New gardening techniques, tips, products, tools, and equipment are introduced on a regular basis. Although many of these have been proven to be effective, you can be sure that you will have a healthy, lush lawn by knowing and applying the basic yet most helpful gardening tips and tricks.
Here are five simple and effective tricks and tips every good gardener needs to know about:
- Make sure your soil is conducive for growing plants.
For your plants to grow and thrive, your soil must have the right pH level and the right amount and quality of micro-nutrients. You can use a soil testing kit which you can buy at gardening stores to do this, or send it to a company that offers this service. If you are already certain that you have the ideal soil, you can help make it even more nutrient-rich and “friendlier” by adding compost, manure or dried peat moss. Keep in mind that amended soil is lighter, drains well, allows roots to establish themselves quicker, and makes for easy weeding. - Water deeply and in the morning.
By watering deeply, you ensure that the plants’ deep roots get enough water which they need for healthy growth. Also, always water your plants in the morning to avoid quick water loss from evaporation. In addition, when you water early in the morning, you ensure that the plant’s leaves dry up before evening, which helps restrict the development of fungus and mealybugs. - Control the weeds.
Cudweed, dandelion, Bindi, clover, and creeping oxalis are some of the most common invasive weeds you can find in British Columbia. To prevent any of these weeds from invading your garden, whenever you see one, pull it out from the moist soil so that you can be sure you remove the whole plant, including its roots. If you already have a weed invasion, cover the weeds with black plastic, tarp, or newspapers for at least 15 days so that they don’t get any sun light and eventually die. - Prune regularly.
Trimming a plant makes it healthier and controllable. In addition, you can give it the shape you want. You don’t have to use a motor-powered tool every time you trim; removing a few centimeters off the plant, which is called pinch pruning, can do wonders for your plants. - Keep your garden pest-free.
Lastly, although small, caterpillar worms, beetles, slugs, and aphids can easily and quickly destroy your precious plants. Some simple DIY pest control tips include placing saucers of beer around as bait for slugs and snails and applying crushed tomato leaf or garlic spray on stems and leaves to control aphids.
Whether you’re a beginner or already a pro at gardening, sticking to tried-and-tested techniques and tips and trying new proven effective hacks and tricks can help you get the healthy, lush garden you’ve always wanted.
For all of your gardening requirements, call Jim’s Mowing on 310-JIMS or book online for your free, no-obligation quote today!
