Grow The Healthy Way: Organic Gardening Techniques

Lots of people grow organically due to their concerns about the harmful effects of all the different pesticides and commercial fertilizers on the environment and their health. Organic gardening is a very cost-efficient way to grow fruits and vegetables. Here are some essential tips to help you become an expert organic gardener.

Use your tool handles as rulers in the garden. Tools with long handles, such as rakes, hoes, and shovels can be converted into handy measuring sticks. After laying the handles on the floor, run the measuring tape along beside them. Mark your distances with a permanent marker. Now, every time you work in your garden, you are going to have a powerful ruler at the touch of your fingertips.

Insects and various garden pests can be avoided by making your soil healthy. The healthier the plants you grow, the more resistant they’ll be to illness, fungus, or bugs. High-quality soil that is low on chemicals is key. It’s the first thing you should think about when planning on growing your garden.

In a place that’s dark, pre-soak the seeds. 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 young plants will survive better, and get a boost toward maturity.

Protect your delicate deciduous shrubs from harsh elements. Shrubs that are planted in containers are especially susceptible to frost and must be carefully protected. Try to tie the tops all together and cover them with a sheet, large piece of cloth, or blanket. This is more effective than putting plastic on the plant, it will let the air flow.

Always fertilize your garden. Manure can help your plants grow quickly, but you must use only commercially created products to reduce the chance of contracting pathogens. You must be sure to use some kind of fertilizer. There are many different combinations available for different uses.

Read instructions on new horticulture chemicals and tools before you use them. If you ignore them, you can irritate your skin in most painful ways. Ensure that your body is protected by always following instructions.

Try placing evergreens that grow berries around your garden. This gives your garden a bit of a “splash” of color, even in winter when everything is nearly colorless. The American Holly, American Cranberrybush, the Winterberry, and the Common Snowberry help provide color during the winter.

Another way to help them grow is by watering them with the liquid that is left from cooking vegetables. Some plants, such as gardenias, azaleas and rhododendrons need acidic soil for proper growth. Increase the acidity of your soil by adding coffee grounds and unused tea bags. Chamomile tea can be effective if you have problems with fungus in your garden. Simply sprinkle it on the affected plant.

Efficiently water your garden. Use a hose with a soaker attachment to save you time, so the garden can get watered while you are doing other tasks. To avoid damaging delicate plants, you should water them with low pressure. Let the soaker hose do its thing for a couple hours, and your plants are watered.