tools handy

Have Fun With Gardening By Using These Tips

~ craigb

TIP! Choose plant strains that will give you the best harvest with the biggest yield. Traditional strains are often out-performed by hybrids that have been bred for cold tolerance or disease resistance.

Some people believe that growing a garden is difficult, but with the proper information, you can have a great garden of your own. The right information can help anyone become a master gardener. This article’s tips and advice will help you become an amazing gardener.

TIP! Having healthy soil in your garden is your number one defense against pests! Healthier plants are stronger, which in turn can help the plants you grow to become more resistant to disease and bugs that can harm them. To boost your garden’s prospects of giving you the healthiest possible plants, make sure you begin with premium soil devoid of salt-accumulating chemicals.

So you don’t shock the plants, you should gradually get them use to a change in the temperature and conditions. Put them in the sun outside for a couple of hours during the first day. Over a period of several days, slowly increase the time they are allowed to stay outside. Once the transition is complete, your plants will probably be able to tolerate the outdoor conditions.

TIP! It is very important to keep the weeds from taking over in your garden. Weeds steal nutrients from plants, robbing a garden of its potential harvest.

Transfer your favorite plants inside so they survive the winter. Your best bet would be try to save the best or most hearty plants. Carefully loosen the dirt around the roots, then transfer the plant into a pot filled with the same soil.

TIP! For flowers throughout the spring and the summer, be sure to plant some bulbs. Planting and growing bulbs is very simple, and once planted the bulbs will grow for years.

Remember to remove weeds from the garden. Weeds can turn a thriving garden into a total wasteland. To help with weed destruction, use white vinegar. The acid in white vinegar kills weeds. You may also be using plants that need that very same acid. Keep a solution of vinegar diluted with water on hand to spray on weeds.

Knee Pads

TIP! Take extra care of any fragile shrubs that are known to drop their leaves in the autumn. Tender, potted shrubs must be protected when the weather is cold.

Knee pads are absolute miracle accessories if you work in a garden with plenty of low-growing plants. The time that you will have to spend on your knees in your garden can cause you unnecessary knee pain. Knee pads offer your knees the extra cushioning they need to stay comfortable during extended periods in the garden.

TIP! When tending a vegetable garden, you might find that pest control is a bit difficult. Avoid using a bunch of harsh chemical pesticides in your garden.

Allow enough room between plants for air to circulate, so that plants do not stay too wet. Damp leaves can lead to plant disease and parasites. An example of a common plant parasite is fungi. Be sure to prevent the growth of fungus with a spray that will inhibit their growth.

TIP! Try to pour a bit of leftover water from your steamed veggies on them. Tea and coffee grounds can be used to add acidity to your soil for plants like gardenias and rhododendrons.

Many people think the best green gardens start from seeds, rather than plants. The most “green” way to create a new garden is starting from 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! Sensibly water your garden. Utilize a soaker hose.

Fertilize your garden. One type of fertilizer that really helps plants grow is manure, but be sure to utilize a type that is commercially composted to reduce the chances of pathogens. You have the ability to choose from quite a large array of fertilizer, however there is not a great difference between them. It is just crucial that you use something.

TIP! Try mixing various plants that have different heights to create an interesting garden setup. By using plants which are all the same height your garden will appear flat and boring.

You may want to think about having evergreens that will produce berries planted in your yard. The berries will provide a boost of color to your backyard, even during the colder months when most of the other vegetation has been drained of their color. Other winter plants include the American Holly, Winterberry, The American Cranberrybush and the Common Snowberry.

TIP! If you want to start a small organic garden indoors, evaluate the amount of natural light that is present. If your windows are small or receive little light due to their positioning, a plant that requires little sunlight will be more comfortable and healthy.

Learn the ideal times for harvesting your vegetables. Each variety of vegetable has a specific time to be harvested so that you may enjoy its fullest flavor. Veggies such as zucchini or baby peas, for instance, taste their best if they get picked young. At the opposite end of the spectrum, tomatoes are at their best when mature. Educate yourself about the best time to harvest your veggies.

TIP! Perennial gardens should be prepared easily and quickly in the ground. Only a garden spade and woods chips are necessary.

Pest control is very difficult if you are dealing with your veggie garden. It is important not to use harmful chemical agents, because you are growing produce that is intended to be eaten. One way to control gardening pests is to be vigilant. By noticing them at an early stage, you can simply pluck them away from your plants with your fingers.

