organic gardening

Help Your Garden Grow With These Simple Tips

~ craigb

TIP! When winter comes, you can save a few plants by transferring them inside the house. Perhaps save the most resistant or expensive plants.

Having an organic garden is a great way to have access to healthy foods whenever you want them, which will ultimately lead to a healthier diet. However, organic gardening does require a commitment. You may be curious as to how to start the organic horticulture process.

TIP! Soil needs to be rich in certain nutrients to grow healthy plants. Depending on the type of plants you desire in your garden, your natural soil may or may not be appropriate.

Trying to shovel through clay soil can be extremely difficult and tiresome. Rubbing wax on the shovel prior to digging can kick this challenge to the curb. The clay will no longer stick to the shovel, and this also helps to prevent other problems like rusting.

Baking Soda

TIP! If you want to grow vegetables in you backyard, it is vital that you place them in an area where they could get roughly six hours of sun on a daily basis. Most members of the vegetable family need this minimum of light for proper growth.

If mildew is forming on your plants, you should not purchase an expensive chemical. Mix a bit of liquid soap and some baking soda into water. Spray this mix on your plants every week and the mildew should go away. Baking soda will bring no damage to your plants, and will treat the mildew in a gentle and efficient manner.

TIP! If you want a strange, yet successful, green answer to getting rid of weeds, boil them to death. A pot of very hot water is one of the most effective ways you can get rid of the weeds in your garden.

When winter comes around, save some plants by putting them in the house. Think about saving your resistant plants or the expensive ones. Dig carefully around the roots and transfer the plants to a pot.

TIP! An excellent garden shouldn’t begin from plants. They should begin from seeds.

It is very important to keep the weeds from taking over in your garden. Weeds can truly ruin a good garden. Try using white vinegar to get rid of weeds. Use it instead of chemical solutions to kill weeds. So, if weed pulling is tiring you out, spray a white vinegar solution all over them.

TIP! All of your vegetable plants should have approximately two inches, just outside the stem, of organic mulch placed around them. The mulch will add beneficial moisture to your soil.

If you would like to have flowers in your garden that last through the spring and summer seasons, plant bulbs. Not only are bulbs hearty and easy to grow, but they’ll continue to grow as time goes on. Different types of bulbs bloom at different times, so if you choose appropriately, you can have blooms from early spring to late summer.

TIP! Think about berry-producing trees that are green year round for your garden. These will help give your garden a burst of color, even in the winter months when most other vegetation has lost their colors.

Seeds should be soaked in a dark area overnight. Place some seeds into a small container, then fill it with water until it is almost to the top. This will give your seeds a good start by making sure they have plenty of water, which they need to sprout. This increases the chances of survival for the seeds.

TIP! It can be tough to keep insects and other plant-ruining crawlies from infesting your garden. It’s wise to avoid harsh insecticides if you plan on consuming your fresh fruits and vegetables.

You can plant wheat grass or cat grass near the plants that the cat eats. It may also work to add citrus peelings or mothballs to the soil of the plants, because the odor is unpleasant to cats.

TIP! An easy, inexpensive way to give them nutrients is to pour the leftover water from your steamed vegetables into the soil. Tea and coffee grounds can be used to add acidity to your soil for plants like gardenias and rhododendrons.

Do not mow your lawn too short. By leaving your grass a little taller, you are allowing it to become stronger, as the roots grow stronger and deeper. When grass is cut too low the roots will not grow as deep, and your lawn may suffer from brown patches.

TIP! Gardening is an incredible method of relaxing. Many methods of relaxation can be employed to lead a peaceful life.

It is possible to use natural materials as well as other plants to help keep pests away from your garden. For example, if you plant onions or marigolds along the edges of your vegetable garden, you can ward off slugs. You can also mulch around trees and shrubs with wood ash, which drives away insects. These methods are environmentally-friendly and mean you do not have to resort to harsh chemicals.

TIP! Think about planting everbearing strawberries in your garden, especially if you have small children. 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.

Use a wheelbarrow and a kneeling stool when you’re working in your garden. Spending too much time on the ground working can be quite hard on your knees, and a horticulture stool can help alleviate this, plus make things more comfortable for you. Gardening also requires transporting heavy objects and lots of dirt, so purchasing a wheelbarrow can be a very smart investment.

TIP! Go slowly as you plant the seeds. Water the soil first.

Avoid using broad-spectrum pesticides in your garden. If your pesticide has too wide a range of targets, it can kill off useful insects that fight off other pests. The bugs you need are often more fragile than the ones you don’t: a pesticide could actually kill the beneficial insects while leaving the pests unaffected. When this happens, you will spray another round of pesticides to get rid of the pests, thus creating a never-ending cycle for yourself.

TIP! When your plants begin to sprout, they can survive in somewhat cooler temperatures. To ensure that your plants do not suffer shock, start eliminating the use of a heat source.

One particular plant should be the focal point of your garden. There should be a solid focal point for every good garden design. Usually, the focal point will be a plant that is unique from the plants around it.

TIP! Have plastic bags on hand so that you may cover your muddy gardening shoes. This way, you won’t break momentum by fussing with your shoes, and you’ll be quickly back in the garden to finish your work.

When helping organic plants flourish inside, it is vital to keep in mind how much light is reaching them. If you’re living in a home that doesn’t receive much sunlight, you should consider growing plants that thrive in environments with low to medium amounts of light. If the type of plant does not help, you can always use lights to help.

Flower Beds

TIP! Creating a trap with beer can help reduce the number of slugs in your garden. Place a jar into the soil so that the top of it’s mouth rests parallel with the soil.

Cover your flower beds with two or three inches of compost or organic mulch. Mulch discourages weeds and helps retain moisture while adding nutrients to your flower bed. Your flower beds should also look beautiful all year long.

TIP! While gardening, be careful of what products you use. Use organic or natural alternatives in the place of the typical chemical fertilizers.

Creating a trap with beer can help reduce the number of slugs in your garden. First, place a glass canning jar in the soil, burying it until the mouth is even with the surface of the soil. Fill that with beer just under an inch from the top of your jar. The beer helps attract slugs and they end up trapped.

TIP! Take the leaves you’ve raked from your yard as a simple organic compost that can be mixed with your soil. When the leaves decompose, they turn into a nutrient rich organic compost, providing a healthy addition to your garden soil.

You can grow a great organic garden if you decide to dedicate your time and efforts to it. In addition, it’s true that you must be consistent if you want to see results. Keeping the aforementioned tips in mind, you are well on your way to becoming successful with organic gardening.

Great Ideas For Growing Your Own Organic Garden

~ craigb

TIP! Make sure that your sod is laid properly. Before the sod can be laid, you should prepare the soil.

If you want to improve your diet, you may want to get into organic gardening. However, you will need to put forth an effort in order to make it grow. Oftentimes, new gardeners can be intimidated because they’re not quite sure where to start.

TIP! Choose higher yield plant varieties. Traditional strains are often out-performed by hybrids that have been bred for cold tolerance or disease resistance.

Be vigilant about keeping moisture off your plants. Excess moisture creates an appealing environment for disease and parasites. One parasite you have to watch out for in particular is fungi. Although fungi can be treated with sprays, it is possible to preempt the problem and very important to plant health that you do so.

TIP! Start your plants in containers, and then transplant the seedlings into the garden later on. Doing this betters your odds of your plants making it to adulthood.

Purchase a wheelbarrow, and a kneeling stool to use in your garden. It is important to protect your knees when you are kneeling in the garden, and a foam kneeling pad will help with that. Gardeners usually need a wheelbarrow to move the heavy dirt and other objects so they are a good item to buy.

TIP! Starting a garden with the best soil is a great defense mechanism against pests. Healthy plants are stronger and more able to resist both pests and disease.

