Organic gardening is a growing interest at all levels of society. Due to the increases in food prices, concerns over pesticides used in food production and a general desire for better health, organic gardens are springing up all over. Starting your own organic garden isn’t difficult; it just takes some time and a commitment to better your life.

The basic concept behind organic gardening is that you will be growing food without the use of synthetic pesticides. Organic gardens are not necessarily devoid of all herbicides and pesticides; they simply avoid the use of the more harmful synthetic varieties. Always work with and not against nature. This means feeding the soil well, spending time on pest management and weeding and growing plants that are complimentary. An example of good ground cover in your organic garden is squash.

One of the most important things you can do when starting an organic garden is to invest in a compost bin or pile. Blueprints for building simple compost bins are available on line. Incorporating compost into your soil ensures that your organic food will be nutrient rich. A successful organic garden depends on healthy soil. To have your soil tested, contact your county extension office. They often hire master gardeners that can be sent out to test your soil thoroughly and advise you as to which crops are best for your region and soil type. This service if normally provided free of charge.

When you in planning stages remember to consult with your landscaping designer for ideas about flowers and shrubs that may compliment your organic garden.

The time and effort you put into your organic garden means you don’t want to share the produce with insects. Insects will come around less when you take good care of your organic garden. Insect traps, pheromone baited lures and plant collars are all part of an organic approach to pest control. Encouraging natural predators will also help keep harmful insects to a minimum. Oils, soaps and home made sprays can also be used and as a final resort BTs, or Bacillus thuringiensis, a bacterial agent can be applied to discourage leaf eating creatures

Beneficial insects can be your best friend, so when you are planning to attack harmful pests make sure that you won’t affect your allies. Planting a border of beneficial plants will attract good insects reducing your need for pesticides, organic though they may be. Cornflower, bachelor’s button, fennel and borage are just a few plants that can encourage helpful insects to colonize your organic garden. If you have the area, you may want to have a bat house near your organic garden. If you are lucky enough to acquire a few bats in your garden, you can be sure they will keep down the numbers insects that you find objectionable too.

When you think of your organic garden you will think of it as a labor of love. Besides providing yourself and your family with nutritious, homegrown vegetables and fruits you are contributing to a healthy environment. Your gardens production will be your reward for all the time and effort you have put in. Watching your organic crops grow all summer is a great pay off to all your effort?

Flower and shrubs will compliment your organic garden no matter what size it is, call your landscape expert for advice on what looks the best and think about using pavers for a really nice walkway through your garden.

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

Tagged with: • •

Filed under: Gardening Tips • backyard garden • backyard gardening • garden • gardening

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!