Organic Gardening Tips Nursery Landscaping Guide
Organic Gardening Tips For Healthy Gardens
By Pixie Matthews
Writer Karel Capek once wrote, "I find that a real gardener
is not a man who cultivates flowers; he is a man who cultivates
the soil. He is a creature who digs himself into the earth and
leaves the sight of what is on it to us gaping good-for-nothings.
He lives buried in the ground.
He builds his monument in a heap of compost. If he came into
the Garden of Eden, he would sniff excitedly and say: ‘Good Lord,
what humus!’" As Capek insinuates, the organic gardener is
a person with a deep down appreciation of earth in its most natural
form.
He doesn’t approve of chemicals, pesticides or other man-made
substances meddling with what he views as "already perfect."
A rich gardening experience can be cultivated through organic
gardening.
Reducing Exposure To Pesticides
Advocates for growing food organically argue that this method
is better for several main reasons. First, gardening organically
reduces your exposure to pesticides, which have been linked to
everything from skin rashes, eye irritations and neurotoxicity
to cancer, birth defects and hormone disruption.
Secondly, organic food contains a higher concentration of nutrients
like chromium, selenium, calcium, boron, lithium, magnesium, vitamin
C, carotene and vitamin B. Thirdly, organic gardeners review their
options and work with manual garden supplies and tools, so they
avoid gasoline-powered machines that leave emissions. At the same
time, the organic gardener is getting a great workout in!
Prevents Chemicals And Contaminants Leaching Into The Soil
Lastly, this method for growing plants prevents chemicals and
contaminants from leaching into the soil and down to our water
table, so this style of gardening is much better for the planet
overall.
Your main concern when organic gardening is soil health. You
want your little ecosystem to be as strong and healthy as possible
to support the plants you’re growing and the beneficial microorganisms
within the soil that depend upon your plant’s byproducts for nourishment.
Test Kit For A Detailed Analysis Of The Garden Soil
As you know, these elements work symbiotically to create the
best environment for all to survive. Most gardeners begin with
a test kit that will provide a detailed analysis of the nutrients
present, as well as the acidic or alkaline reading and the drainage
level.
Garden guides recommend organic compost comprised of decayed
matter from table scraps to horse manure. Compost works to add
nutrients and aeration to the soil. It also breaks up huge clay
clumps to allow for better drainage.
Use a tiller when you add your compost to keep air flowing through
your garden and encourage earthworms to plow through. If you’re
uncertain about your soil’s composition and want to start fresh,
then consider buying your soil and using raised beds.
Deterring Pests With Companion Planting
Companion planting is a wonderful method used for organic gardening
pest control. By planting certain items next to one another, you
can improve the flavor of your food and deter pests.
For instance, basil planted near tomatoes adds a hint of flavor
while protecting your plants from asparagus beetles, thrips and
tomato heartworms. Oregano is best planted near cabbage, broccoli,
cauliflower, cucumbers and grape vines to keep away the pests
that prey upon them.
A Healthy, Pest Free And Chemical Free Garden
Garlic prevents raspberry and rose diseases. Borage keeps pests
away from tomatoes and attracts pollinating bees to tomatoes,
squash and strawberries. Horseradish is good near a potato patch
with beans to keep away the potato beetles.
Chives planted near apples, roses and tomatoes can reduce the
risk of apple scab and aphid infestation. Petunias will keep beans
safe from bugs too. These gardening tips will ensure you grow
a healthy, pest-free and chemically-free garden.
About the Author:
Pixie Matthews has written a number of articles on gardening and
landscaping including
Organic Vegetable Gardening Products,
Vegetable Gardening Tips,
Spring Vegetable Gardening,
Compost For Your Vegetable Garden,
Vegetable Gardening Tricks.
Keep a lookout for more of her articles on this website.
Little Known Gardening Facts....
What should I plant in my garden?
Well first you need to determine what type
of garden you wish to grow. Some people like flower gardens since
they are very ornamental and can improve the look of their property.
Some like container gardens because they lack ground space and
of course some prefer the big vegetable gardens.
In order to get the right gardening tips
for your needs you need to make this decision first. There is
nothing to prevent you from doing all three types. All have their
own advantages and all will definitely help sharpen your gardening
skills. If you are a beginner it is good to start small and then
work your way up from there.
There is no need to till up and acre of
land if you have no idea how to grow vegetables. But if you start
with a small patch then it is much easier to learn as you go along.
The same goes for your flower beds. Some great growing plants
that are easy for anyone to grow are: tomatoes, lettuce, onions,
mums, daffodils and some ornamental grasses.
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