Learn the best harvest time for each vegetable. Most vegetables have a relatively small harvesting window when they will taste best. As an example, zucchini and baby peas both have the best flavor when they are harvested at a young age. However, you get better taste out of tomatoes that have been allowed to ripen as much as practical while still on their vine. Take some time to learn about the best harvest time for the vegetables that you have growing.

TIP! Pre-soak seeds overnight in a dark place. Place a couple of seeds in a tiny container, and fill it with water nearly to the top.

For visual interest, make one plant a focal point of your garden. To create an attractive garden design, arrange a focal point to draw attention. More often than not, it is a plant that is distinctively different from its neighbors.

Pick your vegetables when the temperature is moderate to avoid bruising them. Twisting off vegetables causes damage to the plant; always snip them at the base of the vine.

TIP! Don’t plant a garden without planning it. Planning gives you a map of your garden.

Let your children be involved in your organic gardening efforts. The benefits for your children will be a closer bond with nature and an understanding of where food comes from.

TIP! Think about putting some berry-producing evergreens into your landscape. These will help give your garden a burst of color, even in the winter months when most other vegetation has lost their colors.

One way to help your organic garden thrive is to leave an undeveloped area that is conducive to the wildlife around your area. Certain wildlife can be good for an organic garden; birds and insects can help your plants reproduce and be as healthy as they can be!

TIP! Keep your pet out of the garden with old perfume or aftershave in the grass. By masking the smells he may be attracted to, he should take less interest in the garden plants.

Before planting any perennials, you have to make the ground ready. With a garden spade, slice under the dirt then flip it over. Next, spread out wood chips several inches deep. Let the area have about two weeks, then dig it and plan the new perennials.

TIP! Planting organic strawberries is a great way to encourage your children to get involved. You will find that they enjoy participating in gardening if they are allowed to pluck the fresh berries and eat them straight from the earth.

Make sure you have your horticulture tools near you, so you can maximize your gardening efficiency. Keep the tools in a big bucket, or store them in strong pockets in your pants. Keep common tools such as your gloves or your pruning shears within reach so that you can quickly and easily maintain your garden whenever you need to.

TIP! To be more efficient when working in your organic garden, have your tools close at hand. Put them into a basket you carry with you, or use an apron with many pockets and hanging loops.

Working in the garden doesn’t have to be grueling; learn to work more efficiently. Don’t waste your time by looking all over for your tools. You can prepare what you need beforehand, keep it all handy in a toolbox or a shed, and you will be ready to work in your garden at a moment’s notice. You can use a tool belt, or you may want to wear pants with extra pockets.

Coffee Grounds

TIP! Tuck away some plastic grocery bags and use them to slip over your muddy boots. Doing this prevents lengthy work interruptions, and allows you to finish the job quickly.

Add used coffee grounds to your soil. These coffee grounds have many nitrogenous nutrients that your plants could use. Nitrogen is often the most important nutrient when it comes to plants thriving, and a solid source of nitrogen, like coffee grounds, urea, or compost, can boost growth speed and increase height.

TIP! 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.

Paying attention to spacing is important. Plants take up quite a bit of space as they grow, and it’s easy to underestimate just how much. Plants need room for physical growth and for the air to circulate within the soil. Make sure that you map out your garden layout beforehand and place your seeds with an adequate amount of space in between each.

TIP! Your soil will be healthier if you add mulch. A layer of mulch can protect the soil beneath.

Do you want to kill weeds naturally? A good thick layer of newspaper can be laid down to control weeds. Weeds can only grow in sunlight. When you place layers of newspapers on top of them, the weeds will suffocate from the lack of light. Newspapers tend to break down into compost nicely. You can add mulch on top for aesthetic reasons.

TIP! One of the benefits of organic produce over commercial produce is that it is not spayed with any toxic pesticides. This will improve your family’s overall health, but it does mean you have to be extra vigilant about checking for pest infestations.

Though organic farming can present challenges that traditional farming with the use of chemicals does not, harvesting the crops is reward itself for the hard work. While chemical-based horticulture products make bold claims, it is hard to dispute that organic gardening consistently produces superior results.

TIP! If you’re trying to decide how to water the plants in your organic garden, consider a soaker hose. The water seeps slowly out of these hoses and can be directed straight to the roots so that the leaves stay dry.

Be aware of seasons and climates when you are watering, and change accordingly. You should consider water quality and soil type when watering your plants. Try to water your plants at the same time every day, as time of day also affects how much water they need. As an example, leaves should not be watered in humid, warm climates else leaf fungus could occur. Instead, aim to water the root system only.

TIP! When you are thinking about planting a garden, think about the herbs and veggies you use on a regular basis. This reduces your grocery bills and allows you to use everything you grow.

You can grow a great organic garden if you decide to dedicate your time and efforts to it. It is very true, as well, that to see results, you must stick with it. By keeping in mind the above tips, you’re on the right track towards being successful in your organic garden.

Grow A Lovely Organic Garden With These Tips

~ craigb

Organic horticulture can either be a wonderful hobby, or a nuisance nightmare. Here are some suggestions to get you on the right path to successful organic gardening.

Select plant varieties capable of producing large yields. Frequently, a hybrid plant will produce a higher yield because of its disease-resistant properties.

TIP! Choose perennials that won’t be taken out by slugs. If slugs or snails find their favorite perennials in your garden, they’ll snack all night.

Plant vines like ivy to cover fences and dividing walls. They can be used to cover up unsightly fences or walls. Often, they can grow enough to cover up an eyesore in one season. It is possible to get them to grow in conjunction with trees and bushes already on the premises, or train them to drape over arbors. There are natural climbers, which use tendrils or stems to wrap around any given surface, while others must be tied with a string or rope. Excellent varieties include honeysuckle, wisteria, jasmine, climbing roses and clematis.

TIP! When dealing with any type of seeds in gardening, it’s important that you soak them overnight in a cool, dark location. Place a couple of seeds in a tiny container, and fill it with water nearly to the top.

You should divide irises. You can create additional irises by splitting up irises that are growing into each other’s space. Pick up bulbous irises after the foliage dies. The bulbs split in your hand, then you replant them, and they will most likely flower next year. Split rhizomes with a knife. From the outside cut the new pieces and then get rid of the old center. At the least, each piece will need to have one strong offshoot. The quicker you can replant your cuttings, the better chances they will reappear next season.

TIP! Try growing wheat grass or cat grass in the area of the plants your cat wants to eat. Offensive smells also work to repel cats and other pesky animals from eating your plants.

Place organic mulch close to your vegetables. Mulch keeps soil moist for longer periods of time. It will also prevent weeds from popping up around your plants. This can prevent you from having to constantly pull weeds.

TIP! Take the time to spread around five centimeters of organic mulch near your vegetable plants. When you place mulch around your plants, it keeps the ground more moist.

If you are new to gardening, make sure you read and follow all the directions on any tool or chemical you use. If you don’t do this, you could cause unnecessary skin irritations, which are very painful. Always follow packaging directions to ensure your body’s safety.

TIP! Be sure to buy a wheelbarrow and a kneeling stool that you can use for your garden. Spending a lot of time near the ground working is very hard on the knees, so a lightweight and portable garden stool will make gardening more comfortable.

Take a look at planting berry-producing evergreens in your yard. The evergreens will add some color to your garden or yard, especially during the winter, when other plants have died or lost color. These plants can help you get some color during the winter months: Winterberry, Common Snowberry, American Holly, and American Cranberrybush.

Pectrum Pesticides

TIP! Include your kids in growing an organic garden. Children will benefit from the fresh air while bonding with you in your efforts to provide healthier food alternatives for them.

Don’t use broad-spectrum pesticides in the garden. Broad-spectrum pesticides will kill insects that are helpful to your garden as well as the harmful ones. Many times good bugs will be more sensitive to harmful pesticides than the ones you are trying to get rid of. If your good bug population goes down, your problem will only get worse. You will need even more pesticides to deal with the problem, and it will never really go away.

