Organic gardening has a reputation for being much more difficult than it really is. With a little bit of research, you will actually find it can be easier than conventional gardening - once the garden is established. By applying organic gardening techniques, not only are you saving the planet, but you can also save money. Organic gardening is also safer for your family than being exposed to some of the harsh chemicals of conventional gardening. You will also find that fruits and vegetables grown in the right organic conditions will taste much better than store bought vegetables.
Tip 1 - Test the pH of the Soil
The pH should be either neutral or slightly acidic for most food crops. Learn from a nursery or extension service the ideal ranges of pH for plants you are interested in growing. The inappropriate pH can encourage some plant diseases.
Tip 2 - The More You work with Nature the More You Save
Keep the clover. Clover helps to fix the nitrogen in the soil thus helping to feed your grass or other plants in the garden. Other wild ground covers that are not too pervasive can help hold moisture in the soil and guard against other weeds from taking hold in your garden. Learn what wild plants are edible, and how to tell them for toxic plants. If you can't beat them, eat them!
Tip 3 - Using a Garden Auger for Weeding can Save Time and Waste Disposal
There are several companies which make augers which can be easily attached to a drill. It is best to weed earlier in the year, before the weeds go to seed. If you grind up the weeds with the auger while they are still young, you will be able to mulch them and forget them, and loosen up the soil at the same time.
Tip 4 - Get the Right Hand Equipment
The basic tools of the trade are a garden fork, a full size hoe, a small hand hoe, a trawl, a spade shovel, a straight blade shovel, pruning shears, and other trimmers. You will want to loosen the ground with a garden fork before using hoes or shovels. The garden fork is also good for turning mulch. The straight shovel is good for loading mulch.
Tip 5 - Learn How to Mulch
Kitchen scraps can be a gold mine for your garden. Coffee grounds, egg shells, potato peels, and banana peels are not good for the garbage disposal, but great for the compost heap. Make your bin three sided so it is easier to get to mulch. Adding earth worms can speed up the process; and they will eventually eat the seeds. The basic mix is two parts brown materials to one part green.
Tip 6 - Make a Raised Bed
A raised bed helps you to create the best soil conditions. You can make them out of wooden frames. Make sure you allow for the complete growth of the roots of your plants. You can also dig out some of the old soil beneath the frame to get even more optimal.
Tip 7 - Container Gardening
When using pots and other containers, make sure that the containers are large enough to allow the roots to spread and grow. Good drainage is the key. Either buy pots with holes in the bottom, or make them before planting. Place small rocks and sand at the bottom of the pot for good drainage.
Tip 8 - Grow Plants that Attract the Right Insects
Your nursery or seed companies will tell you what plants attract butterflies and other pollinating insects.
Tip 9 - Go Native
Native plants are most likely to survive and thrive with the least extra care. There may be a native plant organization in your community. You can also check with the farmers' market or a good nursery for sources of native plants.
Tip 10 - Reuse Rainwater
You can either set up a cistern system, or simply place out some barrels to collect rain. Tap water can never completely replace the benefits of rain water.
Check out the HandyAmerican.com website for a full list of professionals and contractors for your organic gardening needs.
Posted by: TrustedProsSuggested Reading For You
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