organic garden

Simple Advice That Makes A Better Gardener!

~ craigb

TIP! Your plants will respond better to gradual changes of environment. At first, only leave them outside for a brief period of time.

Organic horticulture requires a green thumb and a lot of patience. When you enjoy this hobby, you often have a goal of growing healthier foods for your family to enjoy. This all sounds easy, but the process can sometimes feel complicated. Read on for suggestions on what you will need to start gardening like a pro.

TIP! Consider planting slug-proof perennials. Slugs and snails are voracious eaters that can destroy a plant literally overnight.

Your plants will respond better to gradual changes of environment. On the first day, put them out in sunlight for about an hour or so. Then over a weeks time, slightly increase their time outside. Once the transition is complete, your plants will probably be able to tolerate the outdoor conditions.

TIP! Starting a garden which is pest-free is easy, if you have healthy soil. Healthier plants are greater in strength and resistance to illness and insects.

When winter comes, you can save a few plants by transferring them inside the house. Perhaps save the most resistant or expensive plants. Be careful not to damage the root system as you dig up the plant, and place it in a pot.

TIP! Biennials and annuals are great if you would like to better your flower bed. These fast growth plants make flower beds vibrant, and they let you alter the appearance seasonally and annually.

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. A lot of extension offices will offer this service and it is worth it so you know what your soil needs.

TIP! When you are tending your garden in the fall, be on the alert for stink bugs. These destructive pests enjoy many kinds of fruit, as well as beans, peppers and tomatoes.

Keep the weeds out of your garden by removing them regularly. Weeds can truly ruin a good garden. A clever way to accomplish this is with the help of some white vinegar. White vinegar is a weed killer! Apply it full strength to any areas where weeds are a problem.

TIP! The best way to start a garden is from first principles: seeds. As a green-friendly gardener, you always want to use seeds to start your new plot.

Always make sure to mow your lawn to the appropriate length, always making sure that the cut is not too close. If you allow your grass to grow a little longer, the roots will go down deeper into the dirt, helping the grass grow better and remain hydrated. If you keep your lawn too short, the roots will not go deep enough to survive in case of a heat wave.

TIP! Always fertilize your garden. Manure is great in enabling plants to grow, although it’s vital to use commercially composted products in order to lessen the risk of a variety of pathogens.

Garden vegetables should be planted in areas of the ground that receive a minimum of six hours of daily sunlight. Most members of the vegetable family need this minimum of light for proper growth. Some flowers also have the same needs.

Coffee Grounds

TIP! There is always a best time to pick your garden’s vegetables, and you should know them. For the optimum flavor, be sure to follow the guidelines for planting and picking.

For areas with high alkaline, mix coffee grounds into the soil. Coffee grounds are an inexpensive way to increase the acid level in your soil. With it, you will find that your greens and vegetables will be more vibrant and tasty!

TIP! One particular plant should be the focal point of your garden. There should be a solid focal point for every good garden design.

If you have many low-growing plants in your garden, get yourself a pair of horticulture knee pads. Weeding, watering and picking through your vegetation can cause a lot of damage to your knees if left unprotected. Investing in good knee pads will help cushion your knees so you are more comfortable.

TIP! Preparing the soil for your perennial garden is easy. You just need to use your garden spade for slicing underneath the turf, then flip it, and finally spread about three or four inch deep piles of wood chips.

Many people delight in the taste of fresh mint leaves, but become frustrated when the plant spreads wildly. Contain their growth with a garden container or large pot instead. The container can be planted in the ground, and it will still prevent the plant from dominating the garden.

TIP! Add three inches of mulch to your flower beds. Mulching helps to hold moisture in the soil, enhance the soil quality, and slow down the growth of weeds.

The best gardens will evolve from original seeds rather than transplanted items. The environmentally conscious way to start a new garden is to start with seeds. It is common for commercial plants to be packaged in plastic that is not commonly recycled, and therefore, it is better to use seeds or purchase plantings only from merchants who make use of organic packaging.

TIP! Pine makes a much better mulch than you might think. Some plants need acidic soil to grow properly, because of their own acid content.

Remember to place a layer of mulch over the soil around your vegetables, approximately 2 inches deep. Mulch is used to keep extra moisture and provide nutrients for your plants. It also keeps weeds from growing. This will save you tons of time from pulling out tons of weeds.

TIP! Brick, stone or untreated wood is great for building raised beds. If you choose to use wood, make sure it is naturally rot resistant and untreated.

If you want to keep dogs our of your garden, take some aftershave, old perfume, or any other scented item and spray the grass around the area. Your dog will be less attracted to your garden when these scents overpower compost scents and other smells dogs like.

TIP! Too much water can be harmful to your plants because the excess water can hinder the ability of the roots to acquire nutrients from the soil. You should always check the weather forecast, in advance, for chances of rainfall before you water the plants.

When maintaining your organic garden, try lightly petting your seedlings — either with the palm of your hand or something like a sheet of cardboard — once or twice each day. Even though it sounds strange, it will help plants get bigger.

TIP! Rotating plots of garden has been done for centuries, and there is good reason for that! Planting the same type of plant in the same area of your garden each year can cause disease or encourage fungus growth. The diseases and fungi are harbored in the soil and are ready to make a comeback each year.

While organic horticulture costs more and requires more effort, the produce that will come out of your garden will be healthier for you. Chemicals can be beneficial, but a chemical free organic garden will always produce the best results.

TIP! Make garden beds correctly, if you want to create an organic garden. To start this, slice underneath your turf with a spade.

You can easily make a new garden for your perennials in just a few steps. Lift the top layer of turf with your spade, flip it, then cover the exposed soil with three or more inches of mulch. In a few weeks, cut into the bed to plant your perennials.

TIP! Be sure you have information about what to look for when buying plants to add to your organic garden. This is especially important when buying annual or perennial plants.

Organic horticulture allows you to work hard and enjoy the fruits of your labor. This wonderful past time uses land to produce delicious foods for your table. By using these tips and giving some effort, you can be a skilled organic gardener.

Grow Healthy With These Tips On Growing An Organic Garden

~ craigb

TIP! Your tool handles can double as measuring sticks. Larger handled tools like rakes, hoes, and shovels make great measuring sticks.

Due to the fact that consuming organic foods is gaining popularity, choosing to live a holistic lifestyle is also becoming more prevalent. In order for someone to live a holistic lifestyle, and obtain the desired health benefits, they usually have to learn to grow their own herbs and plants. They have to know how to start and maintain an organic garden. This article provides several useful tips on organic horticulture that can help.

TIP! If you have any mildew on the plants, do not go out and buy anything. Rather, you should mix a bit of baking soda with a small quantity of liquid soap in water.

Use the handles of your tools as a handy ruler when doing your outdoor chores. Tools with substantial handles, like rakes, hoes and large shovels are great for taking measurements. Measure the handles with a tape measure laid out in the floor. You can label distances using a permanent marker. This will allow you to have a ruler at your fingertips when you are working out in the garden.

TIP! In a dark area, pre-soak your seeds overnight. Place your seeds in a container filled with water.

Transfer your favorite plants inside so they survive the winter. You may be able to save your most resistant or expensive plants. Dig around the roots carefully and transfer the plant to a pot.

TIP! If you learn that your soil has a high amount of alkaline, mix some used coffee grounds into it. Coffee grounds contain plenty of acid to get the soil back to a good balance.

All soil is not the same. You need to check the soil to make sure it’s the best for what you’re planting. You can get a soil analysis, and if you find your soil needs a supplement, do it! Ask about this service at a local university or the county Cooperative Extension office to improve the soil and insure fruitful crops.

TIP! If you are growing a vegetable garden, you may find that pests can be difficult to control. Don’t spray harsh chemicals since they will spoil your veggies.

Start peas inside in a container, rather than planting the seeds outdoors. Install your plants inside and wait for the seeds to germinate. You will also have hardy seedlings that will be able to resist disease and pests much better. Once they are strong enough, you can transplant them outside.

TIP! Select a specific type of plant to be the focal point of your garden. When you design your garden, think of a great focal point that will grab attention and add interest.

