Organic horticulture can either be a major headache, or a very relaxing hobby. Here are some suggestions to get you on the right path to successful organic horticulture.
Do not improperly lay your new sod. Be sure to get your soil prepared before you start laying the new sod. Pull any weeds that you see, and work to break up the soil so that it is a fine tilth. Compact the soil lightly and firmly, and be sure to create a flat surface. Gently sprinkle water on the soil until you are certain that it is thoroughly moistened. When laying down sod, create staggered rows with offset joints. Make sure the sod is firmly placed to ensure a surface that is sufficiently flat and even. Also, make sure to use soil to fill the areas where there are gaps in the sod. Water your sod daily for a fortnight, which is enough time for it to root and be able to withstand foot traffic.
Set your mower blades higher, so you don’t cut the grass too short. If your grass has more height, roots be able to grow more deeply in the soil, which will make for a stronger lawn and will have a higher resistance to drying out. The shorter the grass is, the shorter the roots are, which leads to a dry lawn.
Coffee Grounds
Sometimes the soil you want to use for your garden has a high alkaline content. Combine coffee grounds with the soil to reduce this. Using coffee grounds is a less expensive way to make your soil more acidic than trying to replace your topsoil. This solution will make the vegetables you grow healthier and more flavorful.
Make sure that your deciduous shrubs are protected. If the temperature drops below 50 degrees, you should consider protecting them, especially if they do best in warm environments. Fasten the tops of the canes together, and cover this wigwam loosely with a cloth. This tactic is better than utilizing plastic, because it will allow air to circulate.
The best gardens from an environmental standpoint originate from seeds, instead of plants. The environmentally conscious way to start a new garden is to start with seeds. The plastic used in nurseries often end up in landfills, that is why it is advised to use seeds or purchase from nurseries that make use of organic materials when packaging their plants.
Pest Control
If you have a vegetable garden, it can be quite difficult to decide what to do about pest control. One major benefit of growing your own produce is knowing that they haven’t been treated with pesticides and other harsh chemicals. Persistence and care is a much better solution for pest control, but many avoid it because it actually requires some work on their behalf. Natural pest control depends on the type of soil in your garden and the variety of plants growing there.
Indoor plants need an environment that is between 65 and 75 degrees. The plants need this temperature in order to effectively grow. If your home isn’t that warm during in winter, try a heat lamp to use on your organic plants instead.
Don’t underestimate pine as a great mulch. Some garden plants are high in acidity, and do better with acidic soil. If you have acid loving plants, use pine needles as a mulch. Go ahead and cover the beds you have with needles a couple of inches and while they decompose, they actually disperse some acid into the soil.
More Gardening Ideas & Resources
Organic Gardening
As is evident by the information in this article, organic gardening involves much more than one might initially think. It takes effort and a willingness to learn. It is rewarding for those with patience, supplying healthy food and an attractive addition to the home. When you follow the organic gardening advice in the article above, you will have a successful and delicious bounty of fresh foods.