10 Gardening Recommendations From Safer® Brand

Here is a list of 10 recommendations from a company the sells organic bug killers and gardening products. This was written for spring of 2011, but the principles still apply in 2013:

Now that you have healthy soil and rich organic humus prepared to be used in planting, it is time to plant your organic fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Now that Spring is upon us and many of you have already planned out what you will grow this year, we at Safer® Brand, felt this is a good time to arm you with the information you need grow a bountiful organic garden in 2011. That is why we have created the 'Organic Gardening Toolbox – 10 tips for a healthy organic garden in 2011.'

1.	We recommend your garden receives at least 6 hours of direct
	sunlight per day during your main growing time. If you do
	not have a space available that receives this amount of
	sunlight, look for plants that can grow without full sun.

2.	When planting tomatoes, be sure to stake your tomatoes. This
	prevents root breakage and keeps them off of the ground,
	where they are less susceptible to insect infestation. A
	product like Stake It Easy provides a perfect way to stake your
	tomato plants easily and safely.

3.	Plants started indoors need to become acclimated to the
	sunshine and weather before they are placed in the garden soil.
	a. Take the plants outside each day for about a week or so and place them in the sunlight for graduated periods of time throughout the week.

4.	Water your seedlings the day before you place them in your
	garden.

5.	Soil not the best in your area?? Created a raised bed where you
	can create the optimal soil for your plants.

6.	Grow companion plants such as basil or plant marigold in
	between your vegetables (common pests do not like the strong
	smell of these plants).

7.	Use a soaker hose – This is a far more efficient way to water a
	garden.

8.	Add 1" of organic material including nutrient rich humus
	(compost), and a natural fertilizer such as Ringer® Lawn
	Restore, as it conserves water, adds nutrients, discourages
	weeds, and gives your bed a clean look.

9.	Water your soil completely once a week. You must provide
	enough water to soak down through the soil to the roots.
	a. New plants need to be watered daily for several weeks to initiate root growth. b. Once they are established, do not overwater them!!

10.	Morning is the preferred time to water your plants, as it
	allows enough time for the water to sink in before the heat
	and sun cause evaporation.
	a. Watering your garden in the evening also works, but be sure to provide enough time for the plants and soil to dry before dew forms in the night. If the soil is wet for too long, it may allow fungal spore to germinate and thrive.