Starting and maintaining an organic garden requires a lot of patience, and an affinity for growing plants. When you enjoy this hobby, you often have a goal of growing healthier foods for your family to enjoy. This all sounds easy, but the process can sometimes feel complicated. See these tips to learn how to get started with this healthy, rewarding hobby.
Lay sod properly. Your soil should be prepared before you lay the sod. Remove any weeds, and break the soil up into a fine tilth. Lightly, but firmly compress the soil, making certain it is flat. Gently sprinkle water on the soil until you are certain that it is thoroughly moistened. The sod should be laid in staggered rows, with the joints offset from one another. Pat your sod to form an even and flat surface, fill any gaps with some soil. You will have to water the sod every day for 2 weeks, and then it should be firmly rooted to the ground, and able to be walked on.
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. You can often find Cooperative Extension offices that provide this service, which can help to make your garden flourish.
When fall has arrived, it is time to plant the edibles for the autumn. A pumpkin makes a great container, and costs less than a clay pot. Simply carve open the top of a pumpkin so you can remove the innards, and then spray inside and out with something like Wilt-Pruf to prevent pumpkin rotting. Once the pumpkin has been prepared, it is ready for planting.
Plan your garden before you plant it. It will be a while before things start to sprout and visually remind you of what was planted where, so a written record can be helpful. A good plan can also help you to place each plant in the area that is most beneficial to them.
If you find yourself in love with mint leaves, but not with how they dominate a garden, read on. Keep the growth under control by growing them in a large horticulture pot instead. Then, you can plant the container into the ground. However, the container walls will keep the roots held, and prevent the plant from consuming too much of your garden space.
Fertilizer is important when you garden. Manure is a great garden additive, but it is important that you choose a manure that has been composted commercially so that there is less of a risk of pathogens. Many types of fertilizers are available. The type you utilize is not critical; just be sure to use one.
Take the time to spread around five centimeters of organic mulch near your vegetable plants. The mulch will help keep the dirt around the plants more moist. It will also prevent weeds from growing. This will save you time, money, and effort in your lovely garden.
Before you start working in your garden, purchase a wheelbarrow and a good kneeling stool. Working on the ground for long periods of time can be painful on the knees, so a small garden stool can really allow you to work in comfort. Also having a garden usually requires moving heavy dirt and objects, so investing in a wheelbarrow is a very sound investment.
The nutrients from vegetables can help. If you steam your vegetables, you can pour the remaining water around them. Tea and coffee grounds can also serve as acidifiers in the soil of your gardenias or rhododendrons. Chamomile tea can be effective if you have problems with fungus in your garden. Simply sprinkle it on the affected plant.
Water your garden regularly and smartly. You can water efficiently by using a soaker hose which will eliminate the necessity of watering each plant one by one with a nozzle, or having to use a water can that you have to refill over and over. Lower your water pressure on the soaker hose to avoid harming tender plants. Let it water the plants for a while as you do other things.
Growing organic food requires patience, persistence and a love of nature. It makes use of empty land to produce something tasty and healthy. Follow the tips and put in the needed effort, and you will be a successful organic gardener.
Originally posted 2013-05-19 10:44:28.
