Horticulture is a complex process. 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. If you are inexperienced with horticulture, making the switch to organic methods may be a challenge for you. You can do it well by taking advantage of the advice that offered below.
Use slug-proof varieties of perennials wherever possible. Snails and slugs can do irreparable damage to your garden in a single night. These pests normally go after plants with thin little leaves and plants that have yet to fully mature. Some perennials are not preferred meals for snails and slugs, especially if their foliage is hairy and tough, or tastes bad. Examples of these include euphorbia, hellebourus and achillea. Others you may want to consider are campanula and heuchera.
Healthy Soil
Starting a garden which is pest-free is easy, if you have healthy soil. Healthy soil encourages vigorous plant growth and makes your garden more resistant to common diseases and insects. Starting with soil that is in good condition can yield the best plants.
Plant annuals and biennials to make your flower beds brighter. Fast-growing annuals and biennials can brighten up a flower bed, and allow you to change the look from season to season and year to year. They can be used to fill in gaps in your garden between the perennials or shrubs so your garden looks fuller. Some plants to get you started include petunia, marigold, sunflower, rudbekcia, and cosmos.
To get the best results in your garden, you need to use a good quality soil. The soil may have to be adapted, depending on what types of plants you’re planning for the garden. It is also possible to create individual areas with one specific soil type.
Bulbs planted in the spring can flower all the way into summer. Bulbs are hearty and will continue to grow every year. Keep in mind that different bulb types bloom differently and at different time periods, so when you choose a bulb plan accordingly, you can have your plant blooms lasting spring into summer.
Don’t cut your grass down by the soil when you run the mower. By leaving your grass a little taller, you are allowing it to become stronger, as the roots grow stronger and deeper. Short grass leads to more shallow roots and will result in more brown, dried-out patches.
Fertilize your garden. Manure helps your plants grow. Make sure you use a product that is commercially composted so you don’t risk adding pathogens to your garden. There are a number of options for fertilizer, but the truth is that what you use is unimportant; you just have to remember to use something.
Pine Needles
Don’t underestimate pine as a great mulch. There are many common acidic plants that prefer acidic soil. If you have these plants in your garden, keep them healthy by using pine needles as mulch. Spread a few inches of pine needles on your organic beds so that it will put the acid into your soil.
Coffee grounds work great mixed in with your soil. Your plants will thrive from the nitrogen contained in the grounds. Using coffee grounds or any other source of nitrogen contributes to the growth of taller, fuller blooms.
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 2014-06-03 02:41:07.
