Many people get into organic gardening since they fear the toxic effects of commercial pesticides and fertilizers, both on the environment and their health. Also, the majority of organic gardening strategies require very little money. To begin your journey into the world of organic gardening, follow these tips.
If you want a sustainable garden, leave part of it undisturbed as a home for the wildlife in the area. You will find that many of the supporting cast of insects and birds that aid in plant production and pollination will be present on your land and actually help your developed gardens to produce better.
Perennial gardens should be prepared easily and quickly in the ground. It isn’t as hard as it may seem; you basically just slice down under the turf, flip it over, and spread wood chips four to three inches. Wait two weeks, then dig in and plant the new perennials.
Tools Close
To be more efficient when working in your organic garden, have your tools close at hand. Keep the tools in a big bucket, or store them in strong pockets in your pants. A gardener’s tool belt will allow you to keep your gardening gloves and other tools close by while you are working in your garden.
When a seed actually sprouts, it doesn’t need to be in as warm an environment. Move your plants further away from your heat source as they grow. Also, remove plastic coverings from the tops of your growing containers to keep them from becoming too warm or humid. Keep a close watch on your seeds to know when to do this.
Use several inches of organic materials for mulch in your flower beds. This practice is an easy way to discourage weeds, retain moisture, and add valuable nutrients to your garden. Mulch also completes your garden, giving it a finished appearance.
You need to make sure you are very efficient when working in your organic garden. Do not spend half an hour looking everywhere for a tool. Prepare all of your tools prior to working in the garden, and then put them away neatly when finished. One way to keep your tools handy is to use a belt especially designed to hold them. An alternative is to wear a garment with multiple pockets that are big enough to hold your more commonly used tools.
Don’t let your organic gardening tasks stack up for very long. Sometimes it might prove difficult to get in a little gardening time every day. However, you shouldn’t fret, as there are a few things you can do that can minimize the time you spend gardening when you do manage to get to it. While you are with your pet outside, pull some weeds while the pet does its business.
Plant Materials
Your compost pile should contain green plant materials and dry plant materials. Green plant material comprises leaves, weeds, spent flowers, grass clippings, and fruit and vegetable waste. Examples of dried plant material are sawdust, shredded paper, straw, cut-up woody material, and cardboard. Don’t throw charcoal, meat or manure into your compost.
Create a raised bed for your garden out of stone, bricks or untreated wood. If you choose to use wood, make sure it is naturally rot resistant and untreated. Good choices are cypress, cedar and locust. Treated wood can leach chemicals into any soil it rests against, so don’t use it in a garden with vegetables. If you have some space treated wood, you can still use it, however, be sure to line it with some type of barrier like plastic sheeting.
While gardening organically requires more work than gardening with the help of chemicals, the rewards are worth it. Chemicals are extremely efficient, but the organic method is the best way to get healthy produce.
Grow garlic in your organic garden. You can place garlic cloves directly into the moist, fertile soil during spring or autumn months. Plant them two inches into the soil with the ends up, and leave four inches between each clove. You can cut green garlic shoots while they grow, you can then use them in place of scallions and chives. When the tops of the bulbs begin turning brown, they are ready for harvesting. Make sure you put the garlic in the direct sunlight for days so that the skin will harden. Store the garlic in an area that’s cool, either tied up in bunches or loose.
By implementing the advice that is in this article, you can expect to have a healthy, toxic free, productive garden in the very near future. When you are organic gardening and working with nature, you will also see a lot of wildlife coming to visit!