Place organic mulch close to your vegetables. Mulch keeps soil moist for longer periods of time. In addition, it will keep the weeds from growing. This will save you a ton of time and work.

TIP! You can attract the insects you need by planting heather. Heather is very attractive to bees, and when bees first emerge in the spring, it is an early source of nectar.

Try to relax with gardening. There are countless ways that people find to relax. Many find that horticulture is a great method for achieving this. You will not need to spend a lot of money to grow your garden, and it provides many benefits. Knowing that you have grown these plants yourself can give you a great feeling of joy and inner peace.

TIP! A mixture of aspirin and water can protect your plants from common diseases. One and a half aspirin, dissolved in two gallons of water, can be a great addition to your plants.

Have one plant be the most interesting eye-grabber in your garden. A focal point in the garden will capture your attention. Usually, the focal point will be a plant that is unique from the plants around it.

Tools Handy

TIP! If you’re growing plants indoors, keep your thermostat around 65 or 75 degrees daily. This is the optimum temperature to ensure strong growth.

To be as efficient as possible in the garden, always have your tools handy. You can wear an apron or pants that have a lot of pockets, or use a big bucket or can. Keep gloves, small pruning shears, a trowel and any other tools handy in order to increase the quickness of the work that goes into your garden.

TIP! When planting seeds, it is wise to take your time. Make sure the soil is wet before you begin.

Paying attention to spacing is important. As plants grow and spread out, you will not always know how much space will be required. This will give you enough room to work around your garden without smashing any plants. Try to plan your garden and place sufficient distance in between your seedlings.

TIP! Have plastic bags on hand to put over dirty gardening shoes. You will save time and be back in the garden much more quickly by doing this.

Increase the value of your property! Landscaping increases your house’s curb appeal and give you a good return for the money invested. Certain plants could increase the value by 20%. Be sure to choose plants that will thrive in your yard, taking into account soil and climate conditions.

TIP! An old laundry basket makes a great way to gather your harvest. Laundry baskets which have holes in them act as giant strainers for your home grown produce.

For container planting, be sure to plant your seeds at a depth around three times the radius of the seed. Certain seeds are an exception to that rule, since they require sunlight to germinate, so they should be barely covered or not at all. Ageratum and petunias are two examples of seeds that should not be planted deeply. Read the instructions that came with the seeds, and do some research on the Internet to find out the sunlight that your seeds need.

TIP! Within your composting heap, ensure that there is an equal split of dried and green plant materials. Green plant material can include old flowers, fruit waste, grass clippings, vegetable waste, and leaves.

Among the most important features of organic produce is the fact that it has not been exposed to harmful pesticides. Although this is great for your health, you need to make sure that you check all the produce careful for any bugs or pests before consuming.

TIP! Do you want to kill weeds in a natural way? You will need many layers of newspapers. Weeds require sunlight to grow.

Each year, you should rotate the plants in your garden. Fungus and diseases will appear if you have the same kind of plants in the same place from one year to the next. The soil might contain fungus or diseases specific to one type of plant. By using the crop rotation method, you will be able to ward off disease and fungus naturally.

TIP! Try to use untreated wood, brick or stone and make a raised bed. Be sure that any wood you use isn’t chemically treated, and will be able to resist rot naturally.

Be specific about the things you desire to grow when it comes to your organic garden. Even within the family of a specific flower or vegetable, the different varieties available have differing environmental requirements. For example, some varieties of roses will thrive in a particular home garden, whilst others will wilt and die. Know your specific surroundings and what will thrive there.

TIP! Organic gardening is more difficult than gardening with chemicals, but you will reap a greater reward. While chemical companies may make astounding claims about their products, growing organically is the most rewarding option for you and those who consume your crops.

Your organic gardening efforts will get easier as you pick up more and more tips and techniques about this activity. Keep in mind that the tips in this article are only intended as a starting point.

Secrets To A Healthy And Plentiful Garden

~ craigb

TIP! Take all of the weeds out of your landscaping! Those nasty weeds can turn your beautiful garden into a scruffy version of its former self. For this task, try using white vinegar.

You would like to have a garden that uses organic methods to grow healthy plants. Now’s the time! The following tips and tricks will help prepare you for organic horticulture success.

TIP! When mowing your lawn, be careful not to cut the grass too far down. Higher grass sends roots further down, increasing lawn strength and viability.

Think about planting your seeds in indoor pots and then transplanting them to your garden once they become seedlings. This really increases the survival rate of young plants. This method also gives you the freedom of tightening time periods between each planting. As soon as the mature plants are removed, you can replace them with fresh seedlings.

TIP! If you find that you have soil that has high amounts of alkaline, mix used coffee grounds throughout the soil. Basically, the grounds resupply the soil with acid.

The handles of your tools can double as clever rulers. Tools that have long handles such as rakes, hoes and shovels can be used in place of a measuring stick. Lay the tools down on the floor, then place a measuring tape along the handle. Use a bright permanent marker and label the distances. Now you have easy access to a long ruler whenever you are horticulture.

TIP! It can be tough to keep insects and other plant-ruining crawlies from infesting your garden. While chemicals can help with pest control, you should avoid using overly harsh ones, as veggies you grow in your garden are meant for eating.

Consider planting slug-proof perennials. These creatures can wreak havoc on a garden in a short time. They gravitate towards perennials with smooth thin leaves, particularly on younger plants. Perennials that have tough or hairy leaves are often times unappetizing to snails and slugs. Some of examples of these are achillea, heuchera, campanula, helleborus, and euphorbia.

TIP! The water that is leftover from the steamed vegetables is great to pour over them. 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.

Transplanting plants and bringing them indoors can protect them from harsh winters. Find out which plants will be able to thrive despite the transplanting and different indoor conditions. When you dig up the plant, carefully avoid the roots then place it in a container.

TIP! Be sure to plant some strawberries for your children and grandchildren. Ever-bearing ones are especially nice.

A certain amount of CO2 is necessary for plants to maximize their growth potential. The majority of plants thrive when they are exposed to a high level of carbon dioxide. A greenhouse will provide the best method of providing enough CO2 for your plants. The levels need to be kept high for optimum greenery growth.

TIP! It can be extremely fast and easy to plant perennials into your garden. Use your spade in a slicing motion to cut a flap of turf.

Soak the seeds and store in a dark area overnight. Place some seeds in your smaller pots and add water almost to the brim. This will hydrate the seeds and facilitate growth. The seeds will most likely survive and mature this way.

TIP! Try to work as efficiently as possible when gardening. Don’t waste your time by searching high and low for that packet of seeds or spade.

Before you start planting your garden, plan it out. It will be a while before things start to sprout and visually remind you of what was planted where, so a written record can be helpful. This is important, because different plants require different care.

TIP! Pine needles should not be overlooked as a great source for mulch. Acidic soil is a favorite of garden plants that are high in acidity.

If you decide to grow peas, think about planting them indoors when you first start them off, as opposed to planting them outdoors. Seeds that are planted indoors will enjoy superior germination. The seedling may also be hardier, which means that they can better resist disease and attacks from pests. Take the seedlings outdoors once they look strong enough.

TIP! Your compost pile should contain green plants and dried ones in equal amounts. Green plant material comprises leaves, weeds, spent flowers, grass clippings, and fruit and vegetable waste.

To ensure a healthy garden, make sure you surround your plants with a few inches of good organic mulch. Mulching helps keep moisture in the soil. It also keeps weeds from growing. Time and effort will be saved pulling out all the weeds.

Kneeling Stool

TIP! The lack of pesticides in organic gardens is a major benefit. This is great for your health, but you do want to check the produce for bugs prior to using it.

Before you start working in your garden, purchase a wheelbarrow and a good kneeling stool. Gardening can be very tough on your knees, so a kneeling stool that is ergonomic and lightweight can make things much more comfortable and enjoyable. You often need to move large objects from place to place, so it’s a good idea to have a sturdy, well-balanced wheelbarrow.

TIP! While any kind of gardening can make you feel as though you’re in tune with nature, organic gardening takes this to the next level. Organic gardening allows you learn the entire plant cycle, from the beginning to the end.

