Organic horticulture is a widely accessible, eminently satisfying pastime. If you are unfamiliar with horticulture in general, or the specifics of organic gardening, the process may be daunting. So, what exactly should a novice learn and do when they want to start growing plants? Start by reading the advice in this article.

Do not improperly lay your new sod. You will need to prepare your lawn soil before laying the sod. Pull any weeds that you see, and work to break up the soil so that it is a fine tilth. Lightly, but firmly compress the soil, making certain it is flat. Be sure the soil is thoroughly moist. Sod should be placed in rows that are staggered, where the joints connect to offset each other. The sod should form a flat and firm surface. Fill in gaps with soil. According to your climate, you will likely need to water the new sod daily over a period of a couple of weeks. This will insure proper root formation and establishment.

Shoveling soil that is mostly clay can be difficult because of the hardness of the soil, and because it sticks to the shovel. To make digging clay soil easier, try applying a light coating of wax, either car wax or floor wax, and then buff off and commence digging. The wax prevents the clay from sticking to the shovel, and stops rust from forming.

Think about starting plants in pots, and then placing the seedlings in the garden later. They are then more likely to survive and to become thriving, mature plants. Seeds can’t always thrive in gardens, and are often eaten by birds. Once you’ve removed the previous group of plants, your seedlings can go into the ground.

Soak the seeds and store in a dark area overnight. Simply place a handful of seeds in a container, cover the seeds up with water, and stash it away. This will keep seeds hydrated and help them to grow faster. This gives the seeds a better chance of flourishing.

Plan your garden before you plant it. This will assist you in recognizing your tiny plants when they start to pop up. In addition, some plants are so small you might forget you planted them once all your plants sprout. Planning stops these plants from getting lost in the crowd.

Divide irises. If you divide the overgrown clumps of flowers, you’ll find that your stock grows proportionally. You can do this by simply picking up bulbous irises once the foliage has withered. As soon as you pick up the bulb, it’ll split into pieces. That’s okay – in fact, it’s desirable. You can replant the bulb pieces and next year you’ll have a healthy bed of new irises. Rhizomes may need to be divided by using a knife. Cut the new pieces from its outside and dispose of the older center. At the least, each piece will need to have one strong offshoot. Set your cuttings into the ground right away.

Using natural materials in the garden will keep pests away. Forming a border around your vegetable garden with marigolds or onions are ideal for repelling slugs. Mulch around the bottom of trees and shrub seedlings with wood ash to reduce unwanted infestation of pests. With these natural methods, there is no need to purchase expensive, harsh pesticides.

Give them a boost by watering them with the cooled water that is left after steaming vegetables. It is also possible to utilize coffee ground or tea to make the soil more acidic for gardenias, rhododendrons and other plants that prefer acidic soil. Chamomile tea is a good remedy against fungus.

After reading this article, you should have a better idea of the appeal of growing an organic garden. Cultivating your green thumb is a relaxing, engaging hobby that the whole family can enjoy. With these tips in mind, you can start growing like a pro!