Gardening Organically

Organic gardening is identical to conventional gardening, with the exception that no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides are used. It requires a greater focus on the soil and the diverse needs of plants. Compost is essential to the health and well-being of organically grown plants, and soil must be dark in color, has a sweet smell, and is teeming with earthworms. Preventative measures such as ensuring plants are healthy and not too wet or dry are important to protect plants from insects. Organic gardening is an excellent way to prevent pests of one plant type from destroying the entire garden by keeping a water source nearby and growing plants that attract nectar-eating insects.

Gardening Organically. Insecticidal soaps, garlic, and hot pepper are also common household items that repel insects. Choose disease-resistant plants and plant them in their prime conditions to avoid plant disease. Weed growth can be slowed by spreading corn meal gluten and solarization, and persistence is the best bet for weed prevention. Mulch well and pull and hoe what you can, and after a few seasons, you should be able to get rid of the weeds for good.

Organic gardening is identical to conventional gardening, with the exception that no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides are used. Certain aspects, such as disease, insect, and weed control, may become more difficult as a result. Organic gardening also necessitates a greater focus on the soil and the diverse needs of plants.

Organic gardening begins with soil. Gardeners must add organic matter to the soil on a regular basis to keep it productive. In fact, compost is critical to the health and well-being of organically grown plants. Compost can be made from a variety of materials, including leaves, dead flowers, vegetable scraps, fruit rinds, grass clippings, manure, and many others. The ideal soil is dark in color, has a sweet smell, and is teeming with earthworms. Some soils may require additional natural additives such as bonemeal, rock phosphates, or greensand that regular compost cannot provide. A simple soil test will reveal the pH balance and which nutrients are required.

Insects on plants are one thing that makes even the most dedicated organic gardeners reach for pesticides. Preventative measures are the most effective way to protect plants from insects. One thing that can be done is to ensure that plants are healthy and not too wet or dry, because insects prefer to attack unhealthy plants, and healthy plants can often outgrow minor insect damage. A variety of plant types is a good idea to prevent pests of one plant type from destroying the entire garden.

Making your garden appealing to insect predators such as ladybugs, birds, frogs, and lizards is possibly the best way to defend against insects. You can accomplish this by keeping a water source nearby or by growing plants that attract nectar-eating insects. Other alternatives include sticky traps, barriers, and plant collars. Insecticidal soaps, garlic, and hot pepper are also common household items that repel insects.

Choose disease-resistant plants and plant them in their prime conditions to avoid plant disease in organic gardening. Many diseases spread as a result of constant moisture and poor air circulation, so the location of your garden and how it is watered can help protect it from disease.

Weeds can be an annoyance and a source of frustration in organic gardening. Organic mulch can act as a weed barrier, but for added protection, layer it with newspaper, construction paper, or cardboard. Weed growth can be slowed by spreading corn meal gluten early in the season before planting, as can solarization. There's also the tried-and-true method of hoeing and hand pulling. Persistence is your best bet for weed prevention. Mulch well and pull and hoe what you can; after a few seasons, you should be able to get rid of the weeds for good.

Organic gardening is an excellent way to ensure that your plants are free of all pesticides and, if properly cared for, as healthy as possible. Organic gardening requires a little more time and care than regular gardening, but once gardeners get the hang of it and figure out all the quirks of their garden, the extra time is well worth it.