Organic horticulture will require some extra research and active avoidance of chemicals. For instance, you have to know certain things like pH balance in soil or things that can fend off bugs naturally when you get into horticulture. Growing an organic garden can be hard for someone inexperienced. If you want your organic garden to be a success, read the tips presented here.
Check your soil before you begin planting your garden. There are soil testing services that can analyze a garden’s soil content for a small charge. With those results, it’s then possible to refine and supplement the soil to make it as fertile as possible. A lot of cooperative extension offices can provide this service to you and it is worth knowing what you need to do in order to avoid ruining your plants.
When fall is here, you need to plant autumn edibles. If you’d like to change things up a bit this season, put away your standard clay pots and plant your lettuce and kale inside of a pumpkin instead! When you have finished cutting and cleaning the pumpkin, spray it with some liquid that will stave off wilting to keep it from rotting. Now you can use the pumpkin as a planter.
You can plant wheat grass or cat grass near the plants that the cat eats. You can also put something on top of the soil around the plants that has an offensive smell to cats, such as mothballs or citrus peel.
Create your own garden from scratch with seeds, rather than plants. Starting from seed is far less harsh on the environment than using plants you buy at the nursery. Many nurseries use plastic growing pots that are very seldom recycled. Try buying from organic nurseries and farms so your garden is not using anti-environmental products.
Select a specific type of plant to be the focal point of your garden. A focal point can help direct a viewers gaze. Mostly it is a distinctive plant that sets it apart from the neighboring plants and flowers.
Organic Garden
A great way to ensure that your organic garden will do well is to keep a section of your land unspoiled. The natural wildlife will spring up and make for a perfect organic habitat. The kind of birds and insects needed for pollination will be naturally present on your property and help with your organic garden.
Do not rush planting seeds in your garden. The first thing you should do before planting is moisturize the soil. Then you want to spread your seeds evenly while making sure that they have enough room to grow. Bury your seeds about three times deeper than the size that they are. Some seeds should not be buried at all as they need light to grow.
Flower Beds
For your flower beds, organic material should be used as mulch. Two or three inches should be enough. A thick layer of mulch will prevent weeds, reduce watering needs and fertilize your garden. In addition, your flower beds will have a beautiful, finished appearance year round.
Old laundry baskets are handy tools at harvest time. An old laundry basket makes an excellent strainer for cleaning your produce. While your freshly harvested fruits and vegetables are still in the basket, rinse them off and any excess water will run off through the laundry basket holes.
More Gardening Ideas & Resources
Now, you shouldn’t get your hopes up and believe that a few tips are going to turn you into an instant professional gardener. However, these tips are a great starting point if you do plan to grow organically. As you implement these tips and hone your skills, you’ll be a professional green-thumb-holder in no time.