Organic gardening has been around for centuries. It’s certainly not new, but gardening without artificial additives has made a comeback in recent years. And there is a good reason – organic vegetables are healthier and tastier than non-organic varieties. In addition, organic gardening benefits the environment. Whether you are planning your first organic garden, or you have been gardening naturally for years, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Soil Preparation
Plants get their nutrients from the ground, so it is imperative that you properly prepare the soil in order to be successful with any gardening. Soil that is hard or dense deprives the plants of oxygen. Before planting, dig and loosen the dirt for better air circulation. Next, mix nutrients into the soil. Do not underestimate the value of this step; the success of your garden depends on healthy soil. When the soil is properly enriched, it produces healthier plants that are more resistant to insects and disease.
Natural Fertilizers
Over time, the soil can become depleted of nutrients so it is important to use natural fertilizers for your organic garden. You can buy commercial organic fertilizers or create your own from composting. Organic gardeners use fertilizers that are all natural and derived from either plant or animal matter such as organic vegetable scraps and manure. The benefits to using all natural fertilizers are numerous. Soil that is rich with nutrients remain loose and airy, holding more oxygen, water, and nutrients all leading to a healthier plant root system.
Natural fertilizer can be created by way of composting. This is a great way to add nutrients to your flower gardens and vegetable gardens, plus it is so easy. Just gather up fallen leaves, grass clippings, livestock manure, and other organic vegetable scraps and put them in a pile. They will naturally rot and break down into nutrient rich fertilizer. You can also use a compost container. When you are disposing of disease infested plants, be sure to throw them away in the trash and not in your compost. You don’t want to spread the disease to other areas of your yard.
These key factors – preparing your soil, using natural fertilizer and composting – all contribute to successful organic gardening.
Watering
Don’t overlook the importance of watering your garden regularly. Prepare your annual garden with a watering plan in mind. Establish a regular watering program by using an irrigation system or set up a hose with an automatic timer.