
Environmentally-conscious gardening requires dedication to following best practices at all times. Organic horticulture is possible with some great tips. This can help you grow tastier and happier produce. Read on to learn the basics of managing your organic garden.
CO2 is essential for growth. A higher level of CO2 will help plants grow better. A greenhouse will provide the best method of providing enough CO2 for your plants. Plants grown in a greenhouse tend to be more lush and healthier due to the improved growing environment.
As you cut your grass, do not trim it too low to the ground. Cutting your grass at a taller height allows grass roots to grow deeper and stronger, which helps lessen the chance of your lawn drying out easily. If you have short grass, you will have short roots and you will dry out your grass.
If you would love to have access to fresh and healthy mint leaves from your own back yard, but dread the way the plant spreads so quickly, worry not. Stunt their growth a little by planting your mint into a garden container or large pot instead. If you would like, go ahead and plant the container and the plant right in the ground to prevent root overtake.
If you’re a new gardener, it is vital that you follow the instructions when it comes to your chemicals and tools. Garden chemicals can cause skin irritation and eye injury. Following instructions for the use of harsh chemicals can keep you safe from serious injury.
Spray fragrances such as old perfume or aftershave on grass around your garden to help keep your dog away from the plants. Your dog will find more interesting scents to explore elsewhere and leave your garden alone.
Grow heather so that you can attract useful insects. Bees love heather, and it’s one of the earliest sources of nectar for the bees when they emerge during springtime. It is common to find all types of insects inside of an undisturbed heather bed. Always remember this, and wear your gardening gloves if you prune your heather!
Involve the whole family in your horticulture hobby; children find growing things to be very interesting. Toiling together in the garden brings your family closer together and offers many different opportunities to learn new things and instill green values.
Coffee Grounds
Mix used coffee grounds into your soil. Coffee grounds contain many of the essential nitrogenous nutrients that plants are able to use. Using coffee grounds or any other source of nitrogen contributes to the growth of taller, fuller blooms.
When it is harvest time, use a laundry basket. Laundry baskets which have holes in them act as giant strainers for your home grown produce. You can rinse your produce off while it is in the basket, and the excess water will strain through the holes of your laundry basket.
Would you like to kill those obnoxious weeds naturally? Pile newspapers on top of each other to kill weeds. 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!
A raised bed can be built with untreated wood, brick or stone. If you choose wood, ensure that it has not been treated with a sealant or other chemicals. Cypress, cedar or locust wood are appropriate selections. In a veggie garden, don’t use treated wood since its chemicals can leech into the food crops and soil. If you have built a bed with treated lumber already, use a barrier such as plastic to line the bed.
Try growing some organic garlic. Garlic cloves may be planted in soil with good drainage in either the spring or fall. Plant each bulb at least four inches from each other. Bury them about two inches in the soil with their pointed end facing up. You can cut green garlic shoots while they grow, you can then use them in place of scallions and chives. When the tops of the bulbs become brown, it is time to harvest them. To harden the bulbs’ skin, dry them for several days in the sun. They can be stored in a cool area, either loose or tied in bunches.
Use a soaker hose to water your garden. As the water slowly seeps out of the hose, it is directed right to the plant roots so the leaves do not get wet. They are better because sprinklers use too much water and hand-watering is too time-consuming.
Make you garden diverse. Wildlife will be drawn to the multiple species of plants that you incorporate into your garden. Plant various plant types to create a natural environment. Not only will wildlife enjoy the space you have created, but you will have a pleasant spot to relax, and feel satisfied that you are helping the environment.
Organic gardening can help you develop an appreciation for the taste and freshness of your food. If you are willing to put in the effort, you will enjoy a wonderful harvest from your own garden.