DIY Tips for gardening

This month we are providing DIY gardening tips and ideas to help gardeners of all experiences get more out of their hobby and their gardens. This issue will feature garden soil tips and lawn care gardening tips.

DIY Gardening Soil Tips

Soil preparation is the very foundation of a successful garden. If your soil is poor or the wrong type, then your gardening efforts will always be a struggle. Garden soil preparation involves getting the levels of organic matter, nutrients and pH exactly where you want them. Getting your vegetable garden soil just right will pay dividends, making your efforts in improving garden soil both worthwhile and rewarding. Here are a few tips that will help you build a good foundation:

1. Use a soil testing kit to identify where your soil stands in terms of pH and nutrient level.
2. Add organic material – Almost all plants love soil that contains organic matter
3. Use other creatures – Earthworms will fight off pests and disease.

It’s difficult to make proper adjustments to your soil without knowing its current condition. By identifying the content of the soil, improvements can be made by adjusting nutrient level and pH. Almost all soils can benefit from the addition of organic matter. A well composted and mulched garden will always perform well as it alters pH as needed, saves watering, adjusts soil types and keeps plants healthy. Using earthworms helps to condition the soil, making it more porous. They also contribute to fighting off disease and pests.

DIY Lawn Care Gardening Tip Keeping the lawn in top condition before the onset of cooler weather can be obtained by seasonal maintenance including fertilising, fighting common pests and diseases and fixing drainage problems. To establish and maintain a beautiful lawn:

1. Feed the grass
2. Mow for good grooming

Taking the time to feed your lawn will not only give it a healthy green colour but it will also help it to remain healthy. Distribute evenly, applying with a lawn spreader when the grass is dry. This will add nutrients to the soil and help break down the thatch that often builds up on some lawns. Not feeding your lawn enough may produce a lack of nutrients; however overfeeding can be just as harmful. Maintaining a regular feeding schedule on your lawn will mean it remains weed free and healthy all year round. Mowing is an important part of lawn care but never cut your lawn too short. A good tip is to never cut more than a third off the grass at one time. Doing so could allow moss and weeds to take hold. To maintain a neat lawn use a line trimmer in areas that mowers can’t get to, especially around tree bases and garden edges

In next week’s issue we will continue to explore the different garden styles, their varying attributes and which will be suitable for you and your lifestyle.

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