A lot of individuals think that gardening is a challenging task that involves back-breaking labor and years of academic, horticultural studying; this is not true. Armed with the right information, anybody can be a great gardener. This article will introduce you to horticulture tips that can help you become a master gardener.

Turn the handles of tools you have on hand into rulers to make measurements in your garden. You can use shovels or rakes as measuring sticks. Simply lay the handles out on the floor and run a measuring tape next to them. Label the distances using a permanent marker. This will allow you to have a ruler at your fingertips when you are working out in the garden.

Baking Soda

When powdery mildew appears on your plants, you should not rush out to purchase a costly chemical treatment. Rather, you should mix a bit of baking soda with a small quantity of liquid soap in water. Spray this mix on your plants every week and the mildew should go away. Baking soda will not damage your plants and treats the mildew gently but efficiently.

Seeds should be soaked in a dark area overnight. Place some seeds in your smaller pots and add water almost to the brim. This will allow seeds to be watered and they will get a kick start when growing. The seeds will most likely have a greater chance of maturing and surviving.

Try growing wheat grass or cat grass in the area of the plants your cat wants to eat. Try putting mothballs or citrus on your soil to wards pets away.

If growing vegetables, make sure they are in a location in your garden where they will be exposed daily to at least six hours of the sun. Almost all vegetables need this much sunlight, so that they can grow correctly and in a shorter amount of time. Some flowers also require direct sunlight for a portion of each day.

Deciduous shrubs need protection from the cold. When these tender shrubs are kept in pots, cold weather can be very damaging. Join them together at the top, and use a blanket or old sheet to cover them. You will protect your shrubs from the cold without having to cover them in plastic, which can cause rot.

Create your own garden from scratch with seeds, rather than plants. Starting with your own seeds is more environmentally friendly than buying plants from a nursery. Most nurseries use plastic containers to grow seedling. This plastic is seldom recycled, so most is dumped in landfills. Be kind to the environment and start your garden with seeds or purchase young plants from nurseries that use organic packaging materials.

Buy a wheelbarrow and kneeling stool to work with in the garden. Spending lots of time close to the ground while working tends to be hard on your knees, that is why it is important to have a portable and lightweight garden stool that you can use for comfort. Gardening also requires transporting heavy objects and lots of dirt, so purchasing a wheelbarrow can be a very smart investment.

If you are growing a vegetable garden, you may find that pests can be difficult to control. It’s wise to avoid harsh insecticides if you plan on consuming your fresh fruits and vegetables. Frequently check your garden for pests. Natural pest control depends on the type of soil in your garden and the variety of plants growing there.

Use gardening as a way to relax and recuperate. There are a variety of ways to find peace and relaxation on a personal level. Gardening is fun, and it is definitely one of the best ways to achieve this state. The returns are huge for a very minute up front investment cost. The most important reward, however, is the sense of accomplishment you experience when your plants mature.

If you plant heather in your garden, you will attract insects that are beneficial. Bees will go straight for these plants in the spring. Heather beds are typically left untouched, which is why helpful little critters like ground beetles and spiders call them home. Because of this, don’t forget to protect your hands when pruning heather beds.

Plant ever-bearing strawberries for your children in the organic garden. Children will be more willing to help you if they can pluck their own fruit from the garden.

To make the most of your time in the garden, you should store all of your tools and implements in a close, accessible location. Carry a large bucket with you or wear pants with a lot of pockets. Make sure your trowel, pruning shears, gloves and other important tools are always handy. This will allow you to make easy work of your horticulture up-keep!

The lack of pesticides in organic gardens is a major benefit. Though this is certainly a great thing for the health of your loved ones, it is important to watch for additional pests and insects that may be present.

As was discussed at the start of this article, if you have an idea what you are trying to do, horticulture will come easy. With the tips that were provided, you have the necessary information that will help you turn your garden into a masterpiece.