Use this article to find some ideas on how to grow a better garden this year. You can determine all the things that you need so that you don't waste any money on equipment that isn't needed, or the wrong seeds for your type of environment.
Use your tool handles as rulers in the garden. Tools with long handles, such as rakes, hoes, and shovels can be converted into handy measuring sticks. Lay your handles on the floor, and put measuring tape right next to them. Have a marker handy, and mark the distance with it. You will never find yourself looking for a ruler thanks to this simple tip.
Annuals and biennials are an excellent way to add a splash of bright color to your flower gardens. Using a variety of flowers allows your flower garden to have a different look each season. You can fill any spaces between shrubs and perennials when they are in the sun. A variety of flowers that will thrive in your region are available.
Properly put down your sod. Before the sod can be laid, you should prepare the soil. Break the soil into fine tilth and make sure you remove any weeds as well. Compact the soil firmly but lightly, and make certain it is flat. Make sure you work with a moist soil. Stagger your sod so that each joint offsets from joints in adjacent rows. After the sod has been flattened to an even surface, you can use soil to fill any remaining gaps. Keep the sod moist and avoid walking on it until it is well-rooted, usually two to three weeks.
Baking Soda
If powdery mildew appears on your plants, don't purchase expensive chemical solutions. Mix a solution of baking soda, water, and a tiny bit of dishwashing liquid. Spray this on your plants once a week until the mildew disappears. Baking soda is not harmful to your plants and will take care of the issue as well as any other treatment.
Prior to planting anything in your garden, check your soil. 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. A lot of extension offices will offer this service and it is worth it so you know what your soil needs.
Healthy soil will be your best defense against the pests that can invade your garden. If your plants are healthy, they can more easily resist insects and disease. Start your garden off with a high-quality soil that you can enrich over time.
Plant cool-weather edibles in the fall. Rather than putting standard clay vessels into use when planting crops of lettuce and kale, think about using pumpkins instead. Cut an opening in the top of your pumpkin, scoop out the inside, and spray the entire thing with Wilt-Proof. This will prevent rotting. You can now use it to plant in, as you would a pot.
Knee Pads
If your garden contains lots of short plants, purchase some gardening knee pads. Without pads, you may have pain in your knees from spending too much time kneeling on the hard ground. A pair of good horticulture knee pads can cushion your knees for more comfort.
Before you begin to plant your garden you will need to check the soil. You can actually get an analysis of soil for a little fee, and with the report you get back you can figure out how to create a vibrant garden by enriching it properly. A lot of Cooperative Extension locations offer this service, and you can prevent ruining a few crops by identifying the specific steps to take.
Fertilize your garden. Manure can help grow plants, but to eliminate risk of pathogens, try using a type of commercially composted product. Many types of fertilizers are available. The type you utilize is not critical; just be sure to use one.
All that is required is a little research, patience, and putting in some work time out in the garden itself. This work will ultimately pay off for you once you figure out how to make an item grow.