Planning Your Organic Garden
When planning consider the size of your family and the amount of produce to be canned, frozen, stored or sold, as well as that used fresh. Don't underestimate the work involved in organic gardening. Choosing a Location -- Select a plot of good, well-drained soil near a water supply. It should be close to the home for convenience, but should not be shaded by tall buildings or trees. Locate an area with a good amount of sunshine and protection from wind. The Garden Design -- Many gardeners find it helpful when planning the garden to draw out on paper the location of each row and the crop or succession of crops to be planted. Soil Preparation --The most important step in pest management is to maintain healthy soil. Planning ahead for next years garden soil will involve creating a compost pile. Compost improves soil structure, texture, and aeration, and increases the soil's water holding capacity Compost is what happens when leaves, grass clippings, vegetable and fruit scraps, woodchips, straw, and small twigs are combined, then allowed to break down into a soil-like texture. Use it instead of commercial fertilizers. Compost balances both acid and alkaline soils, bringing PH levels into the optimum range for nutrient availability. It contains micronutrients such as iron and manganese that are often absent in synthetic fertilizers. Additionally you may want to perform a soil test to determine what if any nutrients need to be added. The next step is to irrigate your garden. I prefer to use drip irrigation for all areas including my containers. Draw out your garden plans and take them to a local garden shop. They can help you design your irrigation often for no charge. What to plant: Herbs, vegetables, flowers, trees, shrubs, anything you enjoy should be a part of your garden planning. Great ideas about your garden planning are found in garden magazines and catalogs. Gardener's Supply Company - 15% off orders of $25 or more! Take a look at one of my favorite garden planning catalogs by clicking this link. Organic Growing Aids at Park Seed. |
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