More people are turning to organic gardening as a hobby and a way to get food. With the advice provided here, you'll soon be learning how to create your very own organic garden. Just put these tips to work for you and you will soon see great results.
A handy trick is to turn the handle on a tool that you use often into a makeshift ruler. Larger handled tools like rakes, hoes, and shovels make great measuring sticks. Put the handles down and measure them with a measuring tape. Then, transfer the measurements to the handle using a permanent marker. Now you will always possess a large ruler ready for your use in the garden.
Healthy Plants
Keeping your garden soil rich and healthy is the best way to discourage garden pests. Healthy soil equals healthy plants and healthy plants can fight off diseases with ease. Starting with soil that is in good condition can yield the best plants.
Cover fences and walls with lots of climbers. These versatile plants can grow over fences to enhance the fence's appearance. Often, climbers grow quickly, so you'll get the effect you want by the time the season changes. They can also grow through existing shrubs or trees, or be trained to cover an arbor. Sometimes the plants will require being tied to supports, but some climbers will attach themselves naturally. A few good choices are climbing roses, wisteria, jasmine, honeysuckle and clematis.
Check the soil before you plant anything in your garden. You can do a soil sample analysis for an affordable fee and then know what you need to properly treat your soil with so you can grow the best plants. It is worth having this information so that crops do not get ruined. Most Cooperative Extension offices provide this service.
Coffee Grounds
If a test indicates that your soil is very alkaline, you can mix the dirt with used coffee grounds. Using coffee grounds is a low-cost way to increase the acidity of the soil. By amending your soils, you will help your plants grow and flourish.
Always have a plan for the garden prior to the start of planting it. Doing this makes it easier to keep track of where you planted what when you first start to see sprouts. You can also prevent yourself from losing small plants within a large garden.
Protect your deciduous shrubs which are tender. Tender shrubs are very sensitive to cold weather, especially those that are planted in pots. Tie together the tops, and then use a sheet or blanket to cover the wigwam loosely. This method is superior to covering plants in plastic, because air can freely circulate, which prevents rotting.
It is particularly important for new gardeners to read and follow instructions that come with tools, as well as chemicals. If you fail to do this, you could cause yourself all sorts of injuries, the most common of which is irritated skin. Wear protective gear, and use the products as directed.
Learn the appropriate time to pick different vegetables. Each variety needs a slightly different amount of growing time to produce the most flavorful vegetable. For example, some plants, such as zucchini and baby peas, have the most flavor when harvested while young. In contrast, tomatoes are best when left on the vine as long as possible. Simply educate yourself on what the best time is to harvest each of your garden vegetables.
It can be tough to keep insects and other plant-ruining crawlies from infesting your garden. Do not spray harsh chemicals on the vegetables you are going to eat. If you remain vigilant, you can control your garden pest population. When pests are noticed early, the best way to get rid of them is to remove then from the plants by hand.
Take advantage of horticulture as a means to unwind. There are a variety of ways to achieve a state of inner peace. Gardening is a relatively easy way to pursue this goal. You do not need to spend a lot of money and you can reap tangible benefits. Your beautiful lush garden will allow you to reap a harvest of peaceful tranquility.
Use care when you are watering the garden. Use a soaker hose to save time so that you do not have to water each plant individually with a hose nozzle, or a watering can that needs to be refilled repeatedly. Keep the water running slowly so it doesn't spray up onto the plants' leaves. You can go about your business and leave your soaker hose at work for an hour or two.
This advice you just read should show you that with a bit of work and perseverance, you can get your organic garden into full bloom. The above tips will help you make a wonderful garden. Just remember to apply these tips as you have read them and your garden should do just fine.