How to Plant an Organic Vegetable Garden

Start with a local nursery that specializes in organic gardening. Their experience and dedication for organic gardening makes it a good place to begin. Get to know a few staff members who can offer valuable guidance. It’s important to know what will grow best for each season specific for your geographic location. This will put the odds in your favor and avoid the expense of buying plants that just won’t reach their potential.

Getting Tooled Up!

A garden is not complete without the tools that create it. At the very least have

• Comfortable gloves
• Small clipping shears
• Pointed shovel for digging holes
• Smaller hand shovel for planting
• Pitchfork (for making your own compost).

Here’s a good tip on how to clean and protect your tools after use from rust. Using a bristle brush and a little sand mixed with motor oil in a bucket, scrape off any excess dirt or debris from your tool. Wipe off any excess sand then its ready to be stored. For longer tool life always store tools indoors.

Soil is King

A high quality soil will yield good quality plants and vegetables. Where Inorganic fertilizers chemically infuse your soil, using pesticide free fertilizers will help improve the condition of the soil. Before buying any fertilizer ask the nursery for help determining how much and what type of fertilizer is necessary.

Testing the Soil

Determining exact needs will require some experience. A handy little device known as a soil tester can provide valuable information about your soil and fertilizer needs. Some models start around $25 and measure basic characteristics such as,

• Soil pH
• Soil moisture
• Light intensity
• Nitrogen and phosphorus levels.

Using Compost

Composed of plant remains and other once living materials, organic compost is free of herbicides and pesticides that contain a mixture of natural biodegradable ingredients. Technically not considered a fertilizer, compost affects the soil in many ways including,

• Improving the soils structure that promotes a better environment for roots
• Increasing water holding capacity while helping heavy soils become more permeable
• Providing nutrients with a significant amount of organic matter
• Maintaining an optimum soil pH

Watering Needs

Watering is the lifeblood of a garden. Finding the right balance is crucial. Many nurseries suggest watering about once a week. Make sure the water goes deep and is not just a surface watering. Soil conditions and the season will affect the amount of water needed.

Installing Drip Irrigation

The initial Installation of a drip irrigation system can have a significant cost attached. However, the water savings over time combined with other benefits, make drip irrigation a good choice. Some benefits include,

• Water conservation by directly watering around the root area
• Soil moisture is more consistent improving plant growth
• Liquid fertilizer can be dispensed in a controlled manner
• Greater control of how much water reaches individual plants
• Weed growth is reduced because areas between plants are not watered

Following these tips and guidelines will ensure a healthy start for any organic garden. For more information and tips on organic gardening check out

Organic Gardening

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