Horticulture is a complex hobby, but it doesn’t have to be confusing or difficult. This is due to the different factors you must learn about when going all natural. Things like pH balance and proper compost and sunlight all take on more importance due to the lack of chemical enhancers. It can be difficult to switch to organic gardening methods for a beginner. You can do it well by taking advantage of the advice that offered below.
Learn how to properly lay sod. The soil requires preparation before sod can be laid. Break the soil into fine tilth and make sure you remove any weeds as well. Flatten your soil and make it slightly compact. Be sure the soil is thoroughly moist. Be sure to stagger the rows of sod. The joints should be offset like bricks in a wall. Firm the sod down to form a flat, even surface, and fill in any gaps between the sod with a little soil. Once it is in place, the sod requires frequent watering for at least two weeks. This is usually the amount of time it takes for the sod to grow roots, making it ready to grow seamlessly into place.
Select plants that produce a relatively high yield. A plant that is resistant to disease, or one that is tolerant of extreme weather, will deliver a higher yield.
When fall arrives, it’s time to plant your autumn vegetables. Clay pots are boring, so replace those ordinary lettuce and kale pots with pumpkins. Clean out the pumpkin just like you would if you were making a jack o’lantern. Spray Wilt-Pruf inside the pumpkin and along its edges so that the pumpkin won’t rot. Now this is completed, it is time to get planting!
Before you plant seeds, pre-soak them for a night somewhere dark. Soak the seeds by placing them in a container where they are covered with water. This will allow your seeds to be hydrated and get a head start when growing. The seeds will be better able to survive and grow up.
Do not mow your lawn close to the bottom. If you allow your grass to grow a little longer, the roots will go down deeper into the dirt, helping the grass grow better and remain hydrated. If you have short grass, you will have short roots and you will dry out your grass.
Vegetable plants should be planted where they can benefit from a minimum of six hours of sunlight every day. If you neglect this, it is likely that you will notice slow growth and reduced quality in your vegetables This is true of some flowers.
If you discover that your soil is very alkaline, take used coffee grounds and mix them thoroughly with your soil. This is a simple way to replenish your soil with acid. You will notice that your vegetables and greens will have a stronger taste.
Before you start planting your garden, plan it! A thoughtful plan can remind you of previous plantings and what you will see appearing from the soil in the months of spring and summer. You can also avoid losing the smaller plants, or in larger gardens, the small plant groups.
Apply organic mulch generously around your vegetable plants. When you place mulch around your plants, it keeps the ground more moist. It will also prevent weeds from sprouting. Every gardener can appreciate pulling fewer weeds.
Take a look at planting berry-producing evergreens in your yard. They add color to your yard, throughout the year. Plants that provide instant winter color include Holly, Winterberry, American Cranberrybush, and the American Holly.
Familiarize Yourself
Familiarize yourself with the optimum harvesting time of your vegetables. For the optimum flavor, be sure to follow the guidelines for planting and picking. Baby peas, for example have much better flavor if they are harvested early in the ripening process, as does zucchini. Tomatoes, however, should be plucked from the vine the moment they appear ripe. Thus, you ought to familiarize yourself with the best times to pick the produce from your garden.
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 2013-08-22 08:25:25.
