Are you a beginner to organic gardening? Maybe you've grown a few veggies before, but not with organic methods. Or maybe all you've managed to grow in the past has been "weeds". But if you're interested in growing an organic vegetable garden... keep reading.
So just what does organic gardening mean? Basically it means growing in harmony with the environment - using simple systems and techniques that benefit your garden without resorting to the use of any chemicals.
Organic gardeners take a wholistic approach to gardening, starting from the ground up, so to speak.
Ways to improve your soil include adding in compost and other bulky organic matter or mature animal manures. It helps if you know what kind of soil you have. You can get pH testing kits from your local hardware store or nursery, but pretty much all soils will greatly improve over time with the systematic addition of organic matter.
If you're planning on growing organic vegetables, a great way to start is with a "no-dig" garden bed. You can raise the bed by building borders and then add layers of compost and organic mulch. When the plot has settled you can plant your seedlings directly into the layers.
Many organic gardeners create their own compost from garden waste, kitchen scraps, chicken manure and many other compostable items. If you don't have room for a compost heap, there are other options - such as a worm farm or Bokashi bucket system. These valuable nutrients are placed back into the garden to feed your plants.
Another form of organic food for your plants is a liquid fertilizer. These are very easy to make and cost you next to nothing. You can use these fertilizers on the soil around your plants or as foliar sprays, directly on the leaves.
Another system often used by organic gardeners is companion planting. This is where you grow many different plants together to improve each other in some way. Companion planting can benefit your garden in many ways, including pest and disease prevention and growing healthier, more vigorous plants.
To get nature to help you out with insect control you can grow plants that attract beneficial insects. These are insects that either eat problem insects or they could be pollinating insects, such as bees or butterflies.
You can also grow plants that attract insect eating birds, and have water available for birds and other wildlife around your garden. Of course you can always hand pick a few caterpillars off you plants, or spray a jet of water to get rid of aphids if the numbers haven't got out of control.
I've only mentioned a few of the more basic methods of organic gardening here, but once you get started you'll wonder why anyone would contemplate putting chemicals on their garden, let alone on their food plants. Nature has got it right - keeping populations of pest insects in check by providing predatory insects and animals. Well, it just makes good sense.
Other things you'd want to consider if you're planning a vegetable garden are:
The amount of sunlight the area gets
Are there trees shading the area, or will roots become a problem?
Is water easily accessible?
Is it close enough to the kitchen?
I'd also highly recommend that you keep a garden journal or diary. Keep records of when you planted things and what the yields were like. Would you do anything differently next season? You might jot down relevant weather details too.
If you decide to save your own seed it's really important to keep clear records.
It may sound like it's a really involved subject, but organic gardening is like learning to play an instrument or a new language. You just practice what you know and keep adding to it. Before long, it will become second nature to you. It is a way of life for me and it brings great joy into my life, knowing that I provide healthy, organic food for my family that has virtually no impact on the environment. Try it for yourself - I'm sure you'll be hooked too.
Hi, I am an avid organic gardener and am known by my friends as the recycling queen. I live on a small country property in South Australia.
It is my mission to encourage as many people as possible to start organic gardening ( I know you'll become addicted). This will improve both our individual lives and the wellbeing of our personal and global environments.
Anyone can grow their own healthy food with Organic Gardening. Click here to get started now!
Happy Organic Gardening, Healthy Living...
Julie Williams
http://www.1stoporganicgardening.com
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