Gardening is a relaxing hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether it is made of vegetables or flowers, there is definitely something highly rewarding about caring for a garden. This article can lend you a helping hand, and give you important pointers about gardening and growing things.
All soil is not the same. You need to check the soil to make sure it’s the best for what you’re planting. A soil analysis is inexpensive and can be used to figure out which nutrients should be added to provide a healthy garden environment. A Cooperative Extension office can provide you with this service, saving you learning on your own by trial and error.
Try growing wheat grass or cat grass in the area of the plants your cat wants to eat. Another option is to place offensively smelling objects on the topsoil near and around the plants you want to protect. Citrus peels or mothballs are a couple of examples.
The best gardens will evolve from original seeds rather than transplanted items. Planting seeds is the most eco-friendly way to start a new garden. The plastics used in nurseries are rarely recycled and ends up in landfills, so it is best to start with the seeds or buy from nurseries who use organic materials in packaging their plants.
To grow peas, try growing them indoors first, instead of outside. By initially planting them indoors, the seeds tend to germinate better. Seeds grown indoors are much more resistant to diseases and damage done by pests. Take the seedlings outdoors once they look strong enough.
Look for targeted pesticides instead of using popular but damaging broad-spectrum products. Broad spectrum pesticides don’t only kill the offending pests, but the beneficial ones also. These helpful bugs are usually more sensitive to the chemicals than the pests, so if you find yourself in a situation where the good bugs are dying out, you can expect the pest problem to grow. This might result in you having to use even more pesticides to get rid of the pests.
Choose one stand-out plant to be a focal point. A solid focal point will draw peoples attention to your garden, leaving them to admire your unique design. The best focal points are those plants that really stand out from those that are adjacent.
Prevent damage from the sun by making sure you dress correctly whenever you go outside to garden. Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. Protecting yourself from harmful UV rays means you are less likely to get sunburned or suffer skin cancer later in life.
If you’re really serious about environmentally-friendly gardening practices, refrain from developing some of your land and use it as an animal habitat. This is a great natural way to allow the insects and animals found in nature to assist with the growth of your garden.
In conclusion, horticulture is a fun hobby to have. The benefits of garden-fresh vegetable or beautiful floral arrangements can be immediate and long-lasting. By incorporating some of the tips in the above article, you can take your love of gardening to an entire new level.