Many people select organic gardening to avoid using pesticides or commercial fertilizers on their garden for fear of long-term damage to their health and the environment. Another benefit is that organic horticulture techniques are often cost little-to-nothing. Below are some great tips to assist you grow to be the organic gardener that you hope to be.
Before you even place the first plant in your garden, you need to check the composition of your soil. For a small fee, a soil analysis can be obtained – based on that report – the soil can be properly enriched to support a vibrant garden. Several Cooperative Extension locations offer this service, and it’s advantageous for you to know what type of soil you have, in order to avoid growing faulty crops.
All plants need an adequate supply of carbon dioxide in order to thrive. Often, plants achieve better growth when they are surrounded by high levels of CO2. Getting a greenhouse is the best way to get a higher amount. It’s best to keep CO2 levels high for the best growth of your plants.
Keep an eye open for stink bugs in your garden, especially during the fall months. They like to feast on all kinds of fruits, as well as peppers, tomatoes, and beans. They can do serious damage in your garden, so look for an effective method of reducing their population.
If you want your garden full of flowers spring through summer, plant bulbs. These are hearty choices, choices that will reward you for years despite the little effort that is involved in their care. Different bulbs will bloom during different time periods. Therefore, if you select your bulbs correctly, you could have blooms in your garden for all of spring and summer.
You can alleviate this problem by planting grasses that your cat will naturally gravitate towards. Another option is to place something smelly, like citrus peels or mothballs, on the soil surrounding the plants that have previously been eaten.
When you mow your lawn, do not mow it close to the ground. If you let your grass grow, the roots will go deeper and make your lawn more resistant to dryness. The shorter the grass, the shallower the roots, which makes the lawn more likely to develop brown patches.
Vegetables should be planted in an area where they will get a minimum of six hours of daily sunlight. Most vegetables require this amount of sun in order to grow properly and at a quicker pace. Many flowers also require adequate sunlight to flourish.
Protect your delicate deciduous shrubs from harsh elements. Shrubs in pots especially need special care in the colder weather. 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.
Ensure that your plants are kept dry, and aerated daily. Damp leaves can lead to plant disease and parasites. Fungi is very common. Fungicide sprays can deal with fungal infestations, but they are most effective if you apply them before a fungus problem becomes noticeable.
If you use this advice concerning organic gardening, you will have a healthier yard in no time. Keep in mind that you can expect to see increase in wildlife when your garden begins to grow and work with nature.