TIP! Before planting your favorite perennials, you must first prepare the ground. Using a garden spade, dig underneath the turf and flip it.

In order to bring in good insects to your garden, you need to plant heather. Heather attracts bees, and when they come out in the spring, this provides an early nectar source. Plant a heather bed, it will house many bugs that are good for a garden such as spiders and ground beetles. 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! Spend your time working efficiently in your organic garden. One of the biggest time wasters is not keeping track of your tools and having to look for them every time you need them.

Be sure to plant some strawberries for your children and grandchildren. Ever-bearing ones are especially nice. A lot of children not only love to pick out their own fruit but they also love to learn about it as well.

TIP! Plastic bags can be kept on hand and reused to slip over your dirty gardening shoes. This keeps your flow going, so you can get back out to the garden quickly and finish your work.

Horticulture can be hard on your knees. Not everyone has the ability to remain standing in a bent position for an extended time. Kneeling is much better for your back, and it will help you to tend to your plants with greater ease. You can buy a knee pad, put it on the ground and kneel on it so that you wont have to deal with knee pain.

TIP! When the time has come to gather up the produce, you need to use an old laundry basket. A laundry basket will act as a strainer for your produce.

Use this simple tip to get your perennial garden ready in a flash. With a garden spade, slice under the dirt then flip it over. Next, spread out wood chips several inches deep. Give this area at least a few weeks, then you can dig into the area and plant the new perennials.

TIP! Would you like to kill those obnoxious weeds naturally? Pile newspapers on top of each other to kill weeds. Weeds can’t grow without sunlight.

Put coffee ground into your soil. The grounds contain essential nitrogen, which will benefit your plants in many ways. Generally, nitrogen is the limiting nutrient with any plant and having a good nitrogen source either by coffee grounds, compost, or even diluted urea, will make your plants bloom faster and grow taller.

TIP! Try lightly ruffling the seedlings with your hands about twice a day. It may sound a little odd to do this, but there is actually proven research that shows this helps the plants grow.

If slugs are an issue in your garden, a beer trap can make them go away. First, place a glass canning jar in the soil, burying it until the mouth is even with the surface of the soil. Pour enough beer into the jar to fill it below an inch from the top. Beer attracts slugs and then they’ll get stuck in the jar.

TIP! Organic foods do not possess any pesticides on them. While this is great, you still need to check your produce for any bugs or other pests.

Organic gardening is a high-risk, high-reward activity compared to normal horticulture, but the rewards certainly are sweet. While chemical pesticides and fertilizers may claim to do great things for your garden, organic methods will give you the best crops possible.

TIP! After you plant tomatoes in your garden for the first time, wait three weeks and then plant a second round. This way, all of the tomatoes will not be ready to harvest at once.

Water your plants appropriately for the climate. The amount of water you will need will vary according to your climate and even such factors as the part of day and soil type. 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. You have to make sure to water the root system.

TIP! This is a very easy organic gardening tip! Bushes, native grasses, and flowers should be the essentials of your landscaping needs. If you select plants able to thrive in your climate, soil variety and indigenous neighbors, you can cut the amount of fertilizer and pesticide you might need.

Organic horticulture, while requiring a good effort for great results, is a great way to live a greener life. Getting your organic garden to produce rich results requires much effort and patience, but you will find the end results quite worth it. The next time you are working in your garden, use the advice from this article to grow things without the use of harsh chemicals.

Get Growing! Organic Gardening Tips And Tricks

~ craigb

TIP! Your tool handles can double as measuring sticks. Tools with long handles, such as shovels, hoes and rakes can be made into measuring sticks.

A lot of people believe that gardening is difficult to do, but this is untrue if you understand what to do. The right information could help anyone be a master gardener. The tips in this article will provide you with all the horticulture information needed to become a master at horticulture.

TIP! The first thing you can do to avoid pests is to start with healthy soil in your garden. Healthy plants grown in robust and enriched soil have an advantage in fighting pest infestation.

Try planting your plants in flower pots first, then transferring them to your garden once they have had a bit of time to grow. They are then more likely to survive and to become thriving, mature plants. In addition, you can shorten the intervals between your plantings. You can plant the seedlings once you have removed the old plants.

TIP! Choose the right soil for best results. Depending on the type of plants you desire in your garden, your natural soil may or may not be appropriate.

Plant a variety of annuals, biennials and perennials to keep your flower beds bright. 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. They can be used to fill in gaps in your garden between the perennials or shrubs so your garden looks fuller. There are many flowers you can plant in these gaps. Try marigolds, petunias or sunflowers for a brighter garden.

TIP! D

Try using climber plants to cover up your fences and walls. You can hide an unsightly wall or fence, in as little as one growing season, with the right selection of climbing plant. They can be trained to grow over an arbor, or through trees and shrubs that are already in the garden. 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. Reliable varieties include clematis, honeysuckle, wisteria, jasmine and climbing roses.

Soil Analysis

TIP! Avoid damage from the sun by dressing correctly when you garden. Wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

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. The cost of the analysis will be easily offset by the benefits of a healthy and vibrant crop.

TIP! Vegetables are softer in the heat of the hottest part of the day; even gently picking them at that time can damage them. Make sure to chop the vegetables off the vine, but be careful not to twist them.

Are fresh mint leaves something you love but cannot stand how quickly they grow all over your garden? Keep the growth under control by growing them in a large horticulture pot instead. You have the option of planting the container with the plant to keep the roots from taking the garden over.

TIP! Using a solution of aspirin and water can prevent certain plant diseases. Dissolve one aspirin and a half for 2 gallons of water.

Irises can be easily divided. You can get more irises by dividing the overgrown clumps. If you notice a dead foliage, lift the bulb. They will literally split in your hand, flowering the next year after replanting. You should split up rhizomes by utilizing a blade. Cut out new pieces from outside the bulb and throw away the old center. Don’t plant any pieces that don’t have any strong offshoots. You also need to make sure that you replant the new pieces as soon as possible.

TIP! When gardening, remember to take care of your knees! Bending for extended time periods causes pain for many people. If you have trouble with this, kneel instead of bending while gardening.

Interested in using Mother Nature to keep pests at bay the natural way? Onions and marigolds can help to deter slugs. You can also prevent insect pests by using wood ash like mulch around your trees and shrubs. Using methods like these eliminates the need for chemical pesticides, which can be harsh or even harmful.

TIP! When planting seeds into a container, the depth of your planting should be three times bigger than the seed. It is important to note though, that not all seeds are covered to this depth, as some need direct sunlight to grow properly.

If you are just starting out, follow all the guidelines and rules on your chemicals and tools. If you fail to do this, you could cause yourself all sorts of injuries, the most common of which is irritated skin. Wear protective gear, and use the products as directed.

TIP! Make sure you look at what lies beneath in order to start off on the right foot. For example, you want to avoid tomato seedlings that have several green starts and a weak root system.

A good tip to help your plants stay healthy and fight diseases is to use aspirin water. One and half tablets of aspirin in a couple gallons of water will be a wonderful help to the plants you have. All you need to do is spray the plants with the solution in order to battle common ailments. Use this method to spray your plants every three weeks.

TIP! Research the local botanical insecticides which can be useful in deterring the pest population. In some cases, natural solutions are much more efficient than the chemicals you can buy.

If you have a high priority for sustainability in your organic gardening, try leaving a corner of the property undeveloped as a mini wildlife refuge. The kind of birds and insects needed for pollination will be naturally present on your property and help with your organic garden.

TIP! Plant your tomatoes in intervals of three weeks, starting from the original strain and they will grow in a more organized structure. Doing this will keep your whole harvest from popping up at the same time.

When you are working in your garden, you will want to have all of your tools in a convenient location. Don’t waste your time by searching high and low for that packet of seeds or spade. Get all of your tools together before you go into your garden, then place them in a safe spot when you are finished with them. Wear pants with several pockets or use a tool belt.

