Organic gardening is a growing interest at all levels of society. Due to the increases in food prices, concerns over pesticides used in food production and a general desire for better health, organic gardens are springing up all over. It is not difficult to get started with your own organic garden, just a little time and effort are required.
Synthetic pesticide removal is one of the first steps to having an organic garden. Organic gardens are not necessarily devoid of all herbicides and pesticides; they simply avoid the use of the more harmful synthetic varieties. Successful organics require you to work with nature as much as possible. This means feeding the soil well, spending time on pest management and weeding and growing plants that are complimentary. Alternate your crop rows so different plants use different nutrients from the ground.
One of the most important things you can do when starting an organic garden is to invest in a compost bin or pile. Blueprints for building simple compost bins are available on line. Incorporating compost into your soil ensures that your organic food will be nutrient rich. A successful organic garden depends on healthy soil. To have your soil tested, contact your county extension office. They often hire master gardeners that can be sent out to test your soil thoroughly and advise you as to which crops are best for your region and soil type. This service if normally provided free of charge.
When you in planning stages remember to consult with your landscaping designer for ideas about flowers and shrubs that may compliment your organic garden.
If you are going to invest the time in growing your own organic food then you will want to avoid sharing much of it with harmful insects. Insects are most likely to attack weak or damaged plants: you can reduce the odds of their success by taking good care of your garden. Insect traps, pheromone baited lures and plant collars are all part of an organic approach to pest control. Encouraging natural predators will also help keep harmful insects to a minimum. You can find natural agents to discourge leaf eating creatures
Beneficial insects can be your best friend, so when you are planning to attack harmful pests make sure that you won’t affect your allies. Planting a border of beneficial plants will attract good insects reducing your need for pesticides, organic though they may be. Cornflower, bachelor’s button, fennel and borage are just a few plants that can encourage helpful insects to colonize your organic garden. If you have the area, you may want to have a bat house near your organic garden. If you are lucky enough to acquire a few bats in your garden, you can be sure they will keep down the numbers insects that you find objectionable too.
Organic gardening is a labor of love. Besides providing yourself and your family with nutritious, homegrown vegetables and fruits you are contributing to a healthy environment. Your commitment in time and energy is well rewarded when you see what you produced through the effort of your own hands. Sit back on a nice summer afternoon and watch your veggies grow, what could be better?
Flower and shrubs will compliment your organic garden no matter what size it is, call your landscape expert for advice on what looks the best and think about using pavers for a really nice walkway through your garden.
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