Easy Organic Gardening Tips From The Pros
Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.
You have probably heard about organic food and perhaps purchased some. Organically produced foods typically stand out from the rest. Organic items usually cost more and are packaged differently. Read the helpful tips in the article below to learn more about having your own fresh organic garden.
Rotating plots of garden has been done for centuries, and there is good reason for that! If the types of plants that you grow are consistent from one year to the next, they may be more prone to diseases and plant fungus. These diseases can build up in the soil, reinfecting your plants the next year. So, you want to make sure you mix it up and keep your garden on the move so that you avoid a problem like this.
You can use rainwater if you save it. It’s a great way to supply water to your organic garden. Trap the rainwater in barrels, buckets or any other receptacles. This saves you from paying for extra water to do your watering. Rainwater is plentiful and free. Rainwater can also be more beneficial to your plants than tap water.
You can help your plants resist disease by spraying them with aspirin water. Dissolve 1 aspirin per gallon of water for a plant disease fighting solution. All you need to do is spray the plants with the solution in order to battle common ailments. Apply at three week intervals.
If aphids are a problem in your organic garden, then good “old-fashioned” soapy water may be just the trick to solve your dilemma. It is perfectly fine to spray the soapy water on the entire plant. You do not have to worry if it gets on the leaves or steps. Afterwards, you should spray clean water over the plant.
If you are wanting to start your own organic garden, it is crucial that you know how to properly make beds. Use a spade to slice under the grass. Once it is sliced, flip the turf up exposing the soil underneath. Now cover this exposed area with wood chips, about 3 or 4 inches. Wait a few weeks before planting in it.
One of the most wonderful things about buying food that is organic is that they don’t contain pesticides. Although this is better for your health, you do need to check organic produce for infestation of bugs before eating it.
Healthy soil translates to even healthier flowers, grasses and vegetables. If the soil is nutrient-rich, plants will be able to ward off disease and damage caused by common garden pests. Even though insects will be present, you will be able to avoid the damage they cause.
While organic gardening takes a little extra work, it is healthier and more gratifying than regular gardening. Growing your crops organically will offer the best reward for those who eat the foods.
Try using a beer trap to naturally eradicate slugs from your organic garden. Take a glass jar and bury it so that the soil is even with its mouth. After you have placed the jar in the soil, fill with beer to approximately one inch of the top. Slugs will be attracted to the beer and fall into the jar.
Be sure to plant some strawberries for your children and grandchildren. Ever-bearing ones are especially nice. Children will be more willing to help you if they can pluck their own fruit from the garden.
Use companion plants in your organic garden. Some plants help their neighboring plants to grow. By repelling pests and making the soil healthier, they reduce the need for fertilizers or pesticides. Plant herbs with strong smells next to vegetables in order to prevent insects from coming around.
Organize your gardening so that you can work efficiently. Wasting time finding tools is inefficient gardening. In addition to keeping your gardening tools in one location, you should also clean your tools after each use. If you need, use a tool belt or even pants that have quite a few pockets.
As you prepare to plant shrubs and trees in the organic garden, make sure your holes are rough, not smooth. If the hole that you create for them has any “glazed” sides that were caused by a shovel, then it may restrict the root from penetrating into the nearby soil.
Coffee Grounds
Add coffee grounds to your garden’s soil. Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, an essential nutrient for plant growth. Many times, nitrogen is a limiting nutrient in soils. Adding coffee grounds or compost can add nitrogen to your soils will help your plants grow tall and healthy.
Growing your garden at home might not be the most convenient thing for you, but you will save a lot of money and always have the confidence that what you’re eating and feeding your family is as fresh and as healthy as possible. Use the tips you’ve learned here and get started on your garden today