Hello All!
I'm new to these forums, and new to gardening in general. In fact, I just purchased my first house...complete with an ENORMOUS organic garden.
I am thrilled to begin this new chapter of my life, but extremely overwhelmed by the garden. I went from living in a small apartment without even a lawn to a garden complete with olive and fig trees, roses, poppies, veggies and herbs. I don't even know how to water properly! To make matters worse, we aren't moving in completely for a few more days. In the meantime, some of my plants look distressed, and I see what looks to be insect eggs on some of the plants...and perhaps aphids?...on others.
The woman who tended and designed this garden obviously cared for it very much, and I'd like to honor her devotion. At the very least, I'd like to keep it alive until I figure out what I'm doing! I don't even know which tools to buy. Here are my questions:
When and how much do I water (there's an irrigation system, but it doesn't seem to reach all the plants).
What tools do I absolutely need to purchase?
Can anyone recommend a gardener who might be willing to come out and give me a crash course in organic gardening?
I sprayed some of the aphid-infested plants with diluted (nontoxic) dishsoap, as suggested by a friend. If the aphids are still there when I return tomorrow, what should I do?
What do I need to do daily to maintain the health of my plants? Should I prune withered leaves?
There is what looks to be a compost pile in the yard. It is cylindrical, with a flat top. It looks pretty dry. It has a hole in the side. What do I do with it? Should I turn it and get it wet? Or should I shovel mulch from the bottom.
Thank you for ANY suggestions in advance! I know some of these questions probably seem ridiculous to an experienced gardener. Nevertheless, I am eager to learn, and humbled already by the process.
Thanks!
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