TIP! Use approximately two or three inches of natural, organic material as some mulch in every single flower bed. Not only will you be adding nutrients, but weeds will be less likely to grow and moisture will be retained more easily.

Do not use broad-spectrum pesticides within your garden. These pesticides can also kill useful insects that eat your pests. Beneficial insects are more susceptible to toxic pesticides than their annoying counterparts, so a broad-spectrum pesticide could kill all of the good bugs first, allowing the population of bad pests to multiply. 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! Add more value to your property. You can get a very high return from improving your home through landscaping.

If you want a sustainable garden, leave a part of it undisturbed for wildlife to enjoy. A natural area will allow beneficial birds and insects, many of which pollinate plants, to live on your property and help your garden grow stronger.

Tools Handy

TIP! Get your organic garden certified so you can credibly claim that your crops are organic. Having certification will increase your sales and verify to your customers that what you are selling is the best produce available.

Keep your tools handy to work more efficiently. You can make use of a bucket, or wear pants that have plenty of pockets. Keep gloves, small pruning shears, a trowel and any other tools handy in order to increase the quickness of the work that goes into your garden.

TIP! Research botanical insecticides that can be purchased locally to aid in ridding your garden of pests. Natural insecticides can sometimes kill pests more powerfully than synthetic pesticides.

When working in the garden, try to work as efficiently as possible. If it takes you thirty minutes to find a needed tool, then you are doing something wrong. 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 may also wish to invest in a tool belt to keep all of your tools within reach while horticulture.

TIP! When mulching your flowerbed or garden, most people recommend adding about three inches of mulch. Mulch adds nutrients to your soil, prohibits water evaporation, inhibits weeds and creates a finished look to your flower or gardening beds.

As previously mentioned, becoming a skilled gardener is not difficult as long as you know what to do. With these tips, and enough practice, you too can craft a beautiful and enjoyable garden.

Grow Healthy With These Tips On Growing An Organic Garden

~ craigb

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tools Handy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Make Your Garden Organic With These Top Tips

~ craigb

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.

A smart way to build a healthier diet is to start an organic garden. Much patience and effort are required though, in order to produce a successful and flourishing organic garden. You probably have many questions about how to accomplish your horticulture goals.

TIP! Clay soil is hard and will also stick to a shovel, making it difficult to work with. Make your shoveling job easier by lightly coating a shovel with a layer of wax, then buffing the surface.

To prevent your plants from getting shocked by a big change, get them gradually used to climate and temperature changes. On the first day, place them in the sun outside for only an hour or so. As time goes by, slowly increase the time they spent outdoors. If you do this correctly, the plants should be able to make their final move at the end of a week’s time.

TIP! Use annuals and biennials to enliven your flower beds. Biennials and annuals that grow quickly can add color to a flower bed, plus they permit you to modify the way the flower bed looks each season and each year.

Think about planting your seeds in indoor pots and then transplanting them to your garden once they become seedlings. Doing this betters your odds of your plants making it to adulthood. This method also reduces the waiting time between plantings. After you remove the mature plants from your garden, you can immediately replace them with the seedlings and start the cycle over again.

Healthy Plants

TIP! Remember to remove weeds from the garden. Weeds can destroy a once promising garden and take away all its potential.

The first thing you can do to avoid pests is to start with healthy soil in your garden. Healthy soil equals healthy plants and healthy plants can fight off diseases with ease. For the most vigorous and healthy plants, start with high-quality soil, and stay away from chemicals. These can accumulate salts over time.

TIP! If your garden includes vegetables, make sure you plant them in a location whether they are exposed to sunlight for a minimum of six hours each day. Most members of the vegetable family need this minimum of light for proper growth.

In the cold winter months, you can salvage certain plants by bringing them into the house. You may be able to save your most resistant or expensive plants. When you dig up the plant, carefully avoid the roots then place it in a container.

TIP! It’s easy to just jump in and start gardening without thought, but it’s important to plan your garden first. This way, when the sprouts start shooting up, you can recall where you planted each plant.

Be sure to weed your garden. If you have weeds in your garden, it will not be as nice as it could be. To help you do this, you may want to consider using white vinegar. White vinegar is a weed killer! Putting white vinegar on your plants gets rid of much of the need to pull out the weeds.

TIP! Do you want fresh mint leaves without having to worry about them growing too quickly? Contain their growth with a garden container or large pot instead. If you would like the mint leaves to still be in the ground, simply plant the container, and the leaves will stay within the boundaries of the pot.

