Horticulture is an activity people have done for a long time. Some people garden to provide their families with food, while others do it solely for the pleasure it brings them. The following article provides you with ways to make your horticulture experience easier and more rewarding.

Think about starting plants in pots, and then placing the seedlings in the garden later. This will help the plants make it to full growth. This also helps tighten time between plantings. Your seedlings will be ready to be planted when you remove your old mature plants.

TIP! Clay soil is hard and will also stick to a shovel, making it difficult to work with. Simplify the process by putting a bit of wax onto the shovel.

Use the handles of your tools as a handy ruler when doing your outdoor chores. Large handled tools such as shovels, rakes, and hoes can be used as measuring sticks. Lay the handles on the floor, then run the measuring tape down next to them. Mark your distances with a permanent marker. This will allow you to have a ruler at your fingertips when you are working out in the garden.

Stink Bugs

If you are going to be doing some gardening, watch out for stink bugs, especially in the fall! They like fruits, as well as peppers, beans and tomatoes. Stink bugs may get out of hand and do significant damage in your garden. It is important to take steps to eliminate them from that area.

TIP! Check your soil before you begin planting your garden. 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.

Do you enjoy fresh mint, but don’t like how they engulf your garden in their growth? You can control the growth of the mint leaves by growing them in a large container rather than in your garden. This container can be placed in the soil if you prefer the look of mint in your garden, and it will continue to contain the roots of your mint and prevent it from taking over.

To deter meddlesome dogs from destroying your garden, you should use heavily scented substances around the perimeter. You can even use perfume! This covers up the smells that bring dogs to gardens in the first place, which means dogs are less likely to enter the garden.

Vegetables are softest during the warmest hours of each day, so picking them then, no matter how gently, runs the risk of damage. Make sure to chop the vegetables off the vine, but be careful not to twist them. Twisting can actually damage the plant.

Beneficial Insects

Heather can bring you beneficial insects. Bees like it because it gives them nectar in the springtime. If your heather bed is undisturbed, as it would be in nature, many beneficial insects will make it their home. Keep this in mind and always wear gloves when you prune your heather!

Strawberries are a good organic garden choice for families with strawberries, particularly everbearing strawberries. For kids, there are few things as fun as picking fruit fresh from the garden. Your children will be much more interesting in helping out if they know they’ll get to enjoy some tasty strawberries.

TIP! When it’s autumn, you know what that means. It’s time to plant fall vegetables! Rather than putting standard clay vessels into use when planting crops of lettuce and kale, think about using pumpkins instead.

If you are a fan of organic, sustainable gardening methods, consider leaving part of your backyard untouched so that natural plants and wildlife can flourish in the area. The presence of native flowers, trees and grasses will attract birds and insects. You will be rewarded by an appealing and flourishing landscape.

Avoid getting an infection by not allowing dirt and other chemicals to get into open wounds. A cut will likely become infected if it is exposed to dirt when gardening. Bandages are available that will completely cover the cut so that this cannot happen.

Have your horticulture tools near you to minimize the time spent searching for them. You should use a large pail and wear sturdy pants that have several pockets. Have gloves, shears, a trowel and anything else you need handy for quick use.

TIP! A simple way to lower the alkaline content of your soil is to dilute it with coffee grounds. This is a simple way to replenish your soil with acid.

When a seed actually sprouts, it doesn’t need to be in as warm an environment. Your seedlings should be moved away from any heat source. Also take any plastic films off of your containers, so you can keep the warmth and humidity out. Keep an eye on your seeds so you will know when this should be done.

For your flower beds, organic material should be used as mulch. Two or three inches should be enough. Using this much mulch retards weed growth, locks in moisture, and ensures that your plants are well-nourished. A layer of mulch also creates a more attractive appearance.

As previously discussed, gardening has been a source of enjoyment for centuries. Long ago, horticulture was a necessity and a routine part of life. In these times, horticulture can be an enjoyable hobby, a backyard source for fresh veggies, or an income generator. The advice you learned here can help you get the most joy out of your garden. Appreciate the pleasures of your horticulture habit.

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