tomatoes on your salad or a salad that is totally comprised of what you’ve grown. A wide variety of information is available online, in magazines and in gardening books to help you grow a healthy, luscious garden.

TIP! Make garden tools do double duty as handy makeshift rulers. Larger handled tools like rakes, hoes, and shovels make great measuring sticks.

To prevent shocking your plants, you must gradually introduce new temperatures and other conditions to them. Leave them outside in sunlight for a couple of hours on the initial day. Gradually increase the the time they spend outside over a one week period. By the time the week ends, your plants will be ready for their big move and should have no problems!

Choose plants that will give you the most yield at harvest time. In many cases, a disease-resistant or cold-tolerant hybrid will produce a higher yield than a traditional variety.

Flower Bed

TIP! Keep your plants dry and aerated daily. Moisture on the surfaces of your plants is an invitation to pests and illness.

Plant a variety of flowers to keep your flower garden colorful and interesting. Annuals and biennials can add excitement and interest to your flower garden every season. Biennials and annuals that grow quickly can add color to a flower bed, plus they permit you to modify the way the flower bed looks each season and each year. Use them to fill gaps between shrubs and perennials in the sun. Some excellent choices include rudbeckia, hollyhock, sunflower, cosmos, petunia and marigold.

TIP! Mint is a very tasty herb that has a tendency to run wild in the garden if not kept in check. Stunt their growth a little by planting your mint into a garden container or large pot instead.

Before planting seeds, soak them overnight. Place them in a cupboard or other place where they won’t be exposed to light. Put some seeds (a small amount) in a container that isn’t too large for the plant you’ll be growing. Fill that container with water, almost to the top. This will allow seeds to be watered and they will get a kick start when growing. This gives the seeds a better chance of flourishing.

TIP! All of your vegetable plants should have approximately two inches, just outside the stem, of organic mulch placed around them. Mulch helps the soil surrounding the plants remain moister for a longer time.

Plant some wheat grass or cat grass near where you car tends to nibble in your garden. You can put something over the soil which surrounds the plants which has a bad smell to cats to deter them.

Knee Pads

TIP! Try to pour a bit of leftover water from your steamed veggies on them. Add coffee grounds or tea leaves to the soil of acid-loving plants like rhododendron and gardenia.

If your plants do not grown very tall, try buying some knee pads used for gardening. Long hours spent in the garden will wreak havoc on your knees. Pick up a good pair of horticulture knee pads to help cushion your knees.

TIP! Don’t count the fall season out. That doesn’t have to be way it is though! The fall season is probably the most colorful of the year in terms of foliage.

Apply organic mulch generously around your vegetable plants. When you place mulch around your plants, it keeps the ground more moist. This is also efficient in preventing weeds from growing. Time and effort will be saved pulling out all the weeds.

Garden Pests

TIP! Organic gardening is a safe hobby to share with your children. Gardens are terrific teaching tools for kids, and provide great opportunities for interaction, growth, and instruction on healthy living.

Don’t use pesticides that aren’t meant to kill specific types of garden pests. These pesticides will kill every type of pest in your garden, including beneficial bugs that eat garden pests. Good bugs are often more sensitive to pesticides than their bad counterparts, so if the population of good bugs goes down, the pest problem can grow. This can lead to needing even more pesticides to eliminate the problem insects.

TIP! When growing plants inside of the house, you should ensure the thermostat is set at around 65-75 degrees in the daytime. It is important for them to be kept in this temperature range if they are to grow properly.

In order to bring in good insects to your garden, you need to plant heather. Heather is great for getting bees to stop by at the beginning of spring, as heather plants have nectar available early in the season. If your heather bed is undisturbed, as it would be in nature, many beneficial insects will make it their home. With this knowledge at hand, it is in your best interest to wear gloves when tending the heather.

TIP! Think about using all-natural botanical insecticides in your organic garden; they are very handy when it comes to getting rid of harmful pests. Oftentimes, natural insecticides work better than synthetically produced pesticides.

