To be successful in organic gardening, you must come up with detailed plans. The soil is your first consideration; how to make it rich and fertile, and how to prepare it so that harmful pests do not attack your garden. The two ways that organic gardening differs from conventional gardens is the use of fertilizers and how to keep pests under control. Phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium are the three essential components for your organic garden.
For lush green foliage, it must have nitrogen. For strong roots and stems, phosphorus is needed. And for important protection against disease and short cold spells, potassium is a must. Let’s call them the big three. The big three are available in commercial fertilizers, but they are synthetic. In organic horticulture, the big three are added in a very different way.
The best way to enrich your soil is by compost. Dig some pits in your backyard to start your compost from kitchen waste. Use things like pine needles, cornstalks, leaves, carrot tips, fruits or vegetables that have gone bad, manure, eggshells, and coffee grounds. Some organic gardeners use weeds in their compost, but I don’t recommend it for obvious reasons. As the compost materials break down, they release bacteria and fungi into the soil you are preparing. Bacteria and fungi convert nutrients like nitrogen into ammonia and nitrates that will be usable for your vegetables. Use substances like seaweed, potassium salts, tobacco stalks, and wood ash to help make potassium in your compost. By composting your own compost, you are controlling the mix and balance to achieve the right combination for your organic garden.
To be absolutely certain that your compost has completely decomposed and is now offering the proper balance, start working in the soil at least two weeks before you plan to plant.
The pH of the soil must be adequate for the plants to be healthy. Test your soil, if it has a pH of 0 it is very acidic, while a 14 is extremely alkaline. Of course, a seven indicates neutral ground. To raise soil pH, use inexpensive ground limestone. An additional benefit of limestone is that it contains magnesium, something that most soils lack. If, on the other hand, you have extremely alkaline soil, use sulfur to lower the pH.
Pest control in organic gardening is also different from conventional gardening. In many conventional beds, gardeners want to eradicate all pests with pesticides. Many in organic gardening just want to keep the pest population low for balance in the garden. Obviously, whenever possible, plant pest-resistant vegetables. In order for harmful organisms to grow, they need bright sunlight, so keep a thick mulch around the plants to negate the organisms that need sunlight and help retain moisture in the soil. If you find you have a heavy infestation, here is a natural pest control formula:
In a jar, combine 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and 1 cup of vegetable oil. Shake vigorously. In an empty spray bottle, combine 2 teaspoons of this mixture and 1 cup of water. Use it at ten-day intervals (or more often if necessary) to rid the plants of whiteflies, mites, aphids, scales, and other pests.
Follow these tips and you’re on your way to growing a healthy and abundant organic garden.
Happy gardening!
Copyright © Mary Hanna, All rights reserved.
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