When you analyze all of the individual components of gardening, it can be somewhat complex. 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 gardening. It can be difficult to switch to organic gardening methods for a beginner. Be sure you learn to be a pro by using the tips laid out below.
If you choose to use organic methods to care for your houseplants, you should bear in mind that certain plants require more sunlight than others. Almost every type of plant you grow requires ample sunlight, so think about how much natural light you home receives or if you perhaps need to supplement with UV lamps. If you still are unable to get enough light to your plants, consider purchasing grow-lights.
Planting organic strawberries is a great way to encourage your children to get involved. Children love to snap up these sweet juicy fruits for themselves and will be much more willing to eat other foods you’ve planted as well.
To be most efficient in your gardening, always keep your tools close at hand. Carry a large bucket with you or wear pants with a lot of pockets. Keep your gloves, a trowel, small pruning shears and other tools handy and make quick work of your garden maintenance.
Indoor plants need an environment that is between 65 and 75 degrees. Young plants need a temperature within that specific range to grow. If you are not willing to keep your house that warm during winter, you could always get the organic plants a heat lamp.
When working in the garden, try to work as efficiently as possible. Wasting time finding tools is inefficient gardening. Take the time to prepare the necessary tools, and then store them in a easily accessed place once you are done gardening. A good way to keep your tools at hand is to buy a tool belt or utility pants with many large pockets.
It’s simple to lay a new perennial bed. Only a garden spade and woods chips are necessary. To prepare the garden, slice out sheets of turf using the spade, and flip the turf upside down. Then, cover the newly turned soil with wood chips, approximately three inches deep. Give the area a couple of weeks, then dig into it and plant your new perennials.
Make sure you have some plastic bags around so that you can cover any muddy gardening shoes you have. This way, you won’t break momentum by fussing with your shoes, and you’ll be quickly back in the garden to finish your work.
Space is very important when you plant an organic garden. It can be easy to underestimate how much space your plants will need once they begin growing. Air circulation and room to grow is important for any plant. Therefore, ensure that you allow for ample spaces between your seedlings.
Pine mulch can be highly effective under the right conditions. Some garden plants have a higher acidity, and prefer a more acidic soil. For these types of plants, pine needles are wonderful for mulching. Using several inches of needles to cover your beds provides acid for the soil as they begin to decompose.
You need to avoid chores in your organic garden stacking up. Sometimes it might prove difficult to get in a little gardening time every day. However, you shouldn’t fret, as there are a few things you can do that can minimize the time you spend gardening when you do manage to get to it. If you’re outside with your pet, try to remove weeds when your pet is doing his business.
When planting your organic garden, spacing is an important thing to keep in mind. As plants grow and spread out, you will not always know how much space will be required. 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 your seeds have a good amount of space between each other for optimal growth.
If you’d like to improve the health of your soil, try adding some mulch. A layer of mulch can protect the soil beneath. On hot days, mulch insulates the ground, keeping it cool and protecting your plants’ roots. Additionally, moisture will not evaporate from the ground so quick when mulch is applied. This is also a good way to control the weeds.
Procrastination leads to problems in a variety of areas, including organic gardening. While you may not be able to spend a lot of time every day in your garden, even little items done daily will stop the mountain of work from growing. For example, while your canine is outside going to the toilet, take the time to pull out a few weeds.
Avoid over-watering your plants. Excess water may hinder the plant’s roots from getting nutrition from the soil. Before watering your organic garden, check weather forecasts to determine if it is likely to rain later that day. If showers are headed your way, it’s probably in your best interest to leave the water hose turned off.
When the time has come to gather up the produce, you need to use an old laundry basket. The laundry basket is a perfect strainer for any produce run off. The basket won’t be affected by the water and it will drain right off as though it were poured into a large sieve.
Organic foods don’t contain any chemical pesticides. While this is great, you still need to check your produce for any bugs or other pests.
Use equal parts of green and dried plant material in your compost pile. “Green” material refers to things like wilted flowers, weeds, leaves from your yard, and grass clippings. Sawdust, straw, cardboard, paper and wood pulp are all examples of dried plant material. Avoid ashes, meat, charcoal and diseased plants in your compost.
While any kind of gardening can make you feel as though you’re in tune with nature, organic gardening takes this to the next level. This method of gardening will give you a deep understanding of the way plants grow, from beginning to end.
Be aware of the location you are in, and the seasonal and climate changes that occur. Make sure that you adjust your watering cycles to match these changes. The amount of water a plant needs depends on the soil type, time of day and the water’s quality. For instance, in warm and balmy locations, it is important not to water leaves, as doing so tends to foster fungus growth. Instead, keep the root system well-watered.
It’s time to plant some organic garlic. Garlic cloves should be planted in the spring or fall. They require soil that is well-drained and moist. Plant the cloves one to two inches beneath the soil about four inches apart and with the pointed end up. Green garlic can be cur directly from the plant and used in a pinch instead of scallions or chives. The bulbs are ready to harvest when the tops start to turn brown. After harvesting, leave the bulbs out in the sun until the skin hardens. This helps them dry out. Garlic can be tied in bunches or left loose, and stored where it will be cool and dry.
Grow garlic. Wait until early spring or the fall to plant cloves in a moist soil. Each clove should be planted end-up, four inches apart and between one and two inches below the surface of the soil. As your garlic shoots grow, you can cut them and use them instead of scallions or chives. The garlic is ready to be picked when the tops turn brown. Place the freshly picked bulbs in the sun, and let them dry and harden for a couple of days. You can then store the bulbs loosely or gathered into bunches in a cool location.
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.
When working in the garden, know exactly what you are using. Instead of chemical fertilizers, use natural alternatives. The best example of this is to use compost. Benefits of using organic methods, as opposed to inorganic methods include, less use of toxic chemical buildups in drinking water and in the soil as well.
Tags: organic gardening