Asprin will actually help your plants out by killing diseases. Your plants can benefit from a solution you can make by dissolving one and one-half aspirins into a couple of gallons of water. You can just spray this on them to fight disease. Try to apply the mixture to the plants at least once in each three week period.

TIP! For the best results when mulching, you should aim to create a bed of mulch two to three inches thick. Doing this will nourish the soil in your garden and improve its ability to retain moisture.

Try not to let the chores associated to your organic garden 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 your family is cooking out on the grill, you could clear a few bunches of weeds between checking on the burgers.

Laundry Basket

TIP! You have heard a lot about the uses of compost, but you may not know how it is produced. It is made of things such as wood chips, lawn cuttings, fallen leaves, bits of produce, straw and other yard waste that has started to decompose.

An old laundry basket works great for gathering produce from your garden. An old basket will act like a strainer does. The produce can be rinsed off as it sits in the laundry basket, and extra water will drain out through the sides.

TIP! Be sure to know when and how to water the plants in your organic garden. Utilizing a soaker hose can provide much needed help.

As a good general practice, you should make sure to plant your seeds three seed-widths deep into their containers. However, some seeds do not need to be covered, they need the sunlight. These seeds include petunias and ageratum. If you are not sure whether your seeds need to be exposed to sunlight, resources are usually provided with the seeds or can be found online.

TIP! Adequate mulch in your garden does a lot to cut down on water use. A thick layer of mulch will mean you have to water the plants less often.

The simple beer trap is still one of the best methods of ridding your organic garden of slugs. Dig a hole the size of a glass jar, and bury the jar with the top at ground level. Pour beer into the jar until it is an inch from the top. The slugs will be attracted to the beer and will end up being trapped within the confines of the jar.

TIP! Start brand new plants by using cuttings from existing plant roots. Cut the roots in winter, as this is when they are usually dormant.

Gardening is a relaxing hobby that will produce delicious vegetables and sweet fruit. Preparing fresh, healthy meals using what you have grown can be a very satisfying experience. Apply these guidelines in order to get the most out of gardening.

Organic Horticulture Tips That Everybody Should Know

~ craigb

TIP! Shoveling soil that is mostly clay can be difficult because of the hardness of the soil, and because it sticks to the shovel. One way to get around this problem is to coat the shovel with wax.

Gardening is well known for its therapeutic benefits and ability to completely relax and rejuvenate those who enjoy taking care of one. Gardeners are often faced with the questions of when to plant and what equipment to purchase. The tips you will find below will guide you through those questions and more.

TIP! A handy trick is to turn the handle on a tool that you use often into a makeshift ruler. Tools with long handles, such as rakes, hoes, and shovels can be converted into handy measuring sticks.

Your plants will respond better to gradual changes of environment. Try to place them in the new area for a couple of hours at a time the first day. Over one week, gradually build up the amount of hours you leave the plants outside. If you do this correctly, the plants should be able to make their final move at the end of a week’s time.

TIP! Insects and various garden pests can be avoided by making your soil healthy. Healthy soil leads to healthy plants with more strength to deflect those insects and various diseases.

You do not need store-bought chemical treatments for plant mildew. Mix a bit of liquid soap and some baking soda into water. Once every week, you should spray the mixture on your plants; the mildew will disappear shortly thereafter. This solution is perfectly safe for your plants and gently treats mildew in a short amount of time.

TIP! Plant cool-weather edibles in the fall. A hollowed out pumpkin can become a festive container for kale and lettuce.

Vegetables in a garden need to have at least six hours of sun every day in order to thrive. Many vegetables need about this much sun to grow quickly. It’s also the same for some types of flowers.

TIP! One way to correct your soil’s alkalinity is by amending your soil with used coffee grounds. Coffee grounds are an affordable means of adding acid to the soil so that it is pH-balanced.

