For a healthy lush garden, you will need more than a green thumb. You may imagine your neighbor has the key to a perfect garden. Actually, a beautiful lawn and garden can be cultivated without the use of secrets or magic. It simply requires practical information about how to care for a variety of plants. Begin your search for gardening knowledge with the tips below and get ready to develop an even greener thumb.
Invest in a kneeling stool, and a wheelbarrow to work in the garden. Spending a lot of time near the ground working is very hard on the knees, so a lightweight and portable garden stool will make gardening more comfortable. As well, gardening can involve some heavy lifting and moving, so a strong wheelbarrow can really make that aspect much more effortless.
Large plants, such as shrubs and trees, should be planted during the fall as this encourages a strong root system to develop. The ground is somewhat warm when compared to the temperature of the air, and the plants are stripped of their leaves, the root system can get all of the plant’s resources and create a strong foundation.
When you are mowing your lawn do not cut it too closely to the dirt. By leaving your grass a little taller, you are allowing it to become stronger, as the roots grow stronger and deeper. Grass that is shorter has a root system that is easier to dry out.
A typical English garden combines various plants of differing heights in a single bed. Plants that grow to be the same height end up uniform and flat looking.
When you are thinking about planting a garden, think about the herbs and veggies you use on a regular basis. This can reduce your food bill every month and help you use your gardening space. Especially if you have little space, it’s pointless to grow anything that your family won’t eat.
Start your garden off right with seeds, not plants. The most “green” way to create a new garden is starting from seeds. Since plastics that are in nurseries aren’t recycled very often and therefore usually wind up in landfills, you should begin with seeds or purchase from the nurseries that use natural materials in their plants’ packaging.
Fertilize your garden. If you decide to use manure, which is great for your plants, choose a pathogen free commercial product. There are numerous types of fertilizers available. What type you select is less of a concern; any kind of fertilizer is better than none.
Remember to always keep your horticulture tools stored in a secure, safe place. Do not leave your belongings in sight, and get a lock for the garage or shed where you keep your tools; you do not want your valuables to go missing.
Think about using evergreens in your yard that produce berries during the year. The evergreens will add some color to your garden or yard, especially during the winter, when other plants have died or lost color. Some evergreens that will add life to your yard in the wintertime are the American Cranberrybush, Common Snowberry, Winterberry, and American holly.
To attract insects that will benefit your garden, plant heather. Bees love heather, and when the heather blooms in early spring, it provides a good nectar source for them. 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. If you do have to tend to your heather, wear gloves in case you accidentally annoy one of the residents!
If you want a strange, yet successful, green answer to getting rid of weeds, boil them to death. A pot full of boiling water is an effective herbicide, yet it is, chemically speaking, completely harmless. Soak weeds with freshly boiled water, just being mindful to not afflict damage on plants you want to keep. Boiling water is not good for the weed roots and will stunt further growth.
Water your plants with some rainwater to be a ‘green’ gardener. A barrel or similar vessel can accumulate rainwater for you, saving you money off your monthly water bill by using a free natural resource. This is a great way to ensure an all-natural garden and to save money.
If your garden is small, consider planting one or more dwarf fruit trees. In a city lot, you might find a very small garden area. Nonetheless, a miniature fruit tree can be squeezed in. You will have to wait at least three years before your tree bears full size fruits. Keep dormant trees abundantly watered after planting in the early spring.
Plant annuals and biennials to make your flower beds brighter. Using a variety of flowers allows your flower garden to have a different look each season. They can make a handy, gap-filler between shrubs and perennials located in sunny areas. Attention-getting options exist such as sunflowers and petunias.
To give them a helping hand, pour the water you obtain after steaming vegetables over your plants. Some plants, such as gardenias, azaleas and rhododendrons need acidic soil for proper growth. Increase the acidity of your soil by adding coffee grounds and unused tea bags. Chamomile tea is a good remedy against fungus.
Pick your vegetables when the temperature is moderate to avoid bruising them. Vegetables and fruits should always be cut from the vine, not twisted; twisting subjects a plant to needless stress.
Use natural pest control when possible. Planting marigolds or onions around the border of your vegetable garden will help repel slugs. You can also prevent insect pests by using wood ash like mulch around your trees and shrubs. These methods are environmentally-friendly and mean you do not have to resort to harsh chemicals.
In conclusion, these gardening tips are easy to follow and simple to understand. Put the knowledge you have just learned to good use by gardening in a creative way. Observe the response of your plants to the various techniques you try. When something doesn’t work, then go ahead and try out new strategies. Do your research, take time to tend to your garden and be patient to see amazing results.