You may feel that the subject of horticulture is a bit daunting, but the truth is that you will have no problem learning all of the information and skills necessary to succeed. Read on to learn some helpful tips to help educate you on the subject of horticulture, allowing you to become a more proficient gardener.
Clay soil makes working with a shovel difficult. The clay is hard and sticks to the shovel. 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.
Select plant varieties capable of producing large yields. A plant that is resistant to disease, or one that is tolerant of extreme weather, will deliver a higher yield.
When mowing your lawn, be careful not to cut the grass too far down. If you leave your grass a bit longer, the roots can grow deeper. This results in a lawn that is stronger and less likely to dry out. If the grass is too short that will lead to shallow roots, which will cause a brown and dried-out lawn.
Try to keep your plants aerated and dry, every day. Moisture not only attracts parasites, but also makes it easier for your plants to contract diseases. In fact, fungi love a wet plant and can cause a great deal of damage. You can rid your garden of fungi with fungicidal sprays. However, it is best to treat your garden before there are problems.
Are you one of the millions who loves some fresh mint leaves, yet you absolutely hate the way they tend to take over any garden they are planted within? Contain their growth with a garden container or large pot instead. If you prefer, you can even place the container in the ground, but the pot’s walls will prevent the mint from spreading and being a nuisance in your garden.
Make sure your pesticides are focused on only what you’re trying to kill. These pesticides can also kill useful insects that eat your pests. The helpful insects in your garden can be highly sensitive to pesticides and if their population goes down, the harmful insect population will grow. When this happens, you will spray another round of pesticides to get rid of the pests, thus creating a never-ending cycle for yourself.
Spray old aftershave, perfume, or scented products around the grass of your garden to prevent your dog from entering it. This can make scents that dogs are attracted to, and make your garden less interesting in general for pets.
Prepare the ground for a perennial garden quickly and easily. Take your spade and work up a thin layer of soil. Turn that soil over, then spread a few inches of wood chips on the newly turned area. Let the area have about two weeks, then dig it and plan the new perennials.
More Gardening Ideas & Resources
Not as tough as you were thinking, right? Like anything else, gardening is a big subject and there is a lot of information concerning it. The key is to simply find a good starting point and get going. Hopefully, this article will serve that purpose and set you on the path to a beautiful garden.