organic gardening simple steps

Organic Gardening Simple Steps By Leroy A. Brown www.cariporter.ca

Organic Gardening Simple Steps

By Leroy A. Brown, Organic Consultant

www.cariporter.ca

Spring is the preferred time of the year by many to start an organic garden. If you live in a

country that is cold, and has snow and frost part of the year such as Canada, spring and

summer are your best times for growing things. If you live in a warm country like Jamaica,

then you can grow anytime of the year.

Nevertheless, there is something magical about spring. It is as if it gives someone a new

beginning, and the environment a fresh start. Many plants and animals become more

present, adding to the beauty of Mother Nature.

To help make organic gardening easier, as well as to get more individuals practicing organic

horticulture, here are simple steps to get you started, and to be successful in your organic

cultivation endeavours.

Organic veggies from urban garden Compost from the City of Toronto

http://www.cariporter.ca/



1. Make a plan

Making a plan means knowing what you want to grow; knowing how much you want to

grow; knowing how much is it going to cost you to do your gardening; knowing where you

are going to grow your crops; knowing what each type of plant needs such as nutrient,

and how you are going to provide it; knowing if you need a soil test; knowing what pests

and diseases are likely for each type of plant, and how you can prevent them; and so on.

2. Prepare the land

Preparing the land is crucial, because if done properly, you will have less work to do, and

more fun as you become successful.

If you have sufficient earthworms in your soil, and the soil is more loam and humus

than hard and clayish, then you do not have to aerate the earth, (i.e. boring holes in

the soil for air to get in). This is because the earthworms make very small burrows that

allow air into the soil, as they travel in and out of the soil.

Garden layout as part of plan Preparing land

If the soil is hard like clay, you will have to plough it, (i.e. turn the soil over usually

with a spade or rototiller).

If you have done a soil test, then you would know how much nutrient is present in the

earth. If there is need for more, then adding compost is a great way to go.

Be careful when you buy fertilizers or compost from stores, especially if they promote

weed free and/or quick growth. They usually have conventional ingredients in them.



Well decomposed cow, chicken, pig or horse manure is great as compost. Worm

castings are good for fertilizing. You may even use the broken down components in

your homemade compost that has your plant materials such as grass cuttings, leaves,

banana peels, discarded vegetables, onion skin, etc.

Place these nutrients in the soil around the roots, not on the plants, especially if they

are leafy vegetables like lettuces and mustard greens.

Wash hands after attending to your garden, and especially after handling manure.

3. Planting

Remove all weeds in the area you wish to plant. This will give the crops a better

chance of surviving.

When planting, try to use certified organic seeds or seedlings. If not available, use

seeds or seedlings that have not been treated with conventional chemicals.

Earthworm Marigold

Give your plants enough room for them to grow, and to minimize the spread of pests

and diseases if they occur.

Many individuals plant flowers which is good. It is also just as good to grow things that

are edible. For example, nasturtiums are beautiful flowers that can be eaten.

Growing edible plants can be very rewarding, such as reducing your food

bill. And if one were to replace his or her lawn or part of it with crops that

produce food that he or she consumes regularly such as tomatoes,



parsley, lettuce, etc., he or she will not only save on grocery purchases,

but may also see cutbacks in their water bill.

4. Watering

Rainwater is best for plants and free. Therefore, store as much as possible from

roof(s) and the open air. It will definitely help in making your organic gardening less

costly, while reducing your water bill and conserving water.

If it rains do not water! Allow your garden to get almost dry, before watering again.

It is best to water in the mornings before the sun is fully up. This is because, plants

need water during the day to prevent water loss, and is important for photosynthesis.

Sprinkling the entire plant is good, however, ensure that the roots receive adequate

water.

Do not waterlog the soil! This can cause root disease(s) and ultimately kill the crop.

Nasturtium – edible flower Leroy with 10lb zucchinis grown in backyard

in Toronto, Canada

Use mulch such as grass cuttings and straw around the plant to conserve water and

prevent weeds.



5. Dealing with weeds

Get weeds out by the root before you start planting. This will help to ensure they take

longer to grow back.

Use mulch such as grass cuttings, straw, wood chips, egg shells, etc. around the plants

to suppress weeds and conserve water.

6. Dealing with pests

Plant companion crops to help repel pests from your plants. For example, plant

peppers (companion crop) beside tomatoes.

You may also plant marigold that helps to get rid of pests.

Use homemade solutions such as water and garlic to get rid of whiteflies, aphids, and

so on. All solutions must be safe for you and the environment.

Planting organic seedlings Weeding using spade and hands

Practice crop rotation, which is growing plants in different locations each season. For

example, where you plant your tomatoes and peppers this year, switch them around

next year, or plant them in an entirely different location. This practice basically

“tricks” pests.

So go ahead and enjoy your organic gardening and like us at

https://www.facebook.com/yesorganic for more organic information


https://www.facebook.com/yesorganic

organic gardening simple steps

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