A garden is not just something you do to decorate. It is more than just an activity for the green-thumbed hobbyist. It can give a gardener a feeling of peace. Even better if you’re a good gardener, you can see tremendous effects.
Plant seeds in pots that have a rich soil to give them a strong start. This will help the plants make it to full growth. You will then be able to lessen the time between planting your seeds. Using this method, you can remove the mature plants, then put the seedlings in their places.
Chicken tractors are great for fertilizing your prospective garden area. Though not widely recognized, chicken tractors are essentially coops that are transient, comprised of a floor that is open and another area that is sheltered. Using this tractor, chickens can eat bugs and vegetation and fertilize the area at the same time. After fertilizing one spot, the tractor is moved to another.
Check the soil before you plant anything in your garden. Consider getting a soil analysis and working on enrichment techniques for giving your garden a vibrant and healthy environment. A lot of extension offices will offer this service and it is worth it so you know what your soil needs.
Grow wheat or cat grass around the plants your cat likes nibbling. Another option is to place something smelly, like citrus peels or mothballs, on the soil surrounding the plants that have previously been eaten.
Using natural materials in the garden will keep pests away. A good way to keep slugs away is to create a border with onions around a garden with vegetables. Marigolds would do this trick as well. Wood ash around your tree will help you keep pests away as well. With these natural methods, there is no need to purchase expensive, harsh pesticides.
Compost Pile
One good way to create layers for a compost pile is to add plant materials to big plastic bags. You can do this during the Autumn months directly after raking leaves. The bagged leaves should be stored in a warm area over winter. When spring arrives, you will have perfect soil material to add to your compost pile.
Sometimes the soil you want to use for your garden has a high alkaline content. Combine coffee grounds with the soil to reduce this. Using coffee grounds is a low-cost way to increase the acidity of the soil. This can help your veggies and greens look more vibrant and taste better!
To remove deposits of salt from clay pots, use a mixture of vinegar and alcohol. It is common for build-ups of salt to accumulate over long periods of time on pots made of clay. Spray a solution on the pot that is comprised of water, white vinegar and rubbing alcohol in equal parts. The salt will melt away as you scrub with a cleaning brush. Before planting anything in the pot, you should rinse it well and allow it to dry.
All of your vegetable plants should have approximately two inches, just outside the stem, of organic mulch placed around them. The mulch help keeps the soil that is around the plants much more moist for much longer. This method will also prevent weeds. Your plants will receive extra water and nutrients, and you’ll spend less time dealing with weeds.
Fall Colors
Plan your garden, and plant with fall colors in mind. It’s not necessary to think this way, however. Fall foliage provides for the most colorful season of the year. You can find beautiful maple and beech trees in many different fall colors. Add even more color to your garden by planting shrubs such as hydrangea, barberry or cotoneaster.
Use the knowledge you have gained here to resuscitate your garden today. When your plants bloom and come alive you will feel tremendous joy and satisfaction. Gardening is something that can change your life, if only you will let it, so get to it.