Two months ago, as I got ready for another gardening season, I found myself reflecting on my journey into organic gardening. Gardening has been a good part of my life. I have learnt many lessons the hard way, through “trial and error”.
I have one goal in writing this article: to equip you (the reader) with the best and basic knowledge you need to begin your organic gardening journey. Every gardener, whether you like it or not, contributes significantly to environmental sustainability. And so every step is important in your journey.
What Is Organic Gardening?
The University of Massachusetts defines Organic gardening as gardening that rejects the use of all artificial agricultural chemicals. It means cultivation that supports not only garden crops but also soil health and local wildlife. A good organic garden is a balanced small ecosystem. It attracts birds, bees, and other beneficial insects while producing healthy and nourishing food.
While organic gardening rejects all artificial chemicals, like fertilizers and pest control chemicals, it attracts natural, plant-based (plant-based liquid fertilizers), mineral-based, and animal-derived inputs.
Benefits of an Organic Vegetable Garden
Organic gardening comes with many benefits, beginning from the cost to the health of your family. The following are some of the common benefits
1. Healthier Food
Organic produce is grown with natural, non-poisonous pest control or fertilizers. Synthetic pesticides or fertilizers are not used. This in effect, reduces the amount of artificial chemical residues that may poison your vegetables.
2. Reduces Grocery Costs
Any food item bought at the grocery store comes with an added price. Growing your own vegetables significantly offsets food expenses. The money that would have been spent on the vegetables can be invested elsewhere.
3. Supports Environmental Health
Organic gardens encourage biodiversity. It is a habitat for pollinator insects and other wildlife. Also, organic farming lowers greenhouse gas emissions and promotes healthy and sustainable farming practices. Since poisonous chemicals are not used, crops and animals co-exist together, creating a balanced ecosystem
4.Less Exposure to Chemicals
Organic gardening eliminates every bit of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. This reduces chemical residues on vegetables and fruits from your garden.
5. Good Flavor
One Research study on several other studies found that organic vegetables or fruits contain 18 to 69 percent higher concentrations of antioxidants than inorganic ones. Higher antioxidant levels produce a corresponding higher quality in the taste, aroma, and mouthfeel
6. Better Biodiversity
An organic garden provides a safe habitat and food for pollinators and beneficial insects.
How to choose a Right Location for your Garden
Proper and intentional selection of the appropriate garden is key for any serious gardener. Several important factors should be taken into consideration. The following are the major factors to consider when selecting the location of your organic garden.
- Sunlight
- Water
- Soil fertility
- Soil drainage
Read the full article on Factors to Consider When Choosing a Suitable Garden Site here
Soil Health
Before you start to sow your seed, you must consider one cornerstone: the health of your soil. Healthy and Strong soil supports better plant growth than poor soil. Crops grown in healthy soils are more resilient and have less disease pressure.
Conclusion
To start an organic garden from scratch is a rewarding experience. This single experience involves planning, site selection, soil health and soil amendment, selecting the right crops for your weather, and making your own pesticides and organic fertilizers. This Journey requires patience, consistency, and determined effort. With the passing of each season, your knowledge, experience, and confidence will grow, leading to a thriving and productive organic garden.