Be sure to split the irises. You can increase the number of irises you have by splitting clumps that are overgrown. When the foliage dies, take the bulbous irises and lift them. The bulbs should split up normally in the hand, and should flower when replanted for the next year. Rhizomes may need to be divided by using a knife. Cut the new pieces from its outside and dispose of the older center. At the least, each piece will need to have one strong offshoot. You also need to make sure that you replant the new pieces as soon as possible.

TIP! If you’re a new gardener, it is vital that you follow the instructions when it comes to your chemicals and tools. Garden chemicals can cause skin irritation and eye injury.

You can keep pests away from your garden by using other plants or natural materials. For example, planting a border consisting of marigolds or onions can repel slugs. Mulch around the bottom of trees and shrub seedlings with wood ash to reduce unwanted infestation of pests. These methods are environmentally-friendly and mean you do not have to resort to harsh chemicals.

TIP! Broad-spectrum pesticide is not a good garden choice. These types of pesticides also kill the beneficial insects that eat the pests.

Read instructions before using any horticulture tool you aren’t familiar with, including pesticides or other chemicals. Use the tools only as directed in the instructions. Some of the chemicals in these products can cause skin irritation, or worse, if you fail to take this simple precaution. Keep your body safe and follow directions.

TIP! Plant with autumn colors in mind. This does not have to be so.

You should think about planting evergreens that yield berries in your garden. This gives your garden a bit of a “splash” of color, even in winter when everything is nearly colorless. Some plants provide color during the winter like the Winterberry, and American Holly, the American Cranberrybush and the Common Snowberry.

TIP! The ambient temperate of a room with live plants should be kept between sixty-five and seventy-five degrees throughout the day. This level of heat is required in order for plants to grow.

Broad-spectrum pesticides should be avoided in your garden. This particular type of pesticide will also kill the useful insects that consume the 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! If you want to start a small organic garden indoors, evaluate the amount of natural light that is present. If you live in a home or apartment that does not get great sunlight you may want to consider growing plants that are designed to grow in low or medium-light environments.

Use plants to get some autumn color. It doesn’t have to be this way, however. When it comes to vivid foliage, autumn offers the best opportunity to view it. Maple trees, Dogwood, and Beech trees exist in lots of Fall colors that range from deep crimson to yellow. Some very good shrubs to choose are barberry, hydrangea, and cotoneaster, which is a member of the rose family.

TIP! Pine needles make a great organic mulch. Some plants like acidic soil because they have high acidity.

Use horticulture to relax. You can relax and be at peace in many different ways. Horticulture is an excellent choice for calming your mind and soul. There are numerous returns based on a very small monetary investment. The best return on your investment is the feeling of happiness and tranquility from growing your own greenery.

TIP! You can use something like a laundry basket to gather all of your produce together when the time comes. This laundry basket can be used as a type of strainer for all your produce.

Be smart when 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. Make sure that your water pressure is set to low, so that no harm will come to any tender plants. Watering your garden for a couple hours while you are working on other tasks is an efficient use of your time.

TIP! A great tip when running your own organic garden, is to lightly ruffle your seedlings with your hand or cardboard, around once or twice per day. Even though it sounds strange, it will help plants get bigger.

If you want to draw advantageous insects to your garden, plant some heather. Heather is desirable to bees; when heather emerges in early spring, it can be a source of nectar. Spiders, ground beetles, and other useful insects spend time in undisturbed heather beds. Because of this, don’t forget to protect your hands when pruning heather beds.

TIP! Brick, stone or untreated wood is great for building raised beds. Be sure to use wood that is naturally resistant to rotting and that has not been treated.

If you’re working to build a sustainable organic garden, try leaving a portion of your garden untouched so that the wildlife will be able to thrive. The kind of birds and insects needed for pollination will be naturally present on your property and help with your organic garden.

TIP! While gardening organically requires more work than gardening with the help of chemicals, the rewards are worth it. Growing your crops organically will offer the best reward for those who eat the foods.

Learn to work efficiently. Do not waste your time looking for tools. By keeping your tools in a certain area, they will always be ready whenever you are. Wear pants with several pockets or use a tool belt.

