Chances are you have probably heard about or seen organic foods in your local grocery store. It’s easy to tell which items are certified organic by the USDA. They have different packaging and are more expensive. Keep reading for information to help you start producing organic produce right in your own yard.
Baking Soda
Do not spend your money on chemicals to fight mildew. Mix a bit of liquid soap and some baking soda into water. Spray this mix on your plants every week and the mildew should go away. Your plants will not be harmed by the baking soda, but the mildew will definitely not like it!
Before you even start planting the garden, check the soil. Many nurseries offer a soil analysis service, which will tell you what nutrients your soil is lacking and what you can do about it. Many Cooperative Extension offices will provide this service, and it is well worth knowing exactly what the soil needs to avoid ruining a crop or two.
Try growing some cat grass or wheat grass in the vicinity of the plants that your cat likes to eat. You may also place something offensively smelly atop the soil, like citrus peel or mothballs.
As you cut your grass, do not trim it too low to the ground. Higher grass has deeper roots, meaning a healthier lawn that will be less likely to dry out. Short grass means short roots and dead grass.
Irises can be easily divided. You can create additional irises by splitting up irises that are growing into each other’s space. If you notice a dead foliage, lift the bulb. The iris bulbs should easily split apart in your hand. Once you replant them, they will have a good flower show the following year. Cut rhizomes into pieces with a knife. Cut healthy pieces from the root stalk and throw out the dead center. Be sure to retain a sturdy offshoot on every piece that you intend to plant. All that is left to do is immediately replant the pieces you have created and let the cycle begin anew.
The water that is leftover from the steamed vegetables is great to pour over them. For gardenias and rhododendrons, try putting your used coffee grounds or tea bags in the soil so they may acquire the acid they need for proper growth. If fungus is an issue, Chamomile tea sprinkled on the plant may be effective.
Some people use horticulture as a source of relaxation. There are a variety of ways to achieve a state of inner peace. Gardening on a sunday afternoon is a simple method of making this happen. It does not have a large start-up cost and yields many returns. Growing your own garden brings a feeling of tranquility and joy to you.
Growing your garden at home might not be the most convenient thing for you, but you will save a lot of money and always have the confidence that what you’re eating and feeding your family is as fresh and as healthy as possible. Use the tips you’ve learned here and get started on your garden today.
Originally posted 2013-11-27 07:53:06.
