If you want to improve your diet, you may want to get into organic gardening. However, organic gardening does require a commitment. You may be unsure about how to go about this kind of gardening.
You're probably aware that compost is very beneficial to organic gardens, but are you aware of what goes into it? Compost includes natural ingredients and by-products, such as grass clippings, small branches, plant materials and even leftover veggies from the dinner table. Compost is an effective alternative to commercial fertilizer.
If you plants are being destroyed by aphids use soapy water. Spray the entire plants with a lighter soapy water solution and then spray again with clean water.
Make sure you have your gardening tools near you, so you can maximize your gardening efficiency. For example, you could use an over-sized tote bag or an apron with multiple pockets. A gardener's tool belt will allow you to keep your gardening gloves and other tools close by while you are working in your garden.
You should teach your children how to garden alongside you. Gardens are a wonderful place for kids to learn, and working side by side with them can strengthen the bond that you have.
Spacing is one of the primary considerations when planning an organic garden. Plants take up quite a bit of space as they grow, and it's easy to underestimate just how much. You will need to provide this space to provide ample room and because you need air circulating to your garden. Plot out all of these considerations before putting that first seed in the ground.
An organic garden can support hundreds of varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Treat plants that thrive in acid to some mulch. These kinds of plants will do better if they are mulched with a nice thick layer of needles from a pine tree during the fall season each year. When the pine needles break down, the acid that they contain will make its way into the soil.
Make you garden diverse. The more types of plants you have, the more kinds of wildlife you'll have. Make your garden naturally inviting by planting many different kinds of plants. If you can accomplish this, your garden will be a pleasant place where you can relax, and you will have the satisfaction that comes from doing your bit for the environment.
Do you want to kill weeds without using commercial chemicals? A layer of newspaper, several pages thick, placed over the ground will do the trick. Weeds can't grow without sunlight. If you place sheets of newspaper over the weeds, they will die due to a lack of sunlight. Because newspapers decompose well with the passage of time, they make great additions to compost. Put mulch over top to increase the attractiveness of the pile.
Find crops that are of a high value to grow in your garden. That being said, a plant that is valuable to one person may be of no value to another. Growing expensive plants in your home will save you money at the market. Plant the vegetables you will enjoy eating.
Plant high-value crops in your garden. Value is subjective and will vary from person to person. If you can grow plants that are costly in-store, there will be a savings. So start planting and enjoying those savings.
Making compost is a wonderful way to get fertilizer for the garden. An enjoyable way you can do this is by starting a little worm compost bin. Red worms, soil, kitchen scraps and shredded newspaper will be a good base for your compost bin.
When planting seeds into a container, the depth of your planting should be three times bigger than the seed. There are exceptions, however. Some types of seeds require more direct sunlight than others, and as such they should not be fully covered. Two common examples of this type of seed are ageratum and petunias. If you are unsure as to whether or not your seeds should be covered or not, try to read the package or find the answer online.
With healthy soil, plants remain healthier, therefore can withstand more disease and even damage caused by insects. Pests may still be present, but they will not inflict damage on your plants.
A great tip when running your own organic garden, is to lightly ruffle your seedlings with your hand or cardboard, around once or twice per day. Even though it sounds strange, it will help plants get bigger.
One way to help maintain healthy soil is to incorporate mulch into your landscape. The soil can be greatly enhanced by adding a good layer of mulch to it. The roots of your garden are less likely to become overheated on hot days. The soil will also stay moist longer because it reduces evaporation. This can also help control any weeds.
Use peelings from fruit or other left over pieces like apple cores to create your own low cost compost. When natural food waste breaks down, it creates an organic compost that is perfect for your garden beds. Not only is it cheap, this type of compost will ensure that your plants are both healthy and beautiful.
An organic garden can support hundreds of varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. A lot of acidic plants like mulch. Mulch these acid-loving plants using pine needle-based mulch around September or October. When the needles decompose, they deposit the natural acids inside of them into that soil.
Use the ingredients in your kitchen to create a natural pest-deterring spray. Make a spray from water and garlic, chives, or onions. This concoction is easily mixed. Just peel some onion, garlic and chives. Chop it very finely and mix in a half a cup of water. Allow the mixture to sit for a time then strain. Place the water in a spray bottle.
You can keep bugs out of your organic garden by planting garlic in different areas. The smell of garlic will deter insects from inhabiting your garden. Garlic should be planted around the perimeter of your garden, as well as near any plants that are known to attract insects. Garlic shouldn't, of course, be considered only useful for pest control. It is actually a valuable culinary addition to your garden.
Planting organic strawberries is a great way to encourage your children to get involved. Kids are quite eager to pick fruit from a garden, and will help with the planting if they get a nice snack out of it at the end.
You now have the knowledge necessary to taking care of an organic garden. This is a positive thing. The basic tips provided here will give you a good start in building your own body of knowledge as you work. Hopefully you have found at least one new strategy to utilize in your organic garden