Author: craigb

Spruce Up Your Garden With These Handy Tips

~ craigb

TIP! Look for the variants of a plant that offer the highest yield. There are genetically modified plants that resist cold and/or disease.

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

TIP! There is no need to purchase a costly chemical if your plants develop powdery mildew. Put a little baking soda and some dish soap in water.

It can be very hard to shovel clay soil, especially when it sticks to your shovel as you are working. Take the hard work out of using a shovel in clay soil by rubbing a light coat of car or floor wax over the surface with a clean cloth and buff the surface. The wax will help keep dirt from sticking to the shovel, and will also keep the metal from rusting.

TIP! Before you plant a garden you should plan it out. This way, when the sprouts start shooting up, you can recall where you planted each plant.

Long plants that run up or around a fence or wall are often useful for masking ugliness. Plants that grow as climbers are quite versatile, helping you hide ugly walls or fences, many times within only one season of growth. They can also grow through existing shrubs or trees, or be trained to cover an arbor. Sometimes the plants will require being tied to supports, but some climbers will attach themselves naturally. Some dependable types include honeysuckle, clematis, jasmine, climbing roses, and wisteria.

TIP! Start your garden by planting seed in small pots. As a green-friendly gardener, you always want to use seeds to start your new plot.

Be sure to weed your garden. Weeds can truly ruin a good garden. To aid in this venture, you might want to use white vinegar. That’s right, you have safe way to get rid of weeds right there in your kitchen cabinet. Mix white vinegar and water into a spray bottle instead of pulling the weeds by hand.

TIP! Be sure your garden is fertilized. Manure is very effective in helping plants grow, although it is important to use a commercially composted product to minimize the risk of pathogens.

Bulbs will give you wonderful flowers that you can enjoy in early spring and right through the summer. Most people have no trouble successfully growing bulbs, and their flowers will return each and every year. Find out which flowers will bloom when and then plant a variety, so that you can have fresh blooms all the way through the spring and summer!

TIP! If you plan on growing peas, you should consider starting them indoors instead of beginning them outside. Planting them inside helps the seeds germinate better.

Protect your delicate shrubs from harsh, wintry elements. Any potted shrubs should be sheltered in the winter from cold weather. Fasten the tops of the canes together, and cover this wigwam loosely with a cloth. Covering your foliage in plastic will let the air in – and may lead to decay.

TIP! Place a few inches of organically based mulch around your vegetable plants. Mulch will retain water so that you won’t have to water your plants as often.

Keep your plants dry and aerated daily. If your plants get too moist, they may get sick or infested with parasites. Fungi is very common. 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.

Mint Leaves

TIP! You should think about adding evergreen plants that yield berries into your yard space. These evergreens will color your lawn, even when other flowers are not blooming.

Do you hate how fresh mint leaves grow and take over your lovely garden but still like them? Rein their growth; you can do this simply by planting mint inside a larger garden container or pot. The container will keep the roots from spreading throughout you garden, and prevent the mint leaves from sprouting in other areas.

TIP! If you want to draw advantageous insects to your garden, plant some heather. Heather attracts bees, and when they come out in the spring, this provides an early nectar source.

If you plan on growing peas, you should consider starting them indoors instead of beginning them outside. The seeds will have a better germination rate if you start them indoors. The seedlings tend to be healthier, which would help them resist diseases and pests more easily. Once your seedlings are sturdy, you can then move them outside.

TIP! Have your tools for gardening nearby in order to maximize your efficiency with gardening. You can do this by using a bucket, or you can wear rugged pants or a gardening apron that has several pockets.

A wheelbarrow and kneeling bench or stool are smart investments for your garden. It is important to protect your knees when you are kneeling in the garden, and a foam kneeling pad will help with that. 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! Get more profits from your property. Landscaping provides some of the best home improvement returns.

You don’t have to plant just for spring and summer. Consider what are often beautiful colors in the fall. But, that does not have to be the case! Foliage never looks as colorful and vibrant as it does in the fall. Maple, beech, and dogwood trees are many colors in the fall, from yellow to a deeper crimson. There are practically as many types of shrubs chosen for their fall colors are there are gardeners! Barberry, hydrangea and cotoneaster are particularly popular choices.

TIP! When planting seeds, you should bury them three times as deep as their actual size. It is important to note though, that not all seeds are covered to this depth, as some need direct sunlight to grow properly.

An eye-catching plant makes an attractive focal point for your garden or flowerbed. There should be a solid focal point for every good garden design. Focal points in gardens are normally a plant specimen that no one else in the neighborhood has in their landscape.

TIP! Lightly ruffle your seeds by hand or with cardboard, twice daily in your organic garden. That may sound like a silly thing to do, but it’s been proven to help plants grow larger than they would otherwise.

Spray fragrances such as old perfume or aftershave on grass around your garden to help keep your dog away from the plants. 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.

TIP! A beer trap can help to eradicate slugs. 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.

Make sure that you take time to properly plant any seeds that you buy. To begin with, you need to dampen the soil sufficiently. Plant the seeds evenly to ensure that they have ample room to grow. Plant them depending on how big the seeds are. It isn`t necessary to bury all seeds; some of them need light for growth to occur.

TIP! To get a good start, look below the surface! Evaluate each tomato and check for green starts, as they generally have bad root systems that impede growth. These kind of starts stay on these seedlings for weeks at a time; this doesn’t allow the seedling to grow unless the starts are gone.

Organize the chores for your organic garden so they do not pile up. Even if you’re to busy to focus on your garden’s needs each day, you could do small things that could prevent you from piling up work when you wish to work on your garden. If you put the dog outside, weed a few spots in the garden while your dog goes to the bathroom.

TIP! Find out more about botanical insecticides to get rid of the pest. You can find more power from natural insecticides, as opposed to engineered synthetic pesticides.

For container planting, be sure to plant your seeds at a depth around three times the radius of the seed. However, it is important to understand that some seeds require sunlight and should never be covered. Some examples 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! Organic gardening has been made much easier! Chose plants that are native to your area. Selecting plants which will thrive in your area, and get along with the plants you already have, you won’t have to use as much fertilizer or pesticides.

These tips are intended to help you become an excellent organic gardener. There is plenty of information out there for you to use, it’s all a matter of how you apply it. Using this advice, you will find the best way to create your dream organic garden.

Horticulture Is Much Simpler With These Tips

~ craigb

TIP! Learn how to properly lay sod. Before laying sod, you have to make sure the soil is accurately prepared.

An organic garden can be an essential part of a healthy diet, but understanding it and buying the right equipment can be tricky. You also have a wide variety of seeds that you can select from. Here are some steps you can take to ensure you get what you need to grow your organic garden.

TIP! Your plants will respond better to gradual changes of environment. Try placing them outside in sunlight for about an hour or maybe two the first day.

Make sure to lay the sod properly. Before laying sod, you have to make sure the soil is accurately prepared. Take out any weeds, then mix up the soil into a tilth that is fine. Lightly, but firmly compress the soil, making certain it is flat. Make sure you work with a moist soil. Stagger your sod so that each joint offsets from joints in adjacent rows. Compact the sod down so you form a flat and even surface, then fill in any crevices within the sod by using some soil. The sod requires water on a daily basis for two weeks, then the roots will have taken hold and ready to be walked on.

TIP! Use both biennials and annuals to add color to your flower bed. These flowers grow quickly and can be planted at any time during the year.

Your plants need to adapt and must be gradually introduced to changes in temperature or condition. Put the plants outside in the sun for one to two hours in the beginning. As you continue the first week of the project, gradually extend the duration of sun exposure. By weeks end, you should have plants that are ready for a permanent home outside with no problem!

