Horticulture is a very affordable and relaxing hobby. Family and friends can spend an enjoyable afternoon together, working in the garden. If you have children, they will be awe-struck by how seeds transform into colorful flowers and tasty vegetables. Additionally, horticulture is a powerful teaching tool that helps people and children appreciate the outdoors and nature. This article gives you hints that will make it easier for you to enjoy your garden, and if you are enjoying it, you will be more likely to include others.
Beginning your garden with healthy soil is your first defense against pests! If you have healthy looking plants, they are stronger and more resistant to diseases and bugs. Starting with soil that is in good condition can yield the best plants.
Before you plant anything in your garden, have the soil checked. You can do a soil sample analysis for an affordable fee and then know what you need to properly treat your soil with so you can grow the best plants. Cooperative Extension departments often offer this testing service. It is a worthwhile effort so a garden can be productive on the first year of planting.
Seeds should be soaked in a dark area overnight. Place your seeds in a container filled with water. This will allow your seeds to be hydrated and get a head start when growing. This way, the seeds you have planted will have some chance of growing.
When mowing your lawn do not cut it as short as possible. Higher grass has deeper roots, meaning a healthier lawn that will be less likely to dry out. Short grass is more prone to getting dried out and turning brown.
Try to have a plan with your garden. Use your seed packages to make fun markers that will remind you where each type of plant is growing. Another benefit is that you won’t lose the little plants in a big garden patch.
Knee Pads
Knee pads are a gardener’s friend when caring for plants low to the ground. Kneeling on the ground as you garden will eventually cause serious discomfort for your knees. Cushion your knees with a pair of gardening knee pads.
Be sure to buy a wheelbarrow and a kneeling stool that you can use for your garden. It’s rough on your knees to spend lots of time on the ground kneeling or squatting. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a portable, lightweight garden stool on hand. There is also a lot of heavy lifting involved with horticulture, so a good wheelbarrow is a great tool to have around.
If you have children, plant strawberries, especially everbearing strawberries, in your organic garden. Your children will enjoy being able to pick strawberries and will be ready to help you if they can get something sweet to eat.
If you are looking at creating an endurable organic garden, you should think about keeping some of your property vacant so that wildlife may flourish there. As the natural wildlife begins to flourish, the various insects, birds, and other natural life around will all blend together and actually assist your garden as it begins to grow.
Having a garden of perennials can be an easy and quick process. Only a garden spade and woods chips are necessary. To prepare the garden, slice out sheets of turf using the spade, and flip the turf upside down. Then, cover the newly turned soil with wood chips, approximately three inches deep. Let the area have about two weeks, then dig it and plan the new perennials.
After seeds have sprouted, they require less warmth than they did prior to sprouting. As they begin growing you can move them farther away from heat sources. You should also remove plastic films that you had on your containers to keep the humidity and warmth out. Monitor the seeds carefully so you know the best time to do it.
No matter whether you garden with others or on your own, you can use these suggestions. You can take what you’ve learned here, and show your family how amazing the hobby is, enjoying it with them as often as you wish.