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 the shovel “glazes” any sides of the hole, leaving a smooth and compact surface, the roots may have trouble breaking through the soil in that area.

You can stop mud from being tracked into your house by covering your dirty horticulture shoes with plastic bags. This allows you to keep going, getting back to your garden quickly.

TIP! To mulch, trees and flowers, use a minimum of three inches of organic material. When you do this, you save money by conserving the amount of water you use, and it also helps out the environment in the process as well.

Use a laundry basket to help you collect produce from your garden. An old basket will act like a strainer does. If you leave your produce in the basket while rinsing it, the basket will be able to serve as a strainer, with the extra water dripping out the holes in the bottom of the basket.

TIP! Weeds are annoying to any garden, organic or otherwise. This organic weed killer will not harm the environment or your family.

As was stated in the beginning of the article, gardening is not hard to accomplish if you know what you are doing. With the necessary knowledge, such as the advice presented by this article, you’ll be able to garden with perfection.

Tips On Choosing Organic Horticulture For A Healthier Lifestyle

~ craigb

Organic gardening is capable of not only bringing about relaxation, but also headaches as well. Continue on for some good tips that will help you succeed in organic gardening.

TIP! Climbing plants and vines are great for covering fences and wall structures. These climbing plants will help beautify an old fence, and they are fast workers too.

Starting off your garden with healthy soil can be the best defense against those pesky garden bugs. Healthy soil leads to healthy plants with more strength to deflect those insects and various diseases. Healthy, rich soil with fewer chemicals will increase the yield of your plants, and reduce accumulated salts.

TIP! When you decide to add vegetables into your garden space, be aware that they must be placed where they will receive direct sunlight for a minimum of six hours daily. Most vegetables need that much sun to grow rapidly and successfully.

Do not spend your money on chemicals to fight mildew. Mix some baking soda and a very small amount of liquid soap into water. Once every week, you should spray the mixture on your plants; the mildew will disappear shortly thereafter. This is a natural solution for ridding your plants of mildew safely.

TIP! Sometimes the soil you want to use for your garden has a high alkaline content. Combine coffee grounds with the soil to reduce this.

Plant cool-weather edibles in the fall. Try planting your fall veggies, especially leafy greens, inside of a pumpkin! Once you’ve cut its top and scooped the insides out, spray the edges and inside with Wilt-Pruf to prevent rotting. Finished? Now you’re all set for planting!

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. Long hours tending your garden can leave your knees sore and achy.

When you grow veggies in a garden, you need to ensure they get at least six hours of good sunlight each day. Most vegetables need at least that much sun exposure to grow properly. This also rings true for some of the flowers.

TIP! Being a novice gardener, you should ensure that you follow the directions carefully for tool and chemical use. Irritation of the skin or even more serious injuries are possible if you ignore manufacturer’s directions.

Fertilizer is important when you garden. Manure is an excellent fertilizer, but it needs to be combined with a synthetic compost to stop diseases from infecting your plants. It is important that you use some sort of fertilizer, although it doesn’t really matter which variety you choose.

TIP! If you have a vegetable garden, one of your main enemies is garden pests. One major benefit of growing your own produce is knowing that they haven’t been treated with pesticides and other harsh chemicals.

If you want to grow peas, consider starting them indoors instead of planting them outside. When you plant the seeds indoors, your seeds will start to germinate better. Seeds grown indoors are much more resistant to diseases and damage done by pests. Take the seedlings outdoors once they look strong enough.

TIP! To give them a helping hand, pour the water you obtain after steaming vegetables over your plants. Used teabags or grounds from coffee are a great way to add acid to the soil.

It is particularly important for new gardeners to read and follow instructions that come with tools, as well as chemicals. If you fail to do this, you could cause yourself all sorts of injuries, the most common of which is irritated skin. Be careful when it comes to your body, and always follow directions.

TIP! Working in your garden is an excellent way to relax yourself. There are numerous avenues to pursue when attempting to find your personal peace and relaxation.

Sensibly water your garden. A soaker hose will save you time because you won’t have to individually water each plant, like you do with a regular nozzle, or a can that you need to constantly refill. Keep the water running slowly so it doesn’t spray up onto the plants’ leaves. Set the soaker hose to water your all your plants over a couple hours, and then you will be free to get other things done.

TIP! Spray fragrances such as old perfume or aftershave on grass around your garden to help keep your dog away from the plants. This will work to mask any scent that is attracting dogs, and will make the garden a much less interesting place to for dogs to be.

If you have recently suffered a cut, discontinue gardening until the cut has healed completely. Your cut could get infected if you’re dealing with grime and dirt when horticulture. The key is to use bandages capable of covering cuts in their entirety.

TIP! Vegetables are softest during the warmest hours of each day, so picking them then, no matter how gently, runs the risk of damage. See to it that you cut their connection to the vine as opposed to twisting them, because twisting could hurt the plant.

When growing organic plants indoors, it is important to consider the amount of light that is available to them. If you are living in a place that does not have a lot of natural sunlight, think about cultivating plants that do well in lower lighting situations. If you already have plants that need full light and the natural light provided is not sufficient, artificial lights can supplement their needs.

TIP! A good tip to help your plants stay healthy and fight diseases is to use aspirin water. An aspirin and a half, combined with a couple of gallons of water, will do amazing things for your plants.

Use this simple tip to get your perennial garden ready in a flash. All you need to do is use a garden spade to slice under the turf, flip it over, then spread wood chips over the area about three to four inches deep. Let this sit for a couple weeks, next dig into it to plant your new plants.

TIP! You can cover your muddied gardening footware easily by keeping plastic bags around. This way, you can get in and out quickly, and get back to work in the garden.

Coffee grounds work great mixed in with your soil. They contain nitrogenous nutrients which are essential to plant growth. Nitrogen is generally a way to make your plants grow bigger, better and faster.

TIP! 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. Some seeds shouldn’t be covered and must be in sunlight at all times.

Tend your organic garden on a regular schedule. Sometimes it might prove difficult to get in a little horticulture time every day. However, you shouldn’t fret, as there are a few things you can do that can minimize the time you spend gardening when you do manage to get to it. Even if you’re just taking the dog for a walk, bend down and pick a few weeds.

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. This method of gardening will give you a deep understanding of the way plants grow, from beginning to end.

Calibrate how much you water based upon the time of the year and the weather conditions. 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. For instance, in warm and balmy locations, it is important not to water leaves, as doing so tends to foster fungus growth. Instead, water the roots only.

Rganic Methods

TIP! When mulching around trees and flowers, the depth of the organic material should be at least 3 inches. Using this much mulch prevents plants from drying out too quickly, which in turn lowers your water bill, while also preventing overuse of our municipal water supplies.

Pay attention to which products you can use in your garden. For example, purchase organic fertilizer rather than chemical fertilizer. Compost is a great example. One advantage to using organic gardening methods as opposed to non-organic methods is that non-organic methods have a small chance of reducing soil quality or poisoning the water table.

TIP! Healthy soil translates to even healthier flowers, grasses and vegetables. If the soil is nutrient-rich, plants will be able to ward off disease and damage caused by common garden pests.

Organic horticulture, while requiring a good effort for great results, is a great way to live a greener life. You need to work hard at it and be patient, and if you can do that then you will see a dazzling organic garden. Use this information and you will be in great shape for bettering yourself in terms of organic gardening knowledge.

Want To Become A Great Gardener? Read These Tips!

~ craigb

TIP! Clay is difficult to dig through with a shovel, as it is sticky and compact. Use a thin coat of floor or car wax on your shovel, then buff it with a nice clean cloth to make dealing with clay soil easier.

All it takes to grow an organic garden is a few natural growing methods. All you need to do is educate yourself about organic gardening, and take advantage of the tips available.