TIP! Before you even place the first plant in your garden, you need to check the composition of your soil. For a tiny fee, a soil analysis may be done, and based on the results, the soil can support a growing garden by you enriching it as necessary.

Use proper soil for the best results. The soil may have to be adapted, depending on what types of plants you’re planning for the garden. You can also create an artificial area with only one kind of soil.

TIP! Mint leaves are wonderful, but don’t you despise how quickly they can take over a garden due to rapid growth? You can control their growth by placing them into a pot or container. You have the option of planting the container with the plant to keep the roots from taking the garden over.

A garden needs the right type of soil to grow properly. There are soil testing services that can analyze a garden’s soil content for a small charge. With those results, it’s then possible to refine and supplement the soil to make it as fertile as possible. Many Cooperative Extension offices will provide this service, and it is well worth knowing exactly what the soil needs to avoid ruining a crop or two.

TIP! To keep pests away, you can use plants in the garden or other natural materials. Onions and marigolds can help to deter slugs.

Pre-soak your seeds to keep them healthy. Place some seeds into a small container, then fill it with water until it is almost to the top. The seeds will get the hydration they need to start growing. Seeds that are cultivated this way are more likely to survive and mature properly.

Mint Leaves

TIP! Do some research to find out the best time for harvesting your vegetables. For the optimum flavor, be sure to follow the guidelines for planting and picking.

Are fresh mint leaves something you love but cannot stand how quickly they grow all over your garden? Rein in their growth by planting the mint in a large pot or garden container instead. If you would like the mint leaves to still be in the ground, simply plant the container, and the leaves will stay within the boundaries of the pot.

TIP! Select a specific type of plant to be the focal point of your garden. A focal point in the garden will capture your attention.

Irises can be easily divided. You can divide those overgrown clumps and increase the amount of irises you have. Lift bulbous irises when the foliage is dead. The bulbs, when harvested, should easily split by hand – allowing you to replant them for even more blooms next spring. You should divide rhizomes using a knife. Cut new pieces from the outside and discard the old center. Don’t plant any pieces that don’t have any strong offshoots. Replant your cuttings immediately for the best results.

TIP! As you are working in your garden, you must take care to protect both knees. Bending over for a long while is quite difficult for a lot of people.

A touch of organic mulch will boost the potential of the vegetable plants in your garden. Mulch will keep soil moist for longer. It also keeps weeds from growing. This will save you time, money, and effort in your lovely garden.

TIP! 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. You will see many of the birds and insects that are present will assist in pollination and plant production, helping to create a much better garden.

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 will mask the garden smell that is attracting your dog, and it will make it a less appealing place for your dog to visit.

TIP! Go slowly as you plant the seeds. The first thing you should do before planting is moisturize the soil.

When gardening outdoors, you must always wear sunscreen and appropriate attire; this will help to protect you from sun damage. Put on some sunglasses, sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. If you shield your skin from the sun correctly, your risk of sunburn and cancers will go down.

Get your kids to help you grow your organic garden. They will enjoy learning about nature and bonding with you.

TIP! While organic gardening costs more and requires more effort, the produce that will come out of your garden will be healthier for you. Chemicals can be beneficial, but a chemical free organic garden will always produce the best results.

Take care of your knees while working in the garden. It’s difficult for most people to bend while standing, especially at the waist. Kneeling can relieve pain in your back, but can instead be painful to your knees. For extra comfort, purchase a knee pad for use as a cushion between your knees and the ground.

TIP! If you over-water your plants, they can’t get all the nutrients they need from the dirt. Prior to watering your outdoor plants, you should check with weather stations to see if it will be raining later in the day.

If you’re growing plants indoors, keep your thermostat around 65 or 75 degrees daily. The plants need this temperature in order to effectively grow. Heat lamps can be used to promote growth without the necessity of raising your home’s interior temperature.

Organic Garden

TIP! Water your organic garden using a soaker hose. This special type of hose allows water to slowly ooze out; the water then directly targets the roots and spares the leaves.

As you read, an organic garden can be incredibly important to your current and future dietary habits and so is understanding all the different kinds of plants you can grow. Familiarizing yourself with the advice provided in this article is a great way to start your organic garden or improve your organic gardening techniques. Make your garden as valuable as it can be for your family.

Organic Horticulture Tips For Gardeners Of Any Level

~ craigb

TIP! Cover any wall or fence with climbers. Plants that grow as climbers are quite versatile, helping you hide ugly walls or fences, many times within only one season of growth.

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

TIP! Grow some wheat grass or catnip for your cat to eat instead. It may also work to add citrus peelings or mothballs to the soil of the plants, because the odor is unpleasant to cats.

When laying sod, it is important that you do it correctly. Get your soil ready before you lay your sod. Be sure to get rid of any weeds, and then proceed to break up the soil to get it ready to use. Make sure your soil is flat and compacted. Dampen the soil completely. Sod must be arranged in staggered rows; each joint should offset one another. You want the sod to end up as a flat and even surface. If there are any gaps in between the sod pieces, then you can fill these in with some soil. Water your sod daily for a fortnight, which is enough time for it to root and be able to withstand foot traffic.

TIP! When planting anything, think about planting for color so that you have something to enjoy in the fall. That idea is actually far from the truth.

Cover fences and walls with climbing plants. They can be used to cover up unsightly fences or walls. Often, they can grow enough to cover up an eyesore in one season. They can cover an arbor, or grow through trees and shrubs. 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. If you’re looking for the most reliable varieties available, choose from clematis, wisteria, and climbing roses.

Transplanting plants and bringing them indoors can protect them from harsh winters. Perhaps save the most resistant or expensive plants. Dig around roots carefully before transferring to a pot.

TIP! Keep the temperature in your home between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, if you are keeping or growing any kind of plant in your house. They need this type of warm temperature in order to grow.

Be sure to weed your garden. Weeds can kill a precious garden. To help with the removal, you can use white vinegar. White vinegar can not only kill the weeds, it’s also a non-toxic spray that won’t harm pets or people. Mix white vinegar and water into a spray bottle instead of pulling the weeds by hand.

TIP! Organic indoor plants may need additional light sources to make up for the light they miss out on by being indoors. This needs to be considered.

Do not cut 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. If you keep your lawn too short, the roots will not go deep enough to survive in case of a heat wave.

TIP! You should utilize around three inches of mulch that is organic in your flower beds. This fights weeds, retains moisture, and gives your garden valuable nutrients.

Try to keep your plants aerated and dry, every day. If you have excess moisture, this can attract bugs or diseases. Fungi is the most common parasite 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.

Beneficial Bugs

TIP! Don’t let the chores for your organic garden pile up. If you can’t get out in your garden every day, there are still a number of things you can do to keep things from falling into disarray during your absence.

Make sure your pesticides are focused on only what you’re trying to kill. These strong pesticides are non-selective, killing beneficial insects as well as pests. Beneficial bugs usually have more sensitivity towards pesticides than bad ones. Therefore, if the number of beneficial bugs drops, the problem with pests can get bigger. Your problem will only get worse and you will find yourself using more pesticides.

TIP! If you’d like to create a raised bed, use materials like brick, stone, or untreated wood. Make sure the wood you use is untreated and rot resistant.

Try using aspirin water for fighting plant diseases. One and a half aspirin, dissolved in two gallons of water, can be a great addition to your plants. Simply spray your plants with the mixture, and this will help them fend off various diseases. You should spray your plants about once every three weeks.

TIP! Take the season and weather conditions into account when determining how much water to give your plants. The amount of water a plant needs depends on the soil type, time of day and the water’s quality.

If sustainability and organic gardening are appealing to you, leave a portion of the property you own undeveloped to give wildlife a place to thrive. As the natural wildlife begins to flourish, the various insects, birds, and other natural life around will all blend together and actually assist your garden as it begins to grow.

