Gardening Tips

Gardening Tips

April 14 marks National Gardening Day!

April is an exciting time of year for gardeners, as winter moves into the past and spring pulls ahead and we can comfortably head outside, enjoy some fresh air and start focusing on our gardens.

If you are needing extra motivation with gardening this year, here are some tips and tricks:

TIP: APPLY COMPOST 2-3 WEEKS PRIOR TO PLANTING

“Compost needs time to integrate and stabilize in the soil. Apply two to three weeks prior to planting.” (Planet Natural)

TIP: SOIL QUALITY

“Fertilizer is not the answer to growing the best plants; soil quality is. Add organic amendments such as compost and well-aged manure to your soil. The best soil structure is crumbly, easy to dig, accepts water easily, and is loose enough to provide oxygen for plant roots.” (Better Homes & Gardens)

Earth Smart Solutions offers a variety of natural products to help improve the health of your soil. Learn more here.

According to Dr. Robert E. Pettit, Emeritus Associate Professor at Texas A&M University, “Humic substances are recognized by most soil scientists and agronomists as the most important component of a healthy, fertile soil.”

TIP: COMPANION PLANTING

“Companion planting is an excellent way to improve your garden. Some plants replenish nutrients lost by another one, and some combinations effectively keep pests away.” (Planet Natural)

TIP: USE COMPOST WHEN PLANTING

“When planting a flower or vegetable transplant, deposit a handful of compost into each hole. Compost will provide transplants with an extra boost that lasts throughout the growing season.” (Planet Natural)

TIP: WATER DEEPLY

“Most in-ground garden plants grow best with 1 to 2 inches of water per week. If not enough rain falls, water deeply once a week instead of watering lightly daily. Frequent, shallow watering only moistens the top layer of soil and encourages the plant's roots to move there instead of growing deeper.” (Better Homes & Gardens)

TIP: BIOLOGICAL SEED STARTERS

Biological seed starters are an affordable and effective way to optimize seed germination, plant establishment, and early growth and yield potential. 

Inspire – Seed Starter is a liquid, natural seed starter and root growth promoter formulated with macro and micronutrients, amino acids, organic acids, root growth stimulants, enzymes, proteins, vitamins, minerals and beneficial microbes.

Inspire supports early root growth and larger roots resulting in better access to moisture and nutrients which translates into improved health throughout the life cycle of the crop.

TIP: TO PREVENT DISEASE

In order to maintain a strong and healthy garden, try our ESFC Defender – Plant Protector & Soil Conditioner.

  • For initial protection, apply directly to the soil prior to seeding or at the early stages of plant growth.  
  • For preventative protection, apply as required during growth period.  

Defender has been found to help prevent diseases from developing in vegetable crops, bedding and ornamental plants, and more.

We hope these gardening tips help!

We offer additional gardening products to help your garden thrive, including foliar fertilizer, tomato fertilizer and more. View all of our gardening products here.

Happy Gardening!

Sources:

Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Gardening Tips Every Gardener Should Know

Planet Natural, Tips & Tricks


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