Anyone
new to gardening could be excused for thinking the process is rather daunting,
especially if they read some of the books on the market. Often these books are
so loaded with technical jargon that the average person can't understand it.
One exception is Yates Garden Guide which should have a place in every home.
Gardening expert Colin Campbell has put together this list of 10 basic
gardening rules which will help to make gardening a satisfying leisure
activity.
1. Know your soil type
Get to know your soil type. When
you know this, you will know how to manage it and get the best out of it. There
are three basic types - sand, silt and clay - and if you are not sure about
what you have, ask your neighbours if there isn't a nursery or garden centre
nearby.
2. Use organic fertiliser
Use plenty of organic matter,
regardless of the soil type. Organic fertilisers, compost and mulching
materials enhance the nutrient level and encourage life-giving soil microbes
and worms. The more you can use, the better.
3. Follow fertiliser directions
Fertilisers should always be used
in accordance with manufacturers' directions
4. Keep soil mulched
Keep the soil well-mulched all
year. Mulching helps to minimise weed growth and this is important because
weeds compete with plants for moisture and nutrients. Mulching also modifies
soil temperature - in warm weather it helps to keep it cool and in cold weather
it keeps the soil warm. A thick layer will also reduce moisture loss through
evaporation. It doesn't really matter what type of mulch is used - it comes
down to personal choice. I prefer sugarcane mulch, but others opt for lucerne
mulch, straw, tea-tree or bark mulch.
5. Plant similar species together
Plant appropriate species together,
such as those that require the same soil, light and nutrients.
6. Pests and diseases
Learn to identify pests and
diseases so that appropriate action can be taken, ensuring that you use the
“softest'' option available. Spraying with chemicals may be necessary as a last
resort.
7. Pruning
Prune shrubs early rather than
leaving them until they get too large to trim back.
Australian native species, in particular, should be pruned back by about one-third from their first year in your garden.
Australian native species, in particular, should be pruned back by about one-third from their first year in your garden.
8. Flowering plants
Remove spent flowers from flowering
plants every few days as this will prolong the flowering season. This is
especially important in the case of flowering annuals but it also applies to
many flowering shrubs.
9. Watering
10. Composting
Make
your own compost. Every day there are kitchen scraps, so instead of throwing
them away in the garbage bin, start a compost heap. The same applies to
prunings - cut these into small pieces and place in the compost heap or bin.
Source of Article: www.couriermail.com.au
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