When it comes to organic horticulture, take note that it requires a lot of patience, as well as a green thumb. The aim is to grow food for the family that is both healthy and free of chemicals and pesticides. However, organic gardening obviously isn't as easy as it might sound. Continue on for some helpful advice that will have you gardening like a pro.
Use climbers to cover walls and fences. Climbing plants are extremely versatile, helping to hide an ugly fence or wall, often within one growing season. They can also grow through existing shrubs or trees, or be trained to cover an arbor. Some varieties will climb and attach using their tendrils or branches, but some will need to be trained or supported with ties. Climbing roses, honeysuckle, wisteria, clematis, and jasmine are some great plants to try out.
Mix the grounds of coffee in soil that has a lot of alkaline. This is a simple way to replenish your soil with acid. This solution will make the vegetables you grow healthier and more flavorful.
Consider starting your plants in pots and then planting the seedlings in your garden. This boosts the chance that the plants can survive to adulthood. This method also gives you the freedom of tightening time periods between each planting. Once you've removed the previous group of plants, your seedlings can go into the ground.
One very good way to deal with weeds is to boil them away. Boiling water in a pot is a safe “herbicide.” Soak weeds with freshly boiled water, just being mindful to not afflict damage on plants you want to keep. Boiling water is not good for the weed roots and will stunt further growth.
Learn the appropriate time to pick different vegetables. Each type of vegetables has its own ideal time for picking for the best flavor. For instance, peas and zucchinis are tastiest when picked young. Tomatoes, however, are best picked from the vine later when they are very ripe. You should know the proper time to pick vegetables.
Prevent damage from the sun by making sure you dress correctly whenever you go outside to garden. Pair sunglasses with wide-brimmed hats and a dab of sunblock. Protecting yourself from harmful UV rays means you are less likely to get sunburned or suffer skin cancer later in life.
If your plants have a powdery mildew, don't use expensive chemicals on them. Combine a bit of liquid soap and some baking soda with water. Spray this mixture on your plants weekly until the mildew is gone. Your plants will not be harmed by the baking soda, but the mildew will definitely not like it!
Keep your plants in a warm, moist environment, if possible. They need this type of warm temperature in order to grow. If you don't want you house to be really warm during the cold season, you could use a heat lamp on organic plants instead.
When a seed actually sprouts, it doesn't need to be in as warm an environment. Locate your plants further from your heat source as they mature. Also, remove plastic coverings from the tops of your growing containers to keep them from becoming too warm or humid. Keep an eye on your seeds so you will know when this should be done.
Pine Needles
Use natural pest control when possible. Planting marigolds or onions around the border of your garden will repel slugs. Insect pests will stay away from seedlings and trees if you use wood ash around the base as a mulch. Using these methods eliminates your need of chemical pesticides.
Believe it or not, pine makes great mulch. Acidic soil is a favorite of garden plants that are high in acidity. When you have plants like this, nothing is easier than to gather pine needles for your beds. Sprinkle the pine needles over your beds. As the needles decompose, they add to the acid level in the soil.
Organic horticulture is a hobby incorporating nature, hard work and patience. This hobby allows you to use the land and grow delicious food. But, if you are ready to dedicate yourself and stick to the advice in this piece, you are sure to be a successful organic gardener.