Learn the best harvest time for each vegetable. Different vegetables and fruits have their ideal seasons and months where they flourish, survive, and are harvested at the highest quality. Zucchini and baby peas, for example, have the best flavor when harvested early. Tomatoes, however, should be plucked from the vine the moment they appear ripe. Research the best time to pick your produce.

TIP! Organic gardening can be made easy with just a few simple techniques. Make use of flowers, native grasses, and bushes in your landscaping.

Water your garden carefully. To save time, use a soaker type hose so each plant doesn’t need individual watering from the nozzle of a hose or a little watering can. To avoid damaging delicate plants, you should water them with low pressure. Let the soaker hose do its thing for a couple hours, and your plants are watered.

To create an English garden, combine a lot of different plants in the same garden. If you only use uniform plants, your bed will look boring and flat.

TIP! There are a variety of plants that are possible to be grown in organic gardens. Most acid-loving plants really thrive in mulch.

Make sure you work in your garden every day. Don’t waste your time by looking all over for your tools. Have all of your tools gathered and prepared for use before you work in the garden, and make sure to put them away neatly. Get a tool belt if you need to, or a pair of pants with a lot of pockets.

TIP! Compost can be very useful when you decide to grow a garden organically, yet a lot of people don’t know what compost is made up of. Compost is a mixture of scraps, grass clippings and leaves that have been allowed to break down which results in new rich soil.

When you want to harvest the produce in your organic garden, always have an old laundry basket to hand. Laundry baskets which have holes in them act as giant strainers for your home grown produce. The basket won’t be affected by the water and it will drain right off as though it were poured into a large sieve.

TIP! When planting your garden, dig small trenches between plant rows. This well help rainwater to flow towards your plants, so you don’t have to water your garden as often.

In your compost, use green and dried plants in equal parts. Green plant mulches include everything from fresh grass clippings, to unwanted vegetables, to recently pulled weeds. Dried plant material includes straw, sawdust, shredded paper, cardboard, and dried and cut-up woody material. Materials to avoid during composting include diseased plants, meat, ashes and charcoal.

TIP! Some bees, like bumble bees, pollinate your plants and are beneficial to your garden. There are harmful bees though, like the carpenter bee, which creates its nest by eating through wood.

Lightly ruffle your seeds by hand or with cardboard, twice daily in your organic garden. This probably sounds like an odd recommendation, but research has shown that this technique encourages more plant growth, than no petting at all.

TIP! You could place a miniature fruit tree in a very small garden. The dwarf tree is a great option where space for a garden is limited, especially in the city.

You are now well-equipped with insight on creating an organic garden. You may have thought you were all set to start digging prior to reading this article, so now you should be able to call yourself an expert! These tips will have hopefully given you the tips you need to grow a organic garden.

What You Need To Learn About Organic Horticulture

~ craigb

TIP! Choose the varieties of plants that will produce a higher yield. Hybrids are usually hardier in terms of disease and weather resistance, and are designed to produce more.

Organic horticulture is wonderfully therapeutic and anyone can enjoy it. But for someone just starting out it can seem very overwhelming, and even a little bit intimidating. How then should someone who does not have any experience start getting involved with organic horticulture? Keep reading to discover some useful tips and tactics.

TIP! Choose perennials that are not vulnerable to attack by slugs. Snails and slugs can quickly wreak havoc on a garden.

Turn your tool handles into convenient rulers. Tools with long handles, such as rakes, hoes, and shovels can be converted into handy measuring sticks. Place the handles on the floor to measure the distance between them. Paying close attention to the measurements, use a black marker to establish each interval along the handle’s side in a clearly visible manner. Next time you are working in the garden, you will have a large ruler at your fingertips!

TIP! It is important to choose the right type of soil if you want to achieve the best results. The kind of plants you want in your garden should let you know what kind of soil you need to get.

Insects and various garden pests can be avoided by making your soil healthy. If your plants are healthy, they can more easily resist insects and disease. Use a high-quality organic soil and as few chemicals as possible.

TIP! Check your soil before you begin planting your garden. You can get a soil analysis, and if you find your soil needs a supplement, do it! There are numerous places to find this service, such as your local Cooperative Extension office.

Grow wheat or cat grass in the area around the plants that your cat is eating. It may also work to add citrus peelings or mothballs to the soil of the plants, because the odor is unpleasant to cats.

TIP! Use bulbs to ensure continuous flowers throughout the spring and summer. Most bulbs are hardy and require little to no care in order to develop into beautiful perennials that will reappear each and every year.

Be sure to split the irises. Divide any overgrown clumps to increase your stock. You can do this by simply picking up bulbous irises once the foliage has withered. The bulbs, when harvested, should easily split by hand – allowing you to replant them for even more blooms next spring. You can divide rhizomes with a knife. Cut new outside pieces and dispose of the center. Each piece should retain a minimum of one sturdy offshoot capable of spurting new growth. Replant your pieces right away.

TIP! If your soil has high alkaline amounts, mix some coffee grounds into it. Used coffee grounds will add acidity, helping to optimize the soil’s pH.

Fertilize your garden. Manure can be effective, though you should use products which minimize pathogens. There are many fertilizer options available, though in reality, whatever type you choose will do the job as long as you are using something.

TIP! Deciduous shrubs and young trees need to be protected. If you have tender shrubs in pots, they need to be protected in the cold weather.

Pick one plant to serve as your garden’s focal point. Your focal point will be the main center of attention for anyone who sees your garden. Mostly it is a distinctive plant that sets it apart from the neighboring plants and flowers.

TIP! Fertilize your garden regularly. Manure can help grow plants, but to eliminate risk of pathogens, try using a type of commercially composted product.

Vegetables get softer as the temperature goes up, so you could damage your vegetables if you pick them during the hottest hours. You can also protect both your vegetables and the plant they grow on by cutting them off instead of twisting them off.

Get your children interested in helping with your organic garden. They will enjoy learning about nature and bonding with you.

TIP! If you want to keep dogs our of your garden, take some aftershave, old perfume, or any other scented item and spray the grass around the area. This covers up the smells that bring dogs to gardens in the first place, which means dogs are less likely to enter the garden.

Use approximately two or three inches of natural, organic material as some mulch in every single flower bed. This will help to inhibit weed growth, helps to lock in moisture, and adds needed nutrients to your organic garden. This will also make your flowers appear beautiful and finished all year long.

TIP! Always dress appropriately when gardening in order to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun. Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun.

Work efficiently in your garden. It’s frustrating to search for a tool for a half hour. In addition to keeping your horticulture tools in one location, you should also clean your tools after each use. It may be necessary to don a tool belt or cargo pants with extra pockets.

TIP! If you plant heather in your garden, you will attract insects that are beneficial. Bees are attracted to heather, and they can bring a source of nectar early in the spring.

Plastic bags are great to cover gardening shoes when they get muddy. This way, you can maintain your momentum and head right back to your garden so that you can finish what you were doing.

Laundry Basket

TIP! Organic material piled three inches deep is an effective mulch in your flower gardens. Not only will you be adding nutrients, but weeds will be less likely to grow and moisture will be retained more easily.

When it is harvest time, use a laundry basket. The laundry basket can be used as a colander for your produce. 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.

TIP! Use an old laundry basket to gather your vegetables and fruits. The laundry basket is a perfect strainer for any produce run off.

Overall, a layer of mulch is beneficial for the soil. The mulch will protect the soil underneath it. The soil will stay cool in high heat, preventing damage to the roots. This retains moisture for extended periods by reducing the rate at which water evaporates. It also doubles as weed control.

TIP! Certification is important in order to be considered a legitimate organic gardener. Having certification will increase your sales and verify to your customers that what you are selling is the best produce available.

Over-watering can essentially drown the roots of plants, making them unable to grow well. Always be sure to check the weather and keep a tight watering schedule. It’s important that your plants do not take on too much water. Depending on what the weather is going to be like, you might not want to water your plants for the day.

TIP! Organic gardening is harder than relying on chemicals, but the results are worth it. Chemical giants claim miracles, but those miracle crops come at a price to whoever eats the produce.

