You probably already know the difference between organic and non-organic foods, and have seen your share of the organic type at your supermarket. You may not always know which fruits or vegetables are really organic without looking at the packaging or prices. They come is special packaging and they are usually a lot more expensive than their non-organic counterparts. Read on to learn some great tips about how to start an organic garden of your own and yield some amazing and healthy foods for your dinner table.
Choose plants that will give you the most yield at harvest time. Frequently, a hybrid that is able to deal with extreme temperatures will bring higher yields than the more traditional variety of a plant.
All soil is not the same. You need to check the soil to make sure it’s the best for what you’re planting. An inexpensive soil report can be used to adjust soil nutrients to optimum levels, which will ensure your garden thrives. Before you ruin any crops, make sure you do this. Soil can be analyzed at a lot of cooperative extension offices, so make sure you plan accordingly.
When autumn has arrived, you must plant everything you want to eat before winter. Rather than putting standard clay vessels into use when planting crops of lettuce and kale, think about using pumpkins instead. Use some Wilt-Pruf to prevent your pumpkin from decomposing and then you can put your plants right inside. After this is completed, it is time to plant!
Grow wheat or cat grass around the plants your cat likes nibbling. Another option is to place offensively smelling objects on the topsoil near and around the plants you want to protect. Citrus peels or mothballs are a couple of examples.
Six Hours
If you have planted vegetables within your garden, make sure that they are getting at least six hours of sunlight each day. Many vegetables need about this much sun to grow quickly. Some flowers also need six hours of daily direct sun in order to grow and blossom well.
If you are considering planting a garden take the time to 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.
You can use natural materials or other plants in your garden to keep away pests. A border of marigolds or onions around your veggies can prevent slugs. You can also prevent insect pests by using wood ash like mulch around your trees and shrubs. Doing these things can ensure that you do not need potentially harmful chemicals.
Consider planting evergreens in your garden that produce berries. The evergreens will add some color to your garden or yard, especially during the winter, when other plants have died or lost color. The American Holly, American Cranberrybush, the Winterberry, and the Common Snowberry help provide color during the winter.
Know when is the best time to harvest your vegetables. There is a specific time to pick every sort of vegetable in order to maximize its taste and cooking utility. Peas, for instance, should be harvested rather young if you wish to obtain the best flavors and texture. On the contrary, tomatoes shouldn’t be picked from the vine until they are ripe as can be. Take the time to learn when your produce will be at its best for harvesting.
Irrigate your garden efficiently. You can water efficiently by using a soaker hose which will eliminate the necessity of watering each plant one by one with a nozzle, or having to use a water can that you have to refill over and over. Keep the water running slowly so it doesn’t spray up onto the plants’ leaves. Let it water your garden for a few hours, so you’re available to do other stuff.
During the hottest hours of each day, your vegetables become too soft, and even gentle harvesting will cause damage and bruising. For vegetables growing on vines, cut them carefully rather than twisting them off to avoid damage to the plant.
Try planting some heather to draw beautiful insects to your yard. Heather will attract bees early in the spring as well as other beneficial insects. Heather beds are also attractive to bugs such as spiders and ground beetles that will kill pests. With this in mind, be sure to prune your heather while wearing horticulture gloves.
Before planting your favorite perennials, you must first prepare the ground. Simple slice into the soil with a spade, flip the turf, and mulch the area with 3 to 4 inches of wood chips. Give the area a couple of weeks, then dig into it and plant your new perennials.
Organic material piled three inches deep is an effective mulch in your flower gardens. This is a good way to keep weed growth at bay and add nutrients that you need in your garden. Your flower beds should also look beautiful all year long.
Do not underestimate pine as great mulch. Some garden plants have a higher acidity, and prefer a more acidic soil. When you have plants like this, nothing is easier than to gather pine needles for your beds. Cover up your beds with a few inches of needles. As they start to decompose, they’ll spread out acid onto the ground and soil.
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.