If you are environmentally conscious and worried about the toxic effects of chemicals, organic horticulture may be for you. Organic gardeners eschew the harsh chemicals and fertilizers used by large corporate farms. There is also the fact that maintaining an organic garden is inexpensive. Here are some fundamental tips to get you well on your way to being a successful organic gardener.
Create useful rulers from your tool handles. Large handled tools such as shovels, rakes, and hoes can be used as measuring sticks. All you have to do is lay them on the floor then use a measuring tape to measure their length. It’s a good idea to label distances with a permanent marker. Now you will always possess a large ruler ready for your use in the garden.
When planting perennials, seek out those that are resistant to slugs. A plant can be completely demolished overnight by slugs and snails. These garden vermin prefer plants with tender, herbaceous stems and leaves, particularly seedlings and young plants. You can discourage snails and slugs from eating your perennials by choosing plants with tougher or distasteful foliage. Excellent varieties include heuchera, achillea, euphorbia, campanula, and helleborus.
Flower Garden
Use annuals and biennials to brighten your flower garden. Using a variety of flowers allows your flower garden to have a different look each season. They can be used to fill in gaps in your garden between the perennials or shrubs so your garden looks fuller. Some of these that you might consider are petunias, marigolds and sunflowers. If those are not flowers you like, you can also try cosmos, holyhocks or rudbeckias.
A certain amount of CO2 is necessary for plants to maximize their growth potential. More CO2 generally produces more luxurious plant growth. A greenhouse can concentrate the levels of CO2. When it is exposed to high carbon dioxide levels, a plant has the best growing condition possible.
Take extra care of any fragile shrubs that are known to drop their leaves in the autumn. Cold weather is very hard on these tender shrubs, and potted shrubs should be shielded and protected. Tie the tops of the canes together; then take a sheet and cover the wigwam loosely. This tactic is better than utilizing plastic, because it will allow air to circulate.
Interested in using Mother Nature to keep pests at bay the natural way? A border of marigolds or onions around your veggies can prevent slugs. You can also mulch around trees and shrubs with wood ash, which drives away insects. These methods prevent use of harsh chemicals.
Remember to place a layer of mulch over the soil around your vegetables, approximately 2 inches deep. The mulch will help keep the dirt around the plants more moist. It also keeps weeds from growing. This will save you time, money, and effort in your lovely garden.
More Gardening Ideas & Resources
Utilizing the advice provided in this article in your organic gardening efforts will produce great results. You will quickly see your garden becoming more productive and healthy, while being free of toxins. You can also look forward to a rise in the number of wild visitors you receive in your garden.