From: Lance Phillps
April 01,2009
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Beginning an organic garden may seem like a daunting task, but given the rising cost of fresh produce, it is something you should consider. It's not nearly as difficult as you might think. The vegetables you grow will save you money, they can be healthier for your family than non-organic vegetables you buy at the grocery store, and you’ll be doing your part to help the environment. (For more benefits, check out my earlier Healthy Home article on organic foods and farming.)
Basically, plants need three things to grow: light, soil, and water. As long as each of these requirements is well met, your garden can be laid out just about any way you like. In this article, I will focus on raised bed and container gardening, though many of the techniques discussed here are applicable to any method of organic gardening.
Step One - Choosing a Site: Whether you choose to plant in raised beds or in containers, make sure to choose a site that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of full sunlight each day. The site should be relatively flat, although with raised beds and containers, this isn’t as much of a concern. It is also a good idea to keep in mind the distance to your house and water source. You’ll need to check on your garden most days, so having it close to the back door tends to make this a lot easier. The same holds true for watering.
Step Two - Preparing the Soil: Deciding between gardening in containers or raised beds will essentially be determined by how much space you have available, your level of experience, and how much time you’re willing to dedicate to your garden.
Whichever method you choose, good healthy soil is your ticket to healthy plants and large yields. The most important thing you can do for your soil is to start building it up with some organic compost, preferably from your own compost pile. This organic matter adds nutrients to the soil as well as beneficial microorganisms, which will help to keep your plants healthy. Once you have built your raised beds, fill them with a mixture of organic topsoil and compost. If you are using containers, fill them with a good quality organic potting mix. Step Three - Choosing Your Plants: If you do a little research, you will find lots of “best vegetable” lists. Some plants that often populate best first plant lists are carrots, radishes, beets, salad greens, tomatoes, onions, peppers, zucchini, green beans, and basil. There are lots of other choices, so go with what you like and what your space can accommodate. Keep in mind that vine plants like zucchini and cucumbers will take up more room unless you go with a bush variety. Follow the directions on the seed packets or those that come with transplants, paying particular attention to last frost dates for your area. Step Four - Maintenance: The most efficient way to ensure your plants get enough water and to minimize wasted water is to use a soaker hose. Just lay the hose directly on top of the soil, making sure to get even distribution across the whole bed. Water your garden by attaching your garden hose and you’ll get a slow even drip of water. A good way to determine if your garden needs watering is the two-knuckle test. Stick your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle; if the soil is not damp, it is time to water the garden. Less frequent, deeper watering encourages the growth of strong roots. For container gardening, an old-fashioned watering can works best. Water at the base of the plant, giving the soil a chance to absorb the water slowly. It is also best to water early in the morning or in the evening. As far as feeding the garden goes, be sure to follow any directions that came with your seeds or plants. The compost you added to the soil will help a great deal but an extra boost will ensure increased production throughout the growing season. It’s best to use an organic all-purpose fertilizer meant for vegetables, again following the product's directions carefully. By keeping tabs on your plants, checking them daily, you should have a good idea of how healthy they are. The easiest way to keep pests at bay is by raising healthy plants. Inevitably, something is going to attack your garden. Even the organic gardener has a number of ways to deal with unwanted visitors. Larger pests can be removed by hand and dropped into a mild soap solution. You can also spray many plants with a mild soapy solution to rid them of pests. There are many products available so it’s best to speak with someone in your local garden center. Describe your specific problem in order to get the most effective results. There is work involved in beginning and maintaining an organic garden and anyone who tells you otherwise isn’t being truthful. But the benefits easily outweigh the effort. You can save a lot of money by growing your own veggies, not to mention setting your mind at ease with the knowledge of exactly what went into growing them. The sense of accomplishment and wonder you’ll feel when harvesting your own crops is difficult to top. So take the time to start your own garden. Make it a family project and reap the benefits of growing your own food.
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