Many people want an organic garden, but never try it. Often, people are put off by its perceived complexity, or are intimidated by all they’d need to know to get started. This article has some good ideas to help you reach your goal of creating a garden for your enjoyment, and without incurring too much difficulty.
Plant some perennials in your garden that repel slugs. Your plants can be destroyed by slugs and snails overnight. These pests normally go after plants with thin little leaves and plants that have yet to fully mature. There are some perennials that do not appeal to slugs, such as those with leaves that are hairy and tough with a bad taste. Selecting an unappetizing perennial, such as campanula or heuchera, will help stop them from being eaten.
Protect your tender deciduous shrubs. Shrubs in pots especially need special care in the colder weather. Tie together the tops, and then use a sheet or blanket to cover the wigwam loosely. This method is much better than wrapping the plant in plastic, as it allows air to circulate, which can prevent rotting.
Knee Pads
A set of knee pads is a great investment if your garden has a lot of low-growing plants. Kneeling on the ground as you garden will eventually cause serious discomfort for your knees. You can be more comfortable in the garden with a good pair of horticulture knee pads.
For an unusual, but effective, organic solution to weeding young plants, try “boiling” the weeds away. Considering that boiling water is rather safe, you don’t have to worry about toxins in your soil or at your dinner table. Carefully pour boiling water right on the weeds, but be careful not to pour it on the plants you want. The boiling water will damage the roots of the weeds and will usually prevent further growth.
Fertilizing is an important step in preparing your garden soil. Manure can be effective, though you should use products which minimize pathogens. Many types of fertilizers are available. The type you utilize is not critical; just be sure to use one.
Give them a nutritious drink by using the water that you boiled your veggies in. If you have rhododendrons or gardenias, use coffee and tea grounds to acidify the soil. If you find that you have a fungus problem, try sprinkling some chamomile tea on your plants.
Don’t use pesticides that aren’t meant to kill specific types of garden pests. It’s true these pesticides kill the pests you don’t want, but they also lay waste to the advantageous insects that make those same pests a regular meal. In fact, beneficial insects are more likely to die than pests if you spray these types of pesticides. As the population of “good” bugs dwindles, your garden may become overrun with pests. This can lead to needing even more pesticides to eliminate the problem insects.
Get your children interested in helping with your organic garden. A garden can teach your children about the joy of rewarding work and nutrition while bonding.
Always completely protect any cuts, or wait until they are healed before attempting any gardening, as this can introduce dirt or chemicals into the wound. The dirt and grime you come into contact with while horticulture can cause even a small cut to become seriously infected. Now, there are bandages available that will cover and seal the injured area completely, allowing you to continue your horticulture projects.
Once you understand the advice contained in this article, you will no longer feel so hesitant to try organic horticulture. It is relatively easy to have an organic garden, that you can show off with pride. Soon you can have fresh, environmentally-friendly fruits and vegetables on your table.
Originally posted 2013-11-01 09:56:54.