TIP! Grow some garlic that is organic. Plant individual cloves of garlic in the early spring or fall in moist, well-drained soil.

Keep your plants in a warm, moist environment, if possible. Plants require a warmer climate to grow. You can also buy a heat lamp to maintain ideal conditions for your inside plants during the winter.

TIP! To get your garden off to a great start check below the surface! Tomato seedlings with green starts and poor root systems are something to watch out for. Look carefully at these before purchasing them for your garden.

Plastic bags are great to cover gardening shoes when they get muddy. You’ll be able to keep your momentum going without needing to take off your shoes, and stay on track with your gardening project.

Coffee Grounds

TIP! Know what you’d specifically like to grow within your organic garden. Many garden plants come in a wide range of varieties, and these varieties can often have quite different care requirements.

Use coffee grounds on your soil. Coffee grounds are full of nitrogenous nutrients that growing plants need. A strong nitrogen source in your garden area is a wonderful way to have healthy and strong plants.

TIP! Keep the soil healthy for optimum plant health so they can combat disease, and even destruction caused by insects. Though insects may still be in the garden, they will be unable to destroy the plants.

Use equal parts of green and dried plant material in your compost pile. Your green material can be made up of produce waste, used floral arrangements, lawn cuttings, leaves, and other yard waste. Examples of dried plant material are sawdust, shredded paper, straw, cut-up woody material, and cardboard. Materials to avoid during composting include diseased plants, meat, ashes and charcoal.

TIP! Remember to buy plants for your organic garden in an intelligent manner. Keep this in mind when you are purchasing annuals, biennials, and perennials.

While it’s harder to grow organically than chemically, the rewards are much better. Chemical giants claim miracles, but those miracle crops come at a price to whoever eats the produce.

TIP! You can keep bugs out of your organic garden by planting garlic in different areas. Garlic plants emit a smell that many pests do not like.

Add mulch to keep your soil healthy. A layer of mulch can protect the soil beneath. It helps keep your soil cooler on warmer days, which protects the roots underneath. 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 control the weeds.

TIP! Rainwater should be saved. It’s a great way to supply water to your organic garden.

Now that you’ve reached the end of this article, you know exactly what it takes to create an organic garden. There is a ton of info out there when you know the right places to look, and your job is to take that information to apply it to your gardening. Using this advice, you will find the best way to create your dream organic garden.

Achieve Horticulture Success With These Useful Tips

~ craigb

TIP! Clay soil can be a real pain to work with as it often sticks to the end of the shovel. Simplify the process by putting a bit of wax onto the shovel.

More and more people are finding out how great it is to have an organic garden. The aim of this article is to help the would-be organic gardener get off to a great start. Save yourself a lot of time and efforts by learning more the many different resources available.

Choose the varieties of plants that will produce a higher yield. Normally, hybrid plants that are disease-resistant and cold-tolerant have a greater yield than traditional varieties.

TIP! Long plants that run up or around a fence or wall are often useful for masking ugliness. Plants that climb are extraordinarily versatile, and can help hide an unsightly wall or fence, usually within one season.

The first thing you can do to avoid pests is to start with healthy soil in your garden. Healthy plants grown in robust and enriched soil have an advantage in fighting pest infestation. 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! If you want the best results, you need to choose the right soil. Find out more about the plants you like and which type of soil is best.

When mowing the lawn, don’t mow the grass all the way down to the root. Keeping grass with a little more height makes it healthier. This allows the roots to grow more deeply and makes the blades of grass more resistant to becoming dry and discolored. If you keep your lawn too short, the roots will not go deep enough to survive in case of a heat wave.

TIP! Take the time to remove weeds. Weeds can truly ruin a good garden.

Whenever you are planting a veggie garden, it is vital that you place them in a location where sun shines down on them for six or more hours per day. Proper sunlight is a prerequisite for proper growth. This is also true for some flowers.

TIP! Before planting seeds, soak them overnight. Place them in a cupboard or other place where they won’t be exposed to light.

Prior to planting a garden, think through what you want to do. Doing so means you can remember where each particular plant is when you start seeing sprouts arise from the earth. It can also keep you from planting any of your garden favorites too close to each other.

TIP! 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.

Try growing your peas indoors for the first couple months. Seeds are more likely to sprout when started indoors. Seedlings will grow stronger, and withstand attacks from pests and diseases a lot better. You can transplant the seedlings outside after they are sturdy enough.

TIP! You can help your plants resist disease by spraying them with aspirin water. One and one half aspirin crushed and added to a two gallon container of water will be a great help for your plants.

Purchase an inexpensive gardening kneeling pad, as well as a wheelbarrow or wagon. Spending too much time on the ground working can be quite hard on your knees, and a gardening stool can help alleviate this, plus make things more comfortable for you. Gardeners usually need a wheelbarrow to move the heavy dirt and other objects so they are a good item to buy.

TIP! O

Every good gardener knows when the best time is to begin harvesting one vegetable or the other. Each variety needs a slightly different amount of growing time to produce the most flavorful vegetable. Veggies such as zucchini or baby peas, for instance, taste their best if they get picked young. Contrarily, tomatoes should be left on the vine until maximum ripeness has occurred. Educate yourself about the best time to harvest your veggies.

TIP! Your seeds, once they begin sprouting, don’t need the same amount of warmth as they did before. As your plants grow, move them away from the source of heat.

The nutrients from vegetables can help. If you steam your vegetables, you can pour the remaining water around them. If you grow rhododendrons, azaleas or gardenias, increase the acid in your your soil by working in coffee or tea grounds. Chamomile tea is effective in combating a fungus problem within your garden.

TIP! Put used coffee grounds on the soil. These coffee grounds have many nitrogenous nutrients that your plants could use.

Use only pesticides designed to kill the specific type of pest in your garden, and avoid the broad-spectrum kind. These pesticides will also kill any beneficial insects that consume the pests you are trying to get rid of. 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 result in your using more pesticides to eradicate the problem.

TIP! Understand the variety of natural gardening solutions that can be used to tend an organic garden. Always look into natural solutions before turning to chemicals.

To attract the right kind of insects, plant heather. Bees love heather, and it is a favorite stop when they emerge in early spring.
Heather beds are also attractive to bugs such as spiders and ground beetles that will kill pests. Keeping this is mind, you need to wear gloves when you prune your heather!

TIP! Try planting your organic garden in the shade. Shade gardens are designed to be hardy and low maintenance.

The ideal temperature to set your thermostat for indoor plants is between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit during the daylight hours. This level of heat is required in order for plants to grow. Heat lamps can be used to promote growth without the necessity of raising your home’s interior temperature.

TIP! Open your imagination as to what type of plants you would like to plant into your organic garden. Acid-loving plants tend to love mulch.

Use approximately two or three inches of natural, organic material as some mulch in every single flower bed. A thick layer of mulch will prevent weeds, reduce watering needs and fertilize your garden. It will also increase the visual appeal of the flower beds.

TIP! You should use 3″ or more of organic materials as mulch for your trees and flowers. This will make the soil richer and help it retain moisture more efficiently – which should help you reduce your water bills.

To be able to say you have legitimate organic and credible crops, you will need to be certified as having an organic garden. 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! You should use plenty of mulch if you want to save water when growing a home garden. The more mulch you have, the less you will have to water your plants.

While gardening organically requires more work than horticulture with the help of chemicals, the rewards are worth it. Harsh chemicals may be easier to use, but they can affect the nutrition and taste of your vegetables.

TIP! Mulching is effective for gardening. Mulching also helps lessen water evaporation in your soil and it keeps the weeds away.

