In terms of relaxing hobbies you could choose from, horticulture is probably near the top of anyone's list. Gardeners are often faced with the questions of when to plant and what equipment to purchase. This article contains key pieces of advice for those interested in gardening.
Give your flower beds a boost by introducing annuals and biennials. Biennials and annuals that grow quickly can add color to a flower bed, plus they permit you to modify the way the flower bed looks each season and each year. Use these beautiful flowers to line your driveway, surround trees and shrubs, and for decorative hanging baskets. Some plants to get you started include petunia, marigold, sunflower, rudbekcia, and cosmos.
Tender deciduous shrubs are very fragile, so protect them. Delicate shrubs that are sitting in pots should be sheltered from the cold weather. Tie together the tops, and then use a sheet or blanket to cover the wigwam loosely. People sometimes use plastic to wrap their plants, but plastic can cause the plants to rot because it impedes air circulation.
Using a shovel in clay soil is a lot of work, not only is the clay hard, but it will stick to the shovel and make it twice as hard to handle. To make the clay soft so you aren't working as hard, take floor or car wax and rub a light coat on the surface of the shovel using a clean cloth, then buff the surface. The clay easily slides off the surface while keeping the end from getting rusty.
Boiling away unwanted weeds is an odd, but productive method used in many gardens. Boiling water in a pot is a safe “herbicide.” One simple layer across the weeds with a pot of boiling water will take care of the problem, but you have to remember the same applies to your plants, as well. Boiling water kills weeds by destroying their roots. Weeds won't be able to survive, never mind grow, with damaged weeds.
Instead of leaving clumps of irises intact, divide them so that your flowers can grow in a more healthy manner. Try increasing your stock by dividing your overgrown clumps of plants. Lift the dead bulbous irises. The bulbs often divide in your hand with no intervention on your part, and when you replant them, they will usually flower the following year. If you have a rhizome you will need to split it with a knife. Cut new pieces from the outside and discard the old center. A strong offshoot is needed on every piece that you decide to plant. Plant immediately.
Think about planting evergreen plants that will produce berries in the backyard. They offer terrific color during the dreariest times of the year when nothing else you have planted has any hue remaining. Some plants that will provide color in the winter include the American Cranberrybush, the American Holly, the Common Snowberry, and the Winterberry.
Choose plants that will give you the most yield at harvest time. Hybrids are usually hardier in terms of disease and weather resistance, and are designed to produce more.
Purchase an inexpensive horticulture kneeling pad, as well as a wheelbarrow or wagon. Spending too much time on the ground working can be quite hard on your knees, and a gardening stool can help alleviate this, plus make things more comfortable for you. There is also a lot of heavy lifting involved with horticulture, so a good wheelbarrow is a great tool to have around.
This article has provided information necessary to begin the rewarding activity of horticulture and to do it successfully. With a thoughtful plan and correct information your garden will soon bloom and flourish. Use this advice to enjoy your own beautiful garden.