How to Prepare an Organic Vegetable Garden
In the past, people used to grow a lot of organic food, as commercial food was not in abundance. Today organic food is becoming quite popular again. An organic garden is nothing more than one that does not utilize synthetic, manufactured pesticides or fertilizers. Instead, old-fashioned methods are used instead of high-tech expertise.
- Choose a sunny area where the soil drains well. Never choose an area that is shaded, drains poorly or contains soggy spots, as your garden simply will not grow in these areas.
- Measure out the size and length of a garden that will be convenient for you. A good size is around 30 inches wide so that you can reach the middle of your garden from either side but choose a length that suits both your needs and the amount of space that you have available.
- Build a frame that is 10 inches high to contain and protect your soil. This will also help to improve drainage.
- Mix compost into your planting bed three weeks before planting anything in it. This can come from animal manure or plant material. It can be homemade or purchased commercially. You should also time your planting in order to avoid pests, for example, plant corn early and plant broccoli late.
- Choose vegetables that are well adapted to your region and known to be resistant to both disease and pests. Your local nursery will be able to give you recommendations here. They will also be able to help you form a strategy to outmaneuver any pests that you may encounter.
- Encourage beneficial insects, like ladybugs, lacewing flies and hover flies, by planting things that will nourish them (i.e. dill, zinnia) and by releasing purchased insects into your garden. Provide habitats for toads, birds and bats too.
- Water and mulch whenever necessary. Keep your plants healthy so that they will be able to withstand attacks by pests and any damage that they may cause.
- Prevent pests by removing weeds.
- Rotate your crops on a yearly basis in order to keep pests from building up.
- Cover susceptible crops with lightweight fabric to keep pests out.
- Handpick any pests whenever you find them. You can also use soap or a light oil to get rid of these pests.