Organic Gardening
Organic Garden Fertilizer, Soil
With the continuing rise of ”Green Living” in today’s world why not apply it to our landscape. Environmentalists encourage the usage of organic garden fertilizer over synthetic chemicals. Organic gardens using natural mineral supplements helps our ecosystem. To achieve success in a garden the natural way, fertilizing and improving soil by organic gardening, is a way to be nature friendly.
Benefits Of Organic Gardening
Organic gardening is the usage of organic materials for building up the soil and adding needed nutrients for good plant growth. Using organic matter adds desirable benefits needed in a garden. It improves the condition by providing better aeration and controlling temperatures. Organic garden soil helps in holding water and proper nutrients. Organic matter keeps the soil from having any chemical imbalances by maintaining a continuous supply of plant nutrients naturally.
Definition Of Organic Matter
Organic matter is basically the remains of plants and animals. Organics consist mainly in the form of animal manures, green plant manures, compost, and mixed organic garden fertilizer. Most commonly used animal based products in organic gardens are cow manure, blood meal, and fish emulsions. Green manures are derived from plants like ground up plant products or whole plants. Green plants used in manure are good for improving soil conditions.
Organic garden soil made from combining composted yard waste with materials such as animal manure or green manure is recommended for adding nutrients to the soil.
Making Compost For Organic Gardens
There are different ways to make a compost pile and bin. An experienced organic gardener that has been making compost, has proven ways for construction and systems to manage them. A simple ideal compost pile can be made easily for the home.
Making a small compost pile measuring 3 ‘ x 3 ‘ x 3 ‘ ( 1 cubic yard ) can be made called a ” compost unit “. To build a larger pile just put together several units into one bin. Build a bin making sides from lumber that is ” rot-resistant”, concrete blocks, wire or other durable material. Local county extension services do offer plans for help in building a bin for organic gardening.
Make successive 12 inch thick layers using plant waste such as leaves, lawn clippings, shredded branches or wood chips. Mix one cup of dolomite, one cup of all purpose fertilizer and distribute onto each layer. Moisten each layer after distributing mix and then keep moist at all times. Wait until three to four weeks and then thoroughly mix the compost pile. Continue mixing for every week thereafter. Compost should be ready to use in two to twelve months, or when compost parts have completely decomposed.
Organic Garden Fertilizer
Applying animal manure and compost in soil is the base for making organic gardens. Prior to planting a garden, it is important to Mix animal manure and compost together Before applying it to the soil. Mix the two together at a one to one ratio ( one part manure to one part compost ) to make organic garden fertilizer. If Compost from yard waste is Used Alone plants will be stunted, hurting their growth.
An easy way to mix manure and compost together is by using a wheel barrel. At the compost bin site using a shovel place one scoop of manure and one scoop of compost in wheel barrel at a time. Then mix together very thoroughly.
Transport mixed material to planting site and dump in garden area. Spread mix in soil within bedding area to a depth of six inches. Use the shovel to churn mix and soil together, using a garden rake level and grade site for proper drainage. Wait seven days after applying mix before planting organic gardens.
The best animal manure to use for organic gardening is cow manure. It is sold at garden centers or nurseries usually in 40 to 50 pound bags. Which makes it easier to bring it to the compost bin site for mixing. The size of the planting site will determine how many bags to use. Information should be listed on the label on how much to use on planting area.
Organic gardens are found more and more in today’s landscapes. By recycling yard waste as compost, using organic fertilizer instead of synthetic chemicals, we can improve our soil, feed our garden, and help in achieving a green planet. Not only will you have successful healthy plants, organic gardening helps the environment. A garden with organic garden soil is a natural way of ” Going Green Living “.
Kurt Kmetz
Bedding Plants Planting Guide
Bedding plants offer many choices of colorful flowering plants and complete any landscape. They add beauty and value to your home when done the right way. They offer a rewarding feeling that is pleasurable for everyone of all ages. It is fun and relaxing to work in your garden, getting outside and closer to nature. Here are some helpful planting tips to be used as a bedding plants planting guide.
