Learning the many intricacies of horticulture can be intimidating and even discouraging. Like most things worthwhile, devoting a little time and effort can yield promising results. Since you’ve found this article, you can become more informed about horticulture so you may become a better gardener.
Clay Soil
Digging in clay soil with a shovel can be very difficult. The clay isn’t easy to work with and will adhere to the shovel, which only makes the problem worse. Take the hard work out of using a shovel in clay soil by rubbing a light coat of car or floor wax over the surface with a clean cloth and buff the surface. The clay will no longer stick to the shovel, and this also helps to prevent other problems like rusting.
Plant seeds in pots that have a rich soil to give them a strong start. Your plants will have a better chance of getting big and healthy! In addition, it lets you tighten the time in between plantings. Using this method, you can remove the mature plants, then put the seedlings in their places.
Transform the handles of your tools into convenient measuring devices. You can convert any large handle tool, such as a hoe, shovel, or rake into a measuring tool. After laying the handles on the floor, run the measuring tape along beside them. A permanent marker can be used to label distances. Now, every time you work in your garden, you are going to have a powerful ruler at the touch of your fingertips.
When you’re out and about in the garden, particularly in the fall, keep an eye out for sink bugs. Stink bugs like to eat beans, peppers, tomatoes, and all sorts of fruit. If you don’t treat them, they can do a lot of damage in your garden.
Grow some wheat grass or cat grass next to the plants your cat seems to prefer. You may also place something offensively smelly atop the soil, like citrus peel or mothballs.
Vegetables should be planted in an area where they will get a minimum of six hours of daily sunlight. Most vegetables need that much sun to grow rapidly and successfully. Some flowers also have the same needs.
If your soil has a problem with high alkaline levels, mixing in some coffee grounds that have been used is a great solution. This affordable trick will give back the acid that your dirt requires. The plants will be healthier, leading to more delicious home-grown veggies.
Knee Pads
Get some gardening knee pads if you find yourself kneeling on the ground a lot to do your gardening. The amount of time that you spend horticulture on your knees can make your knees hurt by the time you are done. Investing in a comfortable pair of knee pads made specifically for horticulture can really reduce the pain you may feel from the pressure of being on your knees for extended periods.
If your gardening plans include pea plantings, try starting them off indoors rather than planting the raw seeds in outdoor beds. Pea seeds germinate better indoors. This will also make the seedlings hardier, which will help them resist diseases and pests. Once they are suitably strong, transplant them outside.
More Gardening Ideas & Resources
That isn’t too difficult, is it? Just like any number of topics, much has been written on the subject of gardening, and therefore a great deal of advice is available. You might need to know just how to start out. With any luck, the guidance in this piece has been just that.