Whether you want your landscape plush with healthy grass, county fair award-winning flowers or a back yard filled with fresh vegetables, you need to know how to reap a glorious garden. This article contains many tips to help you do just that, and if you don’t already have a green thumb, you will by the time you’re done reading.
If you are new to gardening, be sure to keep it simple. Overplanting at first can lead to stress and a backyard that’s a mess rather than a beautiful garden. Also, larger gardens are more prone to weeds. Keep it small at first, and you will have a better experience.
Are you wondering if you need to water your lawn? One good way to tell is to simply walk across it. If you can see your footprints, you have a thirsty yard. Every week, your lawn should be receiving up to one inch of water. If you live in an area where it doesn’t rain frequently, make sure to give your lawn the “footprint test” whenever you’re not sure if it’s had enough to drink.
In you have a pond in your garden, make sure you maintain it throughout the year. In order to keep a pond healthy, you need to ensure that the water is clear and that plants do not take over. Remember, with the right balance of light, oxygen and air, aquatic plants and wildlife will thrive.
If your landscape includes low-growing plants, you should invest in a set of knee pads specifically designed for gardening. Your knees will take a beating if you spend a great deal of time on the ground while tending your garden. Using a pair of quality knee pads designed for gardening can provide your knees with cushioning and support, preventing any discomfort.
Roses can be difficult to grow in the best of conditions. Increase your chances for success by choosing the right rose for your climate. If your area has harsh winter conditions look for a rose with thicker petals. Mildew resistant varieties are ideal for humid areas and heat tolerant roses will do best in arid areas.
To make a homemade watering can, use an old bottle of detergent! Simply drill holes in the lid of the cap and be sure the bottle has been cleaned thoroughly. The thickness of a detergent container will make this a very sturdy watering can and the handle will allow you to use it with ease.
If you own fish, save your water. Changing the water in a fish tank is a necessary chore when caring for these pets; however it can also prove to be useful for your garden. Dirty fish tank water is actually quite loaded with the nutrients plants crave. So when it comes time to change the water, instead of dumping that old water down the drain, use the water to fertilize your plants instead.
Treat your flowering bulbs correctly after they finish blooming and they will return again next year. Allow the foliage to remain for at least eight weeks after flowering to ensure that your bulbs are able to photosynthesize enough food for the following season. Removing the leaves earlier could result in weak flowers or no flowers at all the next year.
Now that you know what it takes to achieve all of your gardening goals, you are ready to go outside make them happen. Go grow your ten-foot tall sunflowers, plant those tomatoes that you’ve wanted to grow forever or create a front lawn that makes every neighbor on the block jealous. Enjoy your new green thumb.