Turn your organic garden into a shade garden. The good news is that shade gardens are actually low maintenance and fun to enjoy. You will also eliminate time and effort by a reduced need for watering your garden. They grow slowly too, but they won’t have a lot of weeds to remove.

TIP! Use rainwater to water you plants to help the environment. A barrel or similar vessel can accumulate rainwater for you, saving you money off your monthly water bill by using a free natural resource.

Don’t waste or discard that precious rainwater. Trap water in rain barrels, other contraptions or even simple buckets to water your organic garden. This will save you from paying money to water your garden. Not only is rainwater free, but it is plentiful. Rainwater also has natural benefits for plants.

TIP! Bumble bees are great helpers in your garden, because they assist in pollinating your plants. Learn to recognize the good bees from the ones you do not want to see in your garden, such as carpenter bees.

As previously mentioned, growing your ideal organic garden requires some time, patience, and effort. Take the information contained above as an example. If you can use these tips to your advantage, you can take the guess work out of an otherwise complicated venture. The tips in this article will lead to great success no matter which varieties you choose to grow.

5 Best Vegetables To Grow In Your Backyard

~ craigb

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

Starting an organic garden is a smart step in creating a healthier diet. Growing an organic garden does take some planning, though. You probably have many questions about how to accomplish your gardening goals.

TIP! Brighten up your flower beds with annuals and biennials. The annuals and biennials are usually fast growing because they only last one season, and this will let you change the garden every season for a nice change of pace.

It is important that you give your plants the chance to gradually adjust to the change in temperature and conditions, or you risk shocking them. Start by placing your plants outside for a few hours only. Over the course of a week, slowly increase the amount of time that you leave them outside. Once the transition is complete, your plants will probably be able to tolerate the outdoor conditions.

TIP! If powdery mildew appears on your plants, don’t purchase expensive chemical solutions. Mix some baking soda and a very small amount of liquid soap into water.

Do not plant perennials that are prone to snail infestation. Snails and slugs can quickly wreak havoc on a garden. Young plants with susceptible leaves are favorite meals for slugs, including those with smoother or thinner leaves. Others, though, are disliked by slugs and snails. Those with rough leaves or an unappetizing taste will be less desired by slugs and snails. Wonderful varieties of such perennials include euphorbia, campanula, helleborus, achillea, and heuchera.

Healthy Soil

TIP! Grow wheat or cat grass in the area around the plants that your cat is eating. It may also work to add citrus peelings or mothballs to the soil of the plants, because the odor is unpleasant to cats.

The first thing you can do to ward off garden pests is to ensure you are using healthy soil in your garden. Healthy soil leads to healthy plants with more strength to deflect those insects and various diseases. So give your garden a kick start by beginning with a healthy batch of natural and organic soil.

TIP! Whether you have been gardening for a few days or a few decades, you must never deviate from the instructions on the labeling of all implements and chemicals. If you miss this easy step, you run the risk of harming yourself due to the chemicals that can irritate your skin.

When autumn has arrived, you must plant everything you want to eat before winter. If you’d like to change things up a bit this season, put away your standard clay pots and plant your lettuce and kale inside of a pumpkin instead! Cut an opening in the pumpkin and scoop the insides out. Then spray the edges and empty inside of the pumpkin with Wilt-Pruf so the pumpkin doesn’t rot. Once you’ve done that, you can plant!

TIP! Pest control is one of the hardest things about growing a vegetable garden. Don’t spray any harsh chemicals on your vegetables because you will be eating them later on.

When dealing with any type of seeds in gardening, it’s important that you soak them overnight in a cool, dark location. Drop some seeds into a small glass or other container, and fill it with water. This will hydrate your seeds and it will cause them to grow faster. This will also give your seeds a much better chance to survive and mature.

TIP! Use cologne or other items with a distinct scent to keep your canine out of the landscaping. 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.

Garden vegetables should be planted in areas of the ground that receive a minimum of six hours of daily sunlight. If you neglect this, it is likely that you will notice slow growth and reduced quality in your vegetables Some flowers also have the same needs.

Knee Pads

TIP! Some advise passing your hand gently over your newly planted seedlings each day. This probably sounds like an odd recommendation, but research has shown that this technique encourages more plant growth, than no petting at all.

If you have many low-growing plants in your garden, get yourself a pair of horticulture knee pads. Horticulture is supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable; you don’t want to finish every gardening session with aching, throbbing knees. Buy yourself a pair of knee pads to use in the garden to cushion and protect your knees.

TIP! 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. The reason for this is because it helps to prevent the entire harvest from producing all at once.

Mint leaves are wonderful, but don’t you despise how quickly they can take over a garden due to rapid growth? Stunt their growth a little by planting your mint into a garden container or large pot instead. 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! It is possible to quickly and easily prepare your garden for new perennials. Cut beneath the turf using a spade, then flip it over.

Start a new garden from seeds. When you grow a new garden, start the environmental way, from seeds. It is common for commercial plants to be packaged in plastic that is not commonly recycled, and therefore, it is better to use seeds or purchase plantings only from merchants who make use of organic packaging.

TIP! You need to mulch your flowerbed and garden using at least 3 inches worth of organic material. This helps give nutrients to the soil in your garden and holds in moisture.

Your vegetable plants need about two or three inches of mulch placed around them. The mulch will add beneficial moisture to your soil. This also helps reduce the appearance of weeds. This can prevent you from having to constantly pull weeds.

TIP! Making beds is one of the most important skills you need to acquire. You do this by slicing underneath the turf using an appropriate tool.

Be sure to buy a wheelbarrow and a kneeling stool that you can use for your garden. In order to relieve stress on your knees when horticulture, always use a small garden stool to be more comfortable. As well, horticulture can involve some heavy lifting and moving, so a strong wheelbarrow can really make that aspect much more effortless.

TIP! This tip greatly eases your organic gardening attempts. Plan out the landscaping with mainly native bushes, flowers, and grasses.

When gardening outdoors, you must always wear sunscreen and appropriate attire; this will help to protect you from sun damage. Sunglasses, a nice shady hat, and sunscreen are very helpful. Protecting yourself from the sun will lower the possibility of sunburn and skin cancer.

TIP! Carefully decide which plants you want to grow before you plant your garden. Even within the family of a specific flower or vegetable, the different varieties available have differing environmental requirements.

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! Place trees in locations around your house so they are in the perfect place for shade. Your energy bills will reflect this maneuver as your home will be naturally cooled by the shade from the tree.

Use this simple tip to get your perennial garden ready in a flash. Use your spade to slice chunks of turf up, then flip each piece over, and spread wood chips on top to a depth of four inches. Wait two weeks or so, and then you are ready to jump right in with digging and planting.

TIP! A good method to save water when it comes to your garden at home is by using mulch. If you mulch your garden adequately, you won’t need to water the plants as often.

Top all your garden beds with several inches of organic mulch. This practice is an easy way to discourage weeds, retain moisture, and add valuable nutrients to your garden. It will also increase the visual appeal of the flower beds.

TIP! Water is essential to maintaining a vibrant garden. Just like people do, plants need to have water in order to live.

Procrastination leads to problems in a variety of areas, including organic gardening. Every time you go outside, you should take care of a few things so that you do not have too much work to do when you have the time to go back to your garden. For example, snatch out a weed or two whenever you pass by the garden, such as when you take your dog out for a potty break.

TIP! Rid your garden of snails by spraying them with a concoction of water and ammonia. You won’t hurt your plants with ammonia, and it will actually be converted into nitrogen that is beneficial later.

So, as you have seen, it is true that organic gardening requires research, work, and effort to start growing your own organic plants. Furthermore, you will only see your garden blossom with consistent tending. With the advice from this article, you are now ready to begin a successful organic horticulture adventure.