TIP! Plant perennials that slugs and snails won’t be interested in eating. These creatures can wreak havoc on a garden in a short time.

To prevent your plants from getting shocked by a big change, get them gradually used to climate and temperature changes. You need to give them about an hour of sunlight during the first day. Over one week, gradually build up the amount of hours you leave the plants outside. The plants should be prepared to move outside permanently at the end of this week.

TIP! Soak seeds overnight, preferably in a cool, dark place. Use a small container filled with water to nearly the top and place several seeds in it.

Seeds should be soaked in a dark area overnight. Soak the seeds by placing them in a container where they are covered with water. That way, the seeds will have sufficient hydration and will have the best start possible. The seeds will be better able to survive and grow up.

Knee Pads

TIP! One natural method of weed removal is called “boiling”. This is a safe way to eliminate weeds, as this will not damage the soil.

If your garden contains lots of short plants, purchase some gardening knee pads. If you spend a large portion of your horticulture session on your knees, it could create pain over time. A set of quality knee pads designed for horticulture can be a world of relief for your central leg joints.

TIP! Many people think the best green gardens start from seeds, rather than plants. Starting with your own seeds is more environmentally friendly than buying plants from a nursery.

Keep your garden fertilized. Choose commercial compost instead of homegrown manure to keep toxins out of your plants. The options for fertilizing are vast and include environmentally sound choices, so no matter which you choose, just be sure to use one.

TIP! Learn the appropriate time to pick different vegetables. Individual vegetables have distinct windows of time to pick for getting the greatest flavors.

If you want to grow peas, consider starting them indoors instead of planting them outside. Install your plants inside and wait for the seeds to germinate. Seedlings raised indoors are hardier, too; they can stand up better to diseases and insects. Once the seedlings are sturdy enough, they can be transplanted to their rightful place in the garden.

TIP! Do not use broad-spectrum pesticides within your garden. If your pesticide has too wide a range of targets, it can kill off useful insects that fight off other pests.

Make sure you read instructions on products and tools before using them. Otherwise, you are likely to have skin irritations flare up, which can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. Protect your plants and yourself by knowing how to correctly use all of your horticulture implements.

TIP! Spray old aftershave, perfume, or scented products around the grass of your garden to prevent your dog from entering it. By masking the smells he may be attracted to, he should take less interest in the garden plants.

When horticulture, it is critical to shield your knees as much as possible. It’s difficult for most people to bend while standing, especially at the waist. Kneeling is a preferred way to get to your plants while minimizing back pain. A knee pad can be placed under your knees to protect them from damage and strain while you are working.

TIP! To create a unique English garden, use a variety of plant types and lengths in the same flower bed. If plants have the same growth height, the bed will appear flat and not have much interest.

If you have plants inside, make sure the thermostat stays between 65 and 75 degrees. Warm temperatures encourage plant growth. If your thermostat is normally kept lower in winter, you can use a heat lamp to keep your plants warm enough.

TIP! Work efficiently in your garden. Do not waste your time looking for tools.

When helping organic plants flourish inside, it is vital to keep in mind how much light is reaching 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 have a different type of plant, extra lighting can always help.

TIP! Have plastic bags on hand to put over dirty gardening shoes. You will be able to go in and out without having to keep taking your shoes on and off.

When you sow seeds in your garden, try not to rush the process. Make sure the soil is wet before you begin. You may then distribute your seeds evenly while being sure that they all have adequate space in which to grow. Plant them depending on how big the seeds are. Some seeds you do not want to bury because they require light in order to grow.

TIP! Try using coffee grounds on the soil. Coffee grounds will add nitrogen to your soil which will make them helpful for some of your plants.

Try to work as efficiently as possible when horticulture. Don’t waste your time by looking all over for your tools. Prepare all the tools you need before you go out to work on your garden, and put them away nicely when you are done. You can use a tool belt, or you may want to wear pants with extra pockets.

TIP! Use untreated wood, stone, or brick to build a raised bed. When selecting wood, make certain you pick untreated products that have a natural resistance to rot.

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. It may sound a little odd to do this, but there is actually proven research that shows this helps the plants grow.

TIP! Take a look below the surface to get a start. After planting tomatoes, for example, you must closely monitor the soil for the first signs of green shoots.

Rotate your garden at least once a year. When the same corner of the garden accommodates the members of the same plant family repeatedly, it can become a breeding ground for disease, illness or fungi. Harmful things may take root in the soil, preparing to take over your garden. Changing your planting layout will allow you to avoid costly problems and have large, bountiful plants.

TIP! Keep the leaves you rake to use in your compost pile. Leaves and other organic garden waste decompose in the compost heap and makes nutrient rich food for your garden.

When choosing plants, dig a little deeper. If you’re buying some tomato seedlings to use in your garden, keep a look out for starts that are lush and green, but have poor root systems. The first start remains attached to the developing seedlings for many weeks. Until these sneaky starts fall away, the plant will not grow.

TIP! You should think about digging small channels between the rows of plants in your organic garden. This will help water reach your plants, so they do not need to be watered as often.

It is easy to set up a perennial garden by following these simple instructions. Use a spade to cut the turf and flip it over. Cover the prepared area with a layer of wood chips. Once a couple of weeks have passed, you can then dig into the new garden bed and plant some of your favorite perennials.

TIP! Before you start growing a garden, you should build a fence around it. By protecting your garden right from the get-go, you will give your seedlings the best chance to survive and thrive.

Mulch should be added to your flower bed and garden using at least 3 inches of material that is organic. The soil will be nourished and will be able to retain more moisture. Also, weeds won’t grow as easily and the whole area will more professional.

TIP! Water is crucial if you want a healthy garden. People and plants both need water to prosper.

Many people try to garden, but if you do not know what you are doing, you will not see the best results. Use the tips provided here for organic gardening.

How To Make Your Organic Garden Grow: Tips And Tricks

~ craigb

TIP! Make sure to lay the sod properly. You want to prepare the soil before you lay down the sod.

Many people are beginning to enjoy growing an organic garden. Use the simple advice offered here and you will learn just how to grow a successful garden you can be proud of. Follow our tips and reap the rewards.

TIP! If you want to grow vegetables in you backyard, it is vital that you place them in an area where they could get roughly six hours of sun on a daily basis. Most vegetables need this amount of sunlight to grow the right way at a faster pace.

Soak the seeds and store in a dark area overnight. Soak the seeds by placing them in a container where they are covered with water. This way, your seeds are well-hydrated and can start growing with a head start. The young plants will survive better, and get a boost toward maturity.

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

Try growing some cat grass or wheat grass in the vicinity of the plants that your cat likes to eat. 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! If you are just starting out, follow all the guidelines and rules on your chemicals and tools. Irritation of the skin or even more serious injuries are possible if you ignore manufacturer’s directions.

Separate irises. If you split up clumps of them, you will eventually have more of this flower. If you notice a dead foliage, lift the bulb. The bulbs will split up naturally in your hand, and when replanted, will often flower the next year. You should split up rhizomes by utilizing a blade. You can split the Rhizomes production by cutting off thin portions from the exterior and discarding the remaining insides. Divide your pieces carefully; they should each have one good quality offshoot apiece. Replant your pieces right away.

TIP! Don’t count the fall season out. However, you can still maintain your gardening hobby throughout the fall months.

A touch of organic mulch will boost the potential of the vegetable plants in your garden. The mulch will help keep the soil moist for longer periods of time. It will also dramatically decrease weed growth. Time and effort will be saved pulling out all the weeds.

TIP! If you want to get children in on the fun, plant a few strawberries, everbearing if possible. Children are thrilled to harvest fruit from their own garden, and doing so often makes them more enthusiastic about helping out with the more hum-drum aspects of tending a garden.

Learn the proper way to handle chemicals, and the right way to use garden tools. If you ignore them, you can irritate your skin in most painful ways. Keep yourself safe and always follow instructions.

