There’s a lot more to horticulture than most people realize. For instance, you have to know certain things like pH balance in soil or things that can fend off bugs naturally when you get into horticulture. It can be difficult to switch to organic gardening methods for a beginner. Learn more about organic gardening by reading the helpful tips below.
You need to consider beginning the plants into pots. Then, you can plant the seedlings into your garden. Doing this will increase the survival rate of all your outdoor plants. It also allows you to tighten up the time periods between plantings. Your next crop of seedlings will be started and ready to be planted immediately after you remove your last crop from the garden.
If your soil has high alkaline amounts, mix some coffee grounds into it. Using coffee grounds is a less expensive way to make your soil more acidic than trying to replace your topsoil. Balanced soil will produce more flavorful, crisp vegetables and greens.
You must protect tender, deciduous shrubs. If you’ve got tender shrubs which are potted, you need to protect them from cold weather. Try to tie the tops all together and cover them with a sheet, large piece of cloth, or blanket. You will protect your shrubs from the cold without having to cover them in plastic, which can cause rot.
If you want an organic way to weed your garden, try “boiling” them. Water is cheaper than chemical herbicides, and less hazardous to humans and soil. Soak weeds with freshly boiled water, just being mindful to not afflict damage on plants you want to keep. Boiling water is not good for the weed roots and will stunt further growth.
Remember to place a layer of mulch over the soil around your vegetables, approximately 2 inches deep. Mulch keeps soil moist for longer periods of time. It will also prevent weeds from growing. Your plants will receive extra water and nutrients, and you’ll spend less time dealing with weeds.
Try placing evergreens that grow berries around your garden. Your yard will then have bright spots of color all year round, which is especially cheerful in the winter when all of your other flora is bare or colorless. Plants that provide instant winter color include Holly, Winterberry, American Cranberrybush, and the American Holly.
If you want the best tasting vegetables, learn about the optimum time to harvest them. Different vegetables and fruits have their ideal seasons and months where they flourish, survive, and are harvested at the highest quality. For instance, peas and zucchinis are tastiest when picked young. Tomatoes, however, should be plucked from the vine the moment they appear ripe. Take the time to learn when your produce will be at its best for harvesting.
Use a plant for a focal point. In a well designed garden you should have a focal point so that your eyes will stay there. You want to choose a plant that will stand out, as opposed to blending in with the other plants adjacent to it.
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.