If you have always wanted to have an organic garden, but thought there was some magic trick to getting things to grow well, or turn out right, then this article is for you. We will show you just how simple it can be to grow your own organic fruits, flowers and vegetables.
You’ve decided to start an organic garden. First, you want to have a soil sample done. It is not only a matter of what you are going to put into the soil. You need to know what has been deposited there in the past. Generally, it takes several years for past chemicals and pesticides to be cleared out of the soil. Only then does your garden become truly “organic.”
To keep air flowing through your compost pile, stand a large PVC pipe with punched holes in the center of your pile so the air flows up and down the pipe, and then through the holes directly into the pile. The air movement helps your soil decomposers create the heat needed to jumpstart the decay process.
Create soil for your organic garden by composting. Composting is a wonderful way to re-use some items that you would normally throw away as garbage. It also provides for rich and fertile soil, without the use of chemicals and pesticides. Compost bins are available in many sizes to fit your specific needs.
Consider building raised beds. If you build your own raised beds, you can choose the perfect size for your garden, and you can fill it with a type of soil that is suitable for what you intend to grow. Since there will be little soil compaction, there will be more oxygen in the soil, and water drainage will be much better. The soil in a raised bed warms up much earlier in the spring, increasing the growing season.
Know the benefits of composting. Composting is one of the best things you can do for your organic garden. Composting improves moisture levels, promotes fertility, and stimulates plant roots. You can start your own composting at home, and reduce your household waste, as well as get free food for your garden.
For the best organic garden, choose plants that do best in your type of soil and climate. Plants that have adapted to a specific type of environment have a better chance to thrive without much fuss in that environment. These plants will also save you time in maintenance because they are naturally hardy.
Pest management in organic gardening doesn’t include pesticides and other chemicals, so it is best to maintain a high quality, healthy soil. With healthier soil, plants remain healthier, therefore can withstand more disease and even damage caused by insects. While the insects are still present, you are avoiding their damages, so everyone is happy.
Plant geraniums near tomatoes. Many bugs hate the chemicals in geraniums and will avoid them, so if you plant geraniums around your tomato patch and sparsely in your garden, the caterpillars and worms will have a tough time getting into the tomato plants. This is especially true if you have your garden enclosed.
Give your ailing plants an aspirin or two! Aspirin contains salicylic acid, the same chemicals plants naturally produce when they are trying to recoup from stress. By dissolving a couple of aspirin in a gallon of water and using it to water your stressed plants, you can help them get the healthy boost they need.
If you are new to organic gardening and are interested in growing vegetables, you should be aware that certain plants are much easier to start with than others. For example, broccoli, onions, and peppers are amongst the easiest. You should also be aware that different plants have different growing timetables. These timetables are available online. After selecting which plants you want to grow, look up their timetables so you know when to plant them.
Having an organic garden in your backyard, doesn’t mean that you will be constantly tied to it. On the contrary, gardening in an organic way can be more satisfying than any other method, because you are more in tune with nature, and the plants themselves. Use the ideas from this article to see just how easy it can be.
