Growing your own herbs, vegetables, greens, and fruit can be both incredibly rewarding and delicious. However, many gardeners rely on pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides not to mention chemical fertilizers to help their garden grow. That’s not only unnecessary, it’s also unhealthy. All those nutritious veggies pack a much healthier punch if they are not filled with harmful chemicals.
If you want to start a garden, I recommend starting with an organic one. Here are easy ways to get started today.
1. Prepare your soil. Because your soil is the foundation of your garden, it is important to make sure it’s full of the right nutrients to feed your garden. Mix in organic material like compost or humus and consider having your soil tested. The proper soil conditions can make the difference between a sparse crop and award-winning vegetables.
2. Choose your crop. The second step to build an organic garden is to choose your crop. What are you going to grow in your garden? Initially, in addition to what you’re going to grow, you’ll want to decide if you want to purchase plants or start your garden with seeds. If you start early enough you can use seeds. If not, you can purchase organic plants from your local nursery.
Regardless of what you choose, seeds or plants, make sure they’re grown without chemicals.
3. Organize your garden. Did you know some plants naturally protect other plants from disease and pests? It’s true. Marigolds, for example, drive bugs away and if you plant them around the perimeter of your garden, they’ll help protect your herbs, greens, and veggies.
Before transferring your plants into your garden, mark where you’re going to plant them. Make sure there is plenty of room between plants so they have room to grow and thrive. A tiny tomato plant can grow several feet high and several feet wide. Leave room.
4. It’s been said that home gardeners generally use more chemicals on their gardens than farmers do. That’s a lot of chemicals! Interestingly enough, mild detergent and water protect many plants from harmful pests. Hot pepper sprays also work to fend off pests. And natural predators like frogs and ladybugs can keep your garden healthy and full. Natural pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides are your best options.
5. Watering and weeding are all you need to do until it’s time to harvest. Take care to not overwater. Soil should be moist but not soaking. Weed on a regular basis to make sure your plants have all the nutrients and room in the soil they need to grow.
I hope you find these easy ways to get started with your organic garden helpful. Organic gardening isn’t difficult when you start with a healthy foundation.
Do you have a garden? I would love to hear your tips or suggestions.
