
There is much more to horticulture than just having something pretty to look at. It is more than just an activity for the green-thumbed hobbyist. It is a great way to for one to relax, and to enjoy and appreciate nature. When you excel at horticulture, these effects can prove very positive within you life.
You will need to properly lay sod. Before you use sod, you need to prepare the soil. Pull all the weeds and loosen the soil so the new roots can take easily. Using a light but firm touch, compact the soil until it is flat. Thoroughly moisten the soil. You should lay your sod staggered, and have the joints offset. Firm the sod down to form a flat, even surface, and fill in any gaps between the sod with a little soil. Water the sod each day for two weeks so it will become well-rooted and ready for foot traffic.
Beginning your garden with healthy soil is your first defense against pests! The healthier the plants you grow, the more resistant they’ll be to illness, fungus, or bugs. Healthy, rich soil with fewer chemicals will increase the yield of your plants, and reduce accumulated salts.
Baking Soda
If your plants have a powdery mildew, don’t use expensive chemicals on them. Mix a little liquid soap and baking soda in water. Once every week, you should spray the mixture on your plants; the mildew will disappear shortly thereafter. Baking soda will effectively remove the mildew without damaging your plants.
Transplanting plants and bringing them indoors can protect them from harsh winters. Perhaps you can save your most expensive or resistant plants. Carefully dig around the rootball and replant in an appropriate pot.
Pre-soak your seeds through the night in a dark area. Soak the seeds by placing them in a container where they are covered with water. This will give your seeds a good start by making sure they have plenty of water, which they need to sprout. This will also give your seeds a much better chance to survive and mature.
Fresh mint is a wonderful addition to a herb garden, but it can quickly take over your entire yard. Contain their growth with a garden container or large pot instead. Plant the container in the ground, but its walls will hold those roots captive, and will prevent the plant from engulfing your garden!
Place a few inches of organically based mulch around your vegetable plants. The organic mulch will keep moisture in the soil for a little longer. It can also prevent weeds from growing. Time and effort will be saved pulling out all the weeds.
Controlling pests in your vegetable garden can be extremely difficult to deal with. Don’t spray harsh chemicals since they will spoil your veggies. Instead of resorting to these harmful chemicals, you can keep garden pests at bay simply by paying close attention. Taking the pests off of the plants by hand is one of the best fixes if you are able to catch the infestation in its early stages.
Choose one plant and make it the focal point of your garden. In a well designed garden you should have a focal point so that your eyes will stay there. Frequently, it will be a plant that’s very different from others in the neighborhood.
Apply the tips from above to bring new life to your garden. It is a decision you will not regret, especially when you see all your plants alive and blooming. Gardening can literally change your life, but only if you put in the effort and do it!