TIP! If you’re planning on gardening inside, the first thing you should consider is an adequate light source. If the garden will receive little sunlight, find plants that can grow in medium or low-light environments.

A great way to ensure that your organic garden will do well is to keep a section of your land unspoiled. The natural wildlife will spring up and make for a perfect organic habitat. You will find that many of the supporting cast of insects and birds that aid in plant production and pollination will be present on your land and actually help your developed gardens to produce better.

Laundry Basket

TIP! Using coffee grounds as part of your soil mixture in your garden is often advised for healthy plants. They contain nitrogenous nutrients which are essential to plant growth.

When it is time to gather your produce, you should use an older laundry basket. A laundry basket will act as a strainer for your produce. You can clean and rinse the harvest when it is the laundry basket and the water will go out of the holes.

TIP! When the time has come to gather up the produce, you need to use an old laundry basket. It makes a great strainer for your vegetables.

If you have recently planted seeds in your organic garden, you should regularly aerate the soil by using your hands to gently sift it. This probably sounds like an odd recommendation, but research has shown that this technique encourages more plant growth, than no petting at all.

TIP! Want to kill weeds naturally? Try using several newspaper layers to control weeds. Weeds require sunlight to continue growing.

Slugs are a nuisance that can be easily remedied with the use of an organic beer tramp. Take a glass jar and bury it in your garden so that the top of it is level with the soil. Next, fill the jar with beer until there is only one inch left below the mouth of the jar. The slugs will be drawn to the beer and then drown in the jar.

TIP! Mulch your garden to keep the soil nourished. Mulch can protect the ground it sits upon.

If you are building a raised bed utilize stone, brick or wood that is untreated. Be sure to use wood that is naturally resistant to rotting and that has not been treated. Some good choices include locust, cypress, and cedar. 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 you are already using treated lumber, you can use plastic liners, or a different barrier, in order to protect your garden.

TIP! Once a year, you must rotate your garden. Planting the same type of plant in the same area of your garden each year can cause disease or encourage fungus growth.

If you’re planning on selling crops to people and labeling them as organic, you will need to receive an organic horticulture certification. This should improve sales and attract customers who are environmentally conscious. A certification will easily communicate to them that they are getting the best products possible.

TIP! An easy to grow plant to grow in your organic garden is garlic. Plant single garlic cloves during the spring or fall seasons in soil that is moist and well drained.

Take care not to overwater your plants, as this can prevent the roots from drawing the proper amount of nutrients out of the soil. Always check the weather forecast for chances of rain before going outside to water your plants. You may be able to skip watering because of the pending weather.

TIP! Increase the biodiversity in your organic garden. Wildlife will be attracted by different varieties of plants, so make sure you have a wide choice for them.

Spread three inches of organic material on your garden for mulch. This affects your garden in a variety of ways, including enriching the soil, locking in moisture, and improving the overall appearance of the garden.

TIP! If you’re preparing to add a new shrub or tree to your organic garden, it’s best that the hole you plant them in looks a bit off-balance. If the sides of the hole show glaze which was caused by the shovel, the root may be restricted from entering into the adjacent soil.

If organic gardening is something you desire to do, it’s critical that you are aware of the proper method to make beds. First cut beneath the turf and leave a space. Then, flip the dirt over and cover it with wood chips. The chips should be about 3-4 inches deep when you’re done. Wait for a few weeks to pass, then cut into it for planting.

TIP! Always know how to purchase plants that you would like to add into your organic garden. You should use extreme care, for example, when you are seeking perennials and annuals.

Organic gardening is simple and effective! You should plan your landscaping by using native grasses, bushes and flowers. When you choose plants that can work with your soil type, climate and nearby plants, you can reduce the need of fertilizers and other aids. Actually, plants that are native to your area will work great with compost made of other native plants.

TIP! A good gardening tip is to be sure to grow high-value crops. The value of each plant will be different for each person.

An organic garden can support hundreds of varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Acid-loving plants really like mulch. Use pine needles or decomposed leaves to mulch around these plants in the fall. When the needles decompose, they deposit the natural acids inside of them into that soil.

TIP! Know when you should water your organic plants. Obtain a soaker hose to use for the watering.

You have to be patient to create a perfect organic garden. The next time your are working in your garden, see if there may be an opportunity to test a few of these tips. Regardless of which organic crops you choose to grow, these tips will help you enjoy a bountiful harvest.

Grow A Safer Garden By Using These Organic Horticulture Tips

~ craigb

TIP! Learn how to properly lay sod. Before laying the sod, have your soil prepared.

You will see the difference when you begin using tried-and-true organic horticulture methods. This will show that you love your plants and care about their health. This is something that is admirable. Just like most things in life, there are continual ways to improve your skills. Read on for some insights that can prove to be invaluable.

TIP! Start your plant in pots before you plant them in your garden. They are more likely to survive the transition to adulthood with this method.

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 increases the chance that your plants will survive to adulthood. This also helps tighten time between plantings. The seedlings are ready to go, once you remove the mature plants.

TIP! Use the handles of your tools as a handy ruler when doing your outdoor chores. Tools with long handles such as hoes and rakes can double as measuring sticks.

Get a slug-proof variety of perennials. A plant can be completely demolished overnight by slugs and snails. These pests normally go after plants with thin little leaves and plants that have yet to fully mature. Certain perennials are unappetizing to slugs and snails, especially those with tough, hairy leaves or an unappetizing taste. Achillea, euphorbia, helleborus, heuchera and campanula are good choices that slugs don’t like.

TIP! Plant annuals and biennials to make your flower beds brighter. These fast growing flowers let you change how your flower bed looks season to season.

When winter arrives, you can save some plants by placing them in your home. This is especially useful if you have a particular plant that you love or was expensive. Dig around the roots carefully and transfer the plant to a pot.

Soil Analysis

TIP! Carefully plan your garden first. This way, when the sprouts start shooting up, you can recall where you planted each plant.

Prior to planting anything in your garden, check your soil. Many nurseries offer a soil analysis service, which will tell you what nutrients your soil is lacking and what you can do about it. Many offices of Cooperative Extension will do a soil analysis, and it is important to know how to improve soil so that all crops can grow in it.

TIP! If you find yourself in love with mint leaves, but not with how they dominate a garden, read on. You should plant the mint in a rather large garden container or pot instead so you can monitor growth.

Make sure you remove the weeds from your garden! Weeds can take a promising garden and turn it into a shell of its potential. To help with the removal, you can use white vinegar. White vinegar can not only kill the weeds, it’s also a non-toxic spray that won’t harm pets or people. A spray solution is much easier to apply than to rid your garden of weeds by hand.

TIP! Divide irises. Splitting up overgrown groups of irises will allow you to easily increase the number of irises in your garden.

Carefully plan your garden first. This way, when the sprouts start shooting up, you can recall where you planted each plant. You might end up losing small plants in a large area, because you did not water them.

TIP! Apply organic mulch generously around your vegetable plants. When you place mulch around your plants, it keeps the ground more moist.

Divide irises. You can divide those overgrown clumps and increase the amount of irises you have. When the foliage has died off, it is time to harvest the iris bulbs. If you split the bulbs that you pull up, and replant them, they will bloom the following year. Rhizomes may need to be divided by using a knife. Cut new pieces from the outside and discard the old center. At the least, each piece will need to have one strong offshoot. Plant immediately.

TIP! Try pouring water leftover from steamed vegetables onto your potted plants. It contains rich nutrients that come from the vegetables.

If you want a sustainable garden, leave part of it undisturbed as a home for the wildlife in the area. As the natural wildlife begins to flourish, the various insects, birds, and other natural life around will all blend together and actually assist your garden as it begins to grow.

TIP! Plant for fall color. However, that does not have to be the case! The brightest season of the year when it comes to foliage is fall.

