Organic gardening isn’t as easy as it seems. There are so many things to consider, such as proper pH balance, natural but effective pesticides, adequate sunlight and water supplies and so on. Organic horticulture can be a bit tricky for those who are trying it for the first time. Read on to find some tips to make gardening in a clean, organic fashion a little easier and more fun to do!
Choose perennials that slugs are not attracted to. Your plants can be destroyed by slugs and snails overnight. They tend to enjoy perennials that have thin, smooth, tender leaves, especially those of young plants. Others, though, are disliked by slugs and snails. Those with rough leaves or an unappetizing taste will be less desired by slugs and snails. Examples of these include euphorbia, hellebourus and achillea. Others you may want to consider are campanula and heuchera.
Use both biennials and annuals to add color to your flower bed. Biennials and annuals that grow quickly can add color to a flower bed, plus they permit you to modify the way the flower bed looks each season and each year. In addition, you might need something to fill empty spaces in your flower garden. Fill gaps with annuals or biennials. Just make sure the flowers will get enough sun to thrive. Some excellent choices include rudbeckia, hollyhock, sunflower, cosmos, petunia and marigold.
Baking Soda
If you notice powdery mildew on your plants, do not buy an expensive chemical. Mix plain baking soda with a small bit of liquid soap and water. Once a week, spray this solution on your plants and your mildew should disappear in no time. Baking soda treats the mildew effectively and gently and it won’t damage your plants.
When partaking in horticulture activities, particularly in the autumn months, keep an eye on those stink bugs. They thrive on fruits, citrus, peppers and various beans. If you do not check, they do a lot of damage to plants so try to get rid of them if you can.
If you have a vegetable garden, it is crucial they are kept in a spot with at least six hours of sun each day. Most vegetables need at least that much sun exposure to grow properly. It’s also the same for some types of flowers.
Protect your delicate deciduous shrubs from harsh elements. Cold weather is very hard on these tender shrubs, and potted shrubs should be shielded and protected. Tie together the tops, and then use a sheet or blanket to cover the wigwam loosely. This method works better than covering your bushes in plastic, allowing air to circulate and preventing rotting.
Use care when you are watering the garden. To save time, use a soaker type hose so each plant doesn’t need individual watering from the nozzle of a hose or a little watering can. Keep the soaker’s water pressure at a low level, so that your tender plants will not be harmed. You can go about your business and leave your soaker hose at work for an hour or two.
Now, you shouldn’t get your hopes up and believe that a few tips are going to turn you into an instant professional gardener. However, these tips are a great starting point if you do plan to grow organically. As you implement these tips and hone your skills, you’ll be a professional green-thumb-holder in no time.