A garden is not just something you do to decorate. It isn’t only a pastime for hobbyists with a green thumb. Gardening can have a very calming effect, and can really slow life down a bit, allowing you to find your inner peace. Once you develop some skill, you can make a profound effect.
Starting seedlings in pots before planting in your garden is a smart idea. By allowing them to sprout first, you are increasing the odds of a seedling reaching maturity. This is also a good way to tighten up your planting schedule. When you remove your mature plants, the next batch of seedlings should be ready.
To achieve the best growing results, plants need sufficient carbon dioxide. Plants tend to grow better when the CO2 levels are higher. A greenhouse has the best levels available. Here the CO2 can be increased, as it cannot be outdoors, and can give your plants the best conditions for rapid growth.
When you’re out and about in the garden, particularly in the fall, keep an eye out for sink bugs. They enjoy tomatoes, peppers, beans, and many different varieties of fruits. If not taken care of, these pests can damage the garden, so take steps to cut down their population.
Aerate and dry your plants each day. If your plants are moist, this can attract disease and parasites. A common parasite found in the plant kingdom is fungi. You can rid your garden of fungi with fungicidal sprays. However, it is best to treat your garden before there are problems.
You should make sure to divide your irises. You can create additional irises by splitting up irises that are growing into each other’s space. When you see the foliage is definitely dead, lift up the bulbous irises. They will literally split in your hand, flowering the next year after replanting. You can divide rhizomes with a knife. You can split the Rhizomes production by cutting off thin portions from the exterior and discarding the remaining insides. Each piece needs one strong offshoot. The quicker you can replant your cuttings, the better chances they will reappear next season.
Using natural materials in the garden will keep pests away. Planting marigolds or onions around the border of your vegetable garden will help repel slugs. Insect pests will stay away from seedlings and trees if you use wood ash around the base as a mulch. These methods are environmentally-friendly and mean you do not have to resort to harsh chemicals.
Purchase an inexpensive horticulture kneeling pad, as well as a wheelbarrow or wagon. It can be very uncomfortable on the knees when working so close to the ground, so a light, portable stool makes horticulture easier. In addition, maintaining a garden typically means moving around heavy dirt and other objects, which makes buying a wheelbarrow a very smart purchase.
The water that is leftover from the steamed vegetables is great to pour over them. To add acidity to the soil of your rhododendrons and gardenias, use coffee or tea grounds. Spray your plants with a 9:1 mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide to eliminate fungus without harming your plants.
Apply these tips to make your garden a beautiful oasis. When the day comes that your plants are tall and smiling, you will be too. If you give horticulture a chance and see it through, it can be a life changing experience, so hop to it!
Originally posted 2014-08-12 08:52:23.
