Tending to an organic garden can be a highly rewarding and calming activity that anyone can participate in. Yet for someone who is just a novice, horticulture can be a really intimidating thing to think about. How should a novice approach the learning experience of growing plants? Read this article, and follow the helpful advice.
Make sure to lay the sod properly. You will need to prepare your lawn soil before laying the sod. Pull any weeds that you see, and work to break up the soil so that it is a fine tilth. Lightly, but firmly pack the soil down, and make sure that it is flat. Afterward, you want to make sure the soil is moistened. Lay the sod in straight rows, ensuring the seams meet perfectly. Tamp down the sod so it has a flat and even surface, then using some extra soil, fill the gaps between. Water the sod everyday for the first two weeks until the roots grow enough.
Check the soil before you plant anything in your garden. A soil analysis report can be acquired for a nominal fee. You can then use the results of that report to determine if the soil needs to be modified before you begin planting. Cooperative Extension departments often offer this testing service. It is a worthwhile effort so a garden can be productive on the first year of planting.
Carbon Dioxide
To achieve the best growing results, plants need sufficient carbon dioxide. With a high level of CO2 plants will grow much better. A greenhouse will provide plants with an environment rich in carbon dioxide. If you have a greenhouse, keep CO2 levels high.
When horticulture in the fall, you need to be watching for stink bugs. They like beans, peppers, tomatoes and many fruits. If kept unchecked they can certainly do a ton of a damage to your garden so you should do what you need to to reduce their population.
Consider growing wheat grass or cat grass near the plants your cat enjoys eating. You can put something over the soil which surrounds the plants which has a bad smell to cats to deter them.
Mint Leaves
Are you one of the millions who loves some fresh mint leaves, yet you absolutely hate the way they tend to take over any garden they are planted within? Instead of planting mint in the ground, confine it to a large pot. 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.
Pouring the excess water from your dinner of steamed veggies on them can help. You should also try using a bit of coffee grounds or tea to increase the acidity of the soil for your gardenias or your rhododendrons. Chamomile tea is a good remedy against fungus.
For in-home organic gardeners, you are looking for an ideal temperature of around 60-75 degrees for your plants. The temperature needs to remain steady and warm so the plants can grow. If your thermostat is normally kept lower in winter, you can use a heat lamp to keep your plants warm enough.
If you’re growing indoor organic plants, you should ensure that you think about how much light is available for them. If the room you wish to grow them in faces in a direction that gets little light, choose varieties of plants which can accept this type of environment. If you simply must have a plant that has higher requirements for sunlight, you can use indoor UV lamps.
Perennial gardens should be prepared easily and quickly in the ground. 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. Allow for at least 10 days to pass, then plant the perennials that you just purchased.
Tend your organic garden on a regular schedule. While you may not be able to spend time in the garden on a daily basis, there are still many things you can do to keep things from snowballing out of control. For instance, pluck weeds while you take your dog outside or before getting in your car.
A great tip when running your own organic garden, is to lightly ruffle your seedlings with your hand or cardboard, around once or twice per day. It may sound a little odd to do this, but there is actually proven research that shows this helps the plants grow.
Organic gardening can be more difficult than gardening with chemicals, but the end result makes it worth it. Although the chemicals may claim greater results, using organic methods to tame your garden will do less harm to your body, and the environment.
Add mulch to your garden to improve the vitality of the soil. Mulch will protect and nourish the soil. 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 will also serve as a method of controlling unwanted weeds.
Reading this article has hopefully given you some great ideas to begin your experiences in organic gardening. Working in your garden will bring you great relaxation while you have a fun experience. By applying the advice and insights of this article, you can garden as good as the professionals.