Organic horticulture can either be a major headache, or a very relaxing hobby. The following collection of tips will help you to become a savy organic gardener.
Make sure to lay the sod properly. Your soil should be prepared before you lay the sod. Be sure to get rid of any weeds, and then proceed to break up the soil to get it ready to use. Compact the soil gently but firmly to be certain that it is indeed flat. Make sure you work with a moist soil. Avoid laying your sod in straight rows with all of the seams lining up. Instead, stagger the rows for a more pleasing visual effect. Firm sod until there is an even, flat surface; fill in gaps with 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.
Your first and best line of defense against pests is having healthy soil. If you create healthy plants, they are going to be stronger and therefore, less likely to succumb to diseases and insects. So if you want your garden to provide plants that are as healthy as possible, you need a good quality soil that contains few chemicals and that can accumulate salts over time.
If your plants have a powdery mildew, don’t use expensive chemicals on them. A great home remedy is to mix baking soda with water and a little bit of liquid soap. Once a week, spray this on plants to eliminate the mildew. This is a natural solution for ridding your plants of mildew safely.
Stink Bugs
When gardening in the fall, you need to be watching for stink bugs. Stink bugs are attracted to tomatoes, beans and most fruits. If you don’t treat them, they can do a lot of damage in your garden.
If your garden includes vegetables, make sure you plant them in a location whether they are exposed to sunlight for a minimum of six hours each day. Most vegetables need this amount of sunlight to grow the right way at a faster pace. Some flowers also have the same needs.
Tender deciduous shrubs are very fragile, so protect them. If you have a few potted shrubs, they should be shielded from the wintry weather. Tie these canes at the top, and place a blanket over it. Covering your foliage in plastic will let the air in – and may lead to decay.
Knee Pads
Get horticulture knee pads if you have low-growing plants. Your knees will take a beating if you spend a great deal of time on the ground while tending your garden. Investing in good knee pads will help cushion your knees so you are more comfortable.
Fertilizer is important when you garden. Manure is very effective in helping plants grow, although it is important to use a commercially composted product to minimize the risk of pathogens. There are many fertilizer options available, though in reality, whatever type you choose will do the job as long as you are using something.
More Gardening Ideas & Resources
Organic horticulture does take some effort, but anyone can do if they approach it with the right attitude. Doing it successfully entails a good amount of patience and dedication, but achieving a productive organic garden is a worthwhile endeavor indeed. Using the tips that you just learned you can improve your skills in organic horticulture.
