Most people have heard about or seen organic foods. You are probably aware of which foods are organic. They come is special packaging and they are usually a lot more expensive than their non-organic counterparts. Check out the tips in this article and find out how to grow your own organic garden at home.
Choose plants that will give you the most yield at harvest time. Many times, hybrid plants tend to resist disease, and tolerate the cold weather better than their traditional counterparts, resulting in higher yields.
Plant perennials that are slug-proof. These creatures can wreak havoc on a garden in a short time. They gravitate towards perennials with smooth thin leaves, particularly on younger plants. Perennials that have tough or hairy leaves are often times unappetizing to snails and slugs. Consider planting these varieties of perennials to discourage slugs and snails from eating your flowers. Euphorbia and achillea are examples of slug-proof perennials.
When fall arrives, it’s time to plant your autumn vegetables. A pumpkin can be used as a planting container instead of clay pots. Simply cut the pumpkin open at the top, so you can remove the seeds and insides. After that, spray Wilt-Pruf along the edges and on the inside of the pumpkin, so it doesn’t rot. Now you can use the pumpkin as a planter.
Always make sure to mow your lawn to the appropriate length, always making sure that the cut is not too close. By leaving your grass a little taller, you are allowing it to become stronger, as the roots grow stronger and deeper. Short grass tends to have shallow roots, which can cause dried out, brown patches to occur.
You can prevent pests using other plants or natural materials. Onions and marigolds can help to deter slugs. Another way to get rid of pests is to spread wood ash at ground level around shrubs and tree plantings. Using these methods eliminates your need of chemical pesticides.
Spread a little bit of organic mulch, around two inches worth, in and about each vegetable plant. The soil around plants can stay damper through the use of mulch. An added benefit is that it also inhibits weed growth. This can prevent you from having to constantly pull weeds.
If you are horticulture for the first time ever, read and follow all directions and instructions that come with your chemicals and tools. Garden chemicals can cause skin irritation and eye injury. For your own safety, take the time to read and follow the instructions.
Be sure to buy a wheelbarrow and a kneeling stool that you can use for your garden. Spending time on the ground is rough on the knees, a portable and light stool can help make horticulture easier. Because horticulture means transporting a lot of heavy things, a wheelbarrow will also come in handy.
Pest Control
Pest control is tough when you have a veggie garden. Avoid spraying harsh chemicals on fruits and vegetables destined for your table. Persistence and care is a much better solution for pest control, but many avoid it because it actually requires some work on their behalf. When you see bugs, remove them by hand before they have a chance of spreading.
Wisely water your garden. Use a type of soaker hose so that you don’t need to do individual waterings with the hose nozzle, or be refilling a watering can constantly. Turn down the water pressure to its lowest setting, as anything higher could harm the plants. Let it water the plants for a while as you do other things.
Sprouting seeds need less warmth than before. Move your plants away from the heat as they grow. Make sure you remember to remove any plastic films that were on the plant containers to repel humidity and warmth. You need to read the seeds to know the best time to do this.
Keep your compost pile balanced with a combination of dried and green plant mulch. Green plant mulches include everything from fresh grass clippings, to unwanted vegetables, to recently pulled weeds. You can add dried plants by throwing straw, shredded paper, woody materials and cardboard on your pile. Your compost pile should never contain meat, ashes or charcoal.
Make sure your garden has biodiversity. Including a healthy mix of native grasses and flowers will attract wildlife. Plant various plant types to create a natural environment. Not only will wildlife enjoy the space you have created, but you will have a pleasant spot to relax, and feel satisfied that you are helping the environment.
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.
