There are so many natural alternatives available to you if you want to turn your garden organic. All you need to do is gain a little knowledge, and then put it to good use.
Using a solution of aspirin and water can prevent certain plant diseases. Dissolve one aspirin and a half for 2 gallons of water. The solution can then be used to spray the entire plant, and will offer protection naturally. Be sure to repeat this process every two or three weeks.
If you are growing plants organically indoors, you have to consider the light that they are getting. If your home does not let in sufficient light, then consider getting plants that thrive in low-light situations. You can also try using artificial lighting to help.
Have your tools for gardening nearby in order to maximize your efficiency with gardening. You should use a large pail and wear sturdy pants that have several pockets. Keep your gloves, pruning shears, a hand spade and your other tools handy to quickly and easily do your garden maintenance.
Pine is a surprisingly good source of mulch. There are many types of plants with a high acidity, which means they thrive in acidic soil. If you have these plants in your garden, keep them healthy by using pine needles as mulch. Cover the surface of the ground with a two-inch layer of the pine needles; as the needles break down, they will release acid into the soil and nourish your plants.
Within your composting heap, ensure that there is an equal split of dried and green plant materials. You can use all types of green material in your compost pile, including cut grass, dead flowers, fruit peels and cores, and much more. Examples of dried plant material are sawdust, shredded paper, straw, cut-up woody material, and cardboard. Avoid ashes, meat, charcoal and diseased plants in your compost.
If you have recently planted seeds in your organic garden, you should regularly aerate the soil by using your hands to gently sift it. It may sound a little odd to do this, but there is actually proven research that shows this helps the plants grow.
Organic gardening is more difficult than gardening with chemicals, but you will reap a greater reward. Growing organic is healthier and just overall better for you. Make sure you try your best to grow organic as opposed to adding chemicals to your garden.
Add mulch to your garden to improve the vitality of the soil. Protection is provided by placing the layer of mulch upon the soil. It prevents soil temperature from getting too warm on hot, sunny days, which protects your plants’ roots. It will also stop the soil from losing it’s moisture in the hot sunlight. Mulch is also great for controlling weed growth.
An excellent feature of organic vegetables is that they contain no pesticides. Even though you are providing a much healthier option for your family, it is important to recognize the increased need for insect inspection.
Plant Garlic
Grow garlic in your organic garden. The best time to plant garlic is either early spring or in the fall. Plant garlic in moist soil with good drainage. The cloves should be planted four inches apart from one another and about one to two inches deep, with their ends pointed up. While they are growing and still green, the shoots can be used like scallions or chives. When the top turns brown, it is time to harvest the bulbs. To harden the garlic’s skin after picking, dry the it in the sunlight for a few days. Store the cloves in a cool area. They can be tied or left loose.
When watering your garden, a soaker hose may be your best bet. The water seeps slowly out of these hoses and can be directed straight to the roots so that the leaves stay dry. A soaker-hose does a better job and is easier than using a sprinkler or watering can.
Always think about what alternatives to chemicals you can use to solve problems in your garden. Remember that chemicals have no place in organic gardening and should not be used. Rather than dousing your garden with chemical fertilizers, use an organic alternative. For example, consider creating your own compost heap. One good thing about using an organic method is that the use of inorganic fertilizers contain lots of chemicals that can build up and end up in the drinking water.
If you are planning to plant trees or shrubs in your yard, you should pay close attention to the hole that you have dug. If the sides of the hole you dug is packed hard by the shovel, the roots of your plant may have difficulty penetrating the surrounding soil.
Gardening is within everybody’s reach, but you will only make the most of your gardening experience with knowledge. You need to make sure you are utilizing this advice about organic gardening.