Gardening is more than decorating your yard. They are not only a simple hobby either. Becoming involved in gardening is a great way to find peace in your life, and gain an appreciation for the world around you. Horticulture is best when you have the knowledge to do it right.
Use the handles of your tools as a handy ruler when doing your outdoor chores. Tools with substantial handles, like rakes, hoes and large shovels are great for taking measurements. Place the handles on the floor, then set a measuring tape alongside them. Then, transfer the measurements to the handle using a permanent marker. When you are at work in the garden, you will always have a handy measuring device on each and every tool.
It is very important to keep the weeds from taking over in your garden. Unwanted weeds fight for the same nutrients that more desirable plants do, and they also are unsightly. Try using white vinegar to get rid of weeds. The acidity of the vinegar is harmful to most plants. Mix white vinegar and water into a spray bottle instead of pulling the weeds by hand.
Choose perennials that slugs are not attracted to. Slugs and snails can decimate a plant in one night. These garden vermin prefer plants with tender, herbaceous stems and leaves, particularly seedlings and young plants. Certain perennials are unappetizing to slugs and snails, especially those with tough, hairy leaves or an unappetizing taste. Examples of these include euphorbia, hellebourus and achillea. Others you may want to consider are campanula and heuchera.
Prior to planting a garden, think through what you want to do. It will be a while before things start to sprout and visually remind you of what was planted where, so a written record can be helpful. The plan will also help you keep track of your more diminutive plants and smaller groups that could otherwise become lost among a sea of larger plantings.
Protect your tender deciduous shrubs. If the temperature drops below 50 degrees, you should consider protecting them, especially if they do best in warm environments. You want to then tie the tops of the canes together, and cover them with a sheet or blanket. In contrast to wrapping the plant with plastic, this method promotes air circulation, which stops the plant from rotting.
Knee Pads
The first thing you can do to ward off garden pests is to ensure you are using healthy soil in your garden. Healthy soil equals healthy plants and healthy plants can fight off diseases with ease. If you want to get the best plants, begin with a soil that has hardly any chemicals, and that will bring salts.
Get horticulture knee pads if you have low-growing plants. Horticulture can really put a lot of pressure on your knees that will leave you cramped and uncomfortable. Investing in good knee pads will help cushion your knees so you are more comfortable.
Avoid sun damage by dressing appropriately whenever you will be horticulture in the sun. Wear sunglasses and hats with wide brims, and apply sunscreen. Using the right protection from the harmful rays of the sun means less of a chance of you getting sunburn and skin cancer.
Pick your vegetables when the temperature is moderate to avoid bruising them. See to it that you cut their connection to the vine as opposed to twisting them, because twisting could hurt the plant.
Use both biennials and annuals to add color to your flower bed. Using a variety of flowers allows your flower garden to have a different look each season. Use them to fill gaps between shrubs and perennials in the sun. The most popular varieties to use include petunia, zinnia, cosmos, snapdragon, marigold, hollyhock, and sunflower.
Are you a parent? If you are, try planting some strawberries like everbearing strawberries in your garden. Children find it fun to pick strawberries and love to assist with the harvest if they get some yummy treats as they work.
Use the tips you've learned here to turn your garden into an oasis. Ultimately, when you see your plants bloom and full of life, you will be happy you did. Horticulture can have a powerful effect on your life, so give it a try.