Organic horticulture may seem to be a very complicated matter when examined closely. Choosing to garden organically means learning about many details, such as your soil’s acidity or what sort of insects live in your garden. Growing an organic garden can be a bit difficult for a newbie. Use the tips below to grow like a pro.
Shoveling clay is very difficult and lots of work because the clay is hard and sticks to the shovel, making it tough to handle. One way to get around this problem is to coat the shovel with wax. Use a clean cloth to spread the wax evenly. This will make your task easier because the clay won’t stick to the shovel. It will also keep your garden tool from rusting.
In order for plants to grow, they must have enough CO2. When exposed to high levels of CO2, most types of plants will grow better. Getting a greenhouse is the best way to get a higher amount. A greenhouse will help maintain a high level of CO2 and cause the plants to grow faster.
Use bulbs to ensure continuous flowers throughout the spring and summer. Since bulbs are easy to grow and resistant to poor weather conditions, they will grow without fail year after year. If you choose your plants carefully, you could have flowers in blossom from the first weeks of spring to the end of the summer.
In a dark area, pre-soak your seeds overnight. Place your seeds in a container filled with water. This will keep your seeds hydrated and give you a little head start with your growing. The seeds will have a better chance of surviving and maturing.
If you want an organic way to weed your garden, try “boiling” them. Considering that boiling water is rather safe, you don’t have to worry about toxins in your soil or at your dinner table. Carefully pour boiling water right on the weeds, but be careful not to pour it on the plants you want. What this does it essentially kill the weeds by damaging their roots. The result is that those weeds are unlikely to regrow.
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 garden will repel slugs. Mulch around the bottom of trees and shrub seedlings with wood ash to reduce unwanted infestation of pests. Natural remedies, like the ones listed, will help reduce the need and usage of harsh chemical pesticides.
Heather can be planted to attract useful insects. 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. Always remember this, and wear your horticulture gloves if you prune your heather!
Allow your children to actively participate in planting your organic garden. Growing a garden is a great way to teach your children about nature while allowing you to have time to bond with them.
Try to keep plastic bags on hand to cover shoes that are muddy. This allows you to maintain your flow so you can rapidly get back to your horticulture.
Laundry Basket
Use a laundry basket to help you collect produce from your garden. The laundry basket will function as a makeshift strainer for the fruits and vegetables. When you put your produce in a basket, you can then rinse it off and let it strain any excess water through the laundry basket holes.
It can be hard at times to grow your own organic garden, yet it is so much more rewarding in the end. Although the chemicals may claim greater results, using organic methods to tame your garden will do less harm to your body, and the environment.
Every year, you should plant different things and in different places. If the types of plants that you grow are consistent from one year to the next, they may be more prone to diseases and plant fungus. The fungus and bacteria will stay in the ground a whole year and attack your plants when the time is right. However, by alternating the locations of your different types of plants, you can naturally prevent the fungi and diseases from developing.
Have you ever given any thought to using organic gardening methods to grow garlic? Plant some individual garlic cloves into well-drained soil in early spring. Plant the cloves one to two inches beneath the soil about four inches apart and with the pointed end up. You can cut the shoots of green garlic as they are growing and use them as an alternative to scallions and chives. You will know when to harvest the garlic, because the tops will gradually turn brown. Leave the bulbs out the sunshine for a few days until the skin gets hard. Store them in a cool, dry location. You can store them as loose bulbs, or fasten them together into bunches.
Now, you shouldn’t get your hopes up and believe that a few tips are going to turn you into an instant professional gardener. However, these tips are a great starting point if you do plan to grow organically. As you implement these tips and hone your skills, you’ll be a professional green-thumb-holder in no time.