If you are thinking about starting your own garden but haven’t done that yet. Consider this fact you could have your own space producing vegetables with the satisfaction of knowing exactly what has gone into the production of your food. Imagine being able to transform that unproductive space into a lush habitat where your vegetables are grown organically allowing you to enjoy your food chemical free. In this post we will examine the benefits associated with a healthy garden, ways to improve the soil structure and enjoy a superior more flavourful product being produced in your very own backyard.
The Benefits of Chemical-Free Gardening
Chemical spraying on crops has been in use as a solution for quite some time. Now we have begun to see the dangers associated with it in the environment and for our own general health. If it is sprayed on our food it seems impossible to totally eradicate it entirely from the food chain and after washing it there is no proof that there are no traces left on the food. For safety concerns in this example some people remove the apple skin before eating a valuable source of fiber being thrown away because of the possibility of a chemical trace.
Having your own garden can produce a potentially more flavourful and higher nutrient content and additional save you money by not having to constantly purchase vegetables from the store. It is not an easy journey to start your own garden but a transformation one and in the long run the benefits are much more rewarding.
Why Choose Organic Gardening
This method of growing plants eliminates the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides which are harmful for your health and also for the preservation of the environment for future sustainability. This technique allows the soil to remain in its natural form and can be maintained with sustainable practices like composting from which natural fertilizers can be harnessed. Using a natural approach to control pests with companion gardening improves the quality of the product and helps to eliminate your footprint improving the environment for its future and preservation.
A Good Foundation Begins with Soil Health
Micro-organisms, minerals, various organic matter and beneficial fungi make your soil a living eco -system and each has its role to play in producing healthy plants. Organic matter consisting of decayed plants, compost or manure act as essential food and nutrition and also serve in helping the plant to maintain its moisture. There are minerals which provide structure and nutrients like sand and clay. Micro-organisms like bacteria help to breakdown the organic matter. From all this decomposition earthworms function to help with aeration and also aid in the decomposition process. Oxygen is needed to help with the development of its root system. Finally, water is essential for all living things to help to sustain life. It acts as the main transporter in the soil. To maintain a balanced soil, it should have at least 45% minerals, 5% organic matter and 25% water. It you are uncertain about the structure of your soil you may want to invest in an AI tool or have an expert test your soil to see if it is balanced. I wrote an article on helpful tools if you would like more information, I have included the link below.
https://plantsfordecor.com/blogs/articles/the-best-tools-for-building-a-sustainable-garden
How Chemicals Disrupt the Soil
You may be thinking how bad chemicals can be if it is still in use, it is an easy technique to get rid of pests and the organic method demands more of your time. When you consider the benefits of the organic farming it is much more advantageous to your health, a better product is being produced and seems to maintain its freshness much longer. Chemicals are disruptive and interferes with the soil's natural balance by killing beneficial bacteria and other fungi that are advantageous in building a healthy structure.
With the constant use of these chemicals overtime the soil becomes depleted by removing the natural organic matter and eventually what is left behind is soil with no nutrients which is unable to produce anything and will not support life.
Many of these imbalances can lead to poor root formation and the plants inability to retain water. This will produce a more dense and compact formation exhibiting conditions that are prone to desert areas with limited growth. These disparities will produce weak plants that are prone to disease and pest which overwhelms them and eventually it leads an unproductive and dying plant.
We have become aware that the continuous use of chemicals eventually mixed with rain will eventually flow into the sewage systems and various bodies of water. Although there are methods to conserve water through recycling it makes you think what happens to these chemicals that potentially gets into these systems. It is important that we consider the dangers associated with chemicals and examine some thought before engaging in these types of solutions. We must be aware of the long-term effects on the environment and find other ways to keep the cycle of life going into the future.
Techniques Used in Rebuilding the Soil
Recognizing that the organic method can reverse and improve the soil that has been in a decomposed stage is hopeful. Changes can be made by using some organic methods to make this improvement. Compost is a one of the easiest and natural way that helps to rebuild the soil. The use of kitchen scraps, leaves, grass or dead branches are ways in which these can be decomposed to create a rich soil blend and rebuild the soil naturally.
I have written an article dealing with this subject more extensively and have included the link if you need more information.
https://plantsfordecor.com/blogs/articles/composting-and-its-significance-to-the-environment
There are many ways to take advantage of animals by using manure which is rich in nutrients for rebuilding of the soil. One of the best form is to use aged-manure especially organic in this way it is free from any chemical which will not be introduced into the soil. Animals like cow, horse, chicken and rabbit are some that can be used and offer different nutrients. Added benefit to enhance the garden comes from a blend. There are others that are not recommended like those from animals like dogs.
Cow Manure- Provides nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium to the soil. It is helpful in encouraging earthworms, provides aeration and works excellent as an additive for any garden. It has been known to produce higher yields. I had a neighbour who produced large tomatoes while mine were small he said his secret was manure. Using well-aged manure will help to control the weeds in the garden.
Horse Manure- An excellent choice for rebuilding the soil. It is rich in organic matter and releases it nutrients slowly. It supports good drainage and contains fiber a good support for any assistance with drainage. Also helpful for weeds if it has been hot compressed. Makes a good addition to gardens.