Creating a new bed for your perennials is easy. Use a spade to cut and flip over your turf, then cover the new bed with wood chips. Let it sit for a few weeks, and then plant your new perennials.

TIP! Rotate the plants that you grow each year by switching up where you plant them. 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.

Adding some biodiversity to your garden, can really help you get the most from your gardening efforts. Increasing your plant variety will draw further variety in the wildlife around. Adding a variety of plants to your garden will mimic the look of a natural environment. If you do this, you can create a naturally relaxing atmosphere, and have satisfaction from helping the environment yourself.

TIP! Make garden beds correctly, if you want to create an organic garden. Begin by slicing beneath the turf using a spade.

Find crops that are of a high value to grow in your garden. Certainly, different people place different ranges of values on various types of plants. If you can grow plants that are costly in-store, there will be a savings. So start planting and enjoying those savings.

TIP! What plants are native to your area? Stick to native plants, grasses, flowers and bushes when you plan out your landscape. If you choose groups of plants that all mesh with each other in terms of optimal soil conditions, weather requirements and plant interaction, you won’t need to do as much work to get the plants to coexist peacefully.

Now you should be able to see why organic horticulture can be such an enjoyable activity to participate in. Growing a garden the right way is a rewarding and relaxing experience. By using the tips in this article, you will soon be enjoying the fruits of your labor!

Organic Gardening Tips That Are Fun And Easy

~ craigb

TIP! The handles of your tools can double as clever rulers. Large handled tools like rakes, hoes or shovels may be used like measuring sticks.

There is quite a bit to learn if your goal is to have a healthy and wonderful garden. While having a garden is a ton of work, it is also a very rewarding experience. Below you will find some wonderful tips for making horticulture more fun and less work!

TIP! Try to plan a variety of perennials that are slug-proof. A plant can be completely demolished overnight by slugs and snails.

A good way to ensure that your seeds sprout effectively is to start them in smaller pots and then transplant them once they reach the seedling stage. This insures that the plants will grow and thrive into adulthood. This method also reduces the waiting time between plantings. Using this method, you can remove the mature plants, then put the seedlings in their places.

TIP! All plants need an adequate supply of carbon dioxide in order to thrive. With a high level of CO2 plants will grow much better.

Long plants that run up or around a fence or wall are often useful for masking ugliness. Climbing plants can cover a wall after one growing season only. Climbers can also be trained to grow and cover an arbor, and they will grow through or around existing trees and shrubs. A number of climbers need to be attached to a support, but others just take care of their own attachments via tendrils and stems that twine. Wisteria, jasmine, honeysuckle, clematis and some rose varieties are good choices for climbers.

TIP! When you are mowing your lawn do not cut it too closely to the dirt. If you leave some of the grass when you mow, the roots grow further into the ground, which makes the grass less prone to drying and other hazards.

Fall edibles are a wonderful addition to your garden. If you’d like to change things up a bit this season, put away your standard clay pots and plant your lettuce and kale inside of a pumpkin instead! Once you cut an opening at the top of the pumpkin and scoop out the insides, spray the inside and edges with Wilt-Pruf to keep the pumpkin from rotting. You are prepared to plant after this is done.

TIP! To save your knees from the wear and tear of gardening, invest in some knee pads if your garden includes a lot of low-growth plants. Gardening is supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable; you don’t want to finish every gardening session with aching, throbbing knees.

Grow some wheat grass or cat grass next to the plants your cat seems to prefer. Another option is to protect your plants by lacing them with offensive entities, such as peels from citrus fruit or even moth balls from your closet.

TIP! When tending a vegetable garden, you might find that pest control is a bit difficult. You want to avoid spraying harsh chemicals since the vegetables are meant for consumption.

If you would love to have access to fresh and healthy mint leaves from your own back yard, but dread the way the plant spreads so quickly, worry not. Rein their growth; you can do this simply by planting mint inside a larger garden container or pot. Then, you can plant the container into the ground. However, the container walls will keep the roots held, and prevent the plant from consuming too much of your garden space.

TIP! Try to avoid direct sun exposure when you are gardening during the day; wear protective clothing. Choose hats with overlapping brims, don those sunglasses and smear on the sunscreen.

If you are a first time gardener, it is important that you follow all of the instructions on all of your tools and chemicals. You might end up damaging your plants or getting a skin irritation. Directions, especially safety rules, are there for your own good, so make sure you follow instructions on your tools and chemicals to the letter.

Beneficial Bugs

TIP! If you have a cut on your hand, take the time to make sure it is either healed or completely covered before you put your hands in the soil. Cuts that are infiltrated by soil or other substances have the potential to breed serious infections.

Avoid using broad-spectrum pesticides in your garden. This particular type of pesticide will also kill the useful insects that consume the pests. Beneficial bugs usually have more sensitivity towards pesticides than bad ones. Therefore, if the number of beneficial bugs drops, the problem with pests can get bigger. Your problem will only get worse and you will find yourself using more pesticides.

TIP! Pine can make surprisingly great mulch. There are many types of plants with a high acidity, which means they thrive in acidic soil.

Working in your garden is an excellent way to relax yourself. There are many ways to find personal relaxation and peace. Gardening on a sunday afternoon is a simple method of making this happen. While you do have to invest a little bit of money, the returns on that are huge. The most important reward, however, is the sense of accomplishment you experience when your plants mature.

TIP! Keep your compost pile balanced with a combination of dried and green plant mulch. Add grass clippings, waste from fruits and vegetables, leaves, and weeds for the green materials in your compost pile.

Using a solution of aspirin and water can prevent certain plant diseases. Try dissolving around one and one half aspirins into around 2 gallons of water for your plants. Spray this mixture onto your plants. Give your plants a spray of the aspirin-water mixture about one time every three weeks.

TIP! Consider the climate and season when watering your plants. The amount of water you need depends on when you are doing the watering, whether your water is high-quality and the grade of the soil in your garden.

If you are looking at creating an endurable organic garden, you should think about keeping some of your property vacant so that wildlife may flourish there. Wildlife can help the plants in your garden to thrive, as insects support plant reproduction, while the excrement of many species contains nutrients which can help to fertilize your soil.

TIP! Look closely at the seedlings you purchase. Oftentimes, tomato seedlings that show verdant green starts have poor roots.

When you are growing organic plants within the home or an enclosed area, considering how much light the plants will receive must be emphasized. If your residential space has limited sunlight, it will be best that you grow plants that are ideal for this type of environment. Using UV lamps is a great way to grow an organic garden anywhere.

TIP! Use a soaker hose to water your garden. The water comes out very slowly and evenly, and the hose can be placed exactly where water is needed, such as at the roots.

Do not rush when planting seeds. Start by getting the soil good and moist. You should then spread the seeds evenly, and make sure they have room to grow. Seeds should be buried about three times deeper than their own size. There are some varieties of seed that are not planted underground since they require light to grow.

TIP! Open your mind to the diverse environments that can be created in your garden space. When you have a bigger variety of plants, you also attract different wildlife as well.

With these tips, you’re better equipped to grow the most beautiful garden you can imagine. In learning how to create your dream garden, you’ll also be growing as a person. That’s because learning how to nurture your plants will not only help you reach the goal of having a great garden, but it will help you learn to nurture yourself.

Organic Gardening Can Be Fun With These Tips

~ craigb

TIP! The handles on your gardening tools can be used as a convenient measuring instrument. Tools that can be used for more than one task are quite handy to own.

A garden can provide far more than just decorative appeal. It isn’t just a hobby or pastime for green-thumbed enthusiasts. Gardens give the people working on them a feeling of serenity and a close bond with nature. The effects can be especially profound if horticulture is something you excel at.

TIP! Prior to planting anything in your garden, check your soil. You can do a soil sample analysis for an affordable fee and then know what you need to properly treat your soil with so you can grow the best plants.

When you’re out and about in the garden, particularly in the fall, keep an eye out for sink bugs. Stinkbugs are most prevalent on tomatoes, beans and peppers. Stink bugs may get out of hand and do significant damage in your garden. It is important to take steps to eliminate them from that area.

