For hundreds of years, people have enjoyed gardening. It can be undertaken for daily subsistence, or just for the simple joys it brings. You can get even more joy out of horticulture after reading this article.
Flat Surface
Sod should be laid properly. Your soil should be prepared before you lay the sod. Remove any weeds, and break the soil up into a fine tilth. Next, you want to make the soil compacted by applying light but firm pressure. Make sure the soil creates a flat surface. Make sure the soil is thoroughly moist. Lay the sod in straight rows, ensuring the seams meet perfectly. Make sure that the sod forms an even, flat surface, and if you have any gaps show between the sod, fill them with a little bit of soil. According to your climate, you will likely need to water the new sod daily over a period of a couple of weeks. This will insure proper root formation and establishment.
When fall is here, you need to plant autumn edibles. This time, use a pumpkin for the container for your lettuce and kale, instead of plain clay pots. Hollow out the pumpkin and spray with Wilt-Pruf to prevent rot. Once you have finished, you can begin planting.
Consider adding coffee grounds to your soil if it contains high levels of alkaline. Using coffee grounds is a less expensive way to make your soil more acidic than trying to replace your topsoil. You will notice that your vegetables and greens will have a stronger taste.
Before you plant a garden you should plan it out. It will be a while before things start to sprout and visually remind you of what was planted where, so a written record can be helpful. You might end up losing small plants in a large area, because you did not water them.
Irises can benefit from being separated. Take clumps that have become overgrown and divvy them up into separate plants. Once the foliage has died off, lift out your bulbous irises. The iris bulbs should easily split apart in your hand. Once you replant them, they will have a good flower show the following year. For plants with rhizomes, use a knife to divide them. Cut several new pieces out of the outside and get rid of the old center. Divide your pieces carefully; they should each have one good quality offshoot apiece. Do this cutting beside your garden bed, so that you can place your new groupings into the ground immediately.
Be sure your garden is fertilized. If you decide to use manure, which is great for your plants, choose a pathogen free commercial product. Although there are plenty of fertilizer choices, don’t be concerned with which one you use; just be sure to use one.
You can keep pests away from your garden by using other plants or natural materials. For example, planting a border consisting of marigolds or onions can repel slugs. Another way to get rid of pests is to spread wood ash at ground level around shrubs and tree plantings. These methods remove the need for harsh chemical pesticides.
More Gardening Ideas & Resources
As this article noted earlier, gardening is a centuries old pastime that countless generations have enjoyed and benefited from. Centuries ago, people gardened as a way to feed their families. Today it could be used for profit, need or pleasure. This advice gives you the capability of becoming a much better gardener, and allowing you enjoy your hard work. Start gardening today, and you will soon be enjoying the fruits of your labor!
