Tips for an Organic Garden

Over the last several years more attention is being paid to the benefits of eating organic. This is because organic has a much higher nutritional content than produce grown with chemical filled fertilizer and pesticides. The lack of chemicals is another motivator for many individuals to go organic.

While organic vegetables produce is a healthier option than standard produced, it is an expensive option for those on a budget—leading many individuals to grow their own produce. Below are a few tips to consider when organic gardening.

 

Tip #1 They Are Easier To Maintain Than Flowerbeds

Many families who are looking for ways to increase the amount of organic produce they have access to, without breaking the bank, are turning to organic gardening. Organic gardens can be packed full of your favorite vegetables, and are surprisingly easier to care for them flower gardens. While flowers need to be maintained, most vegetables thrive with minimal maintenance.

Tip #2 Plan Your Layout

When you have selected the space in which you would like to garden, and decided on the vegetables you would like to plan, the next step is planning your layout. Most gardens are rectangular or square shaped, and most vegetables are planted one row at a time. Many gardeners try to alternate their rows of vegetables by which vegetables they can harvest at different times during their growing season.

Tip #3 Rows Or Beds

If you have limited and are not able to dig in your yard, or do not have a yard for your organic gardening, consider buying or building garden beds. Beds are can be tiered, or single layered, and you can grow one vegetable per bed, or several vegetables per bed. When planting in garden beds avoid the temptation to overcrowd and ensure you leave enough room to comfortably weed and harvest your crop.

Tip #4 Get Creative

If you don’t have a backyard, or outdoor area in which you can plant or place garden beds, you can still participate in organic gardening with a bit of creativity. If you have a balcony, patio, or west facing windows that receive 6-7 hours of sunlight per day, you can still successfully garden. You can select containers, hanging planters, window boxes, or custom built boxes to grow your garden in your limited spaces.

Tip #5 Prep Your Soil

To ensure that your soil is conducive for organic gardening you can invest in store-bought soil, or mix your own soil to ensure that your vegetables have the foundation they need to thrive. The ideal soil mixture for your organic gardening is 20 percent clay, 40 percent silt, and 40 percent sand. If you are not sure whether or not your current soil is ideal, grab a handful of soil, squeeze it as if making a snowball. If your ball of soil is able to hold its shape, yet crumbles once it is touched, your soil is ideal for gardening.

Depending on the vegetables you select, and whether you grow from seeds, seedlings, or plants, will determine your harvest schedule. If you are not able to consume all of your harvest, research methods of freezing, pickling, and canning your produce to ensure that nothing goes to waste.

 

 

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