
There are many different reasons for adopting organic horticulture methods. For example, some people prefer to use organic horticulture to cultivate edibles for the dinner table. You will have to put in some time and energy to be successful in this venture, however. You might be wondering where you need to start to have your very own organic garden.
Use the correct type of soil for best results. The type of plants you’re planning to grow will determine the type of soil you need, and whether the soil will or will not be adapted. You may also cultivate an artificial area comprised of just one type of soil.
Make sure you remove the weeds from your garden! If you’re not careful, weeds can take over your beautiful garden, ruining it. White vinegar is one option you can use in your routine weed removal. Yes, white vinegar actually kills weeds! Mix white vinegar and water into a spray bottle instead of pulling the weeds by hand.
Try to grow some wheat or cat grass around your cat’s favorite plants. 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.
For an unusual, but effective, organic solution to weeding young plants, try “boiling” the weeds away. The safest herbicide that you can use in your garden is a simple pot of boiling water. Just pour out the water on the weeds being careful to avoid any nearby plants. Weeds will usually stop growing if boiling water damages their roots.
Make sure that you divide your irises! The more you divide clusters of irises, the more your irises will multiply. You can do this by simply picking up bulbous irises once the foliage has withered. You will be able to split the bulb easily and replant it to get more flowers next year. Use a knife to divide the rhizomes. Throw out the center and cut pieces on the outside that are new. If done properly, each piece that remains for planting should have a minimum of one viable offshoot. Replant immediately.
If you want to grow peas, consider starting them indoors instead of planting them outside. Pea seeds tend to germinate much better when planted indoors, before being moved to an outside garden. This method also results in hardier seedlings that can better resist insects and disease. Once the seedlings are sturdy enough, they can be transplanted to their rightful place in the garden.
To help them out, try poring leftover water from steamed vegetables on them. Some plants, such as gardenias, azaleas and rhododendrons need acidic soil for proper growth. Increase the acidity of your soil by adding coffee grounds and unused tea bags. If you find that you have a fungus problem, try sprinkling some chamomile tea on your plants.
Prepare the ground for a perennial garden quickly and easily. It isn’t as hard as it may seem; you basically just slice down under the turf, flip it over, and spread wood chips four to three inches. You want to then give the area about a couple of weeks, then you want your new perennials planted by digging into it.
Sprouting seeds need less warmth than before. Move your plants further away from your heat source as they grow. This also includes removing any plastic that you had covering the plant or container. To know when it is time for this, keep a careful eye on your seeds.
Cover your muddy shoes with plastic bags. This lets you be able to return to the garden without interrupting your work.
Laundry Basket
When the time comes to harvest your produce, collect it using an old laundry basket. This type of basket can double as a large colander for the fruits and vegetables you pick. The produce can be rinsed off as it sits in the laundry basket, and extra water will drain out through the sides.
Your compost pile should contain green plants and dried ones in equal amounts. Green plant material can include old flowers, fruit waste, grass clippings, vegetable waste, and leaves. Dried plant material includes straw, sawdust, shredded paper, cardboard, and dried and cut-up woody material. Avoid meat, ashes, charcoal, plants with diseases and manure from carnivores.
If you’d like to create a raised bed, use materials like brick, stone, or untreated wood. If you choose to use wood to construct your bed, choose a species that is naturally resistant to rot and avoid treated wood entirely. Good choices are cedar, locust and cypress. It is particular important that you don’t use treated wood for vegetable beds, as the chemicals and toxins on the wood could leach into the soil and be absorbed by food plants. If you have already used lumber that is treated, you can line it with plastic or another type of barrier.
The watering needs of your garden will vary considerably, depending on your climate zone and the time of year. How much you water depends on the time of day, the quality of your water and the type of soil you have. As an example, do not water your plant’s leaves if you live in a humid climate since this will most likely result in leaf fungus. Instead, water the root system well.
As you are aware now, there is homework to be done and energy to be expended in setting up a real organic garden. So you can see these results, you must keep working with them. Now, after reading the tips from this article, you have the knowledge necessary in order to be a successful organic gardener.