Horticulture is a surprisingly complicated subject at times. This is due to the different factors you must learn about when going all natural. Things like pH balance and proper compost and sunlight all take on more importance due to the lack of chemical enhancers. It can sometimes seem a bit difficult to grow organically for a novice. By reading the tricks in this article, you will find yourself better prepared to grow your food organically.
When laying sod, it is important that you do it correctly. Be sure to get your soil prepared before you start laying the new sod. Remove weeds and break your soil until all the clumps are gone. Lightly, but firmly pack the soil down, and make sure that it is flat. Moisten the soil thoroughly. You should lay your sod staggered, and have the joints offset. Firm the sod down to form a flat, even surface, and fill in any gaps between the sod with a little soil. The sod requires water on a daily basis for two weeks, then the roots will have taken hold and ready to be walked on.
Use slug-proof varieties of perennials wherever possible. A particularly vulnerable plant can be killed by snails and slugs overnight. These pests are especially attracted to tender sprouts and to delicate, soft leaves. Perennials that have tough or hairy leaves are often times unappetizing to snails and slugs. Some varieties of these plants are campanula, helleborus, heuchera, or euphorbia.
Transfer your favorite plants inside so they survive the winter. Your best bet would be try to save the best or most hearty plants. Remember to be gentle when digging up your plants; carefully dig away from the roots and gently place the plant into a container.
Soil Analysis
Do a soil analysis prior to planting. A soil analysis is inexpensive and can be used to figure out which nutrients should be added to provide a healthy garden environment. A lot of Cooperative Extension locations offer this service, and you can prevent ruining a few crops by identifying the specific steps to take.
Be sure to weed your garden. If you have weeds in your garden, it will not be as nice as it could be. White vinegar is one option you can use in your routine weed removal. White vinegar kills weeds. If you are too busy to pull weeds by hand, make a white vinegar solution and keep it handy for a quick spray when needed.
When fall arrives, it’s time to plant your autumn vegetables. This year, instead of using your regular clay pots to plant your kale and lettuce, use a pumpkin as the container instead! Use some Wilt-Pruf to prevent your pumpkin from decomposing and then you can put your plants right inside. When this is finished, you are now ready to plant.
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 2013-07-09 16:43:55.
