Lay sod properly. Prior to laying the sod, prepare your soil. Remove any weeds, and break the soil up into a fine tilth. Lightly, but firmly compact the soil, making sure it is flat. Moisten the soil thoroughly. The sod should be laid in staggered rows, with the joints offset from one another. Firm the sod down to form a flat, even surface, and fill in any gaps between the sod with a little soil. The sod needs to be watered daily for two weeks, by which time it will be rooted and ready to walk on.
Using a shovel in clay soil is a lot of work, not only is the clay hard, but it will stick to the shovel and make it twice as hard to handle. Take the hard work out of using a shovel in clay soil by rubbing a light coat of car or floor wax over the surface with a clean cloth and buff the surface. Not only will the clay slide off the surface, but it will keep the end from rusting.
Consider starting your plants in pots and then planting the seedlings in your garden. This increases the chance that your plants will survive to adulthood. It also allows you to tighten up the time periods between plantings. Your seedlings will be ready to go in as soon as you remove the previous set of mature plants.
Plant slug-proof perennials. Slugs and snails can decimate a plant in one night. They tend to enjoy perennials that have thin, smooth, tender leaves, especially those of young plants. Certain perennials are unappetizing to slugs and snails, especially those with tough, hairy leaves or an unappetizing taste. Excellent varieties include heuchera, achillea, euphorbia, campanula, and helleborus.
If you notice powdery mildew on your plants, do not buy an expensive chemical. Mix some baking soda and a very small amount of liquid soap into water. Spray this on your plants once a week until the mildew disappears. Baking soda will not damage your plants and treats the mildew gently but efficiently.
Pre-soak seeds overnight in a dark place. Put a few seeds in a small container and fill it near to the top with water. This will allow your seeds to be hydrated and get a head start when growing. The seeds will have a better chance of surviving and maturing.
When you mow your lawn, do not mow it close to the ground. If you leave more height to your grass, the roots will grow deeper into the soil, making the lawn stronger and more resistant to drying out. Short grass leads to more shallow roots and will result in more brown, dried-out patches.
If you are growing vegetables in your garden, it is important that you have them in a spot where they can get at least 6 hours of sun a day. Most vegetables require this amount of sun in order to grow properly and at a quicker pace. This is also true for some flowers.
Choose a plant as a focal point. In any good garden design, a focal point will grab the eye and hold it there. More often than not, it is a plant that is distinctively different from its neighbors. Remember – if the plant is to remain effective as a focal point, you shouldn’t overuse it in the garden.
Let your children be involved in your organic gardening efforts. Organic gardening is safer for children, as it ensures that they won’t come into contact with harsh chemicals in the garden, nor do you have to store such things in your home or garage. A garden can be a great learning experience for your children, and gives you a chance to bond while producing healthy food.