Tending your garden is a relaxing way to get some sun and be active. Many garden hobbyists want to know which equipment is the best, when the ideal planting time is, and even what kind of soil is the most effective. The tips you will find below will guide you through those questions and more.
Shoveling soil that is mostly clay can be difficult because of the hardness of the soil, and because it sticks to the shovel. Rub a thin layer of floor or car wax over the surface of the shovel, and then buff the surface using a clean cloth. This will make shoveling in clay soil easier. Not only will the clay slide off the surface, but it will keep the end from rusting.
Start your plants in some pots and plant its seedlings in the garden. Once the plant is hardy enough, plant it in your garden. You will then be able to lessen the time between planting your seeds. You can plant the seedlings once you have removed the old plants.
Check your soil before you begin planting your garden. Pay a small fee to have your soil analyzed, and you’ll be glad that you did when you understand what nutrients your soil is lacking. A Cooperative Extension office can provide you with this service, saving you learning on your own by trial and error.
Keep your plants dry and aerated daily. Damp leaves can lead to plant disease and parasites. One common organism that thrives on moisture is the fungi family. To control fungi, use a fungicide spray on the area before you notice any problems.
You should make sure to divide your irises. You can divide those overgrown clumps and increase the amount of irises you have. When the foliage dies, take the bulbous irises and lift them. These bulbs will divide into several parts naturally when you pick them up. You can then replant them, and watch them flower the following year. Rhizomes should be divided using a knife. Get rid of the center and keep the new pieces you cut from the outside. Each new piece you cut should possess at least one healthy offshoot. Replant immediately.
The best gardens start with seeds, as opposed to plants. It’s better for the environment to begin from seed. Plastic used in nurseries normally end up in landfills. For an garden that helps the environment, plant seeds directly in the garden’s soil or purchase plants grown in organic packaging.
Place organic mulch as close to your vegetables as you can. Mulch has a nice moisturizing effect on the soil it’s spread over. It will also prevent weeds from growing. This will save you time, money, and effort in your lovely garden.
Plant with autumn colors in mind. It doesn’t have to be that way! The autumn season can be one of the best growing seasons and is certainly the most colorful. Many trees display a range of the vivid colors of fall, from bright yellow to rich crimson, including maple, beech, and dogwood. Add even more color to your garden by planting shrubs such as hydrangea, barberry or cotoneaster.
After seeds have sprouted, they require less warmth than they did prior to sprouting. Your seedlings should be moved away from any heat source. Also, remove plastic coverings from the tops of your growing containers to keep them from becoming too warm or humid. Check on your seeds periodically to make sure you know when to remove the films.
Pine can be a wonderful mulch. A number of plants commonly grown in garden settings do best in an acidic soil. When you have plants like this, nothing is easier than to gather pine needles for your beds. Cover the surface of the ground with a two-inch layer of the pine needles; as the needles break down, they will release acid into the soil and nourish your plants.
An easy to grow plant to grow in your organic garden is garlic. Plant individual cloves of garlic in the early spring or fall in moist, well-drained soil. Place them about one or two inches deep into the soil pointed upwards and four inches apart. Green garlic can be cur directly from the plant and used in a pinch instead of scallions or chives. When the bulbs begin turning brown on top, they are ready for harvesting. After harvesting, leave the bulbs out in the sun until the skin hardens. This helps them dry out. Garlic can be tied in bunches or left loose, and stored where it will be cool and dry.
For the best results when mulching, you should aim to create a bed of mulch two to three inches thick. Your garden will look more professional, have fewer weeds, and benefit from the moisture control and additional nutrients.
In conclusion, horticulture is a tremendously rewarding hobby. It is also a hobby for which a substantial amount of understanding is required to ensure the best results. Remembering good advice and planning well can help your garden flourish. By taking the tips given and preparing what you need in advance, you will find yourself with a beautiful garden in no time.