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Gardening Tips You Can Use
from: Nancy AndersonBring up the topic of gardening in almost any social situation,
and you're bound to receive plenty of gardening advice. Everyone
from greenhorn to green thumb has plenty of gardening tips to
offer. Some homegrown ideas can produce bountiful results, so
ask around and see which ideas grow on you.
There are plenty of sources available when you're looking for
gardening tips. You can read gardening books, catalogues and
magazines. You can enquire at a garden center or check the
Internet. Of course, you can ask a more seasoned gardener for
his or her advice. Gardening methods, tricks and tips can vary
depending on the type of garden or variety of plant your
tending, but some gardening tips are universal and apply to any
type of plant.
Gardening tips for planting tend to by fairly universal. All
plants need room to grow, so space them so the roots can develop
and the plants won't overcrowd each other. It's important to
know the amount of sunlight required. Some plants, like hostas,
prefer a shady corner of the garden while others, like most
annual flowers and vegetables, thrive in open sunlight.
Ventilation is also important because like all living things,
plants need proper air circulation. Sources offering valuable
gardening tips will also tell you to add some type of nutrients
to the soil, such as mulch or compost, to help your plants grow
bigger and stronger. Every plant will benefit from these general
gardening tips.
Watering is a little more specialized. Different varieties of
plants require different amounts of water. Obviously, a tomato
needs regular watering, but a cactus needs very little. How much
you water also depends on the climate. Where you live and how
much rain you get can affect your watering guidelines. When
seeking and following gardening tips, be sure to take your
geography and climate into account.
No matter who is handing out the gardening tips, they'll be sure
to tell you that plants need to be fertilized. This is an
essential step to take as soon as you plants, and it's important
to fertilize throughout the growing season. Care must be taken
however, because it is possible to over fertilize and harm a
growing plant. The type of fertilizer you choose will be
dependant on the pH balance and content of your soil. Many
garden centers offer soil-testing services. There are many
organic and chemical fertilizers on the market, but don't forget
that good old compost can be a very effective alternative. One
of the best gardening tips you can get is how to make a compost
pile, and how to use compost to feed your plants.
Probably the most sought after gardening tips are how to get rid
of pesky insects, critters, weeds and disease. Pests can easily
invade and quickly destroy a garden, so it's important to
address the problem at the first sign of danger. Depending on
the source of your gardening tips, you may be told to use
natural or organic chemical herbicides or pesticides. Some
homegrown remedies, such as cayenne pepper to keep the groundhog
away, might also hold some value. Ask around to see what has
worked for others.
Gardening is a fun hobby and can add great value to your home,
but you can find that you're facing formidable enemies like
insects, weeds, disease and weather. Even the most seasoned of
gardeners need to find gardening tips from time to time. Friends
and other gardeners are a great source for general gardening
tips, but if you're looking for specific advice it will be
worthwhile to consult a gardening book or search online for a
trusted source.
Anyone who's ever potted a petunia or grown a geranium will be
quick to offer gardening tips. Keep in mind that there will be
the occasional bad apple, so choose your advice wisely.
About the author:
Nancy Anderson contributes articles to several popular online
magazines, on home and garden,
themes.
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