TIP! If you are wanting to create a new flower bed for your perennials, you just have to follow a few steps. Use a spade to slice beneath the turf and flip it.

You can cover your muddied gardening footware easily by keeping plastic bags around. You’ll be able to keep your momentum going without needing to take off your shoes, and stay on track with your horticulture project.

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

Get your organic garden certified so you can credibly claim that your crops are organic. This will not only increase sales, but it will demonstrate to your customers that your products are legitimate and that you are doing what it takes to grow the best crops.

TIP! When preparing to plant a shrub or tree in your garden, consider digging a hole that looks ugly for planting them. If you create holes that have “glazed” sides created by shovels, it’s possible that one of those holes will restrict any root from getting into the soil nearby.

There are many rewards to gardening, but in order to do it correctly, there is a lot that you must know. If you have the proper advice and you plan out your garden correctly, your garden can grow quickly. A beautiful garden requires the right tools, soil, water and sunlight.

What To Watch Out For With Pests In Your Garden

~ craigb

TIP! Clay is naturally hard, and can can stick to a shovel making it frustrating to work with. Simplify the process by putting a bit of wax onto the shovel.

Horticulture can be very relaxing, and the great thing about it is that it does not require a lot of money. It can also be a great occasion to bond with your family and friends. If you have children, they will be amazed at how your seeds grow into beautiful plants. This is a wonderful opportunity to teach your children about nature and help them to develop an appreciation for the great outdoors. This article contains the information that you need for you and loved ones to enjoy growing a gorgeous garden together.

TIP! Utilize your garden tool handles as convenient makeshift rulers. You can use larger tools, like rakes, as measuring sticks.

You need to consider beginning the plants into pots. Then, you can plant the seedlings into your garden. Your plants will be more likely to survive if you do this. In addition, you can shorten the intervals between your plantings. Once you remove the most recent mature plants from your garden, the seedlings are immediately ready to be planted.

TIP! The first thing you can do to avoid pests is to start with healthy soil in your garden. Healthier plants are stronger, which in turn can help the plants you grow to become more resistant to disease and bugs that can harm them.

Check your soil before you begin planting your garden. Pay a small fee to have your soil analyzed, and you’ll be glad that you did when you understand what nutrients your soil is lacking. There are numerous places to find this service, such as your local Cooperative Extension office. The cost is well worth it to avoid a potentially ruined crop.

TIP! Plants need to take in CO2 to grow and thrive. Most plants grow better in higher levels of CO2.

Stink bugs can damage your garden, especially if you garden in the fall. These bugs like to eat beans, peppers, tomatoes, and many kinds of fruits. Proper measures should be taken in order to ensure minimal damage to your crops.

TIP! Shelter your deciduous shrubs. Delicate shrubs that are sitting in pots should be sheltered from the cold weather.

Bulbs are a great option for people who want to enjoy spring and summer flowers. Bulbs are generally very simple to grow and hearty, as well; they will continue to grow for years. If you choose your plants carefully, you could have flowers in blossom from the first weeks of spring to the end of the summer.

TIP! Don’t over-water your plants, and keep the soil around them aerated. If your plants get too moist, they may get sick or infested with parasites.

When dealing with any type of seeds in horticulture, it’s important that you soak them overnight in a cool, dark location. Place a couple of seeds in a tiny container, and fill it with water nearly to the top. The idea here is for your seeds to become fully hydrated by the time they hit the dirt. This gives the seeds a better chance of flourishing.

TIP! Irises should be divided. You can increase your stock of irises by dividing up overgrown clumps.

Divide irises. You can divide those overgrown clumps and increase the amount of irises you have. If you find any dead irises in your garden, immediately pull up the bulbs. The bulbs will automatically split in you hand, and will likely flower the year after being replanted. Make use of a knife to split up rhizomes. Cut healthy pieces from the root stalk and throw out the dead center. Each piece must have a minimum of one strong offshoot. Replant your cuttings immediately for the best results.

