You are ready to grow a healthy organic garden. What great timing. The following tips can help you realize your plans for your garden.
It may be helpful to let your plants begin their life in a pot and to transfer them to your garden when they're seedlings. They are more likely to survive the transition to adulthood with this method. In addition, it lets you tighten the time in between plantings. The seedlings are reading for planting immediately after you remove older plants.
Soil Analysis
Do a soil analysis prior to planting. A soil analysis is inexpensive and can be used to figure out which nutrients should be added to provide a healthy garden environment. Many offices of Cooperative Extension will do a soil analysis, and it is important to know how to improve soil so that all crops can grow in it.
Soak seeds overnight, preferably in a cool, dark place. Place a couple seeds in each container, then fill it close to full with water. The seeds will get the hydration they need to start growing. The seeds will now have a greater chance of maturing and surviving.
You can prevent pests using other plants or natural materials. Planting marigolds or onions around the border of your garden will repel slugs. Wood ash used as mulch helps repel pests as well when around shrubs and trees. Using these natural methods will reduce the need for potentially harmful chemical pesticides.
Plant for fall color. That need not be the case though! The brightest season of the year when it comes to foliage is fall. Maple trees can range from beautiful reds and yellows in addition to Beech or Dogwood trees. Consider hydrangea, barberry and cotoneaster when considering purchasing a shrub.
Heather is a magnet for friendly insects. Bees are drawn to heather, as heather is an early provider of spring nectar. Heather doesn't usually require a lot of tending, so spiders, ground beetles and other good bugs like to call it home. With this in mind, be sure to prune your heather while wearing gardening gloves.
To create an attractive, quintessentially English garden, you need to use a mixture of different plants that all grow to varying heights in each bed. By using plants which are all the same height your garden will appear flat and boring.
When planting seeds, make sure to take your time. First, add moisture to the soil where you will be planting. Then you want to spread your seeds evenly while making sure that they have enough room to grow. Typically, seeds should be planted at a depth that is equal to three times their size. Some seeds require direct sunlight to grow, and these should be left on top of the soil.
Sprouting seeds need less warmth than before. As your baby plants grow, you can move them from their heat source. You should also remove plastic films that you had on your containers to keep the humidity and warmth out. Check on your seeds often so you catch them when they are ready.
Use approximately two or three inches of natural, organic material as some mulch in every single flower bed. By doing this, you can lock in moisture, discourage weed growth, and nourish your plants. It will also increase the visual appeal of the flower beds.
Have plastic bags on hand to put over dirty gardening shoes. You'll be able to keep your momentum going without needing to take off your shoes, and stay on track with your gardening project.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are a great addition to soil. Coffee beans are loaded with nitrogen, which offers nourishment for plants. Generally, nitrogen is the limiting nutrient with any plant and having a good nitrogen source either by coffee grounds, compost, or even diluted urea, will make your plants bloom faster and grow taller.
You will now be better prepared as you start pursuing organic horticulture. If you thought you were prepared previously, then you should be at a pro's level now! Use the advice you have been given to make your organic garden bloom like never before.