Many individuals prefer organic gardening, as they fear the possible long-term effects on their health as well as the environment from the many commercial pesticides and fertilizers that are used. Organic gardening is a very cost-efficient way to grow fruits and vegetables. Here are some suggestions on helping you to become a organic gardening professional.
A good tip to help your plants stay healthy and fight diseases is to use aspirin water. Crush and dissolve one and one-half 325mg tablets in two full gallons of plain water. Simply spray your plants with the mixture, and this will help them fend off various diseases. Give your plants a spray of the aspirin-water mixture about one time every three weeks.
One way to ensure efficiency while gardening is to keep your tools close by. You can do this by using a bucket, or you can wear rugged pants or a gardening apron that has several pockets. If you have your pruning shears, spade, trowel and gloves handy, you will be able to get your gardening chores done much more quickly.
Pine Needles
Pine needles should not be overlooked as a great source for mulch. Many types of plants thrive in soil that has high acid levels. Pine needles to line the bed of your garden are easy to find for these kinds of plants. Cover your beds with two inches of needles; acid will be dispersed into the soil as they decompose.
Leave plenty of growing space when you plant your garden. Plants take up quite a bit of space as they grow, and it’s easy to underestimate just how much. Beyond just the physical space that the plants will need, you should also consider the airflow that the plants will require. Plan your garden accordingly, and make sure the right distance is between the seeds.
Avoid allowing chores in your organic garden stack up. You may not have a lot of time to exclusively devote to your gardening hobby, but you can make the most of the time you do have. For instance, pluck weeds while you take your dog outside or before getting in your car.
Laundry Basket
An old laundry basket makes a great way to gather your harvest. You can also use a laundry basket as a strainer. The produce can be rinsed off as it sits in the laundry basket, and extra water will drain out through the sides.
Use a beer trap to capture slugs and stop them from eating your plants. Bury a canning jar so that the open mouth and the soil top are level. Fill the jar with beer to an inch below the jar’s top. Beer attracts slugs and then they’ll get stuck in the jar.
Organic gardening is harder than relying on chemicals, but the results are worth it. Chemicals can be beneficial, but a chemical free organic garden will always produce the best results.
Adjust your watering to the season and climate. The level of necessary watering turns on the type of water you use, the kind of soil in your garden and the amount of direct sunlight you have. In a warm and humid climate you should avoid watering the plant itself. Wet leaves promote the growth of leaf fungi. Instead, the roots should be thoroughly watered.
Start using these tips right away, and you will be able to enjoy all of the benefits of a healthy, pollutant free organic garden in no time. As your garden starts to become more attuned with nature, you will also see it attracting more wildlife.