Never Worry About Horticulture Again With This Piece

~ craigb

TIP! Pay attention to how you lay sod. Prior to laying the sod, prepare your soil.

If you know enough about what you’re doing, horticulture is not that hard. With the correct knowledge, anyone can be an expert gardener. Explore this article to find some helpful tips that can take you to master status in your garden.

TIP! If you see mildew that is powdery, stay away from expensive chemicals to treat it. Mix some baking soda and a very small amount of liquid soap into water.

When autumn has arrived, you must plant everything you want to eat before winter. If you’d like to change things up a bit this season, put away your standard clay pots and plant your lettuce and kale inside of a pumpkin instead! You simply need to cut off the top, scoop out the guts, and spray your pumpkin with Wilt-Pruf. After this is completed, it is time to plant!

Both cat grass and wheat grass are good for giving your errant feline pause. You may also place something offensively smelly atop the soil, like citrus peel or mothballs.

TIP! Remove your garden’s weeds! A vibrant garden will be overrun with weeds if they are left alone. To aid in this venture, you might want to use white vinegar.

Plan your garden before you plant it. This will assist you in recognizing your tiny plants when they start to pop up. You can also avoid losing the smaller plants, or in larger gardens, the small plant groups.

TIP! If you have planted vegetables within your garden, make sure that they are getting at least six hours of sunlight each day. Most vegetables need at least that much sun exposure to grow properly.

If you are looking for an all-natural, organic way to weed your garden, consider “boiling off” the weeds. A pot of very hot water is one of the most effective ways you can get rid of the weeds in your garden. Pour hot water right on the weeds, but do not get any on your plants. The roots of the weeds are damaged by the boiling water which, in turn, inhibits further growth.

Mint Leaves

TIP! Many people delight in the taste of fresh mint leaves, but become frustrated when the plant spreads wildly. Contain their growth with a garden container or large pot instead.

Don’t you hate it how fresh mint leaves take over all of your garden, even though you love them? Stunt their growth a little by planting your mint into a garden container or large pot instead. If you would like the mint leaves to still be in the ground, simply plant the container, and the leaves will stay within the boundaries of the pot.

TIP! Your children will enjoy being involved with your organic gardening endeavors. 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.

You can prevent pests using other plants or natural materials. Planting marigolds or onions around the border of your vegetable garden will help repel slugs. Insects can be deterred if you use wood ash instead of mulch around trees and shrub seedlings. When done naturally, there is no need for pesticides with harsh, and sometimes dangerous, chemicals

TIP! Think about planting everbearing strawberries in your garden, especially if you have small children. Small kids enjoy picking fruit themselves out of a garden.

Start peas inside in a container, rather than planting the seeds outdoors. The seeds will have a better germination rate if you start them indoors. 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 have become hardy enough to survive, you can transplant them to your outdoor garden.

TIP! It can be extremely fast and easy to plant perennials into your garden. Turn over the soil in your garden so it will be soft and easy to plant before spreading wood chips around your garden.

Spray fragrances such as old perfume or aftershave on grass around your garden to help keep your dog away from the plants. This can make scents that dogs are attracted to, and make your garden less interesting in general for pets.

TIP! Go slowly as you plant the seeds. Before taking any other steps, you should first moisturize the soil.

Vegetables are softer in the heat of the hottest part of the day; even gently picking them at that time can damage them. Vegetables and fruits should always be cut from the vine, not twisted; twisting subjects a plant to needless stress.

TIP! Keep your garden tools close at hand to make the most of your gardening time. You can keep them in a good sized bucket, or wear utility pants that have plenty of large pockets.

Ward off certain diseases that plague plants with the use of aspirin. An aspirin and a half, combined with a couple of gallons of water, will do amazing things for your plants. Spray the plants with the aspirin water to assist plants in battling disease. Be sure to repeat this process every two or three weeks.

TIP! After sprouting occurs, you will not need to keep seeds as warm. Your seedlings should be moved away from any heat source.

Take the necessary time when planting seeds. Start by getting the soil good and moist. Take the seeds and place them evenly across the horticulture area, giving them plenty of space to grow. You should bury your seeds deep enough, usually three times their size. Read the seed pack as some varieties shouldn’t be covered with soil because they require light to sprout.

TIP! You should work efficiently, instead of working hard in your garden, to simplify things. It’s frustrating to search for a tool for a half hour.

Use equal parts of green and dried plant material in your compost pile. Green plant mulches include everything from fresh grass clippings, to unwanted vegetables, to recently pulled weeds. Your dried material can be things such as sawdust, paper shreds, wood shavings, straw and cardboard. 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! 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 slugs are disrupting the balance of your garden, you can diminish their population by using a beer trap. Dig a hole the size of a glass jar, and bury the jar with the top at ground level. Fill it with beer to about one inch below the top of the jar. The beer will attract the slugs and they will be trapped in the jar.

TIP! Consider using botanical pesticides to keep the pest that plague your garden under control. These natural insecticides can often be more effective than synthetically engineered pesticides.

Your watering schedule should flow perfectly with the seasons, yet be adjustable according to climate. 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. As an example, leaves should not be watered in humid, warm climates else leaf fungus could occur. Instead, the roots should be thoroughly watered.

TIP! If you plant tomatoes, make sure you plant a second batch roughly three weeks after the first ones were done. This method prevents a unified harvest, and allows separate times to pull the plants throughout the year.

Gardening can be a fun and easy hobby once you have laid some of the groundwork in place. With just a little good information, you can find out all you need to know regarding horticulture, and making your space a masterpiece.

How To Grow An Organic Garden The Right Way

~ craigb

TIP! Insects and various garden pests can be avoided by making your soil healthy. Healthy soil encourages vigorous plant growth and makes your garden more resistant to common diseases and insects.

It can be somewhat overwhelming to learn everything there is to know about horticulture. Luckily, gardening can be researched easily, taught and learned. With this list of ideas in hand, you will be armed with a great deal of knowledge and will have the ability to become a terrific gardener in short order.

Healthy Plants

TIP! Cover the fences and walls with climbers. Many climbers are so robust that they can cover an unattractive wall or fence in a single growing season.

The first thing you can do to avoid pests is to start with healthy soil in your garden. If you create healthy plants, they are going to be stronger and therefore, less likely to succumb to diseases and insects. If you start with balanced soil, your garden will produce healthy plants with the best yield. Refrain from using chemicals since these will increase the salt content of the soil.

TIP! When it’s autumn, it’s time to start planting all of your fall edibles. Instead of a clay pot, show some fall spirit by using a hollow pumpkin to plant your lettuce or kale in.

If you have any mildew on the plants, do not go out and buy anything. Instead, combine baking soda with water and liquid soap. This solution can be sprayed onto your plants once per week until the problem is resolved. Baking soda is a good way to get rid of mildew on your plants gently.

TIP! Irises can benefit from being separated. Overgrown clumps of irises can be divided up to increase your numbers of this lovely flower.

Try using climber plants to cover up your fences and walls. Climbing plants are great for hiding hideous fences and walls, and they usually grow within a season. You can also use them in your landscape to cover an existing arbor, or allow them to climb up trees, or through shrubs. There are those that have to be fixed to a support, but others will find a surface to cling to all on their own through twining stems or tendrils. There are many varieties you can choose from. Honeysuckle, climbing roses and jasmine are among the best.

TIP! Using pest-resistant plants or natural materials in your garden is a good way to keep pests away. For example, planting a border consisting of marigolds or onions can repel slugs.

Carbon dioxide, or CO2, is essential to the growth of plants because of its role in photosynthesis. Often, plants achieve better growth when they are surrounded by high levels of CO2. The best way to get higher CO2 for your plants is to grow them in a greenhouse. CO2 levels are best kept high, in order to provide optimal growing conditions for your plants.

