If you are environmentally conscious and worried about the toxic effects of chemicals, organic gardening may be for you. Organic gardeners eschew the harsh chemicals and fertilizers used by large corporate farms. There is also the fact that maintaining an organic garden is inexpensive. Read on to learn a few tips if you are thinking about growing your own organic garden.
Baking Soda
If you start to notice some powdery mildew growing on your plants, there is no need to waste money on expensive chemicals. Try mixing a little liquid soap with some baking soda in water. Spray this onto your plants about once per week or until it subsides. Do not worry about your plants; the baking soda cannot harm them.
Use climbing vines or plants to cover fences and walls. Plants that climb are extraordinarily versatile, and can help hide an unsightly wall or fence, usually within one season. They may grow up through some existing shrubs and trees, and can even be worked to grow around an arbor. Some types of climbers support themselves naturally through twining stems or tendrils, but others will have to be attached to something. A few good choices are climbing roses, wisteria, jasmine, honeysuckle and clematis.
Keep an eye open for stink bugs in your garden, especially during the fall months. These destructive pests enjoy many kinds of fruit, as well as beans, peppers and tomatoes. If you do not keep them under control, the damage can be excessive, so keep an eye out for them.
Garden vegetables should be planted in areas of the ground that receive a minimum of six hours of daily sunlight. Most vegetables need this amount of sunlight to grow the right way at a faster pace. Many flowers also require adequate sunlight to flourish.
If you are looking for an all-natural, organic way to weed your garden, consider “boiling off” the weeds. The safest herbicide that you can use in your garden is a simple pot of boiling water. Literally pour the water on the weeds, avoiding any wanted plants near them, and watch the weeds die over time. Weeds will usually stop growing if boiling water damages their roots.
There are many natural substances that are effective for warding off unwanted visitors. A good way to keep slugs away is to create a border with onions around a garden with vegetables. Marigolds would do this trick as well. Wood ash can be used as mulch, and if put on the base of shrub and tree seedlings, will keep insects away. You will be able to stay away from harsh chemical based pesticides by incorporating these techniques into your gardening.
Use the advice here to start your own organic garden. It is an interesting hobby and one that can improve your health. Your foods will taste better and not contain the heavy chemicals of store bought produce. You will also see more animals in your garden, because organic gardens are more attuned to nature.