People who start doing organic horticulture do so because they don’t like toxic effects of pesticides and fertilizers. Another benefit is that organic horticulture techniques are often cost little-to-nothing. Here are some strategies to aid you in becoming a good organic gardener.
Cover any wall or fence with climbers. Climbing plants can cover a wall after one growing season only. They can also grow through existing shrubs or trees, or be trained to cover an arbor. Sometimes the plants will require being tied to supports, but some climbers will attach themselves naturally. Climbing roses, honeysuckle, wisteria, clematis, and jasmine are some great plants to try out.
Before you begin to plant your garden you will need to check the soil. An inexpensive soil report can be used to adjust soil nutrients to optimum levels, which will ensure your garden thrives. Many offices of Cooperative Extension will do a soil analysis, and it is important to know how to improve soil so that all crops can grow in it.
Make a plan for your garden. Doing this makes it easier to keep track of where you planted what when you first start to see sprouts. This can also help prevent you from losing smaller plants or smaller groups of plants within a larger garden area.
There are many natural substances that are effective for warding off unwanted visitors. Slugs who want to enter a vegetable garden, for example, can be repelled by a simple border of marigolds and onions. You can also prevent insect pests by using wood ash like mulch around your trees and shrubs. These are proven methods without having to use harsh chemical pesticides.
If you are a first time gardener, it is important that you follow all of the instructions on all of your tools and chemicals. You might end up damaging your plants or getting a skin irritation. So make sure you take precautions, follow the simple directions and be safe.
You should get a wheelbarrow and a kneeling stool for garden work. Working in the garden means you’ll be down on the ground a lot. This can cause knee pain, so if you have a stool, you’ll have an easier time. Gardening involves moving heavy objects and dirt, so a wheelbarrow makes for a wise investment.
Horticulture is a great relaxation activity. Many methods of relaxation can be employed to lead a peaceful life. Working in the garden is among the simplest. The generous return of a garden far outweighs the minimal investment of money required. Knowing that you have grown these plants yourself can give you a great feeling of joy and inner peace.
Are you a parent? If you are, try planting some strawberries like everbearing strawberries in your garden. Kids are quite eager to pick fruit from a garden, and will help with the planting if they get a nice snack out of it at the end.
Coffee Grounds
Add used coffee grounds to your garden soil. Coffee grounds will add nitrogen to your soil which will make them helpful for some of your plants. Coffee grounds as a source of nitrogen for plants are usually limited to acid-loving plants because coffee is acidic. It is best for your plants to use coffee grounds that are part of a blend of ingredients in the compost or soil you are using for your plants, rather than directly adding coffee grounds to your garden plants.
By taking advantage of the advice you’ve read in this article, you’ll be able to have a garden free of pesticides and full of healthy produce. You can also look forward to a boost in the volume of wildlife inhabiting your nature-loving garden.
