These days more and more people are taking their health into their own hands. One way they are doing this is by growing their own herbs, veggies and plants. and making sure there are no pesticides, or unwanted chemicals in their gardens and food.
But its very difficult to maintain a clean and chemical free environment, but with a little planning, preparation and perspiration, you can have home grown foodstuffs that is natural and pesticide and herbicide free, that can have more nutrition and flavor, with the satisfaction and peace of mind that you know exactly how it was grown and where it has been when you cook it and feed it to your family.
It takes time and practice to grow into a gardener. There are many books on gardening, and these days there are also hundreds of YouTube channels that offer guidelines and information on gardening. Ultimately, the resources you have on hand, what you want to grow, and how you want to build your garden, will determine how you develop it.
Evaluate your needs and plan for them
Make a list of everything your family eats, that you want to grow yourself. A well-thought-out strategy will save you a lot of time and work in the long run. Choose the right spot and determine what you can grow depending on the season. Consider whether you want to plant a vegetable and fruit garden, or a flower garden or even a mixed garden with a complementary planting strategy. Take into account what you want to grow, how much room you need, sunlight, watering, and spacing to get the most of your garden.Enrich your garden soil
You and plants both need to eat, so make sure your vegetables are getting plenty of fresh nutrients. You'll want to make sure the soil in your new organic garden is adequately conditioned to achieve the best results. Healthy soil aids in the development of strong, productive plants.
Chemical soil treatments can destroy the beneficial worms and bacteria in the soil, as well as leak into your food. Decomposed leaves, compost, dried grass clippings, or old manure are examples of organic material that can be added in a 2- to 3-inch wide layer. It boosts nutrient levels and promotes the growth of life-giving soil microorganisms and worms.
Know when to plant
Knowing your planting zone and dates can assist you in planning and planting at the appropriate times for your area, ensuring that your plants thrive. Examine the sunny and shady areas and choose plants that are appropriate for the growing conditions. Make sure to plant your vegetables in the sunniest part for the most fruitful results. Based on their similar soil, light, and nutritional requirements, you should know which species to raise together. When there is a chance of rain and no frosts or heat waves, it is the best time to plant. Depending on the weather, plant in the late afternoon to reduce the amount of time the seedlings are exposed to the light. Also, irrigate the soil the day before you plan to plant anything to keep it moist.
Reduce the number of weeds
Weeds will grow regardless of where you live. Mulch helps protect the soil while also reducing the number of weeds you have to deal with. Organic mulch and burlap will suffice and keep the water in. Pine needles, cocoa husks, and bark chips are among the several types of mulch available.
Eliminate the use of chemicals
Chemicals like herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers are not utilized in organic farming. Plants should develop naturally without the use of chemicals, allowing for safe transport from farm to plate and nutritious and healthy produce. Also, natural fertilizers are available. They can be of animal origins, such as manure, or of plant origin, such as green manure or organic kitchen leftovers. Fertilizers aid in the retention of nutrients in the soil. Furthermore, because no chemical inputs are needed, farmers can save a lot of money while also protecting the environment.
Track water usage
Every gardener should know that water is the most important element in a plant’s life. Seedlings should never be allowed to dry out and should be watered daily when they are young. It’s also vital to water newly placed plants every other day until their roots have solidified. The rest of your water needs are determined by the type of plant, soil, and climate. Watering should be done regularly. The health of a plant is determined by how it is watered.
Harvest your garden
Did you know that the more you harvest, the more your plants will produce for you? Cutting vegetables off with a sharp knife or scissors is preferable to ripping with your fingers, which can cause more plant tissue damage. For herbs, pick them right before you need them. If you’re going to dry and store them, wait until just before they flower, when they'll have the maximum flavor.
Organic vegetables are more attractive, healthy, and delicious than non-organic counterparts. Furthermore, it benefits not only you but also the environment and the land’s wildlife, resulting in a balanced and healthy ecosystem. Use these tips to establish a more natural and holistic approach. It’s something you can do right in your backyard.