TIP! Pick one plant to serve as your garden’s focal point. A solid focal point will draw peoples attention to your garden, leaving them to admire your unique design.

Some people use horticulture as a source of relaxation. Countless methods of unwinding from the stresses of life exist. Gardening is a great way to achieve this satisfaction. The cost is low and the reward is often high. Your beautiful lush garden will allow you to reap a harvest of peaceful tranquility.

TIP! You can keep your dog away from your garden by spraying perfume or aftershave in the grass. This will mask the garden smell that is attracting your dog, and it will make it a less appealing place for your dog to visit.

Heather is a magnet for friendly insects. Bees are drawn to heather, as heather is an early provider of spring nectar. Heather doesn’t usually require a lot of tending, so spiders, ground beetles and other good bugs like to call it home. If you do have to tend to your heather, wear gloves in case you accidentally annoy one of the residents!

TIP! 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. However, you should always know that some seeds cannot be covered, even the slightest bit, because they need to be in direct sunlight.

If you are interested in sustainable organic gardening, consider keeping part of your property undeveloped so that wildlife can flourish there. 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! To be able to say you have legitimate organic and credible crops, you will need to be certified as having an organic garden. This can increase your sales and also prove to your customers that they are getting the best produce out there.

If you choose to use organic methods to care for your houseplants, you should bear in mind that certain plants require more sunlight than others. 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. You can also try using artificial lighting to help.

TIP! Try using botanical pesticide products that can keep your insect problem under control. Sometimes the natural insecticides can be even more powerful than the engineered synthetic pesticides on the market.

To be as efficient as possible in the garden, always have your tools handy. You can make use of a bucket, or wear pants that have plenty of pockets. Keep all of the tools you use and your gloves handy and will help you work more efficiently.

TIP! This will make organic gardening easier. Stick to native plants, grasses, flowers and bushes when you plan out your landscape.

As your seeds sprout, they require less warmth than before. As they begin growing you can move them farther away from heat sources. Take off any plastic that is on the containers to keep away from warmth and moisture. You should know when the right time is if you are keeping an eye on the seeds.

TIP! Go ahead and dig a hole so that you can plant a shrub or tree for your organic garden. If you see that the sides of the hole appear shiny, you’ve probably packed the dirt to tight, which can interfere with the roots.

Do not underestimate pine as great mulch. Some garden plants have a higher acidity, and prefer a more acidic soil. If you have acid loving plants, use pine needles as a mulch. Using several inches of needles to cover your beds provides acid for the soil as they begin to decompose.

Coffee Grounds

TIP! When they are in healthy soil, plants can withstand diseases and handle insect damage much better. Though insects may still be in the garden, they will be unable to destroy the plants.

It is common knowledge that grounds from brewed coffee are good for soil. Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, an essential nutrient for plant growth. Generally, nitrogen is the limiting nutrient with any plant and having a good nitrogen source either by coffee grounds, compost, or even diluted urea, will make your plants bloom faster and grow taller.

TIP! Think about the shades trees will cast before planting them. Your home will benefit from natural shade and so will your utility bill.

Keep your compost pile balanced with a combination of dried and green plant mulch. Green plant mulches include everything from fresh grass clippings, to unwanted vegetables, to recently pulled weeds. For the dry end of the spectrum, think of things like paper and cardboard, sawdust, hay, etc. Avoid ashes, meat, charcoal and diseased plants in your compost.

TIP! Before starting an organic garden, know the basics of watering. Test out a soaker hose in your garden.

Regardless of whether you plan to garden on your own or in a group, these tips will still be beneficial to you. Bu following this article’s advice, you will find gardening to be enjoyable.

Learn To Grow Like A Pro: Organic Horticulture Advice

~ craigb

TIP! It’s sometimes possible to save certain plants from winter cold by bringing them inside. Maybe you’d like to save the most expensive plants you have or the most resistant.

Gardening is something that people have enjoyed for centuries. It can be done for sheer pleasure or it can be done to feed a family. This article will help you learn more about horticulture and get you started on a garden of your own.

