Introduction
Organic gardening, worldwide, has grown from an eco-friendly, sustainable hobby to a ways and means for many families, if not communities to supplement or replace conventional suppliers of their fruits and vegetables. This type of gardening uses natural substances and friendly predators and forbids the use of man-made chemical fertilizers and pesticides. One type of Organic Gardening is vegetable gardening. Starting your own vegetable garden can provide inexpensive, sustainable, nutritious and healthy produce for families and communities relative to what they can obtain from commercial resources: Supermarkets and local green grocers, etc. With some hand/power gardening tools, a section of your yard (or in the case of community gardens, disused/vacant city lot), Organic seeds, water, Organic pest control, and Weeding; starting your own vegetable garden by following a few easy steps. This article provides you with 7 key steps to help you start your own organic vegetable garden so you can supplement your family (community) with nutritious, healthy and affordable produce.
Step 1 – Hand/Power Gardening Tools
For small to medium size gardens, hand tools will probably do the job. For larger gardens you might want to use some power tools like a rotary tiller, for example.
A list of hand garden tools that you will need:
• Cotton work gloves
• Shovel/Spade
• Rakes – Garden rake for clearing stones and leveling soil. A leaf rake can also be useful
• Hoe – Essential for breaking the soil
• Fork – Used to turn over the soil and mix in fertilizers and compost
• Wheelbarrow – Essential for carrying loads around your garden, e.g. Compost, tools, Manure, weeds, etc.
• Pruners – Used to trim hedges and branches
• Long-handled Weeding tool
• Knee Pads – These can be as simple as doubled trash can bags filled with old newspaper
• Work Shoes/Boots – Comfortable, Water resistant and protective are the most important features
• Compost Bin – Purchase one or construct your own
Step 2 – Selecting an area in your yard and drawing a plan on paper
Look around your yard for a suitable area to plant your vegetable garden. After selecting a space plan/design on graph paper how you want the garden to look.
Step 3 – Preparing Pest Control Standards the Soil
Clear the selected area of all grass, weeds, rocks and other debris. Break up the soil with a hoe, fork, spade or other hand tilling tools. If you are preparing a large area, you might want to use a power tilling tool. If you are not able to purchase a power tilling tool, you might be able to rent on by the hour from your local garden center. A simple way to enrich the soil is add 1-2 inches of Organic compost and work it into the loosened soil. Water it and work it in some more.
Step 4 – Purchase Organic Seeds or Seedlings
According to your region and season, purchase organic seeds from a supplier and/or seedlings from a garden center. Be sure to read and follow the planting instructions Types Of Termites on each pack to obtain the best results. Some vegetables seeds germinate better if planted straight in the ground, while other do better if started as a seedling.
Step 5 – Watering
Different vegetables have different watering needs and should be written on each seed pack. In general, keep the planted area moist; but, not saturated until seeds germinate. After the vegetables start growing, it is important to water them from ground level to stave off various diseases.
Step 6 – Weeding
The activity of growing vegetables, also grows weeds. Weeds compete with your vegetables for nutrients and must be controlled. The Organic method of growing vegetables employs weed control methods without the use of dangerous chemicals or pesticides, only. Some methods like mulching works to eliminate or suppress weed growth before they get started. Otherwise, you must weed your vegetables, frequently.
Step 7 – Organic Pest Control
Organic pest control can include any of the following methods: Organic pest control products, the introduction of friendly predators, e.g. ladybugs, praying mantises, etc. to your garden and companion gardening for natural pest control to name a few of the many available methods.
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