You want to create a healthy and fresh organic garden. Now’s the time! The following tips and tricks will help prepare you for organic horticulture success.
Clay soil can be very hard to work with, and you will often find that it sticks to the shovel. One way to get around this problem is to coat the shovel with wax. Use a clean cloth to spread the wax evenly. Not only will the clay slide off the surface, but it will keep the end from rusting.
The correct soil can make a big difference in how your garden grows. What plants you desire determines what type of soil you need in your garden, and whether or not it needs to be amended. It is also possible to make an artificial area using only one type of soil.
Soil Analysis
Do a soil analysis prior to planting. A soil analysis report can be acquired for a nominal fee. You can then use the results of that report to determine if the soil needs to be modified before you begin planting. A Cooperative Extension office can provide you with this service, saving you learning on your own by trial and error.
Your plants will reach maximum growth if they have a sufficient supply of carbon dioxide. The majority of plants grow much better when CO2 levels are at their highest. A greenhouse will provide plants with an environment rich in carbon dioxide. A greenhouse will help maintain a high level of CO2 and cause the plants to grow faster.
In a dark area, pre-soak your seeds overnight. Soak the seeds by placing them in a container where they are covered with water. This lets water soak into the seeds, giving them an extra boost of hydration when they start growing. Seeds that are grown in this way have a higher survival and maturity rate.
Coffee Grounds
Sometimes the soil you want to use for your garden has a high alkaline content. Combine coffee grounds with the soil to reduce this. Coffee grounds add acidity to the soil and are very cheap. After doing so, you will notice that your greenery and garden will be colorful and fresh.
If you have many low-growing plants in your garden, get yourself a pair of gardening knee pads. Your knees will take a beating if you spend a great deal of time on the ground while tending your garden. Pick up a good pair of gardening knee pads to help cushion your knees.
Make sure air can circulate around your plants, and keep leaves moisture-free. Damp leaves can lead to plant disease and parasites. In fact, fungi love a wet plant and can cause a great deal of damage. Proactively treat fungi through the use of fungicidal sprays and treatments.
Start your garden by planting seed in small pots. Not only is this more of an effective method for horticulture, but it’s also more environmentally-friendly. Packaging materials for many plants utilize plastics that are not recyclable, so avoid these containers and choose instead to sow your garden with seeds or utilize organic pots.
Be consistent with garden fertilization. Manure helps your plants grow. Make sure you use a product that is commercially composted so you don’t risk adding pathogens to your garden. The options for fertilizing are vast and include environmentally sound choices, so no matter which you choose, just be sure to use one.
Read instructions on new gardening chemicals and tools before you use them. Failing to heed this simple advice can mean skin irritation that you are going to remember, and not pleasantly at that. Keep yourself safe by carefully following all instructions.
Good tools for the gardener include a wheelbarrow and a kneeling stool. Spending time on the ground is rough on the knees, a portable and light stool can help make gardening easier. A wheelbarrow will come in handy to easily move dirt, rocks and other heavy objects.
Hopefully these tips have helped to prepare you for having an organic garden. Even if you already felt pretty prepared, the advice you’ve read should make you feel like an expert. The tips offered here have give you advice aimed to help your horticulture efforts.
Originally posted 2014-03-09 15:29:53.