TIP! Plants need CO2 grow well. In general, higher amounts of CO2 are related to better plant growth.

If you want your garden to sport flowers in the spring as well as summer, plant bulbs. Bulbs are hearty and will continue to grow every year. Different bulbs will bloom during different time periods. Therefore, if you select your bulbs correctly, you could have blooms in your garden for all of spring and summer.

TIP! In a place that’s dark, pre-soak the seeds. Take 3-4 seeds, put them in a small jar or container, and cover them with water.

Your vegetable garden should get at least six hours of sun daily. Pretty much any vegetable you plant in your garden requires sunshine for this duration. It allows them to grow in the proper manner and also much faster. This holds true for some types of flowers.

TIP! Plant a little catnip or wheatgrass in the area surrounding the plants that your cat is devouring. Alternatively, you can try putting mothballs, citrus peel or anything else with an odor that cats find distasteful in the soil surrounding the plants.

Try to keep your plants aerated and dry, every day. Moisture not only attracts parasites, but also makes it easier for your plants to contract diseases. Fungi is the most common parasite for plants. To control fungi, use a fungicide spray on the area before you notice any problems.

Mint Leaves

TIP! Use fertilizer for maximum planting success. Composted manure is effective in raising healthy plants, and commercial fertilizer products are safer and more convenient.

Do you love fresh mint leaves but hate how they quickly grow to take over your garden? Control their expansion by confining them to a large pot. The container will keep the roots from spreading throughout you garden, and prevent the mint leaves from sprouting in other areas.

TIP! Using pest-resistant plants or natural materials in your garden is a good way to keep pests away. For example, slugs can be deterred by the presence of marigolds or onions.

Familiarize yourself with the optimum harvesting time of your vegetables. Most vegetables have a relatively small harvesting window when they will taste best. For instance, zucchini and baby peas have the best taste when you pick them early. Yet, in reverse, tomatoes must wait for prime-ripeness before they are subject to being picked. So, make sure you do some research, and find out when the best time to harvest your vegetables is.

TIP! Be aware of the optimum time frame for harvesting vegetables. Each type of vegetables has its own ideal time for picking for the best flavor.

If you have a vegetable garden, it can be quite difficult to decide what to do about pest control. It is wise to limit the use of harsh chemicals, because the vegetables will be eaten. There is only one way to effectively control pests in your garden, and that is to stay vigilant in your efforts. 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.

TIP! Pest control can be very difficult when dealing with a vegetable garden. You want to avoid spraying harsh chemicals since the vegetables are meant for consumption.

Prevent damage from the sun by making sure you dress correctly whenever you go outside to garden. Wear sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and sunblock. Protecting yourself from the sun will lower your chances of getting skin cancer, as well as prevent premature aging from sun damage.

TIP! Pick one plant to serve as your garden’s focal point. When you design your garden, think of a great focal point that will grab attention and add interest.

Vegetables are softer when they are warmer, increasing the risk that you will damage them. Do not twist the vegetable to remove it from the vine; instead, cut the stem to avoid damaging the plant.

TIP! Put coffee grounds in your soil. Coffee grounds are filled with nutritional elements plants need, such as nitrogen.

Are you a parent? If you are, try planting some strawberries like everbearing strawberries in your garden. Kids really enjoy plucking snacks directly from the ground, and may have greater enthusiasm for the work if they see the results of their labor right away.

TIP! When planting seeds in containers, plant the seed roughly three times deeper than the seed’s size. It is important to note though, that not all seeds are covered to this depth, as some need direct sunlight to grow properly.

Add aspirin to your plants to help them fight sickness. An aspirin and a half, combined with a couple of gallons of water, will do amazing things for your plants. The solution can then be used to spray the entire plant, and will offer protection naturally. Plants should be sprayed once every two to three weeks.

TIP! A beer trap is an effective way of of dealing with any slugs that invade your organic garden. Take a glass jar and bury it in your garden, making sure that the lip of the jar is even with the soil.

Your seeds, once they begin sprouting, don’t need the same amount of warmth as they did before. It’s important to move the plants away from any heat source as they grow larger. Make sure you remember to remove any plastic films that were on the plant containers to repel humidity and warmth. You should know when the right time is if you are keeping an eye on the seeds.

Flower Beds

TIP! One of the benefits of organic produce over commercial produce is that it is not spayed with any toxic pesticides. This is great for the health of your family, but you will still have to regularly check your plants for bugs and pests.

In your flower beds and garden, utilize a few inches of organic mulch. This will help to inhibit weed growth, helps to lock in moisture, and adds needed nutrients to your organic garden. In addition, your flower beds will have a beautiful, finished appearance year round.

TIP! The watering of organic garden plants should be done with care. Visit a home and garden center to purchase a soaker hose.

Pine needles make a great organic mulch. A number of plants commonly grown in garden settings do best in an acidic soil. If that’s the case, the easiest thing to do is use pine needles for 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.

TIP! Laying mulch is a wonderful way to keep your garden vibrant. It also has the added benefit of keeping the soil moister and reducing the likelihood of weeds.

It can be hard to grow an organic garden without chemicals, but the end result is worth the effort. Growing organic is healthier and just overall better for you. Make sure you try your best to grow organic as opposed to adding chemicals to your garden.

TIP! Healthy gardens cannot exist without water. Your plants need it to survive.

Garlic can be simple to grow organically. It’s best to plant garlic cloves in either spring or fall. Make sure the soil is drained well. Plant individual cloves pointed end up approximately two inches deep and four inches apart. Green garlic can be cur directly from the plant and used in a pinch instead of scallions or chives. Harvest the garlic bulbs when the tops of the plants turn brown. Allow the sun to dry out the bulbs 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.

TIP! Use a mix of ammonia with water to keep the snails away. The ammonia won’t hurt the fragile plants, and it will later convert to useful nitrogen.

Use the tips you just read to revitalize your garden with your new found green thumb. When your plants bloom and come alive you will feel tremendous joy and satisfaction. Horticulture is a way of relieving stress and making the world a prettier place so go out and start growing things and bringing life back to the world.

Use This Piece As Your Personal Horticulture Guide

~ craigb

TIP! Your tool handles can easily be used as handy rulers. Tools with long handles, such as rakes, shovels or hoes can work as great measuring sticks.

Lots of people think that gardening is a tough task to accomplish, but that’s false, if you know how to do it. The right information can help anyone become a master gardener. These tips will enable you to be more proficient at horticulture.

TIP! If you are gardening, be wary of stink bugs in your garden, especially in the autumn. They like beans, peppers, tomatoes and many fruits.

Consider starting your plants in pots and then planting the seedlings in your garden. Your plants will be more likely to mature this way. This method also reduces the waiting time between plantings. Your seedlings will be ready to be planted when you remove your old mature plants.

TIP! Try and maintain daily aerated and dried plants. Many diseases, as well as most parasites, prefer moisture.

Use slug-proof varieties of perennials wherever possible. Snails and slugs are garden nightmares, and only need a single evening to obliterate a plant. They often enjoy feeding on perennials with very smooth and tender leaves. Young plants are a special favorite of theirs. There are some perennials that do not appeal to slugs, such as those with leaves that are hairy and tough with a bad taste. Some varieties of these plants are campanula, helleborus, heuchera, or euphorbia.

Baking Soda

TIP! Pest control is one of the hardest things about growing a vegetable garden. It is important not to use harmful chemical agents, because you are growing produce that is intended to be eaten.

There are home solutions available to combat the powdery mildew you may find on your plants. Mix a solution of baking soda, water, and a tiny bit of dishwashing liquid. Spray this mix on your plants every week and the mildew should go away. The baking soda is harmless to your plants and a very effective remedy.

TIP! Some people use gardening as a source of relaxation. You may be aware of various ways to find peaceful relaxation.

If many of the plants in your garden grow close to the ground, some horticulture knee pads will prevent pain and knee injuries. Without pads, you may have pain in your knees from spending too much time kneeling on the hard ground. Your knees can get supported with a decent pair of horticulture knee pads.

