Starting an organic garden is a great way to contribute fresh fruit and vegetables to the family meals, as well as to make a positive environmental impact. Organic gardening offers many benefits to gardeners, and starting one is simple. Focusing on annual cycles of growth and harvest, preparing the garden beds properly and using high quality plants and organic fertilizer are the best things any organic gardener can do.
Preparing Soil for Organic Garden Beds
There are a number of things organic gardeners should do for their soil before planting begins. A first time organic gardener needs to be especially concerned with the quality of her soil, as good quality earth helps to ensure a successful crop. Many organic gardeners choose to use raised beds for their gardens, because they make it easier to reach and harvest plants without having to create paths and rows, which damage the soil.
Create an area to be used for the organic garden, and ensure that it is well marked. Raised garden beds are especially good for organic gardens. Dig up the soil and turn it, but be careful not to mix the topsoil and subsoil. Break up large clumps of soil to create smaller lumps and smoother soil.
Add organic matter to the soil. Manure, organic compost made from kitchen scraps and garden refuse are ideal additives to an organic garden. Mix the organic matter into the top few inches of the soil. Be sure to leave it near the surface, as it is easier for plants to receive nutrients from organic matter closer to their roots.
How to Plant an Organic Garden
Plant a variety of crops that mature at different times throughout the growing season. This will provide a constantly rotating source of food, and make the garden more profitable. Once one crop has been harvested, another plant can be added in its place. Be sure to rotate plants to ensure that the soil quality is not depleted; plants that fix nitrogen in the soil, such as peas, are very beneficial.
Using smaller, raised beds should allow a gardener to reach the middle of the bed from either side without crushing the plants or exposing the soil. This makes weeding easier and protects the soil. Plant all crops close together to discourage weeds and keep the soil covered. Start seeds in reusable containers before adding them to the soil to help ensure a more successful growing period.
Caring for an Organic Garden
There are many things a gardener can do to ensure his organic garden will continue to be healthy and productive year after year. Providing good drainage in raised garden beds is essential to help avoid the problem of standing water, which can lead to root rot and other plant diseases.
Water plants early in the day to avoid evaporation, and use a watering can to get close to the roots of the plants. Allowing water to sit on the leaves can promote the growth of fungus and cause other health problems for the crop. To save on water costs, use a rain barrel to collect water for use in the organic garden.
Weed the garden regularly, and add the weeds to a compost pile. This cuts down on waste from the garden and adds healthy organic nutrients back into the soil each year.
Harvesting an Organic Crop
Harvest ripe plants and cook or store them quickly so that they remain in edible condition. Potatoes and other plants can be stored in a cool cellar for months at a time, and feed a family throughout the winter. Additionally, organic gardeners can sell surplus fruits and vegetables to help recoup any cost of maintaining the garden.
Once plants have been harvested, cut the remaining stalks off at the soil level. Leave the roots in the ground to decompose, and add the stalks and plants to the compost. Turn the soil and plant a fast-maturing crop in its place to continue reaping the benefits of an organic garden.
Organic gardening is a healthy and profitable endeavor for any gardener, and taking proper care of a new organic garden can help to ensure that it lasts and produces delicious, healthy crops for many years.
Organic gardeners may also be interested in reading about Principles of Organic Gardening and the Benefits of Organic Gardening at Home.
Bailey Shoemaker Richards - Bailey is a writer from Ohio. She is pursuing a creative writing degree at Ohio University, where she is currently a senior. Bailey ...
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