Organic Home Gardening ” Steps to Start an Organic Garden Successfully
The key to starting a successful home organic garden is to remember to start small. This way will allow you to learn and become comfortable with your journey without causing you unwanted stress or frustration.
Small is Best
Use Your Existing Landscape – Placing starter plants in your existing landscaping is an optimum option for beginning enthusiasts.
Small Beds ” Dont go larger than 10 X 10 foot beds at first. Smaller areas are easier to manage for beginners.
Containers ” Plant starts in containers on your porch, balcony or around bushes.
Pick the Best Spot
Water – Having water close to your garden allows for easy access. Having to trudge heavy watering cans long distance can be both back breaking and frustrating.
Kitchen – This suggestion is not necessary, but who wouldn’t want the luxury of stepping out of their kitchen and picking fresh produce.
Compost Piles – If you have a wheel barrow or a compost pile close by, you won’t have to work as hard.
Grow What You Love to Eat
Identify what you buy ” Make a list of the produce you normally buy. These are the plants you want for organic home gardening.
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 Simple
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.
Mulch – This promotes moisture retention as mentioned earlier. It also keeps those pesky weeds at bay.
Rhonda Abrons is life long fan of organic gardening. An experience organic gardener, she loves to share his knowledge and provide lessons about Rasied Beds for Organic Vegetable Gardening and Organic Gardening Soil Mix on Clivir.com.
