Organic Gardening Tips
Between rising food prices and the overuse of toxic pesticides, organic gardening is here to stay. When you grow your food yourself, you know exactly what has been put in the soil and what has been sprayed, or not sprayed, on the plants. Even a small patch of land can grow a good variety of vegetables. Plus, food that is allowed to ripen while it is still growing and is eaten soon after being picked just tastes so much better than any store bought food. Here are some tips to make organic gardening very easy and to get the best out of your garden.
Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil and to prevent soil erosion. Add two to three inches of mulch each season to replace the mulch that decomposed (and added nutrients to your soil) from the year before. Not only does the mulch absorb water, but it also prevents rainwater from washing away the soil underneath. Note: Be careful to keep the mulch away from the base of your plants, as the moisture in the mulch could cause your plants to rot.
Use compost to improve the soil. Compost is a natural source of fertilizer and a great way to recycle food and garden waste. It also avoids the use of pesticides and other chemicals, which cause a build up of toxins in soil and drinking water.
Select plants that are suited to your region’s temperature range, sun exposure and rainfall levels. These plants will require less care and are more likely to survive the winter. For example, if you live in a dry climate, choose plants that are drought resistance, as they won’t require frequent watering from you.
Rotate crops to renew nutrients in the soil and control pests in the garden. Each crop has its own nutrient requirements. By rotating crops, you prevent nutrients from being completely eliminated from the soil. As well, crop rotation helps to reduce the level of pests because they cannot become established in one area.
Plant deciduous trees. They help you to save on your heating and air conditioning costs, especially in a fully detached house. In the summer, the trees will shade the house and keep it cooler. In the winter, when the trees have lost all their leaves, they will let in the sunshine, which will keep the house warmer.
Encourage beneficial animals and insects in your garden. They help to keep harmful insects away, promote healthy plant growth and some will also pollinate your plants. For example, as earthworms move underground they help to aerate the soil, which brings oxygen and water to the roots of plants.
Only water early in the morning or late in the evening and avoid over watering. If you water during the middle of the day, the sun will evaporate a large percentage of the water before it can soak into the ground. Also, use soaker hoses or watering cans, as they deliver the water directly to the base of the plant. Avoid sprinklers because they will easily loose water to wind evaporation.
