How To Get Started with Organic Home Gardening
With the focus turning to healthier eating habits as deadly GMO’s are spreading throughout our food supply, many are turning to organic home gardening as an option. Organic gardening tends to be easier than it sounds and many gardeners have found they save money by switching to organic gardening methods as well. Your own backyard may make the perfect setting for your very own organic garden that you can start with just a few basic principles. We’ve got the steps to get you started in organic home gardening, so you will be ready to plant your own crops as soon as the next growing season rolls around.
When beginning organic home gardening, the first question to ask is exactly what makes a garden organic? Organic gardening is the process of growing crops of all kinds without the use of chemicals or synthetic substances of any kind. Instead, elements from nature are used to feed and protect the crops so they can grow as naturally as possible. An organic crop is one that is safe and healthy for your family and did not harm the environment in any way as it grew to harvest.
To begin a successful organic home gardening experience, you must first have healthy soil that will help the plants to grow and thrive. Healthy organic soil is enriched with compost that can easily be created at home by using scraps of food, grass clippings and coffee grounds. These ingredients can be kept in a makeshift compost bin right in your own backyard, until it is ready to be added to your garden soil. Avoid adding potentially unhealthy ingredients to your compost pile, such as animal waste, diseased plants or those that have been treated with chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
When spring rolls around, you can incorporate your organic compost into your garden soil before spading it up and getting it ready for spring. A soil test can also be done on a small sample of your bed to ensure your soil is rich in all the nutrients your crops will need to thrive. Soil testing can either be done at home or by taking a sample to your local nursery or extension office for analysis. Beginning with nutrient-rich soil is a must for an organic garden, because it greatly reduces the risk of disease and pests affecting your crops.
Organic home gardening is an excellent way to expand your gardening repertoire. When you begin with your own organic compost and healthy soil, you are much more likely to enjoy healthy, thriving crops. Your entire family is sure to appreciate your organic gardening efforts when they enjoy your bountiful harvest throughout the winter months.