TIP! Make sure to wear sun protection gear if you’ll be working in the garden in the sun. Always apply sunscreen with an adequate SPF level.

Allow enough room between plants for air to circulate, so that plants do not stay too wet. Moisture on plants is sure to attract disease and parasites. A fungus is one of the most important and debilitating parasites for plants. Proactively treat fungi through the use of fungicidal sprays and treatments.

TIP! 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 warm so they may grow.

A touch of organic mulch will boost the potential of the vegetable plants in your garden. Mulch helps the soil surrounding the plants remain moister for a longer time. It will also prevent weeds from growing. This could save you lots of weed-pulling time.

TIP! When planting your organic garden, spacing is an important thing to keep in mind. Many people don’t realize exactly how much space a plant needs when it grows.

Get a wheelbarrow and a kneeling stool to work in your garden. Spending too much time on the ground working can be quite hard on your knees, and a gardening stool can help alleviate this, plus make things more comfortable for you. You often need to move large objects from place to place, so it’s a good idea to have a sturdy, well-balanced wheelbarrow.

TIP! If you sell or use organically grown produce in a commercial setting, you should communicate your commitment to natural growing by becoming certified. This attracts customers who are willing to drive a little farther and pay a little more for products that are safe and healthy.

Learn the appropriate time to pick different vegetables. Each type of vegetables has its own ideal time for picking for the best flavor. For example, baby peas and zucchini taste best when they are picked young. The opposite is true of tomatoes. They taste their best if you allow them to ripen on the vine as long as possible. To get the most out of your horticulture efforts, find out when to harvest your crops.

Pectrum Pesticides

TIP! Add mulch to your garden to improve the vitality of the soil. A thick layer of mulch offers protection to the soil underneath it.

When gardening, don’t use any broad-spectrum pesticides. Broad-spectrum pesticides will kill insects that are helpful to your garden as well as the harmful ones. In fact, beneficial insects are more likely to die than pests if you spray these types of pesticides. As the population of “good” bugs dwindles, your garden may become overrun with pests. This will leave you using even more pesticides to fix the problem.

TIP! Try cultivating organic gardening. Cloves of garlic should be planted in well-drained soil with frequent watering in either the fall or spring.

In order to bring in good insects to your garden, you need to plant heather. Heather will attract bees early in the spring as well as other beneficial insects. Because heather beds require very little maintenance, they often become the home of spiders, ground beetles, and other insects that can benefit your garden. For this reason, you should always remember to put on your horticulture gloves when tending to your heather.

TIP! In organic gardens, like any garden, weeds take a lot of attention to keep them under control. This will help kill off weeds without harming you or the environment.

You must always take care of your knees when working in the garden. Most people can’t bend for long periods while standing. You should kneel while tending to your plants for the sake of reducing stress to your spine. Many types of gardening pads and cushions are available so that avid gardeners can kneel for longer periods of time without experiencing knee pain.

TIP! You are aware of how helpful compost is in growing your organic garden, but do you have any idea what is actually in it? It’s a mix of grass clippings, leaves, produce scraps, straw, small twigs and wood chips that break down and turn into a “fake” soil. Compost can be used instead of commercially produced fertilizer.

Keep the temperature in your home between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, if you are keeping or growing any kind of plant in your house. Plants require a warmer climate to grow. If you are not willing to keep your house that warm during winter, you could always get the organic plants a heat lamp.

TIP! Plant garlic in different places to keep the bugs away. The smell will repel pesky insects.

After your seeds begin to sprout, it is not as important to keep them warm. As your plants grow, you will want to put a little distance between them and heat. If you used plastic wrap to insulate your seedlings, you should now remove it. Check on your seeds often so you catch them when they are ready.

TIP! Go ahead and make your own compost so you have access to your own fertilizer in your garden. You can do this by creating a worm composting bin.

A beer trap is an effective way of of dealing with any slugs that invade your organic garden. Take a glass jar and bury it so that the soil is even with its mouth. Fill it with beer to about one inch below the top of the jar. Slugs will be attracted by the beer and fall into the jar.

TIP! Your garden won’t be able to survive without an adequate supply of water. Just like people do, plants need to have water in order to live.

Use a soaker hose to water your organic garden. With a soaker hose, you actually help your plants grow to their potential because the water slowly seeps out the hose which helps guide it to the roots, allowing the leaves to remain dry. This is less tedious than watering by hand, and they consume less water than using sprinklers.

TIP! A great tip to implement when gardening is to plant only what you enjoy to eat. You will make get the most from your garden, and you will cut your monthly grocery bill.

As was discussed at the start of this article, if you have an idea what you are trying to do, horticulture will come easy. These suggestions have given you a solid foundation in how to design and maintain a fabulous garden.

Your Dream Garden Is Just A Few Days Away!

~ craigb

TIP! Plant perennials that slugs and snails won’t be interested in eating. Slugs and snails can decimate a plant in one night.

Pay close attention to your organic garden, and take the absolute best care of it that you possibly can. Smart organic gardening can com in handy here. This will help you grow more healthier, happier and tastier produce in your garden. If you apply the tips from this article, you will have a lush, green organic garden.

TIP! Insects and various garden pests can be avoided by making your soil healthy. If you have healthy looking plants, they are stronger and more resistant to diseases and bugs.

Brighten your garden with biennials and annuals. The annuals and biennials are usually fast growing because they only last one season, and this will let you change the garden every season for a nice change of pace. You can fill any spaces between shrubs and perennials when they are in the sun. The most popular varieties to use include petunia, zinnia, cosmos, snapdragon, marigold, hollyhock, and sunflower.

TIP! Try using annuals and biennials to add color to your flower beds, and brighten them up. These fast growing flowers let you change how your flower bed looks season to season.

It’s sometimes possible to save certain plants from winter cold by bringing them inside. Choose the plants that are most likely to survive. 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.

Carbon Dioxide

TIP! Do a soil analysis prior to planting. Consider getting a soil analysis and working on enrichment techniques for giving your garden a vibrant and healthy environment.

Carbon dioxide, or CO2, is essential to the growth of plants because of its role in photosynthesis. The majority of plants thrive when they are exposed to a high level of carbon dioxide. A greenhouse will provide the best method of providing enough CO2 for your plants. CO2 levels, when kept high, give your plants optimal growing conditions.

TIP! Remember to remove weeds from the garden. A vibrant garden will be overrun with weeds if they are left alone.

Grow some wheat grass or cat grass next to the plants your cat seems to prefer. Another option is to place something smelly, like citrus peels or mothballs, on the soil surrounding the plants that have previously been eaten.

TIP! Both cat grass and wheat grass are good for giving your errant feline pause. Additionally, use your cat’s keen sense of smell to your advantage.

You could try to boil weeds if you are trying to remain organic. Water is cheaper than chemical herbicides, and less hazardous to humans and soil. One simple layer across the weeds with a pot of boiling water will take care of the problem, but you have to remember the same applies to your plants, as well. What this does it essentially kill the weeds by damaging their roots. The result is that those weeds are unlikely to regrow.

TIP! You should get a wheelbarrow and a kneeling stool for garden work. Spending too much time on the ground working can be quite hard on your knees, and a gardening stool can help alleviate this, plus make things more comfortable for you.

If your gardening plans include pea plantings, try starting them off indoors rather than planting the raw seeds in outdoor beds. Seeds are more likely to sprout when started indoors. They will also be healthier and hardier, allowing them to better resist pests and disease. You could transplant the seedlings outdoors once they are able to survive and thrive.

TIP! When growing a vegetable garden it can be hard to control pests. It is important not to use harmful chemical agents, because you are growing produce that is intended to be eaten.

Horticulture is an excellent relaxation tactic. There are a variety of ways to find peace and relaxation on a personal level. One of the greatest such methods is the art of horticulture. The returns are huge for a very minute up front investment cost. Great satisfaction will come from raising produce and flowers in your own environment.

TIP! Plant items with fall color. That doesn’t have to be it though.

To defend your garden from errant dogs, spray something with a strong scent, including aftershave or old perfume around the perimeter of the garden. This will help to cover the scents that are attracting the dog, and make it less of an appealing place for your dog to be.

