What is organic gardening? It's growing your plants and vegetables the old-fashioned way, without the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, and it's growing in popularity because it's a much safer food alternative for your family, but growing your own organic produce is cost-effect in these days of high food prices.
Growing organic plants is much more than just using natural fertilizers and pesticides. For a garden to be truly organic, you have to consider all the elements of that garden.
- Soil. Soil is the basis for all gardening, but organic gardening uses natural methods to replenish and nourish the soil so it nourishes your plants in return.
- Water. Water is an important element of the environment, and organic gardening strives to conserve water by using mulches and other organic compounds to help retain moisture and reduce the need for heavy watering.
- Plants. Choosing the right plants is a key to growing organically. Choosing plants native to your growing region, hardy plants that can survive hot and cold temperatures, and drought- and pest-resistant plants can make a big difference in the success of your organic garden.
- Insects. While there are a variety of pests that can destroy your garden, many beneficial insects, like praying mantis and ladybugs are actually helpful to your garden, and can help control pests, as well. Controlling other pests with natural products, like organic pest sprays or even homemade sprays can save your garden from harsh chemicals and hungry pests, too.
- Weeds. You don't need harsh chemicals to control weeds, either. There are many natural alternatives, like homemade weed killers like vinegar or even boiling water that are much better for the environment than chemical weed killers.
How do you get started with your first organic garden? For starters, create a compost pile so you'll have healthy, rich compost to add to your soil when it comes time to plant your garden. That acts as a natural fertilizer and replenishes spent, low-nutrient soil, as well. How do you start a compost pile?
- Find an area at least 3-feet by 3-feet to create your pile.
- Spread a layer of hardy "brown" material, like straw, cornstalks, or autumn leaves several inches deep on the area.
- Add a thick layer of good "green" material, like grass clippings, kitchen waste (NO animal fats or proteins, just vegetables and grain-based products).
- Add a few shovels of good garden soil in a thin layer.
- Moisten.
- Keep adding green and brown material until you have a pile about three feet high.
- Keep moist, but don't drown.
- Turn regularly to mix the compost as it begins to break down.
- Shovel the compost into your garden's soil, and make sure you blend it well into the soil. Use the material that's not broken down yet to start your next pile.
Organic gardening is an enjoyable hobby, it can help put fresher, healthy food on your table, and it can help your garden's environment, as well. It isn't hard to get started, and once you plant some organic plants and vegetables, the entire family may want to help with the new enterprise!
