
Gardening is a relatively inexpensive, relaxing hobby. It can also be a great occasion to bond with your family and friends. Children usually take interest in seeing plants grow or by catching bugs. This also teaches them about appreciating outdoors and nature. By reading this article, you will learn some tips which will make enjoying your garden easier. If you’re enjoying gardening, you’re more apt to invite others to join you in the activity.
Many times when digging in clay soil the clay will adhere to the shovel, which will make it much harder to dig. To make the clay soft so you aren’t working as hard, take floor or car wax and rub a light coat on the surface of the shovel using a clean cloth, then buff the surface. The clay won’t stick to it, and the end will not rust as an added bonus.
Turn the handles of your garden tools into measuring rulers. You can use larger tools, like rakes, as measuring sticks. Place the handles on the ground and measure them. Mark your distances with a permanent marker. Now you will always possess a large ruler ready for your use in the garden.
Healthy soil will also assist in your battle against pests. If you are producing healthy plants, they will be stronger and better able to resist bugs and diseases. If you want to get the best plants, begin with a soil that has hardly any chemicals, and that will bring salts.
Flower Beds
Use biennials and annuals to add color to your flower beds. Your flower beds will look different from one season to another. In an area that is sunny, they make good plants to place in the gaps found between shrubs and perennials. Some flowers you can use are rudbekia, petunias, cosmos, marigolds, or sunflowers.
Use climbers for covering fences and walls. Climbers have many different uses and spread quickly. You can direct them over certain branches or boards, or you can send them through plants you already have. Some varieties will climb and attach using their tendrils or branches, but some will need to be trained or supported with ties. Excellent varieties include honeysuckle, wisteria, jasmine, climbing roses and clematis.
If you want flowers in spring and summer, plant bulbs in the garden. Most people have no trouble successfully growing bulbs, and their flowers will return each and every year. If you choose your plants carefully, you could have flowers in blossom from the first weeks of spring to the end of the summer.
Deciduous shrubs need protection from the cold. If you have a few potted shrubs, they should be shielded from the wintry weather. You want to then tie the tops of the canes together, and cover them with a sheet or blanket. Using fabric, rather than plastic, allows air circulation and prevents rotting from moisture build up.
Protect your plants from moisture on a daily basis. Parasites and pests are attracted to excess moisture on the plants. Fungi is very common. Although fungi can be treated with sprays, it is possible to preempt the problem and very important to plant health that you do so.
Annually rotate your garden layout or plan. When plants of the same family are planted in the same spot year after year, it can encourage the growth of fungus and disease. The problems leech into the soil, staying there for the next year’s crop. Rotating the types of plants that you grow will help to keep the fungi and diseases from gaining a foothold.
Plant Garlic
Try cultivating organic horticulture. The best time to plant garlic is either early spring or in the fall. Plant garlic in moist soil with good drainage. Space the clove about four inches apart, with the pointy end up and about one or two inches deep. As your garlic shoots grow, you can cut them and use them instead of scallions or chives. When your garlic tops are turning brown in color, they are ready to be dug. Dry the bulbs in the sun in order to harden their skin. Store the cloves in a cool area. They can be tied or left loose.
Do some research on the botanical insecticides that are available in your area, many of which are extremely helpful in preventing pests from invading your garden. You can find more power from natural insecticides, as opposed to engineered synthetic pesticides. Natural insecticide are more environmentally friendly, in part, because they decay quickly and become harmless.
You could simply make a new perennials garden in a couple easy steps. Dig into the existing turf with a shovel or spade, flip it, and then layer the entire area with wood mulch. Wait a few weeks and then plant your perennials into the brand new bed.
Using a soaker hose to water the garden is probably your best choice. This will allow the water to seep slowly into the soil straight to the plant’s roots. These use much less water than the sprinklers and are less time-consuming than hand-watering your plants.
Try making a shade garden that is organic. Shaded gardens require very little upkeep, making them ideal for many amateur gardeners. They don’t require as much watering, and that can save you a lot of time and effort. Although your plants will grow slower because of this, there also won’t be as many weeds to pull.
In conclusion, no matter what you reason for horticulture is, whether you do it alone or with others, these tips will be of assistance. Regardless of whether gardening is something that you do on your own, or an activity that you enjoy and share with your family and friends, utilizing the advice in this article will prove to be very useful.