Organic Vegetable Gardening 101

Organic Vegetable Gardening 101

By Josef Mack

Organic vegetable gardening is basically a different way to grow vegetables. It is by no means rocket science and as a matter of fact it is basically the way things were done for hundreds of years before better living through chemistry came into our lives. So in order to better understand how things were done before we need a better understanding of what organic gardening is and isn't.

Organic vegetable gardening is a farming method where no chemicals or synthetic products are used in the growing of vegetables. Simply put you work with nature and use all natural products in growing your vegetables. So there are some things we need to learn or re-learn. For example, by picking the appropriate plants to grow we will have a much better chance of actually reaping a harvest. We need to look at the big picture, for example: what kind of soil are we working with, what are the sunlight conditions, how is the weather - very wet, dry, or in between. By taking all this into account we can work with nature to get the best crop possible.

So while this may be more work, it will definitely pay off in the long run. We will be helping the planet by not using more chemicals, and we will be growing organic vegetables which will be healthier for all consuming them. So it comes out as a win-win for all concerned, (except for the chemical producers).

So let's get started, and the best place to do that is at the beginning. Before we even look at putting seeds in the ground we need to work with our soil. We need to add compost to our soil. Our compost can come from a variety of places, we could purchase it, or we could be working ahead of the planting season and make our own compost bin. Composting is relatively easy to do, (I'll share some tips in another article). Composting is also an excellent way to help out the planet, by our not throwing away our table scraps, or using our dried leaves, grass clippings and so on we can use those materials to help enrich our soil.

We need it to be rich in nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. These ingredients are essential to having top quality earth to grow our vegetables. As we work the land we should consider having it's ph level checked, we want to make sure that it is at a good level, not too high, or too low.

Now that the soil has been prepared it is time to plant the seeds. (This of course assumes you have taken the time to determine the appropriate items to plant in your particular garden). One of the things to keep in mind is the spacing between seeds. They should not be too close to ensure the roots get appropriate water. At the same time you should consider what you can plant in between the primary crops in order to keep the weed population under control.

Along with doing what you can to keep weeds out you should also look at what can be done to minimize the inset and pest situation. For these it is good to have birds, and frogs around to help keep the insect population to a minimum. You say you don't have any birds or frogs, well how about putting up a couple of bird houses, or a small pond to encourage frogs to come around. Did I mention that organic often times requires a little creativity and ingenuity to get it going right.

As you continue your gardening you will also want to consider what it takes to keep the soil fertile. Here crop rotation comes into play. Farmers do this all the time, I live in the country now and have noticed over the past few years that a particular field has corn one year, soy beans the next, and another product the third year, or back to corn. So it is a good idea to keep this in mind before you start so you can keep it going year after year.

One of the biggest benefits from having a garden is the ability to go outside and pick a fresh vegetable right off the plant and eat it while it still has the majority of its nutrients. It tastes better, is healthier and also has the other advantages mentioned previously. So is it for everyone? Likely not, but if you haven't tried it you might want to try it out on a small scale and see if it works for you. Many people have found it to be both relaxing and rewarding.

Next, living Greener and Organic is not only good for the planet, it is also good for us. Would you like additional information on Organic Gardening? Or how would you like to learn more about living Greener? Then please visit Green Organic Blog. To learn more about the what is involved in Composting please visit Home Composting Tips.

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organic vegetable gardening

The Benefits Of Organic Vegetables

If you have visited to the doctor, the chances are he or she has told you to watch what you eat. Eating the right quality and quantity wholesome foods such as fish, meat, fruits and vegetables will not leave you troubled. Because some of these hold damaging compounds, perhaps you should start changing to organically raised vegetables and other food products. The reason why we should buy organically grown products is that bulk of these have been genetically altered. Farmers have used assorted techniques, chemicals and fertilisers to make them bigger even if they know that this is dangerous to your health. Growing organically raised crops is not that hard and needs no magic potion or spells whatsoever, but having some fertile soil, sunlight, water and some fertiliser can just do the trick.

It has been noted from a study that consuming organic foods and vegetables on a daily basis can assistance you achieve a healthier life as fifty percent more vitamins and minerals can be added to vegetables and other products which have been organically produced compared to those made from established methods. Not only that these organically grown vegetables taste fresher than the normally produced products but they also contribute to giving you the feeling of eating something that is mixed with potion for youth. Fertilisers and pesticides have their benefits but they can also be as disruptive because they remove essential vitamins and nutrients that your body requires making you a little less short with your required daily allowance. Another benefit of consuming organic vegetables and food is that you assistance the surroundings which takes place because farmers are no more using damaging compounds and put these into the soil. The land which they have worked on can be planted by the next generation because the land that has been educated for so long, is still fertile.

