As the weather starts to turn warm many families start planning their outdoor gardens. After many years of failed or so-so garden experiences, I have learned that doing my research ahead of time truly is the key to success.
I have put together some information you might find helpful in giving you the knowledge you need to make this a successful gardening year for you and your family. I will focus mostly on organic gardens since when it comes to feeding my family organic is my number 1 choice. Over that last several years organic gardens are becoming more and more popular and common which is great. Many families are choosing to feed their families with food that is safe and healthy, free from all the harmful chemicals and pesticides that many of the foods available to us contain.
Cost
One of the biggest reasons many people choose not to go the organic path when planning their gardens is because they are afraid the cost will be too high. Unfortunately, it is true that maintaining an organic garden can be more expensive than a conventional garden, especially at first. Thankfully once you get going it actually becomes much more cost effective. When done correctly your garden will be beautiful, vibrant, and healthy. In most cases chemical fertilizers cost the same or even more than natural fertilizers. Using a natural compost from kitchen scraps is actually the most cost effective way to naturally fertilize your garden. Store bought pesticides and herbicides do cost a lot, especially for small at home gardens since you do not have the convenience of buying them in bulk like many farmers or large-scale gardeners do. A great tip for eliminating the need for these products is to choose plants that are suitable for the environment you live in. Another way to eliminate these costs is by doing your research and use beneficial insects in your garden. I know this sounds crazy but trust me do your research on the types of plants you want to plant you will be surprised. When you really compare and contrast the cost, providing pesticide-free fruits and vegetables for your family is truly priceless.
Benefits
- Organically grown food is higher in essential vitamins and nutrients.
- Organically grown food reduces your intake of harmful chemicals.
- Organically grown food tastes better.
- Organically grown food lasts longer, it stores better.
- Organically grown food is better for you, your family, and our environment.
Many people consider gardening relaxing, and rejuvenating to your body and mind. Getting out every day feeling the warm sun on your skin, working hard and seeing the benefits are well worth it. There is something very satisfying about planting little seedlings, watching them grown to adulthood, then placing that food on your table at dinnertime. Working alongside the environment you live it is much better than working against it.
Planning
Planning your garden is so important. My first garden several years ago I just started digging and planting, this did not lead to a successful garden. Now that I have started taking my time to really think about and plan my garden each year it just gets better and better. Here are some important things to consider when planting your garden.
- What are your needs? If your family does not like tomatoes, don’t plant tomatoes. You have a small backyard, don’t choose plants, trees or flowers that will take over your space. Consider your children and pets when planning your garden, you unknowingly don’t want poisonous plants in your backyard.
- Consider choosing plants that grow well in the climate you live. This will help to eliminate excessive watering and fertilizing. See what your neighbors are growing, ask about their experiences, and check with your local nursery or plant store to see what thrives in your area.
- Check your soil before you plant. When having an organic garden the quality of your soil is very important. It is much easier to cultivate and make changes to your soil quality before you have plants to maneuver around.
- Watch the sun. Take a few days to observe how the sun revolves in the spot you would like your garden to be. If that spot is shady for the majority of the day it may not be the best place for a garden.
- Be sure to think about how you want your garden to look.
- Some factors to consider are:
- Height, how tall will these plants get? Should I use a raised garden bed?
- Color
- Texture, what and where to put your plants.
- Non-plant accessories. Stones, pavers, stakes, windmills, garden gnomes, etc. In my opinion, a little goes a long way, but do what you like.
- Some factors to consider are:
Soil
Your soil is your foundation, without it a garden will not grow. There are many components to your soil that determine how well your garden will grow, ideally, it should include 40% rocks and minerals, 10% organic matter, 25% water, and 25% air. Unfortunately, this perfect type of soil is hard to come by. You can get your soil tested, and I would recommend this especially if you live in a particularly harsh environment.
Preparing your organic soil is really not as complicated as you might think. You simply take the soil that is already there and mix it with organic material, like compost and a natural soil amendment. Soil amendment is essential for your soils structure, texture, pH, and it helps to provide nutrients to your plants. In many cases, these amendments can and should be purchased from a reliable source.
The pH of your soil is another important factor in maintaining a healthy garden. A pH of 7 is considered the best, less than 7 means your soil is more acidic, greater than 7 indicates alkalinity. I would consider testing your soil especially if you are having trouble getting your plants to grow. There are many great organic tips and tricks online to help you neutralize your soil if needed.
These are just some of the basics, I hope to write a little more in the near future about organic gardening, so check back.