Ultimate Guide to Organic Vegetable Gardening
Organic gardening has become increasingly more commonplace. In essence, this form of gardening uses all-natural fertilizers and pest repellents, and no artificial or synthetic chemicals whatsoever. Many people feel that vegetables and fruits that are grown organically not only have more nutrients and vitamins, but also taste much better. At-home organic gardening is a truly wonderful way to experience this method of growing produce for yourself and your family. Without the additives, the water stays pure and the soil avoids any runoff, which can pollute our environment.
Early Planning Stage
- Make your soil bed approximately three weeks before you're ready to plant. Prep the soil and make sure the moisture level is not too dry or too moist. A good pH balance is also important, so you may want to perform a simple test to check the levels.
- Choose organic seeds that have come from an organic source if possible. Lay out a plan to determine what vegetables or fruit you wish to plant, and find out what types of vegetables grow best in which kind of light so they will be placed appropriately.
- Gather all needed tools such as a hoe, spade, sprinkler or hose, and compost. Make a list of everything you will need in advance so when it comes time to plant, the garden is ready and prepped.
Planting Guide
- Water your ground in advance, being careful not to over-water. Adding water before planting the seeds will help ensure that they do not get overloaded with water, or that they do not get washed out of the soil after you plant them.
- Try to only cover the seeds with soil with about the same amount as their diameter. Too much soil will prevent them from being able to break through and grow properly.
- Keep a close eye on the seeds, making certain the soil stays moist at all times, but not too moist.
- Add some compost to the soil to help give the vegetables an added mineral and nutrient boost. It is recommended to add the compost material a few weeks after the initial planting of your seeds to make sure they're growing properly.
Soil Preparation
- Make sure all weeds are removed, and that the roots have been dug out.
- Never use any synthetic chemicals to add nutrients to the soil, or to keep pests away.
- Till the soil regularly a few weeks before planting. Moving the soil around will help ensure that the nutrients stay at the top where the plants will be sown.
- Try to avoid walking on the soil before you plant. Compacting it too tightly can help stunt growth.
- Add some garden worms to help keep the soil moving and full of good food for the plants.
Organic Matter
- Organic matter can consist of anything that is all natural and comes from the earth. This can consist of peat moss, dead insects, straw, grasses, and many other elements.
- Use organic matter as often as possible. Keep an eye out for mosses that grow nearby, or make an insect trap that catches dead insects, and then "harvest" them for use in the garden.
Animal Manures
- Animal manure makes an excellent fertilizer, and has been shown to help vegetables grow to a much larger size. It can come from cows, horses, or other farm animals as well as pets.
- You can find animal manure at local farms, and animal shelters. Ask around and find out if anyone in your area is willing to save some for you.
- Mix the animal manure with compost to make an excellent fertilizer that provides all of the necessary nutrients for your vegetables to thrive.
Composts
- Compost can be made from many different things including rotting leaves, kitchen scraps, and grass clippings.
- Make a compost pile outside, so the smell does not enter your home or attract insects. Designate an enclosed area in your yard as far from your home as possible
- Do not use the animal manure in the compost pile, as it may attract predators and vermin. Instead, mix the manure with the compost when you add it to the garden.
- Coffee grounds are an excellent addition to compost, as they attract worms, which are a good natural helper for your veggies.
- Do not add rotting plants that have been treated with pesticides.
Natural and Organic Fertilizers
- Natural fertilizers promote the growth of nitrogen, which is a helpful soil additive that gives plants an added boost.
- Seaweed and fish waste make very good organic fertilizers. If you have a fish tank, you can use the waste in the garden.
- Corn meal is a good, all natural nitrogen stimulator.
- Bone meal and wood ashes are two very good sources to use for a natural fertilizing agent.
Irrigation
- If you purchase an irrigation system for your garden, be sure it is environmentally friendly and has been made of all natural materials if possible.
- Make sure your garden is draining properly so that there is no standing water. If it is pooling or ponding in areas, you may need to change the grade, or slope, of the soil.
- Furrow irrigation is a natural way to ensure the garden stays irrigated. Simply dig a hole, or furrow at one end or between each row of vegetables. The water will seep into the hole and find its way down the row of plants.
Mulching
- Decide how much mulch you want to use, and how deep you want it to be before mulching the garden.
- A few examples of organic mulch include pine tree clippings, nutshells, stones, seaweed, burlap, wood shavings, and grass clippings.
- Keep in mind that natural mulch needs to be kept up more than store bought, so be sure you have an ample supply.
Weed Control
- Use a fork to gently remove weeds from the garden.
- Plant strong plants known for their ability to withstand weeds around the garden. They make a very good guardian for the tender vegetables.
- Potatoes are natural weed controllers. Plant a few potatoes in between other vegetable rows and you'll get the added benefit of an extra, delicious vegetable while fighting weed growth.
Insect and Disease Control
- Never use chemicals or mass manufactured insect control if it contains anything with harmful additives or mercury.
- Find out what types of insects are harmful in your area. Then, find natural predators to add to your garden. These insects will eat the bad ones while leaving your plants alone. Ladybugs are a good example of natural predators that will kill harmful bugs that will eat your plants.
- Potassium Bicarbonate is an all-natural disease control that can be purchased at most organic gardening stores. It helps prevent disease that can kill your plants.
Organic Gardening Supplies
- Look for a directory of local gardening supply stores that carry organic tools, fertilizers, seeds and more.
- The EPA provides an excellent guideline on what to look for in good, natural gardening supplies.
- Try to find items that have a green emblem on them, so you know they are natural and will not harm the soil or animals that may live around your garden.
Organic Vegetables
- Try to only plant vegetable seeds that are labeled as organic. This means they've been harvested from plants that were already grown organically.
- Vegetables that are grown organically will be better for your whole family since you will not ingest any chemicals or pesticides.
- The taste of organic veggies is fresher, fuller, and packed with nutrients.
- You can grow just about any kind of vegetable organically, and it is much less expensive and easier than buying produce at the grocery store, which is usually several days old by the time you purchase it, and usually grown using synthetic chemical-laden additives.
