If you want to embrace a healthier lifestyle that includes a nutritious diet, organic gardening is the way to go. However, effort is required in order to effectively grow. You probably do not know how to go about growing an organic garden on your own.
Plant perennials that slugs and snails won’t be interested in eating. Slugs and snails are voracious eaters that can destroy a plant literally overnight. These pests prefer plants with thin smooth leaves. Plant some helleborus or euphorbias along with your other perennials. Perennials that have tough or hairy leaves are often times unappetizing to snails and slugs. Several good choices include heuchera, campanula, achillea, and euphorbia.
When it’s autumn, it’s time to start planting all of your fall edibles. Instead of a clay pot, show some fall spirit by using a hollow pumpkin to plant your lettuce or kale in. Slice a hole around the stem, and pull the pumpkin top out. Then remove the guts and use Wilt-Pruf to cover the insides and prevent rot. Finished? Now you’re all set for planting!
Grow some wheat grass or cat grass next to the plants your cat seems to prefer. Offensive smells also work to repel cats and other pesky animals from eating your plants. Try putting mothballs, citrus peels, garlic and other pungent items on the topsoil.
If you want an organic way to weed your garden, try “boiling” them. Boiling water is an excellent, organic substance for use against weeds. Just pour out the water on the weeds being careful to avoid any nearby plants. Boiling water will actually hurt the roots, and it will prevent the weeds from growing.
Irises should be divided. If you divide the overgrown clumps of flowers, you’ll find that your stock grows proportionally. Lift the dead bulbous irises. The iris bulbs should easily split apart in your hand. Once you replant them, they will have a good flower show the following year. Utilize a knife if you are trying to divide rhizomes. Discard the center and cut pieces from the exterior. Divide your pieces carefully; they should each have one good quality offshoot apiece. Replant your new rhizome pieces as soon as you have finished the cuttings.
Don’t count the fall season out. It’s not necessary to think this way, however. When it comes to vivid foliage, autumn offers the best opportunity to view it. Maple, beech trees or dogwood take on some amazing colors. When selecting shrubs, consider barberry, hydrangea, or cotoneaster.
Try to relax with horticulture. There are a variety of ways to achieve a state of inner peace. Of these, horticulture is by far one of the most enjoyable and easiest to start. The cost is low and the reward is often high. The most important reward, however, is the sense of accomplishment you experience when your plants mature.
A mixture of aspirin and water can protect your plants from common diseases. Three aspirins per four gallons of water will help keep your plants healthy. You can easily spray the plans with this concoction to help them fight of disease. Use this method every three weeks.
If you have a high priority for sustainability in your organic gardening, try leaving a corner of the property undeveloped as a mini wildlife refuge. This is a great natural way to allow the insects and animals found in nature to assist with the growth of your garden.
Organic material piled three inches deep is an effective mulch in your flower gardens. This practice is an easy way to discourage weeds, retain moisture, and add valuable nutrients to your garden. It also adds a uniform and cohesive look to the garden.
In conclusion, creating and maintaining an organic garden requires hard work, effort and research. You are also aware now that dedication and consistency will go a long way toward success. Hopefully this article has you well prepared for your endeavor into the relaxing and productive world of organic horticulture.
Originally posted 2013-06-09 11:04:48.