Knee Pads

TIP! Grow heather so that you can attract useful insects. Bees love heather, and it is a favorite stop when they emerge in early spring.

Knee pads are a gardener’s friend when caring for plants low to the ground. The amount of time that you spend horticulture on your knees can make your knees hurt by the time you are done. Buy yourself a pair of knee pads to use in the garden to cushion and protect your knees.

TIP! The ideal temperature to set your thermostat for indoor plants is between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit during the daylight hours. This is the optimum temperature to ensure strong growth.

Keep your plants dry and aerated daily. Moisture can be a magnet for disease and parasites on your plants. Fungus infections are common in overly moist plants. It is possible to control fungi by using fungicide sprays. However, these sprays should be used before issues become apparent.

TIP! It’s simple to lay a new perennial bed. Use a spade to dig up some soil, flip the soil over, and finally, sprinkle around 3-4 inches of wood chips on the soil.

Novice gardeners should read the manuals on all horticulture tools and chemicals prior to using them. If you don’t do this, you could cause unnecessary skin irritations, which are very painful. Keep your health intact and follow the directions to the letter.

TIP! Get the most out of what you have, and your property. Landscaping your yard will bring you a big return on your investment.

Make sure any open cuts are completely protected from dirt and chemicals before you go to work in your garden. Your cut could get infected if you’re dealing with grime and dirt when horticulture. You can get bandages that can completely seal your cut.

TIP! Consider solving your weed problem without the use of toxic chemicals. To control the growth of weeds, all you need is last week’s Sunday paper.

Just as when outside, plants kept inside need varying degrees of sunlight, which can be harder to obtain from indoors. If you want indoor plants, choose specimens that can grow in relatively dark places. Otherwise, you could simply use your own lights.

Coffee Grounds

TIP! Change how much you water your plants with the changing of the seasons. You should also adjust your watering habits if the temperature or amount of rainfall changes dramatically.

Coffee grounds can benefit many types of soil. They contain nitrogenous nutrients which are essential to plant growth. Nitrogen is a nutrient that will help your plants grow taller and bloom faster, so use those coffee grounds, extra compost, or diluted urea to make this happen.

TIP! Take a look below the surface to get a start. 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.

Increase the value of your property! Of all the home improvement options that you might consider, landscaping is the most cost effective. In fact, you can boost your home’s value by a fifth with the right landscaping, and in the right market. For landscaping your yard, pick out plant species that fit your climate and require little watering.

TIP! You can find a lot of information on how to keep any unwanted pests away by researching local botanical insecticides. These natural insecticides are just as effective as chemicals, sometimes even more so.

Organize the chores for your organic garden so they do not pile up. Even if you’re to busy to focus on your garden’s needs each day, you could do small things that could prevent you from piling up work when you wish to work on your garden. If you put the dog outside, weed a few spots in the garden while your dog goes to the bathroom.

TIP! Weeds are irritating no matter what type of garden you have. This method is much safer for your other plants.

A rule of thumb for when you are planting seeds in containers is to make the hole depth around three times larger than the seed itself. Some seeds need sunlight and should not be buried. Typical examples are petunias and ageratum. If you are wondering whether or not the seeds require direct sunlight, you can usually find helpful information online that will answer your question.

TIP! You can mix raked leaves with the soil in your garden to make a great organic compost. Leaves decompose, and this makes a healthy organic compost rich in nutrients for your plants.

Now that wasn’t as terrible as you thought it would be, right? Like most subjects, there is amble information on horticulture available. The key is to simply find a good starting point and get going. With the tips provided in this article, you have the knowledge to start your own garden.

Useful Advice For Organic Gardening

~ craigb

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

Most likely, you have seen organic foods in your local grocery store or read about them in a newspaper. Distinguishing which foods are organic is really quite simple. These items are packaged in a different manner, and they typically cost much more. Keep reading this article to find some great tips on how to grow an organic garden and stop paying too much at the store.

TIP! When winter comes around, save some plants by putting them in the house. You may want to save the most beautiful or expensive ones.

Learn about plant varieties so you can choose the ones with the best yields. Frequently, a hybrid that is able to deal with extreme temperatures will bring higher yields than the more traditional variety of a plant.

TIP! When you are tending your garden in the fall, be on the alert for stink bugs. Stink bugs enjoy gardens, and are especially fond of fruit, tomatoes, beans and peppers.

The handles of your tools can double as clever rulers. Handles of things such as rakes, hoes or shovels make excellent measuring instruments. On the floor, simply lay out the handles, then take a tape measure and run it next to them. Label the distances using a permanent marker. Next time you are working in the garden, you will have a large ruler at your fingertips!

TIP! You can keep pests away from your garden by using other plants or natural materials. Forming a border around your vegetable garden with marigolds or onions are ideal for repelling slugs.

Check your soil before you begin planting your garden. Have a soil analysis completed so you can know what you need to add to have soil which will fully support your garden. Ask about this service at a local university or the county Cooperative Extension office to improve the soil and insure fruitful crops.

TIP! To help them out, try poring leftover water from steamed vegetables on them. Used teabags or grounds from coffee are a great way to add acid to the soil.

Keep your plants dry and aerated daily. If your plants are moist, this can attract disease and parasites. One common organism that thrives on moisture is the fungi family. 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! Plant items with fall color. Fortunately, this doesn’t have to be.

To keep pests away, you can use plants in the garden or other natural materials. For example, slugs can be deterred by the presence of marigolds or onions. Wood ash, when used like mulch, can keep away pests after it is spread around a tree base and shrub seedlings. These are methods you can use to get rid of the need to use pesticides.

TIP! To defend your garden from errant dogs, spray something with a strong scent, including aftershave or old perfume around the perimeter of the garden. Your dog will be less attracted to your garden when these scents overpower compost scents and other smells dogs like.

Think about adding some berry-producing evergreens to your landscaping. These plants will look good year-round, even during the winter, when your other plants have lost their bloom. There is quite a variety of plants that will give your garden a splash of color during winter, including the American Cranberrybush, American Holly, Common Snowberry or Winterberry.

TIP! Ward off certain diseases that plague plants with the use of aspirin. Dissolve 1 aspirin per gallon of water for a plant disease fighting solution.

You should purchase a wheelbarrow, as well as a kneeling stool to help you garden. Horticulture can take a toll on the knees, but a small ergonomic stool will be a comfortable solution. Horticulture also requires transporting heavy objects and lots of dirt, so purchasing a wheelbarrow can be a very smart investment.

TIP! You must always take care of your knees when working in the garden. Most people can’t bend over while standing up for a long period of time.

Learn the ideal times for harvesting your vegetables. Most vegetables have a relatively small harvesting window when they will taste best. Baby peas, for example have much better flavor if they are harvested early in the ripening process, as does zucchini. In contrast, tomatoes are best when left on the vine as long as possible. So, make sure you do some research, and find out when the best time to harvest your vegetables is.

TIP! Use about two to three inches of organic material as mulch in all of your flower beds. A thick layer of mulch will prevent weeds, reduce watering needs and fertilize your garden.

A good tip to help your plants stay healthy and fight diseases is to use aspirin water. An aspirin and a half, combined with a couple of gallons of water, will do amazing things for your plants. The simple practice of spraying them with the mix will help them fight off diseases. Be sure to repeat this process every two or three weeks.

Pine Needles

TIP! Ruffle the seedlings carefully with a piece of soft cardboard or your hands twice a day. This may sound strange, but research has proven that doing this will help your plants grow bigger than if they were not petted at all.

Pine is a wonderful mulch so do not discard the idea. Some plants do better in soil with high acidity as they are highly acidic themselves. Use pine needles to increase the acid level in your soil if you have plants that require higher acid. Spread a few inches of pine needles on your organic beds so that it will put the acid into your soil.