TIP! Cooling weather of early fall signals the opportune time to plant seasonal edibles. Why not plant lettuce and kale inside a hollowed-out pumpkin? Clean out the pumpkin just like you would if you were making a jack o’lantern.

The handles of your tools can double as clever rulers. Large handled tools like rakes, hoes or shovels may be used like measuring sticks. Measure the handles with a tape measure laid out in the floor. A permanent marker can be used to label distances. Now, every time you work in your garden, you are going to have a powerful ruler at the touch of your fingertips.

Healthy Plants

TIP! If you find that you have soil that has high amounts of alkaline, mix used coffee grounds throughout the soil. Using coffee grounds is a low-cost way to increase the acidity of the soil.

Your first and best line of defense against pests is having healthy soil. If you are producing healthy plants, they will be stronger and better able to resist bugs and diseases. To increase your garden’s likelihood of producing strong and healthy plants, use high-quality soil containing minuscule amounts of chemicals, which will eventually collect salts.

TIP! Before you start working in your garden, purchase a wheelbarrow and a good kneeling stool. In order to relieve stress on your knees when gardening, always use a small garden stool to be more comfortable.

Check the soil before you plant anything in your garden. 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. Before you ruin any crops, make sure you do this. Soil can be analyzed at a lot of cooperative extension offices, so make sure you plan accordingly.

TIP! Don’t use broad-spectrum pesticides in the garden. These pesticides will also kill any beneficial insects that consume the pests you are trying to get rid of.

Put a couple of inches of organic mulch around each of your vegetable plants. When you place mulch around your plants, it keeps the ground more moist. This also helps reduce the appearance of weeds. This could save you lots of weed-pulling time.

TIP! Choose one plant and make it the focal point of your garden. A focal point, in a strong garden design, will attract eyes and hold them there.

Avoid damage from the sun by dressing correctly when you garden. Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. Using the right protection from the harmful rays of the sun means less of a chance of you getting sunburn and skin cancer.

Beneficial Insects

TIP! Have plastic bags on hand to put over dirty 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.

Heather can bring you beneficial insects. Heather attracts bees, and when they come out in the spring, this provides an early nectar source. Since a heather bed is normally left undisturbed, ground beetles, spiders and other beneficial insects tend to live inside it. Because of this, you might want to invest in a good pair of gardening gloves for the times when you need to prune it.

TIP! To make a credible claim that your crops are organically grown, you should be certified as organic by a credible organization. This attracts customers who are willing to drive a little farther and pay a little more for products that are safe and healthy.

Go slowly as you plant the seeds. You should start by moisturizing the soil. Space the seeds at regular intervals to ensure that they won’t be overcrowded as they grow. Place them at a soil depth that is triple the length of the seeds themselves. Not all seeds are meant to be buried in soil, there are certain types of seeds that only grow in the light.

TIP! Research botanical insecticides that can be purchased locally to aid in ridding your garden of pests. In some cases, natural solutions are much more efficient than the chemicals you can buy.

When you are doing work in your garden, be efficient. Don’t waste your time by searching high and low for that packet of seeds or spade. Take the time to prepare the necessary tools, and then store them in a easily accessed place once you are done gardening. One way to keep your tools handy is to use a belt especially designed to hold them. An alternative is to wear a garment with multiple pockets that are big enough to hold your more commonly used tools.

TIP! 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. This helps the entire harvest from being ready at the same time.

Add used coffee grounds to your garden soil. Coffee grounds add many nitrogenous nutrients to the soil that will benefit your plants. Nitrogen is generally a way to make your plants grow bigger, better and faster.

TIP! Think about what types of products you can use on your garden. Try using natural alternatives instead of the chemicals you normally use.

Increase the value of your property! Landscaping has one of the highest returns you can get from home improvement. Some investments on plants can increase the value of your property when you resell by twenty percent or more. Select plants and shrubs that won’t require a lot of ongoing maintenance and will adapt well to your climate.

