Organic gardening can be very rewarding
Credit: Steve Woods | ©Steve Woods
Beginning an organic garden can be a very rewarding experience and give you a sense of satisfaction when you enjoy the first fruits of your labor. If you plan on starting an organic garden this year there are a couple things you need to plan and prepare for.
What Exactly is Organic Gardening?
When you garden organically you only used materials from living things, synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are not used on your plants. Manure and compost, made from kitchen scraps and yard waste are used as fertilizer for your garden. Natural pesticides can be made and used to effectively prevent and treat weeds and pests. Organic gardening does require more time and planning but the benefits are well worth the effort.
Picking A Spot For Your Garden
Choosing where you will plant your organic garden is the first and most important step. Throughout the day watch different areas of your yard to determine where plants would be able to get the most sunlight and still be protected from wind. This spot should also have easy access to water and good drainage.
Preparing the Soil
Once you have determined where your garden will be located you need to prepare the soil for planting. The soil in every new garden should be tested so that you can adjust the pH of the soil as needed. Look in your local nursery for a simple soil testing kit. Clear the plotted area of all debris and weeds, till and then return after a couple of days to weed out the plot again.
Till in fertilizer that you have prepared and then rake soil into beds or rows. Choose an organic mulch to cover the soil which will help limit the growth of weeds and retain moisture.
Start Composting
Your new garden will require plenty of fertilizer before and after planting and this need is easily met with a compost pile. Kitchen scraps, coffee grounds, leaves and grass clippings all make great composting material. Make sure the spot you choose for your compost pile can be contained, a spot some distance from the house works best.
Planting Your Garden
What Exactly is Organic Gardening?
When you garden organically you only used materials from living things, synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are not used on your plants. Manure and compost, made from kitchen scraps and yard waste are used as fertilizer for your garden. Natural pesticides can be made and used to effectively prevent and treat weeds and pests. Organic gardening does require more time and planning but the benefits are well worth the effort.
Picking A Spot For Your Garden
Choosing where you will plant your organic garden is the first and most important step. Throughout the day watch different areas of your yard to determine where plants would be able to get the most sunlight and still be protected from wind. This spot should also have easy access to water and good drainage.
Preparing the Soil
Once you have determined where your garden will be located you need to prepare the soil for planting. The soil in every new garden should be tested so that you can adjust the pH of the soil as needed. Look in your local nursery for a simple soil testing kit. Clear the plotted area of all debris and weeds, till and then return after a couple of days to weed out the plot again.
Till in fertilizer that you have prepared and then rake soil into beds or rows. Choose an organic mulch to cover the soil which will help limit the growth of weeds and retain moisture.
Start Composting
Your new garden will require plenty of fertilizer before and after planting and this need is easily met with a compost pile. Kitchen scraps, coffee grounds, leaves and grass clippings all make great composting material. Make sure the spot you choose for your compost pile can be contained, a spot some distance from the house works best.
Planting Your Garden
Comments
Great article! I started organic gardening last year but it almost totally flopped. Going to try again this year!
My cousin is having trouble with his garden, this will be sure to help em out!
We start out with great progress and then.... the bugs come a marching. Maybe we need more mulch. Thanks.
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