Types Of Bedding Plants
Bedding plants are considered as annual plants or a perennial plant. There is a difference between the two, so you can make a choice for yourself. Annual plants are most widely use because of the many varieties available during the seasons of the year. There are many choices and types of annual flowers that grow in the different seasons with lots of color.
Annual plants are grown from seed producing flowers and eventually die at the end of each growing season. They need to be replaced with new ones at the end of their growing cycle.
Perennial plants bloom once during a season and last up to one or two months, depending upon the type. They will live for three years or more. When they become extra tall they can be divided to create separate plants.
Planting Guide For Choosing A Location
Bedding plants are used as an accent and not as a dominant feature in the landscape. Place them in front of the home harmonizing with the total setting. Colors should blend with each other and with the house. It is not recommended to have large islands in front with bedding plants. They are used as borders along shrubs and fences.
Use them as small flower beds standing alone. Plant them as edging along side walks and driveways. They are good under porches, decks, and along patios. Even if you don’t have area’s such as listed above, place them in pots, tubs, planters, or hanging baskets. No matter what situation , you can have colorful flowers to add beauty to your home.
Selecting and Purchasing Bedding Plants
As in all garden plants, light requirements need to be considered. They will require either Full Sun, Partial Shade, or Full Shade, depending on the type. Read the tags or labels found on the plant or pot as a bedding plants planting guide when shopping for them at your local nursery or garden center. Healthy garden plants are important when purchasing them which can depend on the grower. Choose a seller that carries good quality plants.
Here are some planting tips that will be helpful when purchasing bedding plants. Buy plants that are Not in full bloom. Look for gardening plants that that have New Buds nice and thick. Pick ones that are young with dark green foliage. Choose ones that are Not tall and sparse with stems looking spindly. Look for stress such as, under-watering, wilting, or over-watering. Also look for damage such as broken stems which may occur from improper handling or shipping.
Planting Guide For Grouping Colors and Types
Limit your choices for each area to a few kinds and colors. In bedding areas, plant one or two types of flowering plants to create a theme. Plant the same types and colors grouping together forming a separation. Mixing them together can become distracting and confusing for the eye to see.
Always place flowering plants according to their mature height. Plant smaller growing plants in-front of taller ones. The tag or label will tell you their eventual height when fully mature.
Water conditions are important when planting them together. Most bedding plants need well-drained soil and do bad in wet conditions. Some can survive in wet and shady locations but most can’t. Impatients are generally used in this type of situation. Once again, the bedding plants planting guide on tags and labels give information pertaining to characteristics, of each type of flowering plants you are choosing.
Bedding Plants Planting Guide For Site Preparation
Prepare your bedding plants site a week prior to planting. It is better to get your area and location ready first, and then purchase plants when it is time to plant them. Do Not let them sit around for for sometime waiting to be installed. I know it is hard because of availability and they do sell quickly at at your local nursery or garden center, so it is best to have your spot ready to go.
Here’s how to prepare your site.
First remove all weeds and grass using a shovel and rake to clean out the area. Do Not use a Weed and Grass Killer for it can be harmful to your new plants. Beds should be spaded or tilled at least six inches deep turning over the soil. Mix in the ground organic material so the plants will receive the proper nutrients needed to be healthy.
Use “Organic Peat” to increase the proper nutrients in the soil and for water-holding capability. I recommend to mix 1-part “Organic Peat” to 2-Parts Top Soil. Spread mix in the garden area with a garden rake and churn it around with a shovel thoroughly mixing it with the existing soil. A depth of 6 inches should be sufficient. Level off area and consider proper drainage towards the front of the bed.
Conclusion
Flowering plants go great in a landscape adding lots of color creating an eye appealing home garden. Whether placed in garden beds, used as borders, or edging , you can have a choice fulfilling your needs. Following these helpful planting tips by using this bedding plants planting guide will ensure a good foundation for a successful garden. Once you have started your garden, with the proper Care For Flowering Plants, they will be healthy with lots of color.
Now, lets get outside, enjoy nature and as always…
Keep on Growing!
Kurt Kmetz