It can be noticeable from the supermarket that the cost of conventionally raised products is cheaper than that of those organically grown vegetables and other items. Should you always purchase something if it is cheaper? In the case of food, the result is no because you can't put a price on the lives of those who eat it. Go organic and don't waste your time and money anymore because this change of direction can in reality benefit you in the future and I don't think you would wish to delay until someone you know gets sick.

Eventually, the cost of organic vegetables and other items will go down when more farmers decide to trade these in supermarkets. It is only because there is a small department of this available now in the store but when it grows to be an industry standard, things will change. But while it's not yet that available, you may start planting and producing your own in your backyard by looking for the needed supplies such as the seeds or the fully raised plants. Don't forget to do some research first so you know how to take care of them because after all, sprinkling water every morning is just one of the many things you have to do to help these grow. Perhaps one of the largest challenges in organic vegetables and food is that the US imports a great many vegetables from nations that are not yet practicing this back to the basics method. All The Same, with the proper spreading of info and encouragement to those other countries especially to everyone here, the advantages of organically grown vegetables and fruits will be widely established and enjoyed.

The Principles Of Organic Vegetable Gardening

Organic vegetable gardening is becoming a favorite with farmers as they can grow the same volume of crop with less money. Should you want to practice this at house, you have to know the rules of organic vegetable gardening first. Foremost, organic vegetable gardening does not use any chemical fertilizers, nutrients or pesticides. Nature is your partner here because you will be using A couple of things to make it all work, namely sunshine and water. While these can never be made by artificial means, you have to find the ideal place for it and provide right kind of water drainage facilities.

Aside from sunshine and water, you can help the crops grow by using compost heap from leftover food, chipped bark, garden compost, leaf moulds and manure. You can mix these all together and then spread this throughout your garden. Some individuals simply cannot stomach the idea of procuring animal fertilizer, but for this you do not have to use your toilet, as they are available readily in stores. Get chickens and let them roam unhindered around the garden. A lot of people use dead animals or meat grow - this should be left in the bin to rot for the maggots to arrive and then you could use them to fertilize your garden soil.

Earthworms could help by digging out several minerals from deep down under the soil and thereby helps the soil to get aerated and this can provide superb drainage for your garden. This creature also leaves casting behind that professionals say is five times as rich in nitrogen phosphorous and potassium - once again, this can be bought from the gardening store. Organic vegetable gardening is tough sometimes since you have to deal with unwelcome guests - some of these pests include armyworms, crickets, gypsy moth caterpillars, slugs and squash bugs. Early fertilizers were employed to get your garden free from such pests, but when you go organic, you keep some toads in the garden, which are expected to eat up all these and more. When spiders or caterpillars invade your garden, get the birds to get rid of them, since toads hate to eat them.

Most of the time you do not have to invest in the purchase of toads or birds, as they would visit your garden in any case, provided you keep your environment conducive. Just build a birdhouse or dig a pond and you would be soon welcoming these Samaritans. Two natural insect killers are the preying mantis and ladybirds both of who clearly demarcate their individual territories and any invasion by a foreign body soon gets destroyed.

Plants also protect vegetables. For example, the rosemary, sage or thyme is an efficient deterrent against butterflies and Marigolds are efficient against nematodes. But despite all the flowers and animals that nature has to offer, crop rotation is seen as the foremost way to keep the soil productive when you have an organic vegetable garden. If you established this kind of vegetable for this season, change it with another and the return to the first after this one is harvested. Come to think of it, rules of organic gardening are rather elementary. Only practicing it for a while, can make you better.

Organic Vegetable Gardening

Organic Vegetable Gardening For Beginners

Organic Vegetable Gardening For Beginners
By Mary Hanna

To be successful at organic vegetable gardening you must draw up detailed plans. The soil is your first consideration; how to make it rich and fertile, and how to prepare it so harmful pests won't attack your vegetable garden. The two ways that organic vegetable gardening differs from conventional gardens is the usage of fertilizer and how to keep pests under control. Phosphorous, nitrogen and potassium are the three components essential to your organic garden.

For lush, green foliage you must have nitrogen. For strong roots and stems phosphorus is needed. And for the important protection from disease and brief cold snaps, potassium is a must. Let's call them the big three. The big three are available in commercial fertilizers however they are synthetic. In organic vegetable gardening the big three are added in a much different way.