TIP! This is organic gardening made easier! Make use of flowers, native grasses, and bushes in your landscaping. Native plants will thrive in your soil type and climate, without the need for inorganic fertilizers or pesticides.

If you have recently planted seeds in your organic garden, you should regularly aerate the soil by using your hands to gently sift it. While it might sound strange, research has shown that this method can increase the size of your plants.

TIP! Weeds can plague all types of gardens. This will allow you to kill weeds organically, and will keep both you and the environment safe.

When you water too much, then you can actually harm your plants due to the fact that the roots can’t get the nutrients they need. Before heading out to water your plants, check the weather to see if rain is included in the immediate forecast. Depending on the weather, you might want to skip watering for the day.

TIP! For an all-natural insect deterrent, try planting garlic. Insect invaders will be put off by the smell.

To get a good start, look below the surface! Look out for green starts that are lush that might have bad root systems when you start purchasing tomato seedlings to help your organic garden prosper. The reason is because these particular starts will stay on the seedlings for weeks, which will not allow the seedlings to grow until these starts are gone.

Natural Insecticides

TIP! Consider what particular vegetables are most often on your dining room table and include them when you plan your garden. That way, you’ll be the most excited about using the plants you grow, and save some money on groceries.

Research the local botanical insecticides which can be useful in deterring the pest population. Natural insecticides are often more powerful than ones that have chemicals in them. Natural insecticides do have the disadvantage of a shorter effective period and a quick decline.

TIP! You can be friendly to the environment by using rainwater to water your plants. Collect the rainwater in a container or barrel, which makes for a great natural resource, not only that it saves you money on water bills.

If you’d like to create an organic garden of your own, it’s important you learn how to build beds. You can make a bed by slicing under the turf with a spade. With the turf placed outside, cover the scalped area with fine wood chips. Leave it for a few weeks and work it up so you can plant.

TIP! Make a calendar to keep track of plantings for your garden. A planting calendar tells you which varieties you will plant in each season.

As previously discussed, the human race has been enjoying horticulture for centuries. At one time, most people saw gardening as the sole means of providing food for their family. In modern times, however, gardening is done for primarily three reasons: profit, pleasure or necessity. The ideas, wisdom and knowledge shared with you in this article are sure to enhance your appreciation for horticulture, regardless of your personal motivations for gardening in the first place. Learn to appreciate the simple rewards gardening offers!

Have Horticulture Questions? Get Answers In This Article

~ craigb

TIP! Use climbing vines or plants to cover fences and walls. Climbing foliage is a great way to disguise unsightly features on your property, sometimes in the span of just one season.

A huge variety of wonderful horticulture resources exist. You can spend days looking at different horticulture sites and finding a lot of information that would be relevant to your garden. Luckily, you will find all the great tips you need to get started, right here in this article. Check them out.

TIP! Your soil needs to be of good quality before you start a garden. Have a soil analysis completed so you can know what you need to add to have soil which will fully support your garden.

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. This will help the plants make it to full growth. This will also allow you to stick to a tighter, cleaner planting schedule. When you take out the prior set of adult plants, your seedlings will then be prepared to go in.

TIP! Keep an eye open for stink bugs in your garden, especially during the fall months. Stink bugs like to eat beans, peppers, tomatoes, and all sorts of fruit.

If you want to keep your garden free of pests, start with healthy soil! Healthier plants are stronger, which in turn can help the plants you grow to become more resistant to disease and bugs that can harm them. Begin with a high-quality soil with less chemicals to avoid salt accumulation, and you give your garden an excellent chance of growing healthy plants.

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.

Regular weeding is essential to the health of any garden. Weeds can turn a thriving garden into a total wasteland. White vinegar can be used as a natural herbicide. White vinegar is a weed killer! By placing a white vinegar solution in a spray bottle, you can spray the weeds away instead of having to pull them out manually.

TIP! Soak your seeds in a dark spot during the overnight hours. Soak the seeds by placing them in a container where they are covered with water.

