What makes organic gardening different?
When we hear the word organic, we automatically think of something natural and healthy. In the same sense organic gardening simply refers to a healthy production without chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, done in our own backyard or on the roof of our houses. It has been a controversial topic as to what’s the difference between organic gardening and traditional gardening. As a matter of fact, there are two main aspects that separates these two, one being use of agricultural chemicals and other the use of processed fertilizers. Most organic gardeners consider soil as a living system and avoid artificial chemical fertilizer even at the cost of reduced product quality in regards to crop planting. Healthy soil helps build strong, productive plants. The best way to prep the soil is to test it with a home testing kit and know its pH and nutrient levels and then add compost leaf and grass clippings and manure.of shape, color and overall appearance. Organic garden produce is better for us in many ways.
Now the question is how do we grow our own organic garden? Let’s discuss the steps of creating an organic garden;
Planning and amending the soil : The first step would be to find a space in our home that we could turn into a garden, ie, a suitable place with enough sunlight in the backyard of your home or on the roof. It all starts with soil and its preparation.
Choosing and planting the right crops : when starting your garden it is essential to start with easy ones, as of steering clear of crops that are susceptible to insects, disease. Choose a plant that will match and adjust with moisture. Ph and soil quality of your chosen area. As a new gardener you can choose plants that are easy and will give highest returns, for example- indeterminate tomatoes, pole beans, zucchini, swiss chard etc. it is advised to use organic seeds for planting as they have better results in organic gardens
Choosing the right season to plant crops: it is very important for a crop to be planted in the right season as most of them have their specific seasons in which they flourish the best and reach their highest production potential. So you need to be grow knowledge about crops before you grown your garden.
Creating organic compost and means of fertilization: compost is an element that feeds plants, conserves water, cuts down on weeds, whereas it is so easy to make just by turning garbage into reusable products. For a perfect compost it just needs the right ratio of nitrogen and carbon rich waste mixed with soil and air which is easily done with house garbage.
Weeding and taking proper care: no matter what you do you will get weeds. It is essential to pull them out and take proper care of the plants so that they can grow.
Crop rotation and proper harvesting: it is said that the more you harvest the more your plants will produce for you. So harvesting on time is important and more so that changes the crops every season.
These steps will get you started on your dream organic garden. But we need more than just to start, we need a flourishing garden and for it to grow with time. So here are some tips that would help in various steps of creating your own organic garden;
Tip-1: Attracting pollinators by planting pollinator flowers will make sure the plants get required pollination on time.
Tip-2: Mulching with the help of straw or any organic mulch will make sure the soil doesn’t lose any minerals by oxidation.
Tip-3: Feed your plants through a well-balanced and nutritious soil that will help plants survive longer and healthier.
Tip-4: Winterize the garden by spreading compost on the soil bed and using winter mulch during fall will help the plants to stay alive in the winter season.
Tip-5: Creative composting is the key to healthy crops, creating organic compost will give the plants a better life.
Tip-6: Lastly, it’s really important to water and check on the plants on a daily basis.
Organic garden fulfills our need for better quality food as well as the want for a sustainable and waste free environment. which is why organic gardening is so popular and encouraged in today’s time.
For more such blogs click here.
Writer :
Sadia haque
Intern, Content writing department
YSSE