Horticulture is a relaxing and fun hobby for many people around the world, but doing it organically is even more rewarding. Newcomers to organic horticulture, however, can easily find themselves overwhelmed. The question is, what can a beginner do to become knowledgeable on organic horticulture? Start by reading the advice in this article.
Make sure to lay the sod properly. Start by preparing your soil with care. Thoroughly weed the soil, and work it into a fine, smooth tilth. Next, you want to make the soil compacted by applying light but firm pressure. Make sure the soil creates a flat surface. Thoroughly moisten the soil. You want the sod laid down in staggered rows, and the joints to be offset from each other. Press the sod down firmly so that the surface is flat and even. If there are gaps remaining, fill them with a bit of soil. Water the sod for two weeks and then you can safely walk on it as it will have had time to properly root.
The first thing you should do when planning a garden is test the soil. You can get a soil analysis, and if you find your soil needs a supplement, do it! Save yourself the trouble of a failed crop by contacting your local Cooperative Extension to preform the soil test.
Stink Bugs
Keep an eye open for stink bugs in your garden, especially during the fall months. Stink bugs are attracted to tomatoes, beans and most fruits. If they are left in the garden, they can do great damage to your plants, so you should do whatever you can to eliminate them.
If you want your garden full of flowers spring through summer, plant bulbs. Most bulbs are extremely hearty and grow easily. They also come back year after year. Plant bulbs that will bloom at various intervals to ensure beautiful flowers are growing in your garden all year long.
For an unusual, but effective, organic solution to weeding young plants, try “boiling” the weeds away. Water is cheaper than chemical herbicides, and less hazardous to humans and soil. All you need to do is apply boiling water right to the weeds you want to get rid of. Be careful not to get any on the plants you want to keep. The extreme heat of the water will cause damage to the weeds’ roots, which will stop them from growing any more.
You should now realize how much fun and how enjoyable horticulture can be. The activity is fun, relaxing, rewarding and potentially challenging. If you remember these tips the next time you are in the garden, you will be much more successful.
Originally posted 2013-05-18 04:09:33.
