If you have been dreaming of beautiful, healthy, green plants in a garden that you have cultivated, there are many things to consider so you can achieve that goal. Horticulture takes a lot of effort, planning, time and work, but it can be a great deal of fun. Here are some tips for making it less work and more fun!
Pay attention to how you lay sod. Before you lay the sod, the soil has to be prepared. Pull any weeds that you see, and work to break up the soil so that it is a fine tilth. Flatten your soil and make it slightly compact. Be sure the soil is thoroughly moist. Stagger your sod so that each joint offsets from joints in adjacent rows. The sod should form a flat and firm surface. Fill in gaps with soil. Water the sod for two weeks and then you can safely walk on it as it will have had time to properly root.
You can use the wooden handles of your tools as measurement sticks. Tools with long handles such as hoes and rakes can double as measuring sticks. Simply lay the handles out on the floor and run a measuring tape next to them. With a permanent marker, note pertinent measurements on the tool handle. Now you will always possess a large ruler ready for your use in the garden.
Choose perennials that are not vulnerable to attack by slugs. Your plants can be destroyed by slugs and snails overnight. They often enjoy feeding on perennials with very smooth and tender leaves. Young plants are a special favorite of theirs. Others, though, are disliked by slugs and snails. Those with rough leaves or an unappetizing taste will be less desired by slugs and snails. Excellent varieties include heuchera, achillea, euphorbia, campanula, and helleborus.
Carbon dioxide, or CO2, is essential to the growth of plants because of its role in photosynthesis. Most plants grow better in higher levels of CO2. The best way to get a lot of it is through a greenhouse. In this environment, the CO2 levels are kept high so the plants can experience optimal growing conditions.
Bulbs will give you wonderful flowers that you can enjoy in early spring and right through the summer. Most bulbs are extremely hearty and grow easily. They also come back year after year. You can select bulbs that bloom at many different times, so with a little work, you could have flowers popping up all the way from the start of spring to the end of summer.
You can plant wheat grass or cat grass near the plants that the cat eats. You may also place something offensively smelly atop the soil, like citrus peel or mothballs.
It is best to aerate and dry your plants daily. If you have excess moisture, this can attract bugs or diseases. Fungi is the most common parasite for plants. Fungi can be controlled with fungicide sprays, but it is important to treat your area with the spray, before you see any problems.
Novice gardeners should read the manuals on all horticulture tools and chemicals prior to using them. If you miss this easy step, you run the risk of harming yourself due to the chemicals that can irritate your skin. Keep yourself safe and always follow instructions.
Familiarize yourself with the optimum harvesting time of your vegetables. Every type of vegetable has a different moment of ripeness. For example, zucchini and baby peas are best picked young. Tomatoes, however, should be plucked from the vine the moment they appear ripe. You should know the proper time to pick vegetables.
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.