Gardening can be quite complex, when you break it down. Once you have decided to garden organically, you need to learn about your soil’s pH balance, as well as things like natural pesticides. Organic gardening can be a bit tricky for those who are trying it for the first time. Learn more about organic horticulture by reading the helpful tips below.
In order not to shock your plants, you have to gradually accustom them to the change of temperature and conditions. When starting the transition, leave the plants in the sun for just 1-2 hours. As time goes by, slowly increase the time they spent outdoors. By the weekend, the plants can make that big move without a problem!
Clay Soil
Shoveling clay soil is tiresome since clay is hard, and it can also stick to your shovel for twice the difficulty. Try applying a coat of wax onto your spade prior to working with clay soil, and then buff the spade head with a cloth. This causes the clay to slide rather than stick, and prevents rust as a side effect.
All soil is not the same. You need to check the soil to make sure it’s the best for what you’re planting. An inexpensive soil report can be used to adjust soil nutrients to optimum levels, which will ensure your garden thrives. Many Cooperative Extension offices will provide this service, and it is well worth knowing exactly what the soil needs to avoid ruining a crop or two.
When dealing with any type of seeds in horticulture, it’s important that you soak them overnight in a cool, dark location. Drop some seeds into a small glass or other container, and fill it with water. This will hydrate the seeds and facilitate growth. This will also give your seeds a much better chance to survive and mature.
Do you like mint, but not how they ruin your garden? Instead of planting mint in your garden, keep it in a large container or pot to prevent it from spreading. Then, you can plant the container into the ground. However, the container walls will keep the roots held, and prevent the plant from consuming too much of your garden space.
Split up irises. You can divide those overgrown clumps and increase the amount of irises you have. Lift bulbous irises when the foliage is dead. The bulbs split in your hand, then you replant them, and they will most likely flower next year. Utilize a knife if you are trying to divide rhizomes. Cut the center out of each rhizome but save the pieces. Each piece should retain a minimum of one sturdy offshoot capable of spurting new growth. Plant immediately.
See to it that you fertilize your garden. Choose commercial compost instead of homegrown manure to keep toxins out of your plants. You can choose from many different fertilizers. Do not worry about the kind of fertilizer you end up using but definitely put down something.
Try pouring water leftover from steamed vegetables onto your potted plants. It contains rich nutrients that come from the vegetables. Tea and coffee grounds can be used to add acidity to your soil for plants like gardenias and rhododendrons. Chamomile tea can be effective if you have problems with fungus in your garden. Simply sprinkle it on the affected plant.
Now, you shouldn’t get your hopes up and believe that a few tips are going to turn you into an instant professional gardener. However, these tips are a great starting point if you do plan to grow organically. As you implement these tips and hone your skills, you’ll be a professional green-thumb-holder in no time.
Originally posted 2013-05-17 12:49:57.