TIP! Make a plant you love the focal point of your garden. A good garden design will have a focal point which captivates attention.

The flesh of vegetables gets soft in the heat of the day, making them especially vulnerable to inadvertent damage with even the gentlest picking. See to it that you cut their connection to the vine as opposed to twisting them, because twisting could hurt the plant.

TIP! Prevent damage from the sun by making sure you dress correctly whenever you go outside to garden. Wear sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and sunblock.

Heather can bring you beneficial insects. Bees like it because it gives them nectar in the springtime. Heather beds are common grounds for helpful insects such as spiders and ground beetles, because they don’t usually get bothered by human activity. Because of this, you might want to invest in a good pair of horticulture gloves for the times when you need to prune it.

TIP! Add used coffee grounds to your garden soil. These coffee grounds have many nitrogenous nutrients that your plants could use.

You must always take care of your knees when working in the garden. Bending over for extended periods can be harmful to your joints and muscles. Kneeling is much better for your back, and it will help you to tend to your plants with greater ease. You can pick up a knee pad for you to rest on so that your knees are at ease on the ground.

TIP! Increase the value of your property! Landscaping your yard will bring you a big return on your investment. There are some varieties of plants that increase property values by over 20%.

Easily and quickly prepare your ground for a garden of perennials. Simply slice into the ground with a spade, flip the top layer of soil, and then cover it with several inches of wood chips. Wait for a few weeks and plant new perennials in this area.

Flower Beds

TIP! Feeling in harmony with the earth is a benefit of gardening as a hobby, and this holds especially true when it comes to organic gardening. When you do this type of gardening, you will start to have a good idea of the whole process of planting from start to finish.

Add three inches of mulch to your flower beds. Doing this keeps weeds down, keeps the moisture in your plants, and gives more nutrients to the plants. Also, the flower beds will look beautifully maintained at all times.

TIP! If you are planning to plant trees or shrubs in your yard, you should pay close attention to the hole that you have dug. If, after digging a hole, you notice the sides look “glazed” from the action of the shovel, this could restrict plant roots from growing through to the surrounding soil.

Get the most out of what you have, and your property. You can get a very high return from improving your home through landscaping. Some plant investments can raise your resale value by 20% or more. Get low moisture plants for your garden and yard that are suited for your environment.

TIP! While you may already understand the importance of compost to organic gardening, are you aware of its true components? Compost is made up of things like old produce scraps, leaves, twigs, grass clippings and wood-chips that have broken down into something similar to soil in texture. It is recommended that you use this compost in place of commercial fertilizer on your organic garden.

It can be hard to grow an organic garden without chemicals, but the end result is worth the effort. Chemical giants claim miracles, but those miracle crops come at a price to whoever eats the produce.

TIP! Increase the amount of mulch you use in your garden to conserve water. Watering will be decreased with an increase in mulch.

Change how much you water your plants with the changing of the seasons. You should also adjust your watering habits if the temperature or amount of rainfall changes dramatically. You will need to water differently depending on what time it is or what kind of soil you are using. An example would be that if you live in a humid and warm climate, then you’ll want to avoid watering the plant’s leaves as this will cause fungus to grow on your plants. Instead, water the roots only.

TIP! One way to improve the quality of an organic garden, is to separate rows of plants with ditches. This will mean that water will flow directly to the plants with no additional effort on your part.

As you can conclude from what you have just read, having an organic garden can provide you with nutrient rich and fresh fruits and vegetables. It takes a lot of work and tons of patience, but it is all worth it in the end to have a successful organic garden.

Tired Of Chemicals? Grow An Organic Garden With These Tips

~ craigb

TIP! Use your tool handles as rulers in the garden. Tools with long handles, such as a shovel or rake, are absolutely perfect for this job, and make your workload a little bit smaller.

Taking the time to use good gardening practices really shows in the end. It shows that you care about taking care of your plants and that you want them to grow up healthy. This is an admirable thing. However, you can always find new things to learn about, and improve your skills. Read this article to become a better gardener.

TIP! Plant perennials that are slug-proof. These creatures can wreak havoc on a garden in a short time.

It may be helpful to let your plants begin their life in a pot and to transfer them to your garden when they’re seedlings. By allowing them to sprout first, you are increasing the odds of a seedling reaching maturity. This also helps tighten time between plantings. The seedlings are ready to go, once you remove the mature plants.

TIP! Having healthy soil in your garden will help your plants avoid insect pests. Healthy soil encourages vigorous plant growth and makes your garden more resistant to common diseases and insects.

Get a slug-proof variety of perennials. Slugs and snails are voracious eaters that can destroy a plant literally overnight. They’re particularly fond of perennials with smooth and thin leaves, especially if the plants are young. Some perennials are not preferred meals for snails and slugs, especially if their foliage is hairy and tough, or tastes bad. Some of the best varieties of these include achillea, campanula, euphorbia, and heuchera.

Knee Pads

TIP! Let your new seeds soak in a dark spot overnight. Drop your seeds into a small jar that is filled with cold water.

If many of the plants in your garden grow close to the ground, some horticulture knee pads will prevent pain and knee injuries. You will end up spending a good deal of time on your knees and this can cause a lot of pain by the end of the day. Having a pair of excellent knee pads for gardening can help cushion the knees to provide additional comfort.

TIP! In order to rid your garden of pests, take advantage of plant materials and other organic matter. A border of marigolds or onions around your veggies can prevent slugs.

You could try to boil weeds if you are trying to remain organic. One of the safest “herbicides” you can find is a pot of boiling water. Just pour boiling water directly on top of the weeds cautiously to avoid damaging your plants. Boiling water is not good for the weed roots and will stunt further growth.

TIP! Apply organic mulch generously around your vegetable plants. Mulch helps the soil surrounding the plants remain moister for a longer time.

Think about using evergreens in your yard that produce berries during the year. These types of trees can offer your garden a splash of color, especially during the winter when all other plants and trees have lost their hues. Some examples include Holly, Snowberry trees, Winterberry and similar plants.

TIP! Keeping pests out of a vegetable garden can be difficult. The vegetables are intended to be eaten, thus you should refrain from using harsh pesticides and chemicals.

To keep your dog out of your garden, spray old perfume, aftershave, or other scented items in the grass around it. This will help mask the scents that attract your dog, and will make your garden a less interesting place for your pet to be.

TIP! Plant items with fall color. That doesn’t have to be it though.

Any time that you are gardening in direct sunlight, dress appropriately to prevent skin damage. Wear sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and sunblock. Wearing sun protection is important to help ward off the unnecessary pain of sunburn, and it will help lessen your skin cancer risk, too.

TIP! Be careful how you water your garden. Soaker hoses save time by watering all of your plants at once, rather than individually with a standard hose or watering can.

Heather is a magnet for friendly insects. Heather attracts bees, and when they come out in the spring, this provides an early nectar source. It is common to find all types of insects inside of an undisturbed heather bed. Protect yourself from being surprised by these bugs by donning gardening gloves before disturbing your heather beds.

TIP! Always dress appropriately when gardening in order to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun. Make sure you wear a wide brimmed hat along with sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen.

Your children will enjoy the experience of working with you in the organic garden. Growing a garden offers a unique learning experience, and you and your child can grow closer while growing healthy food for your family.

TIP! Grow heather so that you can attract useful insects. Heather is great for getting bees to stop by at the beginning of spring, as heather plants have nectar available early in the season.

Plants growing in your home need a constant temperature of no less than 65 degrees. Indoor plants grow best at these warm temperatures. You can also buy a heat lamp to maintain ideal conditions for your inside plants during the winter.

TIP! If you have a cut on your hand, take the time to make sure it is either healed or completely covered before you put your hands in the soil. A cut will likely become infected if it is exposed to dirt when gardening.

When you are working in your garden, you will want to have all of your tools in a convenient location. Don’t spend 30 minutes searching for a tool. Have all of your tools gathered and prepared for use before you work in the garden, and make sure to put them away neatly. Even something like a carpenter’s tool belt or some cargo jeans work well to keep tools organized.

