Organic Gardening Tip – 5 Tips To Successful Organic Gardens
October 6, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Unlike the popular theories that state that the space shuttle could miraculously appear if blown up enough times, an organic garden is usually not the result of an accident. People that have a successful garden have created one based upon their consistent upkeep, planning, and a desire to make their garden grow. Regardless of the therapeutic value the gardening has, relaxation has little to do with the steps that it takes to ensure the success of your gardening endeavor. Here are a few organic gardening tips on how to make sure that your organic garden goals are reached by looking at planning, soil preparation, fertilizers, irrigation, and insect and disease control.
As with all things that eventually come to pass, a plan is always needed. Not something that is thought of and reconsidered over time intermittently, but a specified plan of action that leads to a specified end result. When you decide to grow your garden, and you choose to do it in an organic matter, you will need to take a few things into consideration such as location, the environment that the plants will grow it, the time that it will take in order for you to properly take care of your garden, how much effort will be involved and are there any resources that you may or may not be able to acquire in order to reach your final goals.
Once you have a clear written outline of what it is you need to do and what you need to acquire to reach your garden goals, it is time to start the plan into action. Action is everything once the goals are defined. If you set your goals but neglect factors such as good seed, compost, or even a source of good water for your plants, you will fail in your attempt because any compromise will lead to an overall failure.
The next thing you begin doing is prepare your soil. Soil preparation is the foundation of the growth of any and all plants that you have. From the soil, the plants will be able to get their nutrients. Soil that is hard or dense will be almost impossible to aerate and therefore the plants will not get enough oxygen through the root system in order to thrive and flourish. Likewise, if there is no way for the water to evenly percolate to the plants roots in your garden, some plants will make it while others will die without consistent moisture, and some will be oversaturated and get root rot.
Another organic gardening tip is that you must also consider the consistency of the soil in regard to the amount of compost and nutrients that will be accessible to the seeds that will grow into the plants in the garden that you desire. By adding natural compost or other fertilizers to enhance the nutrients within the soil such as nitrogen or potassium, you will need to prepare this ahead of time, specifically as you are preparing the soil and getting ready to plant your seeds.
With reference to fertilizer, if you are doing this in an organic matter, some of the best fertilizer that you can get can either come from your compost pile or from a worm bin that you have created through your vermicomposting efforts. This needs to be prepared several weeks in advance so that it is ready to use when you are ready to plant. Compost that has not had time to properly finish will be detrimental to your soil and therefore proper preparation is always mandatory before getting ready to add these nutrients to the soil that will bear the fruit of your labor.
The consideration of water is also paramount in your success. You must have a way for your organic garden to get enough water on a regular basis so that it can grow unimpeded by the periods of droughts that are self induced by someone to did not plan ahead of time and create an optimal situation for the gardens irrigation needs. This includes having enough access to water, easy access through an irrigation system or hose system, and potentially a sprinkler system on a timer which can ensure that the garden is receiving water on a regular basis.
One final organic gardening tip that you should consider is that when your plants begin to grow, insects will appear. Weeds will also appear as well as potential diseases that can kill off your crop. This will take some wisdom on your part knowing the types of plants you are growing and finding natural alternatives to pesticides that may inhibit or deter the natural growth processes of your plants. If you are an organic gardener, you will not want to use these anyway and therefore finding beneficial insects that attack bad insects or natural scents or plants that will deter weed growth or disease is paramount in ensuring the healthy growth of your garden.
When considering all of these things together in a big picture, you realize that gardening cannot possibly be the result of an accident. There must be proper preparation and access to all of the tools necessary in order to make a garden successful and to make your efforts worthwhile. Take some time and use these five organic gardening tips to your benefit and make your garden one of the best you have ever had.
