If you’re planning on eating healthier and saving a lot of money on groceries, growing an organic garden will accomplish that and much more. It can be a little daunting, however. From the type of mulch to use to the right equipment, there are many questions you need answered. There are also other other considerations, like the optimal soil for a garden and the right seeds. This article contains tips that will ensure you have everything you need to start an organic garden.
Make sure your soil is healthy enough before you start planting anything. 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. 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.
Be sure to get rid of the weeds growing in your garden. If you have weeds in your garden, it will not be as nice as it could be. White vinegar can be a good solution. White vinegar is a weed killer! If you don’t want to take the time to remove the weeds by hand, simply spray them with a white vinegar solution.
As you cut your grass, do not trim it too low to the ground. Higher grass sends roots further down, increasing lawn strength and viability. Short grass on the other hand is more susceptible to drying out.
It’s easy to just jump in and start gardening without thought, but it’s important to plan your garden first. This way, you will remember the places you planted your seeds when they start sprouting. It can also keep you from planting any of your garden favorites too close to each other.
Knee Pads
It is a good idea to invest in a good pair of knee pads, made specifically for horticulture. They can be very helpful when working close to the ground on low-growth plants. You will spend a lot of time on your knees while gardening, which can result in knee pain. Pick up a good pair of horticulture knee pads to help cushion your knees.
If you are just getting into gardening, make sure you heed all of the directions on fertilizer and chemical labels. Failure to follow instructions can be dangerous or painful. For example, some chemicals will irritate your skin if you don’t follow safety rules. Always follow packaging directions to ensure your body’s safety.
To give them a helping hand, pour the water you obtain after steaming vegetables over your plants. If you grow rhododendrons, azaleas or gardenias, increase the acid in your your soil by working in coffee or tea grounds. Chamomile tea is effective in combating a fungus problem within your garden.
Don’t use broad-spectrum pesticides in the garden. This particular type of pesticide will also kill the useful insects that consume the 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.
Make sure to wear sun protection gear if you’ll be working in the garden in the sun. Always apply sunscreen with an adequate SPF level. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Finally, throw on a wide-brimmed hat to protect your scalp. Using the right protection from the harmful rays of the sun means less of a chance of you getting sunburn and skin cancer.
If you plan to raise organic plants inside, you need to think about how much light they will get. Almost every type of plant you grow requires ample sunlight, so think about how much natural light you home receives or if you perhaps need to supplement with UV lamps. If you already have plants that need full light and the natural light provided is not sufficient, artificial lights can supplement their needs.
Learn to work efficiently. Don’t waste thirty minutes looking around for a tool. Take the time to prepare the necessary tools, and then store them in a easily accessed place once you are done horticulture. You can use a tool belt for this purpose, or choose pants that contain several large pockets.
Acquiring a good understanding of organic horticulture is necessary to grow all kinds of healthy fruits and vegetables. If you use the advice from this guide, you will have a healthy, lush garden in no time at all.
