To ensure your success at having an organic home garden it is very important to start small. This will allow you to learn and become comfortable without being overwhelming.

Begin Small

Use Your Existing Landscape – Placing starter plants in your existing landscaping is an optimum option for beginning enthusiasts.

Small Beds – A small area no larger than 10 x 10 feet is the easiest to care for.

Container Planting – Placing your vegetable starter plants in containers allows you to have them close by as they can be on a porch, balcony or near your bushes.

Map Out Your Location

Water – Having an easily accessible water source close by will alleviate heavy lifting at long distances, thus eliminating frustration.

Close to Your Kitchen – While this is not necessary, it sure is nice to step out of your kitchen to grab your own freshly grown produce.

Compost ” Having a compost pile at hand or at least a good wheel barrel will cut down on your labor.

Grow What You Want

Take Note of What You Buy – When you shop for produce, make a mental note of what you buy. This will give you a list of what your personal garden should contain.

Grow what is expensive ” Are there certain vegetables you love to eat, but are very expensive in the store? If the plants will work in your climate zone, try growing them yourself.

Choose Variety – Having your own organic garden gives you the freedom to explore and experiment with many different plants.

Keep it Easy

Plants rather than seeds ” When you first begin, starting seeds can be frustrating. Encourage early success by buying starter plants from trusted nurseries instead of buying seeds.

Amend the Soil – Making sure to mix your soil with peat moss, compost or other amendable materials will allow for a better mixture that will provide your plants with proper moisture and nutrients. Compacted soils constrict plants from receiving much needed nutrients while soggy, clay can result in root rot. In addition, dry soil should be covered with at least two to four inches of mulch. This thick layer will promote moisture retention as well as fend off pesky weeds that steal plants much needed nutrients.

Use mulch ” Especially in dry hot weather, mulch will conserve water to your plants. A thick, 2 to 4 inches will discourage weeds that compete for water and nutrients.

Rhonda Abrons has been in love with organic gardening for many years. She loves to share her knowledge with fellow gardening enthusiast on Clivir.com where you can find her lessons about Organic Garden Pest Control and Permaculture Organic Garden.


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Filed under: Container Gardening

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