Every gardener dreams of having a thriving garden. For some, this is a reality, for some it isn’t. If you want to achieve your dream of a beautiful garden, there are a few things to learn. Garden can involve back-breaking labor, but it can also be very enjoyable. Here are a collection of nifty little gardening tips that will make the your time spent outside more fun and less demanding.
Slug-proof your garden with smart perennial choices. These mollusks are capable of consuming an entire garden full of flowers in a single night. They gravitate towards perennials with smooth thin leaves, particularly on younger plants. There are some perennials that do not appeal to slugs, such as those with leaves that are hairy and tough with a bad taste. Some of the best varieties of these include achillea, campanula, euphorbia, and heuchera.
In a place that’s dark, pre-soak the seeds. Place a small amount of seeds in a little container, while filling it to the brim with water. This will keep your seeds hydrated and give you a little head start with your growing. The seeds will most likely have a greater chance of maturing and surviving.
Shelter your deciduous shrubs. When these tender shrubs are kept in pots, cold weather can be very damaging. The tops should be tied together, and the wigwam should be loosely covered with a sheet or blanket. This method is preferred to wrapping a plant in plastic, since it promotes circulation and prevents rotting.
Try to keep your plants aerated and dry, every day. Parasites are attracted to the moisture on plants. A common parasite to plants is fungi. Although fungi can be treated with sprays, it is possible to preempt the problem and very important to plant health that you do so.
Do you enjoy fresh mint leaves though hate how they grow so fast and take over your entire garden? You can stunt the growth of mint by planting it inside a container or super-sized bowl. You can then plant the container down in the ground if you like, but the walls of the container will hold the roots captive, and keep the plant from taking over your garden!
Split up irises. You can get more irises by dividing the overgrown clumps. When the foliage dies it’s time to lift the bulbous irises out of the ground. The bulbs will then split naturally in the palm of your hand and if they’re re-planted, they can flower next year. Use a knife to divide the rhizomes. Cut healthy pieces from the root stalk and throw out the dead center. Every piece is suppose to have at least one durable offshoot. Replant each one immediately.
Know the ideal times to harvest each of the vegetables you plant. Each type of vegetables has its own ideal time for picking for the best flavor. Many vegetables are best when picked young; baby peas are a prime example. However, you get better taste out of tomatoes that have been allowed to ripen as much as practical while still on their vine. So, learn about the ideal harvest time for your vegetables.
Plan your garden, and plant with fall colors in mind. Fall, though, can still be an interesting time for trees. Foliage never looks as colorful and vibrant as it does in the fall. For example, maple, beech, and dogwood trees all change from their usual green to a vibrant spectrum of yellow, orange, and red. When selecting shrubs, consider barberry, hydrangea, or cotoneaster.
With these tips, you’re better equipped to grow the most beautiful garden you can imagine. In learning how to create your dream garden, you’ll also be growing as a person. That’s because learning how to nurture your plants will not only help you reach the goal of having a great garden, but it will help you learn to nurture yourself.
Originally posted 2013-04-24 07:30:36.
