Owning and maintaining a successful garden is about more than just having a “green thumb” or knowing when to plant your tomatoes. There is plenty that can be learned through everyday knowledge and tips that experienced gardeners are often willing to share with any listening ears. All you have to do is be interested in learning the right way.
A great tip to consider when gardening is that if you are looking to dry out herbs you can do so just by using the heat from your car to do so. Closing up all of the car windows, spreading your herbs on a newspaper, and leaving them on your car seat is a quick and free way to dry them out quickly.
Make sure when you are indoor gardening, you do not over water your plants. Over watering your plants can in fact kill them which are the number one reason that most houseplants die. Test the soil for moisture to see if it needs more watering. Stick you index finger into the soil and if it is damp, do not water your plant further.
Use groundcover to fill in bare areas of soil. Groundcover plants are very effective for ‘tying’ larger plants together and keeping weeds to a minimum. The earth needs to be well-cultivated, weeded and well-fertilized before you plant anything. In order for the plant to become well established, water thoroughly during dry spells and remove any weeds that may pop up. Fast growing groundcover plants include creeping thyme, sedum, ajuga, golden oregano, heuchera, lamium and vinca.
Alfalfa meal can be a great fertilizer for many gardens. This is a natural fertilizer, and can be readily purchased at most health food stores. It provides essential nutrients to your plants, while letting you avoid harmful chemicals. Apply the alfalfa meal directly over your soil. Reapply after any heavy rain falls.
If you are new to gardening, start small. Plant a few things that will be easy to care for. This way, you will get a feel for gardening, to know if it’s for you and how much work it takes without being overwhelmed by a larger garden.
Slugs can be a big problem in the garden. One suggestion for getting rid of slugs is to fill shallow containers, like a tuna can, with a mixture of one part beer and one part water. The slugs are attracted to the smell and will fall in and drown. Three teaspoons of yeast added to one cup of warm water will also work.
The best time to fertilize bulb gardens are in the mid-fall season because this is the time when the bulbs plants are growing their roots and multiplying for next year. Try to fertilize the bulbs with a general slow-release fertilizer and apply the fertilizer to the bulbs a month before the ground begins to freeze.
Through the article, you should have picked up on a few tips that will help you plant and raise your garden with a little better results. As you can see, it takes a combination of time, care, and planning to make it reach the full potential. Of course, having a "green thumb" doesn’t hurt.