Saturday, May 5, 2012

Great Gardening Tips For Any Skill Level

A garden is not just something you do to decorate. It's not even necessary that you have a green thumb. A garden provides its owner with serenity, contentment, and a deeper understanding of the things in life that truly matter. When you excel at gardening, these effects can prove very positive within you life. There are many natural substances that are effective for warding off unwanted visitors. A border of marigolds or onions around your veggies can prevent slugs. You can also prevent insect pests by using wood ash like mulch around your trees and shrubs. When done naturally, there is no need for pesticides with harsh, and sometimes dangerous, chemicals Pre-soak your seeds through the night in a dark area. Put some seeds (a small amount) in a container that isn't too large for the plant you'll be growing. Fill that container with water, almost to the top. The idea here is for your seeds to become fully hydrated by the time they hit the dirt. Seeds that are cultivated this way are more likely to survive and mature properly. Plant vegetables which you use a lot in your own meals at home. Doing so will maximize the benefits of your gardening efforts and area, as well as cut down on your grocery bills. If your family doesn't eat a certain type of vegetable, don't bother growing it, as it's just a waste of space. If you are planning on growing peas, start them indoors before putting them outdoors in your garden. Pea seeds germinate better indoors. They will also be stronger, and better equipped to resist disease and insects. The seedlings can then be transplanted outside after becoming strong enough to withstand the elements. You can use a combination of water and ammonia to spray away snails. Ammonia can contribute nitrogen to your garden soil and is beneficial rather than harmful to your plants. It will, however, kill off any snails, preventing them from harming your garden beds. Daily use is recommended for best results. Do not mow your lawn too short. If you leave your grass kind of high, your roots will be deeper and your lawn will be stronger and not dry out. Short grass on the other hand is more susceptible to drying out. Avoid damage from the sun by dressing correctly when you garden. Wear sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and sunblock. When you keep your eyes and skin properly protected, you are less likely to get a sunburn. You also lower your risk in developing cancer of the skin. Fencing off an area is a good first step for a garden, before even planting anything. Having something in place to keep out animals before the garden has even started growing will make sure the plants are safe from the moment they start growing, and can reach their maximum size. In order to start the best garden possible, remember that you should always start with the seeds and not pre-purchased plants. Planting seeds is the most eco-friendly way to start a new garden. Very few nurseries recycle the plastics that they use as containers for their plants, so the majority of these containers are thrown away and dumped in landfills. Therefore, it is better for the environment to plant a garden with seeds or to find a nursery that packages its plants using organic materials. Apply the wisdom of the preceding paragraphs to return vigor and vibrancy to your garden. When your plants are blooming and alive, you will be so glad you did. Gardening can have profound effects within many areas of your life if you take the steps to embrace it. So grab your gardening gear, and get to work.