Organic gardening is a great way to grow your own food at home and relax at the same time. Yet for someone who is just a novice, horticulture can be a really intimidating thing to think about. How then should someone who does not have any experience start getting involved with organic gardening? Well, read the following tips.
Clay Soil
Many times when digging in clay soil the clay will adhere to the shovel, which will make it much harder to dig. Use a thin coat of floor or car wax on your shovel, then buff it with a nice clean cloth to make dealing with clay soil easier. The clay will slide off of its surface and it will prevent rust.
Use the handles of your tools as a handy ruler when doing your outdoor chores. Tools with long handles such as hoes and rakes can double as measuring sticks. Lay the tools down on the floor, then place a measuring tape along the handle. Mark the measurements with a permanent marker. When you are horticulture next, you’ll have a ruler beside you at all times.
When planting perennials, seek out those that are resistant to slugs. These creatures can wreak havoc on a garden in a short time. They tend to enjoy perennials that have thin, smooth, tender leaves, especially those of young plants. Perennials with hairy, tough leaves as well as those with unpleasant taste are not appetizing to snails and slugs. Examples of these include euphorbia, hellebourus and achillea. Others you may want to consider are campanula and heuchera.
Use annuals and biennials to brighten your flower garden. The annuals and biennials are usually fast growing because they only last one season, and this will let you change the garden every season for a nice change of pace. If there are gaps between the perennials and shrubs you have planted in a sunlit area, try filling those gaps with annuals and biennials. Attention-getting options exist such as sunflowers and petunias.
Climbing plants and vines are great for covering fences and wall structures. Plants that grow as climbers are quite versatile, helping you hide ugly walls or fences, many times within only one season of growth. They can cover an arbor, or grow through trees and shrubs. Some may need to be attached to a support, and others will attach themselves to any surface using their twining stems or tendrils. Some of the most reliable varieties are wisteria, clematis, jasmine, honeysuckle and climbing roses.
When winter arrives, transfer some plants into the house to save them. This is especially useful if you have a particular plant that you love or was expensive. Cautiously avoid the roots while digging, and put your plant into a perfectly sized pot.
Before planting seeds, soak them overnight. Place them in a cupboard or other place where they won’t be exposed to light. Place a small amount of seeds in a little container, while filling it to the brim with water. This will hydrate the seeds and facilitate growth. The seeds will have a better chance of surviving and maturing.
More Gardening Ideas & Resources
Now that you have read this article, you know why organic gardening is such a fun activity. Horticulture is not only a beautiful art but also a rewarding and relaxing way to spend your time. These tips are your key to becoming a top-flight organic gardener.
