10 Steps to an Organic Garden

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Sisterhood_of_the_GreenHeart

[sisterhood_of_the_GreenHeart ] On Behalf Of GrannyMoon

Thursday, April 10, 2008 12:04 PM

Sisterhood_of_the_GreenHeart ;

EatYourWeeds ; GrannysHerbs

[sisterhood_of_the_GreenHeart] 10 Steps to an Organic Garden

 

 

 

10 Steps to an Organic Garden

by iVillager sailing_on

 

As an organic farmer and gardener, I realized that the key to

gardening is flexibility. Too much rain one year, not enough the next -- this is

why it is essential to create a healthy base to build on. It will be the one

stable point in your garden.

 

Good soil, good plants and good intentions are so important.

Nurturing plants in harmony with nature is both satisfying and safe -- you just

need some patience, diligence and humor. Take my advice and double up on the

humor. Although the following 10 tips are for organic gardening, they can be

useful for any gardener.

 

 

Test Your Soil

Testing your soil helps you find out what's missing. Is your soil acid or

alkaline, or is it neutral? Some plants prefer one or the other, but most

like it just fine in the middle. Neutral soil pH is 7, acid is any reading

below 7, and alkaline is any reading above 7. A good way to remember this

is to note that " acid " has four letters and is lower than

neutral, and " alkaline " has eight letters and is higher. It is

important to know what you have to work with so your plants can grow to their

maximum strength.

Don't treat

your soil like dirt.

It's a bumper sticker some organic farmers have on their pickup, and it

evokes an important truth. It all starts with good soil, and it

may take years and years of amendments to get the tilth just right. What

is good soil? Good soil is filled with organic material

such as compost, it can be easily turned over with a fork, it holds

moisture, and it can nurture whatever you plant.

Experiment.

Fun gardening should explore all kinds of plants you like. Sometimes it is

a variety of your favorite that you will find is perfectly suited to your

soil and site. But you won't know that until you plant (and replant if

needed). Also, don't be afraid of failure. When you have Mother Nature to

deal with, climate will play a part in your efforts, and believe me, your

plans can be easily altered.

Keep a first

aid kit for your garden.

This kit should include some chicken wire, stakes, temporary fencing,

tie-up material, soap for washing plants and an all-purpose organic

fertilizer. (Everyone, including your plants, likes a snack now and then.)

It is also a good idea to anticipate pests. If you have just moved to an

area, find out what pests you may have to deal with. Stock some natural

repellents so if you see something that's not right you can help your

plants quickly.

Make sure you

buy or order plants or seed stock from a good company with quality

products.

Don't introduce a sick plant into your little piece of paradise. Healthy

plants actually have their own immune system and can repel some pests.

 

 

Keep a little

notebook of plants and their placement in your garden.

Eventually, this can expand to include a diary with entries of how your

plants grew and, perhaps, special plants you have read about that you want

to try to find.

Get to know

your plants up close and personal.

That is the one big benefit from weeding. Actually, I

have to keep reminding myself how good this is when the going gets tough.

But it is down at this level that you can take inventory of how your plant

is doing. You can take time and turn the leaves over looking for unwanted

guests, and check and see whether the good insects are

with you. You can take off dead leaves and leaves that trail on the

ground.

Practice

companion planting.

Some plants do better when planted near others. Some herbs, for instance,

benefit certain plants and vegetables by improving the flavor. Some flowers

lure insects to them and off your other plants. Some plants attract birds,

butterflies

and beneficial insects that will help get rid of pests.

Rotate your

plants.

In an organic garden, rotation of plants is important. Rotation for a

vegetable garden is essential because some vegetables take nutrients out

of the soil, and some actually put nutrients into the soil. Those

love being rotated. Some opportunists -- such as pests -- will set up

house close to their favorite plants. Changing plant placement is like

giving them the moving box.

Enjoy your

garden.

Make it a size that you can manage without stress. There is nothing more

rewarding than observing growing plants. This applies to all ages. Visit

daily, and feel at peace there.

 

 

 

Goddess

Bless!

GrannyMoon

 

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