TIP! Create raised beds with stone, brick or untreated wood. If you are to use wood, you should make sure that the wood is not treated and is also naturally rot resistant.

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. Dried plant materials are things like shredded newspaper, cardboard, sawdust, straw, and any cut up wood materials. Diseased plants, meat and fire-waste like charcoal or ashes should not be placed in your compost pile.

TIP! Check the roots of your plants. When buying tomato seedlings, avoid the ones with a bad root system or green starts.

If you have problem slugs in your organic garden, get rid of them naturally with a beer trap. Get a clean, empty glass jar to use as a trap. Bury it with its mouth facing upwards. Keep putting dirt over the jar until the mouth is at the surface of your garden. Fill the jar with beer within one inch of the top. Slugs will be attracted by the beer and fall into the jar.

TIP! Plant a variety of foliage native to your region for the best garden. The more varieties of plants that are around, the more wildlife will be around.

Add mulch for healthy soil. A layer of mulch can protect the soil beneath. It protects the plant roots, keeping the ground cool on a hot summer day. It greatly reduces water loss, keeping the soil moist with fewer waterings. It also keeps the weeds under control.

TIP! What plants are native to your area? Plan your landscaping based primarily on native bushes, flowers and grasses. If you chose plants that will thrive well in your environment, the need for having to purchase fertilizers and pesticides could be eliminated.

When working in the garden, know exactly what you are using. Try using natural alternatives instead of the chemicals you normally use. Compost works great for this. Inorganic fertilizers can cause toxic chemicals to buildup. That’s why it’s best to use an organic method.

TIP! Keep the soil healthy for optimum plant health so they can combat disease, and even destruction caused by insects. When the insects are present, you’re not having to deal with their damage, so you’re all happy.

Transform your organic garden into a shade garden. You might be interested to know that these gardens are very low maintenance. They will require much less watering, which saves a lot of work and time. Growth is sustained, but weeds will be less of a problem.

TIP! Weeds are pesky for any type of garden, whether or not it is organic. Vinegar is not harmful to the environment and can help you keep weeds from taking over your organic garden.

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.

Build A Beautiful Organic Garden With These Ideas

~ craigb

TIP! A handy trick is to turn the handle on a tool that you use often into a makeshift ruler. Tools with substantial handles, like rakes, hoes and large shovels are great for taking measurements.

A lot of people are becoming more aware of the chemicals that are put in our everyday produce and how this can harm them, this is why they decide to grow organically. Another benefit of organic horticulture is that it is relatively inexpensive. In the following paragraphs, you’ll find some suggestions that will help you make the most of your garden.

TIP! Your soil needs to be of good quality before you start a 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.

Plants that climb can hide fences and walls. Climbing plants are great for hiding hideous fences and walls, and they usually grow within a season. They can be trained to grow over an arbor, or through trees and shrubs that are already in the garden. There are natural climbers, which use tendrils or stems to wrap around any given surface, while others must be tied with a string or rope. Trusted variations of climbers are honeysuckle, jasmine, clematis, wisteria and climbing roses.

TIP! Make sure to be weary of stink bugs whenever you garden, particularly during the fall months. These destructive pests enjoy many kinds of fruit, as well as beans, peppers and tomatoes.

It is important to choose the right type of soil if you want to achieve the best results. Depending on what kind of plants you want in your garden, the soil might or might not be adapted. You can simply use one type of soil to make an artificial area.

Soil Analysis

TIP! Your plants need to be kept dry, but sill receiving a good amount of air. If your plants are moist, this can attract disease and parasites.

Do a soil analysis prior to planting. You can get a soil analysis, and if you find your soil needs a supplement, do it! Many offices of Cooperative Extension will do a soil analysis, and it is important to know how to improve soil so that all crops can grow in it.

TIP! Don’t forget to use a good fertilizer in your garden. Choose commercial compost instead of homegrown manure to keep toxins out of your plants.

Be diligent in your efforts to banishing weeds! Weeds can truly ruin a good garden. White vinegar is a pesticide-free way to battle weeds. White vinegar can not only kill the weeds, it’s also a non-toxic spray that won’t harm pets or people. 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! Keep your tools handy to work more efficiently. Large pockets or a sturdy bucket can be used to store tools.

Garden vegetables should be planted in areas of the ground that receive a minimum of six hours of daily sunlight. Most vegetables that can be grown need that much sun to grow well and quickly. This is true of some flowers.

TIP! Planted flowers will benefit from organic materials that are built up to as much as three inches. This practice is an easy way to discourage weeds, retain moisture, and add valuable nutrients to your garden.

Before you plant a garden you should plan it out. This will assist you in recognizing your tiny plants when they start to pop up. You are also less likely to lose smaller members of the larger garden in the overall mix.

TIP! When composting lawn clippings, leaves, and other materials, it is best to add the same amount of green, freshly-cut material as you do dried material. Grass clippings, vegetable and fruit leftovers, and grass clippings are all examples of green plant material.

Take the time to spread around five centimeters of organic mulch near your vegetable plants. Mulch keeps soil moist for longer periods of time. It will also dramatically decrease weed growth. You will save time by not pulling weeds.

TIP! For perennials, you can quickly get a plot developed in a short amount of time. Cut beneath the turf using a spade, then flip it over.

Try pouring water leftover from steamed vegetables onto your potted plants. It contains rich nutrients that come from the vegetables. You can also acidify soil for rhododendrons, gardenias and more by using coffee or tea grounds. If fungus is an issue, Chamomile tea sprinkled on the plant may be effective.

TIP! When you water your organic garden, choose a soaker hose for the best results. Because the water in these hoses seeps out slowly, it goes directly to the roots of the places and leaves the leaves dry.

Broad-spectrum pesticides should be avoided in your garden. Besides killing the insects you don’t want, this type of pesticide will also kill beneficial insects. Since these pesticides often affect the good bugs more than the bad, using them can actually increase your pest problem. As a result, gardeners often have to resort to using more toxic pesticides to get rid of garden pests.

TIP! Cultivating a truly organic garden requires you to pay careful attention to the things that you use to maintain it. Always look into natural solutions before turning to chemicals.

Use a plant for a focal point. Gardens are like art; you need to give the piece (or garden) an initial focal point. Focal points in gardens are normally a plant specimen that no one else in the neighborhood has in their landscape.

TIP! You’re probably aware that compost is very beneficial to organic gardens, but are you aware of what goes into it? It is a mixture or combination of leaves, grass clippings, wood-chips, produce scraps, straw, and some small twigs that had the chance to break down into a “pseudo-soil.” This nutrient-rich mixture is preferable to commercial fertilizer.

Be careful how you water your garden. Instead of watering each individual plant with a can or hose, utilize a soaker hose, which can water all the plants at once. Avoid damage to new plantings by keeping the water on low to move the water slowly through the soaker. Let it water your garden for a few hours, so you’re available to do other stuff.

TIP! Plant high-value crops in your garden. Value is subjective and will vary from person to person.

Vegetables get softer as the temperature goes up, so you could damage your vegetables if you pick them during the hottest hours. Vegetables and fruits should always be cut from the vine, not twisted; twisting subjects a plant to needless stress.

Coffee Grounds

TIP! Using a good amount of mulch is a wonderful method to conserve water in your garden at home. Adding additional mulch means your plants will require less water.

Coffee grounds are a good addition to your soil. Coffee grounds will add nitrogen to your soil which will make them helpful for some of your plants. Coffee grounds as a source of nitrogen for plants are usually limited to acid-loving plants because coffee is acidic. 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! Be an ecological friendly gardener and use rainwater for your plants. Collect rainwater in a container, it can help you save money on your bill! Bear in mind this tip to have a chemical-free garden while saving money.

