Gardening Organically
James Williams
There is a renewed interest in getting back to basics.
Individuals, corporations and governments are focused on
finding ways to preserve our natural resources. One way of
protecting our environment, and enjoying the best nature has to
offer, is by gardening organically.
There are few differences between 'regular' gardening and
choosing to garden organically. Planting methods are
virtually the same. In both types of gardens, plants will have
the same soil, sunlight and water requirements. The big
difference lies in the control of weeds, insects and disease.
In gardening organically, no chemical or synthetic herbicides,
pesticides or fertilizers are used. Organic gardening may also
result in a more in-depth tending to plants and soil.
Planting an organic garden begins with soil preparation. For
the soil to be productive, organic material must be added.
Compost is essential to success in gardening organically, as it
promotes the health and well being of the plants. You can
easily create your own organic compost by saving and mixing
fruit and vegetable scraps, fallen leaves, pruned flowers,
grass clippings and manure. Ideally, the compost will be dark
and sweet smelling, and full of productive earthworms. In
gardening organically, you may find that your soil needs more
natural nutrients than compost alone can provide. A soil test
will indicate the pH balance. If more nutrients are required
you can incorporate natural additives like greensand, rock
phosphates and bone meal.
Weeds
A particularly frustrating and annoying problem with gardening
organically is weeds. Laying organic mulch can provide a
natural weed barrier. Layers of construction paper, cardboard
or newspaper under the mulch provides added protection. Some
organic gardeners swear by spreading corn meal gluten early in
the season before planting, as this slows the growth of weeds.
Solarization is another option. If you want to get down and
dirty with your weeds, roll up your sleeves for some hoeing and
hand pulling. Persistence will pay off in your battle against
weeds. Use organic mulches and remove what you can by hand.
It may take a few seasons, but it is possible to beat the weeds
for good.
Insects
If there is one area that tests even the most rigidly organic
gardener, it's the need for pesticides. Insects can seriously
harm a plant and, if left uncontested, can wipe out entire
crops. Gardening organically does not allow the use of
synthetic or chemical pesticides, so your best defense is to
take preventative measures. Keep your plants at optimal health
and be sure that the soil is not too wet, or too dry. Insects
will attack unhealthy plants, but if your crop is healthy it
can often outgrow minor insect damage. Keep many different
varieties in your garden. If pests wipe out one type of plant,
they won't necessarily take over the entire garden. The best
way to defend against insects when gardening organically is to
introduce natural predators to the area. Entice frogs, lizard,
birds and ladybugs by keeping a fresh water supply available.
Growing plants to attract insects that feed on nectar can also
help, and you can use plant collars, barriers or sticky traps.
Household items such as garlic, hot pepper and insecticide soaps
can also help you beat the bugs.
Disease
Gardening organically can make it tricky to avoid and combat
plant disease. The best thing you can do is to choose disease
resistant varieties, and plant them in their prime conditions.
Constant moisture and poor air circulation will cause plant
diseases to spread. Knowing where to plant your garden and how
often to water it will help keep your organic garden
disease-free.
Tending a garden is a wonderful hobby, and gardening
organically is particularly rewarding. The plants you grow
will be chemical free and naturally healthy. You are what you
eat, so having a chemical-free garden is ideal for those growing
fruit and vegetable crops. While it may take a little extra
time and effort, gardening organically is the best choice for
you, your plants, and the environment.
About The Author: James Williams contributes to several web
sites, including http://rukar.com and
http://yuzie.com
See Also:
All About Organic Gardening
Index of Gardens & Gardening
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