Page 4 - BOTANIX Garden Center Fresh garden ideas you can taste

4 First steps

First steps

1 Healthy soil is the absolute key to a successful garden. Use quality garden soil or a soil
mix rich in compost and peat moss. Well-draining soil is essential! Get your soil tested
to learn about its basic texture, its Ph level, the nutrients already present and those to be
added. For container-gardening, you’ll need soil specially developed for that purpose.

2 Choose a garden location where your plants will receive a minimum of 8 hours sunlight per day.

3 Choose seeds and seedlings carefully.

• Look for hardy varieties that are suitable for our climate
• Opt for organic seeds when they are available
• Avoid chemically treated seeds

4 Keep garden pests under control. Vigilance is key! And remember: some insects
are your friends, so learn to identify them.
• Lay down geotextile sheets and install insect traps

• Mix your own insecticidal soap spray (biodegradable dish soap and water) and keep it handy.
Oil sprays (neem, peppermint, rosemary) are effective for targeting specific insect pests.

• Remove insect pests by hand (early morning or at sundown)
and drop into a jar of soapy water.

5 Adopt a system of crop rotation, no matter the size of your garden.
By changing the location of plant varieties on a yearly basis you will:

• Maintain nutrient-rich soil
• Minimize disease and keep pests under control
• Double your harvest

6 Compost is the ultimate soil conditioner and plant food,
and it’s free! Designate a spot and get one started.