Do you want to know how to kill weeds in a natural way? Try using several newspaper layers to control weeds. Without light, there can be no weeds. They will suffocate and die if you cover them with newpapers. The paper will break down quickly and cleanly, adding to your compost. Put mulch over top to increase the attractiveness of the pile.

TIP! Some houseplants may need humidity. A quick way to achieve the humidity you need is to group together different plants in a single pot.

It is a great idea to help your garden by ruffling seedlings, either with cardboard or with your own hands, a couple of times each day. This will sound a bit strange. However, it has been proven to cause plants to grow larger.

TIP! Try using chicken tractors to fertilize your garden area. Chicken tractors are mobile chicken coops that include an open floor beneath a covered living area.

Utilize the advice provided here, and you will soon be on your way to having a flourishing organic garden that is both healthy and free of pollutants. You can also look forward to a rise in the number of wild visitors you receive in your garden.

Think You Have A Black Thumb? Try These Easy Garden Plants

~ craigb

TIP! Make garden tools do double duty as handy makeshift rulers. You can convert any large handle tool, such as a hoe, shovel, or rake into a measuring tool.

Many people, while favorably considering the practice, never actually commit themselves to organic horticulture. Some people think gardening is just too complicated and are intimidated by the many details. Follow the advice in this article to make organic horticulture a simple and fun activity.

TIP! If you want to cover up your walls or fences, make sure that you specifically use climbing plants. Many climbers are so robust that they can cover an unattractive wall or fence in a single growing season.

Take the proper approach to laying sod. Get your soil ready before you lay the sod. Remove any weeds, and break the soil up into a fine tilth. Make sure the soil is packed firmly and even. Make sure you work with a moist soil. Staggered rows with offset joints is the best way for the sod to be laid out. After the sod is in place, go over the surface to ensure everything is level. Use loose soil to fill in any gaps between seams. Water the sod every day for a couple of weeks. Then it should be rooted well and ready for foot traffic.

TIP! Plants need ample amounts of CO2 to reach their maximum growth. The majority of plants grow much better when CO2 levels are at their highest.

Choose higher yield plant varieties. It is quite common to find that hybrids, which are often able to resist disease and withstand cold climates, produce yields much larger than their conventional counterparts.

TIP! When partaking in gardening activities, particularly in the autumn months, keep an eye on those stink bugs. They thrive on fruits, citrus, peppers and various beans.

Cover fences and walls with lots of climbers. Many climbers can cover the wall or fence in as little as one growing season. They can also grow through existing shrubs or trees, or be trained to cover an arbor. Some require ties attaching them to supports, but others will attach themselves to any surface nearby. If you’re looking for the most reliable varieties available, choose from clematis, wisteria, and climbing roses.

TIP! If you learn that your soil has a high amount of alkaline, mix some used coffee grounds into it. This is an easy and inexpensive method to increase the acidity of your soil.

When partaking in gardening activities, particularly in the autumn months, keep an eye on those stink bugs. They like fruits, as well as peppers, beans and tomatoes. If left uncontrolled, they can cause substantial damage in your garden, so make plans for how to protect your plants from these pests.

TIP! Protect your deciduous shrubs which are tender. When these tender shrubs are kept in pots, cold weather can be very damaging.

Set your mower blades higher, so you don’t cut the grass too short. If you let your grass grow, the roots will go deeper and make your lawn more resistant to dryness. When grass is cut too low the roots will not grow as deep, and your lawn may suffer from brown patches.

TIP! Knee pads are a gardener’s friend when caring for plants low to the ground. The amount of time that you spend gardening on your knees can make your knees hurt by the time you are done.

You can prevent pests from invading your garden with certain plants and natural materials. A good way to keep slugs away is to create a border with onions around a garden with vegetables. Marigolds would do this trick as well. Mulch around the bottom of trees and shrub seedlings with wood ash to reduce unwanted infestation of pests. These are methods you can use to get rid of the need to use pesticides.

Pest Problem

TIP! Fertilize your garden. Manure helps your plants grow.

Keep your garden free from broad-spectrum pesticides. These types of pesticides also kill the beneficial insects that eat the pests. These helpful bugs are usually more sensitive to the chemicals than the pests, so if you find yourself in a situation where the good bugs are dying out, you can expect the pest problem to grow. If you respond to the growing pest problem with more broad-spectrum pesticide, you only continue the harmful cycle.

TIP! Your vegetable plants need about two or three inches of mulch placed around them. The mulch will help keep the soil moist for longer periods of time.

A mixture of aspirin and water can help your ailing plants. Dissolve 1 aspirin per gallon of water for a plant disease fighting solution. You simply have to spray the solution on your plants to assist them in warding off diseases. Spraying should be one time every three weeks.

TIP! Purchase an inexpensive gardening kneeling pad, as well as a wheelbarrow or wagon. 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.

It’s simple to lay a new perennial bed. Use your spade in a slicing motion to cut a flap of turf. Carefully turn the flap over, then cover the area with a three-inch layer of untreated wood chips. You want to then give the area about a couple of weeks, then you want your new perennials planted by digging into it.

TIP! Try to relax with gardening. There are numerous ways to seek personal comfort and peace.

Use several inches of organic materials for mulch in your flower beds. Using this much mulch retards weed growth, locks in moisture, and ensures that your plants are well-nourished. It will also increase the visual appeal of the flower beds.

Cover your muddy shoes with plastic bags. This way, you can get in and out quickly, and get back to work in the garden.

TIP! Make sure you work in your garden every day. Don’t waste your time looking for missing tools.

Creating a trap with beer can help reduce the number of slugs in your garden. Bury a canning jar so that the open mouth and the soil top are level. Fill the jar with beer within one inch of the top. The beer attracts these slugs, but traps them in the jar.

TIP! Be aware of spacing considerations when you are first planting your organic garden. Leave a little more space than you think your full grown plant will need to make up for overgrowth.

If you are building a raised bed utilize stone, brick or wood that is untreated. Make sure the wood you use is untreated and rot resistant. Several species of trees yield suitable wood. Locust, cypress, and cedar are among the more commonly used rot resitent woods. Avoid using treated wood in an organic vegetable garden. The chemicals in the wood can leak into the soil, and eventually into the plants. If you’re using treated lumber, line it with a barrier, or some plastic.

TIP! Try to use untreated wood, brick or stone and make a raised bed. If you choose wood, it needs to be naturally rot resistant and untreated.

Grow some garlic that is organic. Cloves should be planted whole during the fall or early spring months. Garlic grows best in soil that retains moisture but drains well. Each clove should be planted end-up, four inches apart and between one and two inches below the surface of the soil. Green garlic shoots can be cut as they grow, and used in place of chives or scallions. The garlic will be matured when the green tops start drying out and turning brown. Dry the bulbs well in the sun for several days to harden the skin. Store the bulbs separately or tied in loose bunches in a cool place.

TIP! Garlic is an excellent choice to grow organically. Plant single garlic cloves during the spring or fall seasons in soil that is moist and well-drained.

Research local botanical insecticides which can help keep any pest population down. You can find more power from natural insecticides, as opposed to engineered synthetic pesticides. Keep in mind, however, that these insecticides have very short half lives. Since they are made out of all natural ingredients, they may decay and disappear soon after you use them.

TIP! Plants are bound to be healthier if placed in healthier soil, therefore they will be able to avoid diseases as well as damage that can be caused by insects. While you still have insects present, they won’t cause any damage.

The information you’ve been given in this article should have done a great deal to ease any apprehension that you have about starting your own organic garden. Follow the tips you have studied here, and your yard will soon be yielding a terrific amount of delicious wholesome food for your kitchen.