Have some plastic bags on hand that you can put over your horticulture shoes if they are muddy. This way, you won’t break momentum by fussing with your shoes, and you’ll be quickly back in the garden to finish your work.

TIP! Tend to a garden as a way to relax. A plethora of paths to individual relaxation and inner peace exist.

Make sure you consider adequate spacing when planting your garden, so that each plant is given room enough to grow and flourish. People often underestimate how much space plants will need when once they’re grown. You will need to provide this space to provide ample room and because you need air circulating to your garden. Plant the plants appropriately when it comes to spacing the seeds.

TIP! Irrigate your garden efficiently. Soaker hoses save time by watering all of your plants at once, rather than individually with a standard hose or watering can.

Don’t let your organic gardening tasks stack up for very long. Every time you go outside, you should take care of a few things so that you do not have too much work to do when you have the time to go back to your garden. For example, while your canine is outside going to the toilet, take the time to pull out a few weeds.

TIP! Using aspirin water will help your plants fight diseases. You will need 2 gallons of water and one and one half aspirin mixed together for a wonderful add-on to your plants.

Do you want to kill weeds in a natural way? Layer sheets of newspaper on the surface of areas where you are trying to control weeds. Weeds can only grow when there is adequate sunlight. By covering them with a layer of newspaper, you are essentially suffocating the weeds due to a lack of light. The paper will break down quickly and cleanly, adding to your compost. Put mulch over top to increase the attractiveness of the pile.

TIP! When gardening, protecting your knees is important. Bending over for extended periods can be harmful to your joints and muscles.

You possess the products, tools and skills to use these tips to better your garden. You’ve come to the right place! As with most things, organic gardening requires that you never stop learning to improve your craft. Take the tips from above to boost your knowledge arsenal about organic horticulture. You may have even found something new to employ in your own organic garden.

Organic Gardening Tips You Can Try Today!

~ craigb

TIP! Turn your tool handles into convenient rulers. Tools that can be used for more than one task are quite handy to own.

While organic gardening is a wonderful way to relax, it can also be a source of stress. The following suggestions will guide you on how to be a very successful organic gardener.

TIP! Try using annuals and biennials to add color to your flower beds, and brighten them up. Using a variety of flowers allows your flower garden to have a different look each season.

Put down sod correctly. Get your soil ready before you lay the sod. Pull any weeds and break up any clods of soil. Make sure your soil is flat and compacted. Thoroughly moisten the soil. Avoid laying your sod in straight rows with all of the seams lining up. Instead, stagger the rows for a more pleasing visual effect. Pat down the sod and fill any gaps with soil. You will have to water the sod every day for 2 weeks, and then it should be firmly rooted to the ground, and able to be walked on.

TIP! Your plants will reach maximum growth if they have a sufficient supply of carbon dioxide. Plants are more likely to thrive in environments where high levels of CO2 are present.

You can use the wooden handles of your tools as measurement sticks. You can convert any large handle tool, such as a hoe, shovel, or rake into a measuring tool. Place the handles on the floor to measure the distance between them. Have a marker handy, and mark the distance with it. This modified ruler will serve you well as you begin working in your garden.

TIP! If you are going to be doing some gardening, watch out for stink bugs, especially in the fall! These bugs like to eat beans, peppers, tomatoes, and many kinds of fruits. If they go unnoticed, they can cause large amounts of harm to your garden, so remember to take protective measures to reduce the population of stink bugs there.

When winter comes, you can save a few plants by transferring them inside the house. Maybe you could pick out the most expensive plants or the most hardy ones. Carefully dig around the rootball and replant in an appropriate pot.

TIP! Yes, you really have to weed. Unwanted weeds fight for the same nutrients that more desirable plants do, and they also are unsightly.

When you are tending your garden in the fall, be on the alert for stink bugs. These bugs like to eat beans, peppers, tomatoes, and many kinds of fruits. Proper measures should be taken in order to ensure minimal damage to your crops.

TIP! If you want a strange, yet successful, green answer to getting rid of weeds, boil them to death. Boiling water in a pot is a safe “herbicide.

Remove your garden’s weeds! Weeds can truly ruin a good garden. White vinegar can be a good solution. White vinegar kills weeds. Keep a solution of vinegar diluted with water on hand to spray on weeds.

TIP! Fresh mint is a wonderful addition to a herb garden, but it can quickly take over your entire yard. That’s why it’s better to place mint in containers rather than letting it have free rein in your garden.

When you are mowing your lawn do not cut it too closely to the dirt. Higher grass sends roots further down, increasing lawn strength and viability. Short grass tends to have shallow roots, which can cause dried out, brown patches to occur.

Knee Pads

TIP! Water containing some aspirin helps your plants fight illness. One and half tablets of aspirin in a couple gallons of water will be a wonderful help to the plants you have.

If your garden contains lots of short plants, purchase some gardening knee pads. If you spend a large portion of your horticulture session on your knees, it could create pain over time. Having a pair of excellent knee pads for horticulture can help cushion the knees to provide additional comfort.

TIP! Use about two to three inches of organic material as mulch in all of your flower beds. Covering the beds with mulch serves multiple purposes; it helps the flowers by retaining moisture and adding nutrients, and it discourages the growth of unwanted plants.

Gardening can be a relaxing hobby. Peace and relaxation can be found through several different avenues. One of the greatest such methods is the art of horticulture. The returns are huge for a very minute up front investment cost. The best return is the joy and tranquility you can get from growing your very own greenery.

TIP! Make sure you work in your garden every day. Don’t waste your time looking for missing tools.

Vegetables tend to soften during the hottest part of the day, which means they are easily damaged, even when handled with care. Vegetables and fruits should always be cut from the vine, not twisted; twisting subjects a plant to needless stress.

Include your children in your efforts to organic gardening. The benefits for your children will be a closer bond with nature and an understanding of where food comes from.

TIP! While organic gardening takes a little extra work, it is healthier and more gratifying than regular gardening. While chemical-based gardening products make bold claims, it is hard to dispute that organic gardening consistently produces superior results.

Make the most of the time spent in your garden. Don’t waste your time by searching high and low for that packet of seeds or spade. Before you make a trip to your garden, you should gather all tools and items in advance. Afterwards, be sure to return them to their original storage place. Even something like a carpenter’s tool belt or some cargo jeans work well to keep tools organized.

TIP! Organic foods do not possess any pesticides on them. However, although this is a much healthier alternative, it is important to check surfaces of organic fruits and vegetables thoroughly to be sure that no unwanted pests are living in or on them.

Plastic bags are great to cover horticulture shoes when they get muddy. Having these available lets you keep your flow in movement, and helps you return to your gardening fast so you can finish up your day.

TIP! Rotate your garden at least once a year. When you continuously plant some plants from the same family in the same area every year, disease and fungus is encouraged in these areas.

When planting your organic garden, spacing is an important thing to keep in mind. It can be easy to underestimate how much space your plants will need once they begin growing. Your plants will need the space not only because of their physical size, but also because the space will provide air circulation for the garden. Think ahead and give each plant room for expansion, by properly spacing the seeds.

TIP! Have you ever given any thought to using organic gardening methods to grow garlic? You should plant garlic cloves in either early spring or late fall. Your soils should be well-drained.

You need to avoid chores in your organic garden stacking up. Even doing just a few small things each day can keep chores from piling up and eventually becoming unmanageable. This will save you a lot of time in the long run. You can pull a few weeds when you take your dog outside.

TIP! You have likely heard about the positive benefits of a compost bin for your organic garden, but you may not have a clue what to put in a bin like this. Compost is a mixture of wood chips, straw, leaves, scraps of produce, and grass clippings that have been allowed to sit until they are broken down into mock soil.

