Organic Vegetable Garden

Organic Vegetable Garden

Organic vegetables are healthy, tasty, and grown without synthetic chemicals or pesticides, but they can be expensive to buy. So, if you have land to spare—even just one square foot—consider starting an organic vegetable garden of your own. If you are already a gardener, know that some of the organic gardening basics are the same as nonorganic. For example, plant in an area that gets full sun, at least six hours a day (eight to 10 hours is even better). Also, since all gardens require frequent watering, make sure you have a spigot and hose that will reach all corners of your plot.

If you have no gardening experience, you can still reap the benefits of a home-grown organic vegetable garden, Just follow these tips on which soil, mulch, fertilizer, companion plants, and practices will help your vegetables thrive.

For a healthy organic vegetable garden, you need to start with healthy soil. The most important component in soil is the organic matter, such as manure, peat moss, or compost. Compost is the best option, because it contains decayed microorganisms of previous plant life and those microorganisms supply plants the nutrients they need. You can create your own compost pile by designating an area or bin where organic matter will decompose. You can also use bagged compost (available at garden centers and home improvement stores) or buy it in bulk if you have a large garden.

Reduce weeds for your organic vegetable garden by spreading a 1- to 2-inch-thick layer of mulch on the soil. This creates a barrier that prevents weeds from getting sunlight and from germinating. The mulch layer also prevents fungal disease spores from drifting onto plant leaves. Use an organic material (such as cocoa hulls, weed-free straw, or newspaper) as mulch so as it decomposes it adds beneficial organic matter to the soil.

Use an Organic Garden Fertilizer

Fertilizing your vegetables helps them grow faster and yield larger crops. Types of organic fertilizer include well-rotted manure from plant-eating critters (rabbits, horses, sheep, chickens) and prepackaged organic fertilizer (which you can purchase online). You can also find a variety of organic fertilizers at garden centers and home improvement stores.

If you're still learning how to garden, you've come to the right place. We'll teach you how to nourish plants at every stage of growth, starting with leaves, then roots, and finally flowers and fruit. Even if your progress is slow, there will be delicious rewards waiting for you!

Thanks for being here and making the garden an ordinary part of your life!