To be successful in organic horticulture, you need patience and persistence. A green thumb also helps considerably. Horticulture is a hobby which can grow healthy produce that is pesticide free. This particular hobby may not be as easy as it sounds. Read the tips below to see what you need to begin growing like a pro.
Annuals and biennials are an excellent way to add a splash of bright color to your flower gardens. Using a variety of flowers allows your flower garden to have a different look each season. Use them to fill gaps between shrubs and perennials in the sun. Notable varieties include cosmos, rudbeckia, petunia, hollyhock, marigold and sunflower.
A garden needs the right type of soil to grow properly. For a small fee, a soil analysis can be obtained – based on that report – the soil can be properly enriched to support a vibrant garden. Many offices of Cooperative Extension will do a soil analysis, and it is important to know how to improve soil so that all crops can grow in it.
Try to keep your plants aerated and dry, every day. If your plants get too moist, they may get sick or infested with parasites. An example of a common plant parasite is fungi. It is possible to control fungi by using fungicide sprays. However, these sprays should be used before issues become apparent.
The best gardens from an environmental standpoint originate from seeds, instead of plants. It’s better for the environment to begin from seed. Seeds eliminate the waste of plastic containers from nurseries which rarely get recycled. There are some nurseries, however, that send their plants out in organic potting materials.
If you’re going to grow peas, start them indoors before putting them in the ground outside. By initially planting them indoors, the seeds tend to germinate better. Your seedlings will be stronger, and this will mean they can withstand diseases and bug attacks. The seedlings can then be transplanted outside after becoming strong enough to withstand the elements.
Look for evergreen variants that produce berries. These year-round berries will give the rest of your yard a much-needed pop of color, especially in the winter. The American Holly, American Cranberrybush, the Winterberry, and the Common Snowberry help provide color during the winter.
Get a wheelbarrow and a kneeling stool to work in your garden. Using a large portion of your time near or on the ground working on your garden puts a huge strain on your knees; therefore, having a portable, lightweight garden stool will greatly assist you in making horticulture easier on them. Because gardening means transporting a lot of heavy things, a wheelbarrow will also come in handy.
Organic gardening can be a wonderful hobby that involves a love of nature, desire for healthier living, and much patience, too. However, the tastiness of the produce you grow will be a reward in itself. If you follow these tips and put in a great effort, there is nothing stopping you from becoming a good organic gardener.