Many individuals prefer organic gardening, as they fear the possible long-term effects on their health as well as the environment from the many commercial pesticides and fertilizers that are used. Organic horticulture is also cheaper; you don’t have to spend as much money on tools and equipment. In the following paragraphs, you’ll find some suggestions that will help you make the most of your garden.
Healthy soil will also assist in your battle against pests. Healthy plants are naturally more resilient against pests and disease. For the most vigorous and healthy plants, start with high-quality soil, and stay away from chemicals. These can accumulate salts over time.
Before you even start planting the garden, check the soil. You can get a soil analysis, and if you find your soil needs a supplement, do it! The cost of the analysis will be easily offset by the benefits of a healthy and vibrant crop.
Know the ideal times to harvest each of the vegetables you plant. Each veggie has its own prime time for harvesting. Veggies such as zucchini or baby peas, for instance, taste their best if they get picked young. Tomatoes, however, are best picked from the vine later when they are very ripe. Educate yourself about the best time to harvest your veggies.
Beneficial Insects
Don’t use broad-spectrum pesticides in the garden. These types of pesticides also kill the beneficial insects that eat the pests. Beneficial insects are more susceptible to toxic pesticides than their annoying counterparts, so a broad-spectrum pesticide could kill all of the good bugs first, allowing the population of bad pests to multiply. This can cause you to use an additional amount of pesticides in order to attempt to fix this problem.
Use plants to get some autumn color. That doesn’t have to be it though. When it comes to vibrant color, the bright foliage of fall beats all the other seasons. For example, maple, beech, and dogwood trees all change from their usual green to a vibrant spectrum of yellow, orange, and red. Consider hydrangea, barberry and cotoneaster when considering purchasing a shrub.
Be careful how you water your garden. A soaker hose will save you time because you won’t have to individually water each plant, like you do with a regular nozzle, or a can that you need to constantly refill. Use low water pressure for your hose so that you do not cause harm to the tender members of your garden. Letting the soaker hose do the work frees you up to turn your attention elsewhere.
Your children will enjoy the experience of working with you in the organic garden. Toiling together in the garden brings your family closer together and offers many different opportunities to learn new things and instill green values.
You need to make sure you are very efficient when working in your organic garden. Do not waste your time looking for tools. You can prepare what you need beforehand, keep it all handy in a toolbox or a shed, and you will be ready to work in your garden at a moment’s notice. Even something like a carpenter’s tool belt or some cargo jeans work well to keep tools organized.
If you use this advice concerning organic horticulture, you will have a healthier yard in no time. When you work to keep your garden in tune with nature, you’ll also see more birds and animals stop by for a visit.
This How To Start Your Own Organic Garden first appeared at Small Garden Design