There is much more to horticulture than just having something pretty to look at. It is not just an aimless pasttime for the hobbyist with a green thumb. Horticulture can be a meditative activity, one that cements your appreciation of life, and one that even instills the gardener with a sense of peace and tranquility. The effects can be especially profound if horticulture is something you excel at.
If you want your garden to sport flowers in the spring as well as summer, plant bulbs. These are hearty choices, choices that will reward you for years despite the little effort that is involved in their care. Remember that different bulbs will bloom at all different times of the year, so if you are careful to choose the right bulbs, you will see blooms in the early spring, and have flowers all the way to late summer.
Before planting seeds, soak them overnight. Place them in a cupboard or other place where they won't be exposed to light. Place a small amount of seeds in a little container, while filling it to the brim with water. This will allow seeds to be watered and they will get a kick start when growing. The young plants will survive better, and get a boost toward maturity.
Always allow your plants to adapt gradually to any changes in light conditions, temperatures or soils, if you do not, you might shock them and cause them to die. When starting the transition, leave the plants in the sun for just 1-2 hours. Over the course of a week, slowly increase the amount of time that you leave them outside. At week's end, the plants should be welcoming of their new home.
Consider adding coffee grounds to your soil if it contains high levels of alkaline. This is a great and cheap way to increase the acid levels in your dirt. The greens and vegetables need the proper balance and will grow bigger and stronger with the right mix.
Fertilize your garden. 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. Although there are plenty of fertilizer choices, don't be concerned with which one you use; just be sure to use one.
Invest in a kneeling stool, and a wheelbarrow to work in the garden. Spending lots of time close to the ground while working tends to be hard on your knees, that is why it is important to have a portable and lightweight garden stool that you can use for comfort. There is also a lot of heavy lifting involved with gardening, so a good wheelbarrow is a great tool to have around.
When planting perennials, seek out those that are resistant to slugs. Snails and slugs can destroy plants in just one night. They gravitate towards perennials with smooth thin leaves, particularly on younger plants. Perennials that have tough or hairy leaves are often times unappetizing to snails and slugs. Consider planting these varieties of perennials to discourage slugs and snails from eating your flowers. Euphorbia and achillea are examples of slug-proof perennials.
It's simple to quickly prepare your soil for the planting of a perennial garden. Use your spade to slice chunks of turf up, then flip each piece over, and spread wood chips on top to a depth of four inches. Let this sit for a couple weeks, next dig into it to plant your new plants.
Use these tips to create the ideal garden. Ultimately, when you see your plants bloom and full of life, you will be happy you did. Horticulture is a way of relieving stress and making the world a prettier place so go out and start growing things and bringing life back to the world.