Vegetable Gardening Tips on Planting and Maintenance
September 20, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Here are some tips on vegetable gardening that should help make your gardening experience easier and a very gratifying experience. Preparing the soil for your garden is the most important step. The basis of any successful garden is proper soil that creates good seed germination. Vegetables enjoy garden soil that is well drained, deep, contains high organic matter and retains moisture. Make sure the soil is dry before you try plowing or working the dirt. Check the soil acidity or PH for the different vegetables you are going to plant as some may require varying degrees of PH levels. Another tip on vegetable gardening is that you need easy access to water to keep your garden moist during the growing season. Regularly watering is necessary to keep your garden healthy. In most gardening areas, a vegetable garden requires approximately one inch of rainwater or tap water weekly during the growing season. So, if you experience a dry spell, make sure you water your vegetable garden sufficiently to keep the plants healthy and growing.
Another couple of helpful tips on vegetable gardening are making yourself knowledgeable about the requirements of the vegetable seeds and vegetables you want to plant in your garden. Find out information, such as tendency toward insects, germination qualities, light required, vigor of the plants and the planting zones. This will help you determine the best varieties and types of seeds and plants for your area and garden. A great tip on vegetable gardening is, when you sow your seeds, always plant a few extra to replace ones that fail to germinate. Keep the garden moist until the seedlings have emerged and never thin them until their second set of leaves appears. Thinning out the row when the seedlings are small keeps you from disturbing the other vegetables roots. Test your soil periodically to determine if you need fertilizer and the amount you need. Having your own compost is a great and natural way to fertilize your vegetable garden and cuts down on garbage.
The best way to keep pests away or under control is to start by having healthy soil and plants, using compost, regular watering and adequate drainage. When considering tips on vegetable gardening, do not forget weed control. Weeds rob plants of water, light and nutrients. Hoe or cultivate the soil between your plants after it rains, as this kills any newly sprouted weeds. Use a mixture of pine needles and grass if available, to keep the weeds down or a layer of wet newspaper between the rows of vegetables. Try planting marigolds around the vegetable garden border in order to discourage aphids.
A very good homemade deterrent for pests is:
In a jar, combine 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid and 1 cup vegetable oil. Shake vigorously. In an empty spray bottle, combine 2 teaspoons of this mixture and 1 cup water. Use at ten-day intervals (or more often if needed) to rid plants of whiteflies, mites, aphids, scales, and other pests.
Most important of all is that you enjoy your vegetable garden. You will gain a lot of satisfaction from the fact that you grew the vegetables yourself. Not only will you have fun from your garden hobby but now you can start a culinary hobby with all your fresh produce.
Happy Gardening!
Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.
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Flower Gardening Tips- 10 Worthwhile And Handy Flower Gardening Tips!
August 20, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Anyone can sow seeds or plant seedlings, but to be able to create a breathtakingly beautiful flower garden is something different altogether! And this is where flower gardening tips will come in really useful, transforming something ordinary into something extraordinary! So the aesthetically-inclined gardener would benefit by keeping a sharp lookout for any hints that come his way!
The list of tips keep increasing as people make newer discoveries, but even the most avid gardener cannot keep track of all of them or apply all of them! Here are a few suggestions on what type of flower gardening tips one should basically look out for–
(1) Any garden starts with a designated area, and it is no different for a flower garden. The gardener has to decide on a focal point that captures a visitor’s attention. The center of attraction could be some object or even a gate–it should stand out among the surrounding plants. Ornamental grasses can increase the height of the garden and even add a different texture.
(2) It would be wise to search for those flower gardening tips that give guidance on planning for a year-round garden. They will provide advice on creating a harmonious ecosystem, as well as the plants best suited to that particular environment.
(3) There are plenty of flower gardening tips concerning soil requirements. Soil is an odd mixture of rocks, silt, minerals, sand, loam, clay and organic matter. It can have different pH levels at varied loctions. Checking out these levels beforehand is extremely essential as each species of flower plant and pH level should match.
(4) The pH level indicates nothing else but the quantity of hydrogen ions present in that particular soil. For instance, regions with heavy rainfall produce acidic soil. Addition of limestone neutralizes the effects. In arid or dry areas, sulphur can counteract the effects of acidic soil.
(5) In any kind of soil, addition of compost provides the proper nutrients required to balance the pH level.
(6) If fine gravel is placed under the soil, it facilitates proper drainage. Additionally, moisture retention and control of excessive weed growth is possible with the laying of mulch on top of the soil. Mulch is created from forest floor debris that is allowed to decompose (also called humus).