The best way of enriching your soil is by compost. Dig some pits in your back yard to start your compost from kitchen refuse. Use things like pine needles, corn stalks, leaves, carrot tops, fruits or vegetables that have spoiled, manure, egg shells and coffee grinds. Some organic gardeners use weeds in their compost but I do not recommend this for obvious reasons. As the compost materials decompose they release bacteria and fungi into the soil that you are preparing. The bacteria and fungi convert nutrients like nitrogen to ammonia and nitrates that will be usable for your vegetables. Use substances such as seaweed, potash salts, tobacco stems and wood ash to help make potassium in your compost. By making your own compost, you are controlling the mixture and balance to achieve the right combination for your organic vegetable garden.

To be absolutely sure that your compost has completely broken down and is now offering up the right balance, start working it into the soil at least two weeks before you plan on planting.

The pH in the soil must be right for healthy plants. Test your soil, if it has a ph of 0 it is very acidic, while a 14 is extreme alkaline. Of course a seven indicates neutral soil. To raise the pH of the soil inexpensively use ground limestone. An additional benefit of the limestone is that it contains magnesium something that most soils lack. If, on the other hand, you have extreme alkaline soil use sulpher to bring the pH down.

Pest control in organic vegetable gardening is also different that conventional gardening. In many conventional beds gardeners wish to eradicate all pests with pesticides. Many in organic gardening only wish to keep the pest population down so to have a balance in the garden. Obviously, whenever possible, plant pest resistant vegetables. In order for harmful organisms to grow, they need bright sunlight so keep thick mulch around the plants to deny the organisms that needed sunlight and to help hold moisture into the ground. If you find you have a heavy infestation here is a natural pest control formula:

In a jar, combine 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid and 1 cup vegetable oil. Shake vigorously. In an empty spray bottle, combine 2 teaspoons of this mixture and 1 cup water. Use at ten-day intervals (or more often if needed) to rid plants of whiteflies, mites, aphids, scales, and other pests.

Follow this tips and you are on your way to raising a healthy and plentiful organic vegetable garden.

Happy Gardening!

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at Gardening Landscaping Tips, Gardening Outside and Herb Gardening

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Organic Vegetable Gardening

More farmers are getting into organic vegetable gardening because it is cost effective and they are able to produce almost the same yield of crops. You must first understand the organic vegetable gardening principles before you can do this in your own garden. First, organic vegetable gardening does not use any fertilizers, nutrients or pesticides. To make it all work, sunlight and water are required so nature is your partner here. We don't produce these ourselves but you have to find the ideal area and provide adequate drainage.

Aside from sunlight and water, you can help the crops grow by using compost heap from leftover food, chipped bark, garden compost, leaf moulds and manure which you can mix together and then spread this throughout your garden. Many people are grossed about by manure but you don't have to scoop this from the toilet because this is sold in stores and if you keep Chickens then they are great to have - just let them roam around in the garden. Dead animals or meat products are used by some people but you can't put these in the soil. Maggots will soon appear if you leave them for a couple of weeks in the bin which is what you use to help fertilize your garden.

The earthworm digs deep into the ground and aerates the soil bringing various minerals to the surface and providing better drainage, making it is another helpful creature. The casting this long pink colored creature leaves behind is five times as rich in nitrogen phosphorous and potassium, according to experts. Again, this can be purchased from almost any gardening store or garden center.

Unwanted guests including army worms, crickets, gypsy moth caterpillars, slugs and squash bugs make organic gardening a challenge. In an organic setting the best weapon is the toad which is known to eat more almost every type of insect despite the fact that at one time people used fertilizer to kill them. If you have caterpillars or spiders lurking in the garden, get a bird because this is not in the toad's diet.

In some cases, you don't have to buy a toad or a bird from the pet store because they may come in to your home as long as you set the ideal environment for them. Within days, you will have some new occupants protecting your garden if you can put up a bird house or a small pond. As they mark their territory and eat anything that dares enter their domain, the preying mantis and the ladybug are other insect killers which you can get to do the job.

Rosemary, sage or thyme can be used to protect your vegetables against butterflies and marigolds protect vegetables against nematodes. The rotation of crops is seen as the best way to keep the soil fertile, despite all the flowers and creatures that nature has to offer. The same kind of vegetable should be planted and harvested in a season, with an alternative vegetable being planted in between. you just have to be practice it so you can harvest the vegetables you have planted weeks ago.

Organic Vegetable Gardening