organic vegetable gradening tips

What you should know to grow your own food using organic farming at your Kitchen or patio or backyard? 

In this article, we'll discuss benefits of organic farming , how to grow an organic vegetable garden , different types of organic gardening , garden planner, organic fertilizer, pest control recipe, organic seeds, about author

Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects.

Organic agriculture combines traditional, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved.

Let’s first discuss the benefits of organic farming

1. It has been observed that it can reduce the cost of production by almost 30% as it does not use costly synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
2. It does not contaminate air, water and soil like conventional farming.
3. It preserves the soil and prevents soil erosion.
4. The soil fertility lasts for a longer period of time so farmers can utilize the land for longer duration of time.
5. It naturally promotes diverse habitats. Places where organic farming is taking place is full of insects, birds and animals.
6. Consuming organic food reduces chances of ailments like cancer, heart related problems and many more.

How to grow an organic vegetable garden?

Let’s discuss different types of organic farming methods so that you can select the right type before you start your home gardening.

Crop Diversity

Crop diversity is the most popular among all Organic Farming Methods. It is also referred to as polyculture in which different species of crops are grown in succession on the same piece of land. Different kinds of plants absorb and release different nutrients from and to the soil. Planting a variety of crops therefore retains the fertility of the soil. Planting different plants also provide support for a wider variety beneficial insects, wild plants, and microorganisms that lead to increased biodiversity.

Farm Size

Organic farms utilize small sized farm lots because they are relatively easy to maintain even without the help of machines. Smaller yards also allow a wider variety of crops to be grown on the farm at the same time. This makes crop rotation more effective and further increases biodiversity.

How to prepare soil for vegetable garden

Soil fertility is a very important consideration for organic farming methods. Soil test analysis ( using either liquid sulphur or water extract method) is an essential task before using organic fertilizers for your garden. You might have to use chemical inputs in certain cases. Moreover, animal or biological wastes should be properly composted to avoid pathogens or organisms carrying diseases to spread.

• Your vegetables will do best with soil whose PH level is somewhere in the range of 5.5 and 7.5.

• Turn the soil twice a year to minimize weeds

• Use green manure to improve nitrogen. It also helps  to loosen and aerate hard-packed and clayey soil

Importance of vegetable garden planner before starting a vegetable garden

Different vegetables require different conditions to thrive. Plotting out your garden on paper before planting will help you visualize your space and use it effectively and efficiently. You can use graph paper to make a scale map of your garden and decide on a layout for your vegetables.

Make sure that the site you select get have plenty of sun at least 5 hours. Click the link to get no dig garden instructions  on simple way to build raised bed frames. You can also think for container gardening if you have very little outside living space

There are several Android or Iphone apps for garden planner. You should subscribe them for specific information.

You need to start composting for your garden. Start your compost pile with a base material such as leaves, grass clippings, or sawdust; add your organic garden and kitchen waste, and let the magic of the compost pile take over. Click the link to download free information on vegetable garden planner.

Next we’ll discuss about organic fertilizer for starting a vegetable garden.

Most garden soils contain the bare essentials. But that may not be enough and many cultivated plants need more to fully develop. Growing plants need all the major nutrients and more. Organic fertilizer helps you in following area.

• Some modern varieties  plants like Brassicas, potatoes  are more demanding in nutrients.
• For continuous cropping season to season
• When growing in containers
• For plants growing on the same site for long periods
• When growing on thin infertile ground

Here is an article on what's the natural, organic way to make soil fertile

Importance of organic pest control

Organic gardens are free of chemicals and have a rich diversity of organisms. You can control pests naturally through creation of a balanced and diverse ecosystem. I plant peppermint, spearmint and pennyroyal to naturally deter aphids and ants. You can also use beneficial insects like lady beetles, lacewings and preying mantises that will prey on the insect pests you don’t want.

Here is pest control recipe for my organic garden

1 head of garlic
1 tablespoon dish soap (Note: do not use a dish soap that contains bleach)
2 tablespoons mineral or vegetable oil
2 cups water

Here are 5 simple ways to  get rid of garden pests naturally.

Importance of organic seeds

I prefer to use organic seeds to avoid genetically engineered crops. Certified Organic seed is produced by a certified organic grower, so it has not been exposed to any chemicals throughout the growth in the field, the harvesting of the seed, and processing.

However the use of any untreated or organic seed means the home gardener need to be more diligent to plant the seed in optimal conditions.

New diseases are sprouting almost daily and all of that is to blame on our way of eating and living. Not only that this is a well-known fact, but many organizations such as the World Health Organization report that chemicals present in our food, together with processes that takes place during manufacturing are affecting mankind’s health to great extents. Hence encourage our farmers to use organic gardening.

Additional information

13 Tips for Growing Better Tomatoes 

What are some of grandma's home remedies for organic garden pests?

Author's bio- Mr. Kothari is US resident. He recently came to India. He is involved in commercial organic farming in Maharastra where there is paucity of rain. You may also join his weekend courses on how to build an organic vegetable garden at backyard. He also co-authored  'Tilapia Farming guide with JT Abney.  Organic gardening magazines features his articles regularly.


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