If you’re like many gardeners, autumn means that it’s time to get some delicious fall edibles growing in your garden. A pumpkin makes a great container, and costs less than a clay pot. Scoop the insides out of the pumpkin, and don’t forget to spray the inside with Wilt-Pruf. This will prevent your pumpkin from rotting. Once you have finished, you can begin planting.

TIP! When gardening, try not to use broad-spectrum pesticides. These pesticides can kill the useful insects that work as predators to pests.

Split up your irises. If you divide the overgrown clumps of flowers, you’ll find that your stock grows proportionally. When the foliage dies, take the bulbous irises and lift them. As soon as you pick up the bulb, it’ll split into pieces. That’s okay – in fact, it’s desirable. You can replant the bulb pieces and next year you’ll have a healthy bed of new irises. You should divide rhizomes using a knife. Cut new outside pieces and dispose of the center. Every piece needs to have a minimum of one good offshoot. Replant your new rhizome pieces as soon as you have finished the cuttings.

TIP! To keep your dog out of your garden, spray old perfume, aftershave, or other scented items in the grass around it. This helps mask the attractive scents and can make your garden unappealing to them.

It’s simple to lay a new perennial bed. Only a garden spade and woods chips are necessary. To prepare the garden, slice out sheets of turf using the spade, and flip the turf upside down. Then, cover the newly turned soil with wood chips, approximately three inches deep. After a few weeks, you may then utilize the area to plant your flowers.

TIP! 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.

Looking for a natural way to kill weeds in your garden? You can place newspaper in several layers, and it will help control your weeds. The main thing that a weed needs to thrive is sunlight. The layers of newspaper will kill the weeds because they no longer receive any sunlight. As an added benefit, the newspapers will decompose over time, becoming organic compost. Add a layer of mulch on top to make it look more attractive!

TIP! Add three inches of mulch to your flower beds. This will discourage weeds from growing, add nutrients, and retain the moisture in your garden.

Use a beer trap to capture slugs and stop them from eating your plants. Use a glass jar buried in the soil so the rim of the jar is at ground level. Pour beer into the jar until it is an inch from the top. The beer helps attract slugs and they end up trapped.

Organic Garden

TIP! Water demands from plants will depend on the season and the climate in your area. Knowing how much to water your plants can be a difficult task.

It can be hard to grow an organic garden without chemicals, but the end result is worth the effort. Chemicals can be beneficial, but a chemical free organic garden will always produce the best results.

TIP! Try to avoid over-watering your plants. Too much water will make it more difficult for the plants to absorb the nutrients they need from the soil.

Throughout the year and in different climates, it may be necessary to vary your watering schedule. You should consider water quality and soil type when watering your plants. Try to water your plants at the same time every day, as time of day also affects how much water they need. For example, if your climate is humid and warm, you should not water the leaves because it will encourage leaf fungus. You have to make sure to water the root system.

TIP! Rotate the plants that you grow each year by switching up where you plant them. Fungus and diseases will appear if you have the same kind of plants in the same place from one year to the next.

You will need to know the correct way to create planting beds if you want to make an organic garden. Remove the grass turf from the area you want to plant. Next, flip it so that is is upside down, and then place about four inches of chunky type wood chips on top. Within a week or two, you should be able to cut the ground and plant your seeds.

TIP! Invite biodiversity into your garden. A larger variety of plants in your garden will attract more wildlife.

When you are gardening, you should know what you can and cannot use in an organic garden. Instead of chemical fertilizers, use natural alternatives. For example, consider creating your own compost heap. Inorganic materials, such as those found in commercial fertilizers, are responsible for toxic chemical buildup in both soil and drinking water. This can be avoided by using eco-friendly organic methods.

TIP! Know what you can and cannot use in your organic garden. Rather than dousing your garden with chemical fertilizers, use an organic alternative.

Gardening is a gratifying activity. As you learn more gardening skills, you will get better at it. Use all of the horticulture information you can get your hands on. Start by using the tips you learned in this article and you can have a better garden than you ever dreamed possible.