Organic horticulture is something that many families want to do but simply never take on the challenge. Fear of failure, given the great care and consideration that must go into it, often scare people away. The following article will give you some techniques that can be used to help you start growing your own organic garden.
Clay soil can be very hard to work with, and you will often find that it sticks to the shovel. Get better results in clay by rubbing car wax or floor wax onto the shovel, then buff off and dig. By waxing the shovel head, the clay will not be able to adhere to the surface.
Starting seedlings in pots before planting in your garden is a smart idea. Doing this will increase the survival rate of all your outdoor plants. This also helps tighten time between plantings. Once you remove the most recent mature plants from your garden, the seedlings are immediately ready to be planted.
Use the handles of your tools as a handy ruler when doing your outdoor chores. You can convert any large handle tool, such as a hoe, shovel, or rake into a measuring tool. Lay the handles upon the floor and use a tape measure along side of them. A permanent marker can be used to label distances. Now, the next time you do work in the garden, you’ll actually have a ruler at your fingertips.
Baking Soda
Do not spend your money on chemicals to fight mildew. Mix a solution of baking soda, water, and a tiny bit of dishwashing liquid. Spray this mix on your plants every week and the mildew should go away. Baking soda will bring no damage to your plants, and will treat the mildew in a gentle and efficient manner.
Check the nutrients in the soil before you plant your garden. For a tiny fee, a soil analysis may be done, and based on the results, the soil can support a growing garden by you enriching it as necessary. Cooperative Extension departments often offer this testing service. It is a worthwhile effort so a garden can be productive on the first year of planting.
Do you ever wish that your fresh mint leaves would not grow as quickly and overcome your garden? Instead of planting mint in the ground, confine it to a large pot. Plant the container in the ground, but its walls will hold those roots captive, and will prevent the plant from engulfing your garden!
Divide irises. Increase your iris population when you divide up overgrown clumps. Lift the dead bulbous irises. The bulbs will then split naturally in the palm of your hand and if they’re re-planted, they can flower next year. Cut rhizomes into pieces with a knife. You can trim new pieces away from the outside of the bulbs and then simply throw the old center away. Each new piece you cut should possess at least one healthy offshoot. Replant right away.
When you use the advice that has been provided in this article, you should feel confident in your horticulture skills and be able to grow an amazing garden. Follow the tips you have studied here, and your yard will soon be yielding a terrific amount of delicious wholesome food for your kitchen.
Originally posted 2014-06-28 07:47:05.
