Gardening is a complex process. If you chose to garden naturally, you need to acquire some knowledge of the implications of the acidity of your soil, and you need to know how to utilize the correct bugs and insects instead of pesticides. Growing an organic garden can be hard for someone inexperienced. By reading the tricks in this article, you will find yourself better prepared to grow your food organically.
Clay is difficult to dig through with a shovel, as it is sticky and compact. Coat and buff the digging end of the shovel with automobile wax to make digging easier. Not only will the clay slide off the surface, but it will keep the end from rusting.
Turn your tool handles into convenient rulers. Large handled tools such as shovels, rakes, and hoes can be used as measuring sticks. Just run some measuring tape right on the floor next to the handles. A permanent marker can be used to label distances. This modified ruler will serve you well as you begin working in your garden.
Long plants that run up or around a fence or wall are often useful for masking ugliness. You can hide an unsightly wall or fence, in as little as one growing season, with the right selection of climbing plant. You don’t have to worry about removing trees between the climbing plants and the fence, because the trees don’t present obstacles to the climbers’ growth. Some people use climbers as a natural “ceiling” to arbors. There are those that have to be fixed to a support, but others will find a surface to cling to all on their own through twining stems or tendrils. Some of these plants include, wisteria, jasmine, climbing roses, clematis, honeysuckle!
Before you begin to plant your garden you will need to check the soil. Have a soil analysis completed so you can know what you need to add to have soil which will fully support your garden. It is worth having this information so that crops do not get ruined. Most Cooperative Extension offices provide this service.
It is a good idea to pre-soak your seeds in a dark environment overnight. Place your seeds in a container filled with water. The water will hydrate the sends, giving them a head start once you plant them. The seeds will most likely survive and mature this way.
Grow wheat or cat grass in the area around the plants that your cat is eating. You can also put something on top of the soil around the plants that has an offensive smell to cats, such as mothballs or citrus peel.
If your soil has high alkaline amounts, mix some coffee grounds into it. Coffee grounds are an affordable means of adding acid to the soil so that it is pH-balanced. When you use them, you will start to notice that your vegetables are tastier and more vibrant in color.
Protect your delicate deciduous shrubs from harsh elements. Delicate shrubs that are sitting in pots should be sheltered from the cold weather. Join them together at the top, and use a blanket or old sheet to cover them. In contrast to wrapping the plant with plastic, this method promotes air circulation, which stops the plant from rotting.
Before you start working in your garden, purchase a wheelbarrow and a good kneeling stool. Spending lots of time close to the ground while working tends to be hard on your knees, that is why it is important to have a portable and lightweight garden stool that you can use for comfort. You will need a wheelbarrow in order to perform various gardening chores, it is a good thing to have on hand.
Irrigate your garden efficiently. Take advantage of a soaker hose so that you don’t need to water every single plant individually, or have to keep filling up your watering can. Turn the water pressure on low so the soaker hose will not harm tender plants. It can water the plants for two hours so that you can do other things.
Before planting your favorite perennials, you must first prepare the ground. Take your spade and work up a thin layer of soil. Turn that soil over, then spread a few inches of wood chips on the newly turned area. Give the area a couple of weeks, then dig into it and plant your new perennials.
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.