Killing weeds the natural way? You need to have many layers of newspapers in order to provide proper weed control. It is a fact that weeds cannot thrive without light from the sun. With layers of newspaper on them, the weeds are not going to have light, and therefore will not grow. It’s easy for newspapers to break down over an extended period of time, making them great for compost. Add a layer of mulch on top to make it look more attractive!

TIP! When you rake leaves, keep them to serve as compost for your soil. Leaves quickly turn into organic compost rich in nutrients your plants need.

Try using botanical pesticide products that can keep your insect problem under control. In some cases, natural solutions are much more efficient than the chemicals you can buy. Keep in mind, however, that the biological composition of botanical insecticides can cause them to quickly decay and disappear.

TIP! You can be a bit more environmentally friendly by doing things like saving rainwater. To collect rainwater, use rain barrels or buckets.

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. You will not have to harvest the tomatoes at the same time. This will also prevent you from losing an entire harvest if some type of problem arises that kills off a batch.

TIP! For fertilizer in your organic garden, you can develop your own compost pile. You can start off with something small, like a worm composting bin.

Organic horticulture is far more complex than it seems. You need to work hard at it and be patient, and if you can do that then you will see a dazzling organic garden. By using the advice you learned here, you will be well on the path to becoming an organic gardening pro.

Proven Tips For The Perfect Organic Garden

~ craigb

TIP! Put down sod correctly. You want to prepare the soil before you lay down the sod.

Environmentally-conscious gardening requires dedication to following best practices at all times. Organic horticulture is possible with some great tips. The tastiest and healthiest of produce can be produced from your own organic garden. Keep reading for tips on how to transform your organic garden into the best that it can be.

TIP! The quick and drastic change in the weather conditions can shock your plants and cause them to die. It’s important that you gradually change temperate conditions over time, so that your plants can adjust.

Digging in clay soil with a shovel can be very difficult. The clay isn’t easy to work with and will adhere to the shovel, which only makes the problem worse. To make digging clay soil easier, try applying a light coating of wax, either car wax or floor wax, and then buff off and commence digging. The wax will help keep dirt from sticking to the shovel, and will also keep the metal from rusting.

TIP! If you have a wall or fence that you do not like, plant climbers to mask its appearance. These climbing plants will help beautify an old fence, and they are fast workers too.

Use both annuals and biennials to add a splash of color to your flower beds. 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. Sunny areas in the middle of shrubs and perennials can be filled in nicely with these plants. There are many different varieties to choose from such as daisies, marigolds, impatiens, and lantana.

TIP! Ensure you have the proper soil for the plants you have selected. Dependent on the type of plants you are choosing for the garden, the soil may not be right for them.

The kind of soil you use will influence the results. Depending on the type of plants you desire in your garden, your natural soil may or may not be appropriate. You can make an artificial area that uses a single kind of soil.

TIP! Be sure to split the irises. To increase the number that you have, you need to take all your overgrown clumps and split them up.

A certain amount of CO2 is necessary for plants to maximize their growth potential. Plants are more likely to thrive in environments where high levels of CO2 are present. The best way to get a lot of it is through a greenhouse. Make sure to keep CO2 levels high to provide the best growing environment for your plants.

TIP! In order to rid your garden of pests, take advantage of plant materials and other organic matter. For example, slugs can be deterred by the presence of marigolds or onions.

A great garden starts from the seeds and not from the plants. Your can contribute to environmental soundness by beginning your garden with fresh seeds. The plastics used in nurseries are rarely recycled and ends up in landfills, so it is best to start with the seeds or buy from nurseries who use organic materials in packaging their plants.

TIP! Put money into a quality wheelbarrow and kneeling stool if you plan to do garden work often. Gardening can be very tough on the knees as you spend much time leaning near the ground, so a portable stool can make all the difference to your comfort.

Take the time to spread around five centimeters of organic mulch near your vegetable plants. The soil around plants can stay damper through the use of mulch. In addition, mulch will help you to prevent weeds. You’ll save a ton of time if you don’t have to constantly pull out weeds.

Pest Problem

TIP! Try planting some heather to draw beautiful insects to your yard. Bees will go straight for these plants in the spring.

Make sure your pesticides are focused on only what you’re trying to kill. These pesticides will also kill any beneficial insects that consume the pests you are trying to get rid of. Since these pesticides often affect the good bugs more than the bad, using them can actually increase your pest problem. If you respond to the growing pest problem with more broad-spectrum pesticide, you only continue the harmful cycle.

TIP! Think about planting everbearing strawberries in your garden, especially if you have small children. Small kids enjoy picking fruit themselves out of a garden.

Take care of your knees while working in the garden. Many people can not bend over for long periods of time while they are standing up. You should kneel while tending to your plants for the sake of reducing stress to your spine. Knee pads will prevent any pain you may feel because of this position.

TIP! Leave plenty of growing space when you plant your garden. Amateur gardeners often make the mistake of failing to leave enough space for fully matured plants.

When growing plants inside of the house, you should ensure the thermostat is set at around 65-75 degrees in the daytime. This is the optimum temperature to ensure strong growth. If this is a little too warm for your house, grow your organic plants under a heat lamp.

TIP! Use equal parts of green and dried plant material in your compost pile. Green plant material consists of spent flowers, veggie and fruit waste, leaves, weeds, and grass clippings.

As your seeds sprout, they require less warmth than before. Take your plants out of the heat once they start to grow. You should also remove plastic films that you had on your containers to keep the humidity and warmth out. Monitor the seeds carefully so you know the best time to do it.

TIP! Research botanical insecticide formulas, as they are often quite effective in eradicating pests. Sometimes the natural insecticides can be even more powerful than the engineered synthetic pesticides on the market.

While all kinds of gardening can help you feel more connected to the planet, horticulture organically is especially good for this. By engaging yourself in organic horticulture, you can start to gain knowledge and better understand the full process of planting.

TIP! Many organic gardeners get the best results from watering with a soaker hose. Water seeps slowly from a soaker house, and can be aimed right at the roots, leaving leaves dry.

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. Fungus and disease may stay in the soil and then affect your plants the next growing season. When you rotate your crops, fungus and disease have less chance to spread.

TIP! If you are mulching your plants, you should use a layer of approximately three inches deep. Doing this will benefit the environment, as well as reduce your water bills.

Make sure your garden has biodiversity. Variety in your garden has more potential to attract wildlife. You want to have a diver garden so do your best to plant a bunch of different plants. Planting a variety of local plants helps the environment, and creates a beautiful place that you can enjoy.

TIP! When you have soil that is healthy, the plants will remain healthy, that way they can stand up to more diseases and damage that is caused by insects. When the insects are present, you’re not having to deal with their damage, so you’re all happy.

Want to make organic gardening less complicated? Plan to use mainly native flowers, grasses and bushes when creating an organic garden. Native plants will thrive in your soil type and climate, without the need for inorganic fertilizers or pesticides. This way, your plants will thrive using compost created from other regional ingredients.

TIP! Plant high-value crops in your garden. The value of plants will differ from person to person.

Be specific about the things you desire to grow when it comes to your organic garden. Different variations of a certain flower or vegetable need different kinds of environments. As an example, take the beautiful rose bush. There are hundreds of variances available and while some will do well in your garden, others won’t. Be sure to pick the varieties that will work in your environment.

TIP! Maneuver the trees you plant around your home so that they are in a location that is optimal for shade over the home. Trees that throw shade on your home during the hot summer months can be an important ally in reducing energy costs.

You have probably heard that compost is an effective fertilizer for organic gardens, but are you aware of what goes into compost? 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. You want to use this type of fertilizer as opposed to one that is commercial.

TIP! Keep the leaves you rake to use in your compost pile. When the leaves decompose, they’ll become a compost that will nourish your plants.

As you can see from the previous list of tips, organic gardening can really make a difference in the freshness and nutrients of your produce. It does take some effort and not a little patience. In the end, though, it is a rewarding and healthy hobby that can offer you benefits that last a lifetime.