You probably know quite a bit about organic foods, whether you have read about them, or noticed them at your local supermarket. Distinguishing which foods are organic is really quite simple. They are usually more expensive and have different kinds of packaging. Look at the following advice to learn how to start an organic garden.

Take the proper approach to laying sod. Before laying sod, you have to make sure the soil is accurately prepared. Remove weeds and break your soil until all the clumps are gone. Lightly, but firmly compress the soil, making certain it is flat. The soil should be adequately moistened. Then lay the sod in staggered rows so the joints are offset. The sod should form a flat and firm surface. Fill in gaps with soil. You will have to water the sod every day for 2 weeks, and then it should be firmly rooted to the ground, and able to be walked on.

Climbing plants and vines are great for covering fences and wall structures. These climbing plants will help beautify an old fence, and they are fast workers too. You can also train climbers to cover arbors and other things that you want covered, and they will even grow right through trees and shrubs. There are natural climbers, which use tendrils or stems to wrap around any given surface, while others must be tied with a string or rope. Plants such as clematis, wisteria, climbing roses, or honeysuckle are always great choices.

Before you plant anything in your garden, have the soil checked. Pay a small fee to have your soil analyzed, and you’ll be glad that you did when you understand what nutrients your soil is lacking. A Cooperative Extension office can provide you with this service, saving you learning on your own by trial and error.

Cut Rhizomes

You should make sure to divide your irises. If you split up clumps of them, you will eventually have more of this flower. Once the foliage has died off, lift out your bulbous irises. The bulbs will split up naturally in your hand, and when replanted, will often flower the next year. Cut rhizomes into pieces with a knife. Cut rhizomes from around the outside then throw away the remaining center. At the least, each piece will need to have one strong offshoot. Plant immediately.

Create your own garden from scratch with seeds, rather than plants. When you grow a new garden, start the environmental way, from seeds. Packaging materials for many plants utilize plastics that are not recyclable, so avoid these containers and choose instead to sow your garden with seeds or utilize organic pots.

A good fertilizer is important to add nutrients to your soil. If you decide to use manure, which is great for your plants, choose a pathogen free commercial product. You must be sure to use some kind of fertilizer. There are many different combinations available for different uses.

One particular plant should be the focal point of your garden. In any good garden design, a focal point will grab the eye and hold it there. A perfect example of a focal point is using a plant that doesn’t bear any resemblance to those that surround it.

It can be extremely fast and easy to plant perennials into your garden. Use your spade in a slicing motion to cut a flap of turf. Carefully turn the flap over, then cover the area with a three-inch layer of untreated wood chips. Give the area a couple of weeks, then dig into it and plant your new perennials.

Have your horticulture tools near you to minimize the time spent searching for them. Put them into a basket you carry with you, or use an apron with many pockets and hanging loops. Keep your gloves, a trowel, small pruning shears and other tools handy and make quick work of your garden maintenance.

The optimal amount of organic mulch to use in your flower beds is 2-3 inches. This will prevent weeds from growing, retain humidity, and feed your plants with the nutrients they need. A layer of mulch also creates a more attractive appearance.

Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds can benefit many types of soil. The grounds contain essential nitrogen, which will benefit your plants in many ways. Your plants will really bloom if they get the nitrogen they need from coffee grounds or compost or diluted urea.

For claiming your crops are credible and truly organic, get organic garden certified. This attracts customers who are willing to drive a little farther and pay a little more for products that are safe and healthy.

Use mulch to enhance the health of your soil. Mulch will protect the soil it covers. This protective effect is especially important during the summer, as it protects the roots from the effects of the heat. Since it decreases the rate at which moisture evaporates, the soil also stays more moist. This can also help control any weeds.

Growing your garden at home might not be the most convenient thing for you, but you will save a lot of money and always have the confidence that what you’re eating and feeding your family is as fresh and as healthy as possible. Use the tips you’ve learned here and get started on your garden today.