There is much more to gardening than just having something pretty to look at. Gardening can be an activity for a lot people. It is not limited to simply green-thumbed enthusiasts. Becoming involved in gardening is a great way to find peace in your life, and gain an appreciation for the world around you. The effects can be especially profound if horticulture is something you excel at.
Use pots to start your plants, then transfer them to a garden when they become seedlings. Once the plant is hardy enough, plant it in your garden. In addition, it lets you tighten the time in between plantings. As soon as you harvest the mature plants in your garden, your new seedlings will be large enough to plant outside!
Co2 Levels
Plants require a good amount of CO2 in order to grow to their maximum height. Plants tend to grow better when the CO2 levels are higher. Greenhouses help contain C02 to keep levels high. Higher CO2 levels can provide optimal conditions for growing plants.
When you’re out and about in the garden, particularly in the fall, keep an eye out for sink bugs. This insect will gladly devour your tomatoes, beans, and peppers, as well as a variety of other fruits. If not managed well, they can wreak havoc on your garden.
Soak seeds overnight, preferably in a cool, dark place. Drop your seeds into a small jar that is filled with cold water. The water will hydrate the sends, giving them a head start once you plant them. The seeds will have a better chance of surviving and maturing.
Start your peas in a protected indoors environment rather than outside. If you were to plant them inside first, the seeds should germinate better. The seedlings will also be heartier, which means they can resist pests and diseases better. After the seedlings have grown strong indoors, it will be time for you to transplant them to outdoor beds.
Learn the proper way to handle chemicals, and the right way to use garden tools. Failure to follow instructions can be dangerous or painful. For example, some chemicals will irritate your skin if you don’t follow safety rules. Following instructions for the use of harsh chemicals can keep you safe from serious injury.
Try placing evergreens that grow berries around your garden. This will aid in giving your garden great color, even during the winter when other plants have lost their colors. Some examples of evergreens that produce berries and color in the wintertime are the American Holly, Cranberrybush, the Winterberry and the Common Snowberry.
Leave plenty of growing space when you plant your garden. You must think of how much room the plants will take up as they grow, and it easy to underestimate this. Your plants will need the space not only because of their physical size, but also because the space will provide air circulation for the garden. Think ahead and give each plant room for expansion, by properly spacing the seeds.
A useful technique for organic gardening, is to gently disturb your seedlings by using your fingers or a piece of cardboard one or two times daily. While this appears strange, research shows it can help plants grow larger, versus not petting them at all.
If you’d like to improve the health of your soil, try adding some mulch. A thick layer of mulch offers protection to the soil underneath it. It keeps the soil cool on very hot days, thus protecting the roots in the ground. Mulch slows down evaporation, thus helps your soil retain its moisture. Mulch is also great for controlling weed growth.
Apply the tips from above to bring new life to your garden. You’ll be glad you did when you see your plants alive and blooming. Horticulture has the potential to change your whole outlook on life, if you let it. So get started today!
Originally posted 2013-09-25 20:28:42.
