If you have visions of a healthy, lush, green garden, there are things you should consider on your way to that goal. There is much fun and much work involved in horticulture. Below you will find some wonderful tips for making horticulture more fun and less work!
See to it that you fertilize your garden. If you decide to use manure, which is great for your plants, choose a pathogen free commercial product. Choosing a specific type of fertilizer is not particularly critical; as long as you’re using fertilizer, you’re improving your soil.
Healthy Soil
Healthy soil will be your best defense against the pests that can invade your garden. The healthier the plants you grow, the more resistant they’ll be to illness, fungus, or bugs. For healthy plants, start with healthy soil that is properly amended and free of chemicals in order to avoid salt accumulation.
Use cologne or other items with a distinct scent to keep your canine out of the landscaping. These scents overpower the garden’s scents, which causes your dog to lose interest.
Make sure you protect any tender deciduous shrubs. Cold weather is very hard on these tender shrubs, and potted shrubs should be shielded and protected. You want to then tie the tops of the canes together, and cover them with a sheet or blanket. This method works better than covering your bushes in plastic, allowing air to circulate and preventing rotting.
It is important to remember that a healthy garden requires water. Plants require water to survive, just like people. It is important to make sure gardens are properly hydrated. This is especially important in the dry summer months where the garden gets very little rain. Consistent watering contributes to a flourishing garden.
If you have a wall or fence that you do not like, plant climbers to mask its appearance. Climbing plants are great for hiding hideous fences and walls, and they usually grow within a season. You can also use them in your landscape to cover an existing arbor, or allow them to climb up trees, or through shrubs. Some require ties attaching them to supports, but others will attach themselves to any surface nearby. You can be sure that varieties such as climbing roses, wisteria, jasmine, clematis and honeysuckle will grow very well.
Prior to planting your garden, devise a plan. That way, if you see your plants beginning to bud but can’t recall what they are, you can refer back to your plan to refresh your memory. It’s also a good way to keep smaller plants from getting swallowed up by the rest of your garden.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds can be used to amend soils that are high in alkaline. The coffee grounds are an inexpensive way to give some acid back to the dirt. This simple act can lead to vegetables that taste better and look more appealing.
Start your garden by planting seed in small pots. Starting from seed is far less harsh on the environment than using plants you buy at the nursery. Packaging materials for many plants utilize plastics that are not recyclable, so avoid these containers and choose instead to sow your garden with seeds or utilize organic pots.
Water your garden wisely. Consider a soaker hose as a way to water multiple plants while saving time. Keep the water running slowly so it doesn’t spray up onto the plants’ leaves. You can go about your business and leave your soaker hose at work for an hour or two.
You can easily build up plan material layers for compost by filling large garbage bags with the material. This is best done after the leaves have been raked in the fall. Store the leaves you rake in a bag in a nice warm place. By spring, you’ll have a larger, fresh compost pile.
To encourage root development, plant large trees and shrubs in the autumn. The ground is warm and the plants will lack leaves in the fall. The plants will thus focus on building up their root system, which will give you a strong foundation.
When fall has arrived, it is time to plant the edibles for the autumn. Rather than using clay pots or planters for your lettuce and kale, plant them in a pumpkin! First, cut out the pumpkin’s top layer and remove the seeds. Then, spray some Wilt-Pruf on the insides to prevent the rot that would follow otherwise. You can start planting now.
Clay Soil
Digging in clay soil with a shovel can be very difficult. The clay isn’t easy to work with and will adhere to the shovel, which only makes the problem worse. Use a thin coat of floor or car wax on your shovel, then buff it with a nice clean cloth to make dealing with clay soil easier. Not only will the clay slide off the surface, but it will keep the end from rusting.
Transfer your favorite plants indoors to rescue them from the winter frosts. You can save the ones you spent the most money on or the ones that are resistant. Be careful not to damage the root system as you dig up the plant, and place it in a pot.
Try dividing the irises. Overgrown clumps of irises can be divided up to increase your numbers of this lovely flower. Once the foliage has died off, lift out your bulbous irises. As soon as you pick up the bulb, it’ll split into pieces. That’s okay – in fact, it’s desirable. You can replant the bulb pieces and next year you’ll have a healthy bed of new irises. Utilize a knife if you are trying to divide rhizomes. Cut new outside pieces and dispose of the center. Every piece is suppose to have at least one durable offshoot. Set your cuttings into the ground right away.
With these tips, you’re better equipped to grow the most beautiful garden you can imagine. In learning how to create your dream garden, you’ll also be growing as a person. That’s because learning how to nurture your plants will not only help you reach the goal of having a great garden, but it will help you learn to nurture yourself.