Organic Gardening for Beginners

There's really not much difference between conventional and organic gardening methods. You're trying to copy the way Mother Nature has been providing us with plants.

And those organic gardening mistakes we all make are common to conventional gardening as well.

Where to Begin

You will have more work in the beginning, getting the site ready, but the results will be more than worth the extra effort.

You'll need to check your soil to identify what it's lacking, and decide how to best amend it for the plants you're growing. Most counties have a cooperative extension service.

You can bring or send them a sample of the soil in the site you've chosen for the garden and they will test it.

They will let you know what nutrients may be lacking and what the pH or acidity level of the soil is and should be for ideal growing conditions.

By amending your soil before you plant your organic home garden, your plants will be less susceptible to disease and pest infestation and your garden bed will have fewer weed problems. Adding compost to your soil is the easiest and least expensive way to amend your soil.

There are many advantages of organic food. Growing your own organic vegetables garden is a very rewarding experience for healthier you and the mother earth.

Common Organic Gardening Mistakes

The most common mistake made when organic gardening is forgetting that you're trying to be organic. That means no chemicals – no chemical fertilizer, herbicide or pesticide.

You have to find alternative methods for eradicating weeds and destructive bugs and feeding your plants. There are a lot of organic options for all of these things.

Many new gardeners don't realize how quickly the soil in their yard dries out, even if they've added organic compost to help retain moisture.

During the hottest part of a summer day, the soil can dry out quickly and your plants will become weak and stressed. This leaves them susceptible to disease and insect infestation.

Water thoroughly and deeply at least weekly, depending on rainfall, and add a layer of organic mulch to the top of the soil to prevent evaporation.

Just as stressful to your plants is overwatering. The plants become accustomed to too-frequent watering and develop shallow roots. These shallow root systems cannot support the plant as it grows, subjecting the plant to disease.

Become familiar with the plants you're growing. Even the most experienced gardener has planted a shade loving plant in a sunny spot, simply because there was an empty space available! Understand the conditions for each plant and provide each with its ideal growing environment.

Although you're using organic fertilizers, you can still overdo the process. It won't make your plants healthier, faster. It will only lead to excess growth and stress the plant.

Follow specific directions of the fertilizer based on each plant's needs. If you've added a good layer of compost to the bed before planting, you may not need to fertilize for awhile.

By understanding what you're trying to do with your organic garden, planning the steps you need to take to achieve it, and maintaining it using organic methods, your organic home garden will flourish and thrive, getting better each season as you grow and learn with it.

More Organic Gardening for Beginners Info

Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural product that has been around for a long time and continues to benefit the planet. Food grade DE is a nontoxic and effective product from the earth and for the earth.

Liquid Organic Fertilizer
Liquid organic fertilizers like seaweed extract and compost tea are especially good for vegetable plants that need an extra boost for flowering and producing vegetables.

Organic Gardening Supplies
Following the methods of organic gardening requires the use of organic gardening supplies throughout the seasons to create a healthy garden.

Organic Garden Seed
Organic garden seed is available in hundreds of varieties, including annuals, perennials, herbs and vegetables.

Organic Potting Soil
Organic potting soil contributes to the health and vitality of your potted plants and garden beds and is an environmentally sound choice for the home gardener.

Organic Garden Pest Control
What is Organic Garden Pest Control? Organic pest control includes various means of creating a natural environment where synthetic pesticides are not necessary.

Organic Pesticides
Although organic pesticides are safer than synthetic chemicals, you should still follow certain safety precautions when using them.

Organic Weed Killer
Organic weed killer is a safer and effective way to inhibit weed growth while ensure a healthy garden, lawn and environment.

Organic Vegetable Garden
Organic vegetable gardening is a rewarding, earth-friendly process that benefits all life on the planet and provides healthy, delicious and nutritious food for us all.

Organic Strawberry Plants
The unique strawberry, with its seeds on the outside, is one of nature's most delicious gifts. Growing organic strawberry plants at home brings the sweet juicy fruit to your fingertips for immediate enjoyment at its peak of perfection.