Are you interested in a gardening technique in which you don’t want any kind of toxic? Do you want a home organic garden that can conserve our planet’s natural resources? If yes, you must be interested in organic gardening.
There is a boost in the popularity of organic gardening as more people are getting aware of the benefits this kind of gardening provides. You can grow an organic garden easily with less amount of effort. So, keep reading this blog to know more about organic gardening.
Table of contents
What is organic gardening?
In organic gardening, you have to use minimally processed and naturally derived supplies. There is no need to use potential environmental contaminants like synthetically produced chemicals.
Your garden soil is going to work as a medium of growth. Also, it will thrive biodiverse ecosystem of life that will be going to support your plants. After that, those plants will be going to offer food and habitat to the beneficial garden critters like insects.
Why organic farming is important?
1) Boost food’s nutritional quality
You might feel sad after knowing that organic farming will yield less per acre and take a bit longer to grow in comparison to industrial agriculture. However, plants nourished by organic gardens produce crops that comprise more vital vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals.
2) Reduction in environmental impact
Organic gardening aids in less environmental impacts made by traditional farming methods. As you already know that there is no use of chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides. With this, you’re going to reduce the carbon footprint and aid in environmental protection.
3) Better biodiversity
With no use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, you are going to create an environment that is conducive to a range of insects, animals, and plants. Such kind of diversity will create a healthier ecosystem. Also, they will provide shelter and food to creatures such as butterflies.
4) Improved air quality
When you eliminate the usage of chemicals like herbicides, then you can contribute less to air pollution. You have to rely on natural methods like companion planting, mulching, and composting. Thus, such methods aid in air pollution reduction with less usage of harmful chemicals.
How organic farming is done?
1) Choose a Site
Look for a location in your garden that receive around 6-8 hours of sunlight. It is important because there is a need for full sun for fruiting plants like melons, peppers, etc. If your site is a bit shady, then don’t get despair because there are many herbs and leafy greens which can tolerate 3 hours per day. Try to avoid large trees and roots, as they can easily steal your plant’s nutrients and water. Don’t forget to make easy access to water sources for your plants.
2) Try the best soil
If you’ve soil full of nutrients, then you’re at one step forward than others. Your plants’ root system will get strong when you encourage well-draining and rich soil. In case, you’re just starting at organic farming, then give it a try to compost soil. With this, your soil gets enriched, but it might be time-consuming as they take longer to break down.
3) Select plants
Always look for plants bred for your climate or native to your area. With this, you can create a low-maintenance and healthy site, especially if you’re someone new to such kind of farming. Go and hit your area’s home improvement store or garden shop then you’ll realize that all the plants present there grow well in your area.
However, don’t forget about disease-resistant hybrid plants as they can create greater harvest and less work for you. If you want to attract pollinators, then plant a range of flowering herbs and flowers with this your plants will remain happy, and no pests can hit them.
4) Water them
Before watering your plants check out the soil, as too much water can be bad, just like not being enough. For this, stick one of your fingers down the soil. If it feels dry, then water it otherwise leave your soil alone. While watering don’t forget the soil surrounding so that roots can absorb the moisture. If you don’t water your plants properly, then be ready to face diseased plants. Have you ever heard of drip irrigation? If yes, then must give a try to this highly targeted watering method.
5) Give it a try to mulch
If you apply organic mulch thick layer, then you can easily take control of weeds. Also, with this, there will be less requirement of water for your plants. Mulch will give your garden a tidy and pretty touch. For the mulch choice, you can try pine straw, wheat straw, chopped leaves, untreated grass clippings, etc. Mulch can easily break down and adds nutrients which your plants will be going to love for sure.
6) Wipe out debris
Just like gardeners must have good hygiene their garden also requires good hygiene. Don’t forget to remove diseased plants and leaves. Check on stems and leaves for pests regularly. Also, dispose of garden litter such as broken branches and overripe fruit. In case, you used any tool on a diseased plant, then clean that tool with a disinfecting cloth.
7) Use the crop rotation method
If you plant members of the same crop family back to back after years then there can be cases of disease and pests attacking that kind of plant. Even your soil is also in great danger due to this thing. So, the best way to combat this is to mix up your garden plan and start moving plants to distinctive areas of your garden. Now, you’re all set to avoid diseases and pests that might lurk in your soil.
Conclusion
With organic gardening, it is possible to grow delicious and healthy produce even without using any kind of chemicals like pesticides. This kind of gardening is a rewarding experience that comes with a range of benefits whether it is you or the environment.
