Organic gardening is easier than you might think. The secret is to start small, build on early successes, and continue growing different crops. Each new crop will bring its own lessons.
The tools you’ll need are a spade, a hoe and a trowel.
The first and most important step in gardening is to prepare the soil. You’ll need to loosen the earth up to twelve inches deep using a rake or a trowel. This is something that needs to be done several weeks before planting. Cover the freshly upturned soil with a half-inch layer of compost, and then give the soil some time to get ready. This is a good time to watch for weeds and root them out.
Once the soil is ready, select the grid or pattern of your choice for your garden. There are many different possible layouts, and the decision is entirely up to you. You’ll want to dig trenches where you’ll be sowing the seeds. These need not be deep, just enough to bring the seed into the ground and cover it with a thin layer of earth.
Contrary to common expectations, it’s better to dampen the soil before the seeds go in. Water the open shallow trenches just enough to wet the ground without soaking it. Overwatering can cause the seeds to get washed out of the ground.
Once the earth is damp, it’s time to sow your seeds. Each crop needs its own space, and you’ll find that each seed comes with its own instructions for this. Plant the seeds, and cover them with a thin layer of dirt. In the case of some plants, like lettuce for example, require some light in order to sprout – if that’s the case, the layer of dirt needs to be even thinner.
Weeds will be one of your biggest challenges. Since organic gardening precludes the use of toxic chemicals or herbicides, you can tap into some great natural alternatives. One preventive solution is mulching the soil – this prevents weeds from getting sunlight. Pulling weeds out by hand is hard work, but it can be energizing as well. You can also use a hoe for this purpose. Another effective solution against weeds is to wet the earth, and then cover the soil with a plastic sheet, allowing the heat and moisture to burn the remaining weeds. Some great substitutes for toxic herbicides are clove oil herbicide, insecticidal soap and compost.
Another challenge is posed by insects and pests. One natural solution is to invite predators for these pests. Birds and lizards are natural remedies for insects, for example, and herbicides usually tend to keep birds away. Growing healthy plants is a simple solution, since pests target the weaker plants.
Some additional tips for organic gardening: Arrange your plants based on their need for sunlight. Pay close attention to your plants in their early sprouting days. Don’t overwater the soil. Weed often and mulch the ground to protect your plants.
Organic gardening is healthy for the plants and healthy for your family. With attention to the small details and a focus on your health goals, you will enjoy the satisfaction of eating the food you grow in your own garden.