(7) Coming to the plants themselves, a variety of choices as well as flower gardening tips are available.
There are perennials that grow beyond a single growing season. They flower year after year.
Annual flowers are different. The plant does not last beyond one season–it germinates, grows buds and blossoms, then dies. Bulbs have to be re-planted before the next season, that is, around fall season.
The best flowers are those that survive all seasons. A garden with such flowers will never seem empty! How is this achieved? The gardener cannot have the entire garden covered with one species alone. So different all-season flowers of different species are chosen. Since each species blooms at alternative times, the garden gives the appearance of luxuriant growth!
(8) And that is what seasoned veterans advocate–to mix and match a variety of textures and colors of blossoms to the optimum level! The result is sheer magic!
(9) Sometimes, plants need to be transplanted from a container to the soil in an outside garden. According to flower gardening tips, careful attention has to be paid to the roots to ensure that the root system gets sufficient amount of space to expand as well as receive adequate water. The roots should be stimulated to grow in their new environment. The roots should go deep enough for the plant to remain resilient in all weather conditions.
(10) Furthermore, the time of day has to be taken into consideration while transplanting. The day had better be overcast or cool. And early morning or late afternoon is the best time, according to teh experts providing flower gardening tips.
Gardening Tips Every Gardener Should Know
May 12, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
If you are a gardener, then you most likely know that gardening can be one of the most peaceful and enjoyable hobbies. This hobby can also enable you to have a great abundance of flowers, vegetables, spices, and fruits; all completely home grown. Whether you are a novice or an extremely experienced gardener, one thing is for certain: there are many gardening tips you can follow to make the experience as pleasant and fruitful (no pun intended!) as possible. Let’s take a look at some things that can enhance gardening in your backyard.
When initially starting your garden, one of the most important things you can give your future plant is good soil. So, initially it’s best to prepare your garden’s living environment. First loosen the soil and remove any weeds. Good soil is light in texture and dark in color. It will be able to absorb water well and provide adequate drainage. Through nature’s process, soil is restored through the cycle of falling leaves, plants and bark. You can restore your soil with peat moss or compost. They contain organic matter that will refurbish the soil with nutrients that have been pulled from it by other plants. Mix the added compost with the original soil and you have given your plants a great nurturing environment.
When planting seeds, always follow the packet’s instruction on how deep to place them. It is important not to bury them too deep. By planting too deep, you may eliminate natural sunlight’s ability to reach the seeds for germination. Some people will begin their garden from plant starts instead of seeds. They believe it will save time, but they are missing out on the true miracle of plant growth.
You can encourage a plant’s growth by using foods, which will supply nutrients, such as, nitrogen for the leaves and stems, and phosphorus and potassium for increase flowering and root growth. These are water-soluble fertilizers. If you do not wish to expose your plants to chemicals, you can go organic by using slower but healthier compost. However, do not fertilize until you see at least two true leaves on your plant. Early fertilization can be harmful.
Seeds or plants should be watered as soon as they are put in the ground, and on a regular basis thereafter. The soil must be kept moist in order to promote a healthy and productive growing environment. In addition, regular weeding is required. Get rid of these bad boys as soon as they show up. They will rob your seedlings and mature plants of the nutrients and water in the soil, and leave them looking unhealthy.
Protect your seedlings and plants from harmful pests. You can use chemicals or other nontoxic solutions available at your gardening center. Support tall or droopy stems through the use of twigs or stakes as they grow. This will protect them in harsh downpours. Also, keep plant-eating animals out through the use of a fence.
There’s nothing quite like being outdoors, especially in the spring, summer and autumn days. There is also nothing quite like sitting amidst the beautiful scenery created by your very own garden, in your very own yard. If it’s a vegetable garden you are growing, can you imagine your sense of pride as you make dishes from your creations? Or simply being able to go out your door to pick something for your dinner, as opposed to having to run to the grocery store on yet another trip. You can enjoy what you and Mother Nature both helped to create and feel a sense of fulfillment.
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