When you actually take the time to break down horticulture, it is actually an intricate and complex hobby. There are so many things to consider, such as proper pH balance, natural but effective pesticides, adequate sunlight and water supplies and so on. It can sometimes seem a bit difficult to grow organically for a novice. Be successful by using the following tips.
Make garden tools do double duty as handy makeshift rulers. 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. Label the distances onto them using a permanent marker pen. This will allow you to have a ruler at your fingertips when you are working out in the garden.
As fall arrives, it is the time to prepare for planting fall edibles. Clay pots are boring, so replace those ordinary lettuce and kale pots with pumpkins. After cutting an opening and removing the meat and seeds from inside the pumpkin, use Wilt-Pruf, sprayed throughout the inside and cut edges, and prevent rot from occurring. Once you’ve done that, you can plant!
When mowing your lawn do not cut it as short as possible. If you let your grass grow, the roots will go deeper and make your lawn more resistant to dryness. Leaving the grass short makes it more prone to drying out, which leaves your lawn look really brown and yucky.
Protect your tender deciduous shrubs. Cold weather is very hard on these tender shrubs, and potted shrubs should be shielded and protected. Tie together the tops. Once the canes are snugly together, put a sheet over the wigwam. Using fabric, rather than plastic, allows air circulation and prevents rotting from moisture build up.
Aerate and dry your plants each day. Excess moisture on a plant will invite unwanted parasites or diseases to the plant. A common parasite found in the plant kingdom is fungi. Fungus can be handled with sprays specifically formulated for fungi control, but you must treat the area with spray before seeing any kind of problems.
Split up irises. You can create additional irises by splitting up irises that are growing into each other’s space. Once the foliage has died off, lift out your bulbous irises. These bulbs will divide into several parts naturally when you pick them up. You can then replant them, and watch them flower the following year. For plants with rhizomes, use a knife to divide them. Cut new outside pieces and dispose of the center. Divide your pieces carefully; they should each have one good quality offshoot apiece. Replant your cuttings immediately for the best results.
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 2013-08-05 17:27:30.
