The main reason people decide to go organic when gardening is that they think commercial chemicals, including pesticides and fertilizers, may degrade soil quality, harm the environment and cause long-term damage to their personal health. Also, organic gardening can save you a lot of money. Here are some fundamental tips to get you well on your way to being a successful organic gardener.
Clay is difficult to dig through with a shovel, as it is sticky and compact. Take the hard work out of using a shovel in clay soil by rubbing a light coat of car or floor wax over the surface with a clean cloth and buff the surface. The wax will prevent any rusting, and the shovel will cut through the soil with great ease.
A garden needs the right type of soil to grow properly. There are soil testing services that can analyze a garden’s soil content for a small charge. With those results, it’s then possible to refine and supplement the soil to make it as fertile as possible. It can avoid ruined vegetables and flowers, so check with places, such as a cooperative extension department to see where you can obtain the analysis.
If growing vegetables, make sure they are in a location in your garden where they will be exposed daily to at least six hours of the sun. Many of the vegetables need a lot of sun, so they can grow right and at a faster pace. This also rings true for some of the flowers.
Horticulture Knee Pads
If many of the plants in your garden grow close to the ground, some horticulture knee pads will prevent pain and knee injuries. The time that you will have to spend on your knees in your garden can cause you unnecessary knee pain. Your knees can get supported with a decent pair of horticulture knee pads.
Irises should be divided. Take clumps that have become overgrown and divvy them up into separate plants. If you find any dead irises in your garden, immediately pull up the bulbs. The bulbs will then split naturally in the palm of your hand and if they’re re-planted, they can flower next year. For plants with rhizomes, use a knife to divide them. Cut new outside pieces and dispose of the center. A strong offshoot is needed on every piece that you decide to plant. All that is left to do is immediately replant the pieces you have created and let the cycle begin anew.
Interested in using Mother Nature to keep pests at bay the natural way? A border of marigolds or onions around your veggies can prevent slugs. Wood ash can be used as mulch, and if put on the base of shrub and tree seedlings, will keep insects away. Using methods like these eliminates the need for chemical pesticides, which can be harsh or even harmful.
If you are just getting into horticulture, make sure you heed all of the directions on fertilizer and chemical labels. Failure to follow instructions can be dangerous or painful. For example, some chemicals will irritate your skin if you don’t follow safety rules. Keep your health intact and follow the directions to the letter.
Kneeling Stool
Buy a wheelbarrow and kneeling stool to work with in the garden. Gardening can be very tough on your knees, so a kneeling stool that is ergonomic and lightweight can make things much more comfortable and enjoyable. In addition, maintaining a garden typically means moving around heavy dirt and other objects, which makes buying a wheelbarrow a very smart purchase.
Use the advice here to start your own organic garden. It is an interesting hobby and one that can improve your health. Your foods will taste better and not contain the heavy chemicals of store bought produce. Planting a natural garden also encourages wildlife to enjoy your garden, and this even benefits the plants growing within.
Originally posted 2014-05-29 11:49:07.
