Though lots of people assume horticulture is akin to rocket science, the truth is that knowledge is the key to success. The proper information can make anyone a great gardener. When you have completed this article, you will have learned everything you need to know to show off your green thumb.
Turn the handles of tools you have on hand into rulers to make measurements in your garden. You can use larger tools, like rakes, as measuring sticks. Just run some measuring tape right on the floor next to the handles. Then, transfer the measurements to the handle using a permanent marker. Now when you go garden the next time, you’ll have a giant ruler at your command.
Try to plan a variety of perennials that are slug-proof. These creatures can wreak havoc on a garden in a short time. Certain perennials that don’t have tough leaves are especially tasty to snails and slugs. Perennials that are unappetizing in taste, or that have hardened and hairy leaves, are not a favorite of slugs or snails. Several good choices include heuchera, campanula, achillea, and euphorbia.
You can make your flower beds brighter with biennials and annuals. Using a variety of flowers allows your flower garden to have a different look each season. Use them to fill gaps between shrubs and perennials in the sun. Some of these that you might consider are petunias, marigolds and sunflowers. If those are not flowers you like, you can also try cosmos, holyhocks or rudbeckias.
Baking Soda
You do not need store-bought chemical treatments for plant mildew. Combine a bit of liquid soap and some baking soda with water. Once every week, you should spray the mixture on your plants; the mildew will disappear shortly thereafter. No damage will occur to your plants, and the baking soda is mild and efficient.
Be sure to weed your garden. Weeds will cause your garden to become overgrown and cluttered. You might want to think about using white vinegar to do this. The acidity of the vinegar is harmful to most plants. By placing a white vinegar solution in a spray bottle, you can spray the weeds away instead of having to pull them out manually.
You should divide irises. Divide any overgrown clumps to increase your stock. If you find any dead irises in your garden, immediately pull up the bulbs. The bulbs split in your hand, then you replant them, and they will most likely flower next year. Cut rhizomes into pieces with a knife. Cut several new pieces out of the outside and get rid of the old center. Every piece is suppose to have at least one durable offshoot. All that is left to do is immediately replant the pieces you have created and let the cycle begin anew.
To keep dogs from disturbing your garden, spray some old aftershave, cologne, perfume or other strongly-scented products in the dirt or grass surrounding it. This will mask the garden smell that is attracting your dog, and it will make it a less appealing place for your dog to visit.
To draw good insects to your garden, plant heather. Bees like heather, and they get their nectar from it early in the spring. In addition, beds of heather are usually left alone. Because of this, insects that are good for your garden often make them a home, such as beetles or spiders. Protect yourself from being surprised by these bugs by donning gardening gloves before disturbing your heather beds.
If you have plants inside, make sure the thermostat stays between 65 and 75 degrees. Your plants will not grow well if it is too cold. If you aren’t wanting your house to be this warm in the winter, you can use a heat lamp on the plants.
When planting seeds, make sure to take your time. First, you should loosen the soil, and ensure that it is sufficiently moist. Next, you should spread the seeds evenly so they can grow with room. Seeds need to be buried as deep as three times the seed size. Some seeds should not be buried at all as they need light to grow.
For your flower beds, organic material should be used as mulch. Two or three inches should be enough. By doing this, you can lock in moisture, discourage weed growth, and nourish your plants. It also adds a uniform and cohesive look to the garden.
As was previously stated, gardening is not a difficult chore if you obtain a little knowledge. When you have the correct information, gardening can be both easy and fun. The tips we have provided are a great place to start on your path to becoming an expert gardener.