
Organic horticulture may seem to be a very complicated matter when examined closely. This is especially true if you want to garden naturally. You may need to learn everything from soil pH to controlling pests without chemicals. Growing organic can be a little on the difficult side for a rookie. Keep reading to find out how the professionals do it.
Transfer your favorite plants inside so they survive the winter. You can save the ones you spent the most money on or the ones that are resistant. Use caution when digging around the roots of your plant. You need to keep the root structure intact for it to thrive after being potted.
Use the correct type of soil for best results. The type of plants you’re planning to grow will determine the type of soil you need, and whether the soil will or will not be adapted. It is also possible to make an artificial area using only one type of soil.
In order to start the best garden possible, remember that you should always start with the seeds and not pre-purchased plants. As a green-friendly gardener, you always want to use seeds to start your new plot. Packaging materials for many plants utilize plastics that are not recyclable, so avoid these containers and choose instead to sow your garden with seeds or utilize organic pots.
To ensure a healthy garden, make sure you surround your plants with a few inches of good organic mulch. The soil around plants can stay damper through the use of mulch. It also prevents weed growth. You’ll save a ton of time if you don’t have to constantly pull out weeds.
When tending a vegetable garden, you might find that pest control is a bit difficult. Don’t spray harsh chemicals since they will spoil your veggies. Staying on top of the problem will ensure that pests don’t take over your garden. When you are vigilant, you can simply remove the pests from your plants manually as soon as you notice them. Early detection is the best solution to ridding your garden of pests.
When you are organic gardening, ask your children to lend a hand. Helping a garden grow is an excellent learning experience for kids, and it allows your family to spend time together while creating healthy, nutritious foods.
If you want to get children in on the fun, plant a few strawberries, everbearing if possible. Kids are quite eager to pick fruit from a garden, and will help with the planting if they get a nice snack out of it at the end.
The ideal temperature to set your thermostat for indoor plants is between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit during the daylight hours. The temperature needs to be this warm so they are able to grow. These temperatures may not be comfortable for you, however. As an alternative to keeping your entire home that warm, consider getting heat lamps for your organic plants.
Have all of your tools available to you as you garden to increase efficiency. You can do this by using a bucket, or you can wear rugged pants or a horticulture apron that has several pockets. You will be much more productive if you can quickly get to your spade, pruning shears, trowel and watering can.
Tuck away some plastic grocery bags and use them to slip over your muddy boots. Having these available lets you keep your flow in movement, and helps you return to your gardening fast so you can finish up your day.
Pine Needles
Pine needles should not be overlooked as a great source for mulch. Some plants like acidic soil because they have high acidity. Pine needles to line the bed of your garden are easy to find for these kinds of plants. Simply add a layer of pine needles a couple of inches deep to the plant beds. The needles will decompose over time and provide the soil with acidity.
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. Rinse your produce while it lays in the basket; any excess water strains off through the laundry basket holes.
For container planting, be sure to plant your seeds at a depth around three times the radius of the seed. It is important to note though, that not all seeds are covered to this depth, as some need direct sunlight to grow properly. Some of these seeds are petunias and ageratum. Always be sure to check online or with the company you’re purchasing the seeds from as to their sunlight needs.
Some advise passing your hand gently over your newly planted seedlings each day. While it might sound strange, research has shown that this method can increase the size of your plants.
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.