Pine Needles

TIP! A good way to plant seeds is in containers. Plant them three times as deep as their overall size.

Do not overlook the benefits of pine mulch for your garden. Many types of plants thrive in soil that has high acid levels. If you have some of these plants, then pine needles are an easy way to add acid to their bed. Cover the plots with pine needles. As the pine needles decay, they’ll raise the soil’s acidity.

TIP! Every year, you should plant different things and in different places. If you keep planting the same thing in a particular area every year, it can cause a buildup of disease in the soil.

A good general rule when planting your seeds into containers is that the depth of the planting should be about three times the size of the seed. However, it is important to understand that some seeds require sunlight and should never be covered. Among the seeds meeting this definition are ageratum and petunias. If you don’t know whether your seeds require sun exposure, check the seed package or search online for the information.

Treated Wood

TIP! When deciding which plants you want to focus your organic gardening efforts on, you should be as specific as possible. You will need to cultivate specific environments for various vegetables and plants.

Use untreated stone, brick or wood to build raised beds. If you choose wood, ensure that it has not been treated with a sealant or other chemicals. Some good woods are locust, cedar and cypress. In order to avoid toxic substances from getting into the ground and perhaps into your vegetables, avoid using treated wood to enclose or demarcate different sections of your vegetable garden. If your existing garden structure contains treated wood, at least take the time to make a plastic lining beneath the soil.

TIP! Plant your landscaping trees in places that will provide shade for your home. You can get more savings on energy bills because the shade you get from the trees will cool your home naturally.

You have the tools, the products, and the skill set to apply those tips to your organic garden. This is a positive thing. Learning is a constant process, so use the insights gained here to enhance your skills in organic gardening. Hopefully, you’ve learned things that will help make your organic garden beautiful.

Avoid Failure When Horticulture With These Tips

~ craigb

TIP! Your first and best line of defense against pests is having healthy soil. Healthy plants can better ward off pests and diseases.

An organic garden can be an essential part of a healthy diet, but understanding it and buying the right equipment can be tricky. Additionally, there are a variety of seeds with different planting times to consider. The following tips will help you make the most of your organic garden.

TIP! Brighten up your flower beds with annuals and biennials. You can use biennial and annual flowers to brighten the bed, and let you change how it looks.

Clay soil can be a real pain to work with as it often sticks to the end of the shovel. To make your digging project easier, apply a coat of automobile wax to your shovel first and then buff it lightly. This will keep the soil from sticking, and prevent rusting of the tool.

TIP! Before you even place the first plant in your garden, you need to check the composition of your soil. You can do a soil sample analysis for an affordable fee and then know what you need to properly treat your soil with so you can grow the best plants.

Try using climber plants to cover up your fences and walls. Known commonly as climbers, these plants are very versatile, easy to grow, and they will quickly spread out to cover up walls and fences within a single season. They may also grow through tress and shrubs that are already grown, or you can train them to cover your arbor. Some varieties of these plants will have to be tethered to some sort of support, but other varieties will be able to attach to the medium they are climbing. Climbing roses, honeysuckle, wisteria, clematis, and jasmine are some great plants to try out.

TIP! When it’s autumn, you know what that means. It’s time to plant fall vegetables! Try using a pumpkin as a natural plant pot.

Regular weeding is essential to the health of any garden. If you have weeds in your garden, it will not be as nice as it could be. White vinegar can be a good solution. That’s right, you have safe way to get rid of weeds right there in your kitchen cabinet. If you’re annoyed with pulling up weeds manually, douse them with a white vinegar solution.

TIP! Don’t mow your grass too short. If you leave more height to your grass, the roots will grow deeper into the soil, making the lawn stronger and more resistant to drying out.

Soak seeds overnight, preferably in a cool, dark place. Place your seeds in a container filled with water. This will allow seeds to be watered and they will get a kick start when growing. This improves the chances of successful plant development.

TIP! Draw up a garden plan before you plant the first seed. This way, you will remember the places you planted your seeds when they start sprouting.

Coffee grounds can be used to amend soils that are high in alkaline. This affordable trick will give back the acid that your dirt requires. This simple act can lead to vegetables that taste better and look more appealing.

Natural Materials

TIP! Consider planting evergreens in your garden that produce berries. These types of trees can offer your garden a splash of color, especially during the winter when all other plants and trees have lost their hues.

Natural materials or some other plants can be used in your garden for keeping away pests. Plant marigolds or onions around other vegetables to keep slugs away from them. Wood ash around your tree will help you keep pests away as well. Natural materials and plants can be just as effective as chemical pesticides at keeping unwanted visitors out of your garden!

TIP! You should be cognizant of the peak time for harvesting your vegetables. Each type of vegetables has its own ideal time for picking for the best flavor.

It is particularly important for new gardeners to read and follow instructions that come with tools, as well as chemicals. If you do not do this very simple step, you can end up causing skin irritation problems that are very painful. Keep yourself safe and always follow instructions.

TIP! Plant with the colors of autumn in mind. That doesn’t have to be it though.

The warmth of the day can make vegetables soft, making them more prone to damage as you pick them. Twisting could cause plant damage, so ensure that produce is removed by cutting only.

TIP! Choose one stand-out plant to be a focal point. A focal point in the garden will capture your attention.

Plants growing in your home need a constant temperature of no less than 65 degrees. This level of heat is required in order for plants to grow. If you are not willing to keep your house that warm during winter, you could always get the organic plants a heat lamp.

TIP! Vegetables are softer in the heat of the hottest part of the day; even gently picking them at that time can damage them. For vegetables growing on vines, cut them carefully rather than twisting them off to avoid damage to the plant.

Use about two to three inches of organic material as mulch in all of your flower beds. Mulching is the perfect way to lock in moisture, nourish soil, and to keep away weeds. You will also have a gorgeous and finished organic flower bed.

TIP! If slugs are disrupting the balance of your garden, you can diminish their population by using a beer trap. Start by burying a wide-mouth jar in the soil, ensuring that the rim of the jar is just at the soil’s surface.

Organize your gardening so that you can work efficiently. Have your tools laid out in an orderly way so you do not have to search for them. Have all of tools you will need for the day before you head out your garden. When you are finished, put them away neatly for the next time. If you need, use a tool belt or even pants that have quite a few pockets.

TIP! Throughout the year and in different climates, it may be necessary to vary your watering schedule. You will need to water differently depending on what time it is or what kind of soil you are using.

Horticulture can actually increase the value of your property! Improving your landscape is one of the best ways to get a high return from your house. When you invest into plants they can do a lot to your home, they can raise the resale value of your home by 20% and possibly more. Try to find plants that are relatively low-moisture plants, suited well to your particular environment. This will add a lot of value to your property.

TIP! You may want to grow garlic organically. Wait until early spring or the fall to plant cloves in a moist soil.

Use an old laundry basket to gather your vegetables and fruits. The basket will make a great strainer when you wash your vegetables. You can rinse your produce off while it is in the basket, and the excess water will strain through the holes of your laundry basket.

TIP! When mulching your flowerbed or garden, most people recommend adding about three inches of mulch. Your garden will look more professional, have fewer weeds, and benefit from the moisture control and additional nutrients.

Once a year, you must rotate your garden. Fungus and disease are more likely to affect plants if they stay in the same location for long periods of time, especially if they belong to the same family. These plant enemies can become stored in the ground, ready to attack your plants the following year. By changing up varieties and locations, you are reducing the chances of damaging your plants.

TIP! Know what you’d specifically like to grow within your organic garden. Different variations of a certain flower or vegetable need different kinds of environments.

When planting tomatoes in your organic garden, a great tip is to plant another set of tomatoes after three weeks of planting the original ones. This allows your harvest to grow in stages. If there’s an issue with one of your harvests, you’ll still have a batch of tomatoes that are safe.

Organic Garden

TIP! Consider the value of the crops you choose to grow. Buy what crops you personally like in large quantity.

As mentioned earlier, an organic garden could be a valuable asset for improving your diet. It is also important to be knowledgeable of the various types of plants that you can choose from. Use the tips and advice presented here to get the most of your organic garden. It can be a source of pleasure for years to come.