There is much more to horticulture than just having something pretty to look at. Gardening can be an activity for a lot people. It is not limited to simply green-thumbed enthusiasts. It can give a gardener a feeling of peace. If you become a avid gardener, it will have a great effect on your way of living.

Choose higher yield plant varieties. Frequently, a hybrid that is able to deal with extreme temperatures will bring higher yields than the more traditional variety of a plant.

Turn the handles of tools you have on hand into rulers to make measurements in your garden. Tools with substantial handles, like rakes, hoes and large shovels are great for taking measurements. Measure the handles with a tape measure laid out in the floor. Then, transfer the measurements to the handle using a permanent marker. When the need arises to measure something while in your garden, the measuring tool you need will literally be “on hand,” sketched into the handles of your tools.

Keeping your garden soil rich and healthy is the best way to discourage garden pests. Healthy plants are naturally more resilient against pests and disease. Healthy, rich soil with fewer chemicals will increase the yield of your plants, and reduce accumulated salts.

Soil Needs

Your soil needs to be of good quality before you start a garden. A soil analysis report can be acquired for a nominal fee. You can then use the results of that report to determine if the soil needs to be modified before you begin planting. Many Cooperative Extension offices will provide this service, and it is well worth knowing exactly what the soil needs to avoid ruining a crop or two.

If a test indicates that your soil is very alkaline, you can mix the dirt with used coffee grounds. Used coffee grounds will add acidity, helping to optimize the soil’s pH. The plants will be healthier, leading to more delicious home-grown veggies.

One natural method of weed removal is called “boiling”. One of the safest “herbicides” you can find is a pot of boiling water. Just pour boiling water directly on top of the weeds cautiously to avoid damaging your plants. This can cause enough damage to the roots of any plant to kill it.

Try dividing the irises. Overgrown clumps of irises can be divided up to increase your numbers of this lovely flower. After foliage is no longer alive, remove the flowers with bulbs. The bulbs split in your hand, then you replant them, and they will most likely flower next year. Make use of a knife to split up rhizomes. Cut the center out of each rhizome but save the pieces. If done properly, each piece that remains for planting should have a minimum of one viable offshoot. Replant right away.

Many people think the best green gardens start from seeds, rather than plants. Your can contribute to environmental soundness by beginning your garden with fresh seeds. It is common for commercial plants to be packaged in plastic that is not commonly recycled, and therefore, it is better to use seeds or purchase plantings only from merchants who make use of organic packaging.

Be sure your garden is fertilized. Manure is a great garden additive, but it is important that you choose a manure that has been composted commercially so that there is less of a risk of pathogens. There are numerous types of fertilizers available. What type you select is less of a concern; any kind of fertilizer is better than none.

Use this article to revive your garden. You will be overjoyed to know that your plants are healthy! Horticulture is something that can change your life, if only you will let it, so get to it.