No time is better than the present. You may have tons of questions about how you should get started and what should be done first, but don’t worry, the tips here can help. It contains some great information, and before you know it you will be on your way to growing an amazing garden.
Insects and various garden pests can be avoided by making your soil healthy. Healthy soil equals healthy plants and healthy plants can fight off diseases with ease. For the most vigorous and healthy plants, start with high-quality soil, and stay away from chemicals. These can accumulate salts over time.
Start your garden by planting seed in small pots. Starting with your own seeds is more environmentally friendly than buying plants from a nursery. Packaging materials for many plants utilize plastics that are not recyclable, so avoid these containers and choose instead to sow your garden with seeds or utilize organic pots.
If you are going to grow peas, start them inside rather then planting them outdoors. Install your plants inside and wait for the seeds to germinate. The seedlings will also be heartier, which means they can resist pests and diseases better. Once your seedlings are sturdy, you can then move them outside.
Take the time to spread around five centimeters of organic mulch near your vegetable plants. Mulch will keep soil moist for longer. It will also prevent the growth of weeds. Every gardener can appreciate pulling fewer weeds.
Be smart when you water your garden. You can save time by using soaker hoses to water more than one plant. To protect your plants, keep the flow on the soaker down. Letting the soaker hose do the work frees you up to turn your attention elsewhere.
The flesh of vegetables gets soft in the heat of the day, making them especially vulnerable to inadvertent damage with even the gentlest picking. Make sure to chop the vegetables off the vine, but be careful not to twist them. Twisting can actually damage the plant.
In order to bring in good insects to your garden, you need to plant heather. Bees are naturally attracted to heather for its nectar. It is common to find all types of insects inside of an undisturbed heather bed. For this reason, you should always remember to put on your gardening gloves when tending to your heather.
Allow your children to actively participate in planting your organic garden. The benefits for your children will be a closer bond with nature and an understanding of where food comes from.
Plant your seeds carefully, taking your time. To begin with, you need to dampen the soil sufficiently. Space the seeds at regular intervals to ensure that they won’t be overcrowded as they grow. The seeds should be buried to a depth that is equal to three times the diameter of the seeds. Some seeds require direct sunlight to grow, and these should be left on top of the soil.
Flower Beds
When mulching your flower beds, aim for anywhere between two or three inches of mulch. Using this much mulch retards weed growth, locks in moisture, and ensures that your plants are well-nourished. It will also increase the visual appeal of the flower beds.
Do not underestimate pine as great mulch. Some garden plants have a higher acidity, and prefer a more acidic soil. If you have these plants in your garden, keep them healthy by using pine needles as mulch. Cover your beds with two inches of needles; acid will be dispersed into the soil as they decompose.
One of the most important things to consider when plotting your garden is to make note of your available space. When the garden is bare, it is sometimes hard to envision how much space a mature plant actually needs. Plants don’t just need enough space for their physical size; they also need enough space for the air in your garden to circulate properly. Make sure that you map out your garden layout beforehand and place your seeds with an adequate amount of space in between each.
As you can see, anybody can garden with the right knowledge. You may have thought you were already set to start, but you’re in an even better place now! If you use the tips you have learned from this article, your garden will bloom like never before.
Originally posted 2013-06-05 10:04:15.