Prior to planting your garden, devise a plan. Use this to remind you where certain things were planted, later when they start sprouting. You might end up losing small plants in a large area, because you did not water them.

Tender Shrubs

TIP! Broad-spectrum pesticide is not a good garden choice. These pesticides can kill the useful insects that work as predators to pests.

Make sure to protect your tender shrubs from the elements. If you have tender shrubs in pots, they need to be protected in the cold weather. The tops should be tied together, and the wigwam should be loosely covered with a sheet or blanket. This will work better than wrapping your plant with plastic, because air can still circulate, which will help to prevent rotting.

TIP! Don’t count the fall season out. That doesn’t have to be the case.

Start your garden off right with seeds, not plants. Starting from seed is far less harsh on the environment than using plants you buy at the nursery. The planters used to hold nursery plants are generally not made from eco-friendly materials, and thus get thrown into landfills. Starting from seeds, or buying from one of the few nurseries that use biodegradable planters, prevents this.

TIP! Gardening can be very relaxing. There are numerous avenues to pursue when attempting to find your personal peace and relaxation.

If you have a problem with your dog disturbing your garden, you can repel him by spraying perfume or other scents on the grass near the edge. This will help mask the scents that attract your dog, and will make your garden a less interesting place for your pet to be.

TIP! Vegetables tend to soften during the hottest part of the day, which means they are easily damaged, even when handled with care. Cut vegetables to remove them from vines rather than twisting and pulling them.

To create a beautiful English garden, use the same bed to mix various kinds of plants, as well as different heights. Having plants that grow to the same height will result in a common and flat looking bed.

TIP! You can create a great English garden by mixing types and sizes in one bed. Plants that grow to be the same height end up uniform and flat looking.

It’s important to let your cuts heal prior to doing any horticulture without gloves. If grime gets into the cut, it could become infected. However, there are bandages available that will seal the cut completely. Using these should protect the cut from any infection while horticulture.

Tools Handy

TIP! Gardening is not only a great hobby, but also a way to feel at peace with the earth. Organic gardening will accomplish that feeling even more so.

To be as efficient as possible in the garden, always have your tools handy. Use a large bucket, or wear rugged pants with several pockets. Keep your gloves, pruning shears, a hand spade and your other tools handy to quickly and easily do your garden maintenance.

Use plastic bags to cover muddy gardening shoes. This lets you be able to return to the garden without interrupting your work.

TIP! Take some time to carefully plan the items to include in your organic garden. You will need to cultivate specific environments for various vegetables and plants.

Get added value from your property. Landscaping your yard will bring you a big return on your investment. Certain plant investments could raise your home’s resale value by approximately 20% or possibly more! Select plants that will adapt well to your regional area and require minimum maintenance.

TIP! Nobody likes to see weeds popping up in their beloved garden. This method is much safer for your other plants.

Procrastination leads to problems in a variety of areas, including organic gardening. If your busy life prevents you from tending your garden every day, do small tasks to avoid having so much work when you do have some time. Grab a handful of weeds, throw down some mulch, or toss some water on it anytime you walk by.

TIP! You have heard a lot about the uses of compost, but you may not know how it is produced. It is made of things such as wood chips, lawn cuttings, fallen leaves, bits of produce, straw and other yard waste that has started to decompose.

If you want to sell your crops as organic, you should look into obtaining a certification proving that you are an organic garden. This will not only increase sales, but it will demonstrate to your customers that your products are legitimate and that you are doing what it takes to grow the best crops.

TIP! You should know how to buy plants for your organic garden. This is evident when purchasing perennials or annuals.

One of the benefits of organic produce over commercial produce is that it is not spayed with any toxic pesticides. While organic foods are healthy for your family, you will still need to check closely for bugs or worms.

TIP! Plant trees in such a way that they provide shade for your home. You will not need to run air conditioners as much; in turn, it will help you to save money with utility bills, because the trees produce shade around your home.

Always give your garden the benefit of looking beneath the upper portions of a plant. Tomato seedlings with green starts and poor root systems are something to watch out for. Look carefully at these before purchasing them for your garden. The first start remains attached to the developing seedlings for many weeks. Until these sneaky starts fall away, the plant will not grow.

TIP! Conserve your rainwater! Retain it in barrels or buckets and use it in your organic garden when it’s time to water. This saves on watering bills.

As the article has referenced, organic gardening takes work, research, and effort in order to be successful. Persistence is also a necessary ingredient for success. If you keep all these suggestions in mind, you have taken the right steps towards becoming a successful organic gardener.