Chicken Manure- If you have a chicken farm or keep them for your own personal use. Then save yourself some money by salvaging this manure for its rich nitrogen and phosphorous content. Enhance the growth of your dark green vegetables with this manure. It will need to be composted before using to avoid any burning of plants. Excellent for cabbage and spinach plants.
Rabbit Manure- Seeing these animals in the garden can be frustrating at times especially if they are eating your hard work but they provide a manure that can be used immediately and will not burn the plants. This manure is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Especially used for small gardens or containers.
While these manures offer a lot of benefits for the garden some when blended offer a much superior product. For fast improvement a blend of compost with chicken and horse manure or using rabbit manure will produce a quick turnaround.
Cover Crops- They serve a dual role adding beauty to any space and are used in many rock gardens for that purpose. It is also a method used for rebuilding soil health and for weed suppression. An effective way of weed removal without the use of chemicals. The method is effective as these plants will overpower the weeds which will be starved and have no means of replenishing itself. It is also effective as a sunlight blocker for weeds which will eventually die. One other benefit is its ability to attract wildlife and help with the pollination of crops. Many farmers have used this technique as a means of weed control, rejuvenation of the soil and attracting pollinators to the area.
Mulching- Provides a protective layer that is effective in reducing evaporation which aid to improve the soil conditions of organic nutrient generally consisting of decomposed materials. Its purpose is to improve the soil which creates an environment for the plants to grow effectively. It has been used in many gardens to keep moisture in by helping with the regulation of the temperature, for pest control or other diseases from spreading to other plants. Organic mulches like straw, shredded leaves and wood chips have been used for adding nutrients to the soil and helping to control weeds.
Location and Design
A successful garden requires the right location for access to its basic needs like soil, water and sunlight. When selecting your location to plant, it is essential to choose an area that has the most sunlight during the day. Some vegetables or plants will not require much but that will depend on your choice of plants. Generally leafy greens vegetables like lettuce will not do well in 6-8 hours of sunlight. Your garden selections are important, and you must have the basic understanding of their needs whether you are a beginner or a professional gardener.
Accessibility to water is important or the ability to harness rainwater can be used to conserve. The soil health will determine the outcome of your plants. A good soil with a blend of compost material with manure makes the garden productive and a will produce a good yield.
The layout is important and will depend on the availability of space allotted to you. If you have a small space, use vertical gardening and take advantage of existing structures to trail plants like peas. Use companion gardening which will allow you to grow more and also as a deterrent for pests. There also needs to be adequate spacing between each plant allowing sunlight to access them easily and to avoid any form of cross pollination between species. No one wants their tomatoes tasting like hot peppers. Always consider ways to be able to incorporate sustainable methods of recycling or repurposing containers which help to improve the reduction of waste and improving the environment.
Raised garden beds have the advantage of a controlled environment and the ability to blend the type of soil composition needed to grow vegetables effectively. In-ground gardens offer more capacity to grow more crops giving you a larger yield. It also allows some flexibility to change the location in order to give the space a rest due to constantly planting in the same area.
Easy Vegetables to Grow
As a beginner you may be faced with many challenges not knowing much about plants and how to get started. By selecting plants that are easiest to grow is a good way to get started. Some can include lettuce, spinach, kale and generally leafy green vegetables. Radishes, peppers, cherry tomatoes, carrots, and herbs are a good place to begin.
Leafy green vegetables- lettuce, kale, and spinach they are fast growing and can be harvested many times the turnaround is quick, and they will continue to grow after harvesting. Kale will continue to grow well into the cooler temperatures provided that the winter season is not extreme it will continue to produce. It is a good vegetable to grow because of the health benefits and also its ability to keep producing in cold temperatures.
Radish- A great addition to any salad giving you that splash of colour and a crunchy texture. They can be ready for harvesting as early as four weeks after planting. Continue to sew after they are harvested and you can have them readily available and expect a quick harvest.
Green beans- They make the perfect addition to small spaces and are perfect if you are just beginning your garden. They will not take up much room and can be trailed on existing structures and will produce a good harvest.
Cucumber- They are easy to grow especially in small spaces because they can be trailed along any vertical structure. A good way to keep them producing is to harvest them quickly and this allows other plants to begin to develop.
Zucchini- A trailing plant that can produce an abundance of crops so you may want to take some caution with them.
Bell peppers- They require a sunny area of the garden and depends on a warm climate for them to be happy. They make excellent container plants especially for raised gardens.
Cherry tomatoes- A good addition to the garden and is easier to grow being hardy. It requires a lot of sunlight. Adding compost to the soil is a further benefit and these tomatoes will produces a delicious bite.
Carrots- They can be grown in a raised garden bed or container garden. It must have a loose and well-drained soil.
These suggestions will make your gardening experience easier. You may want to begin with just a few at the initial stage and gradually add to the garden as you learn to develop these techniques for a healthier lifestyle.
Using Natural Pest Control
Methods of crop rotation have been used by many farmers in history as an effective method to eliminate pest and diseases. By disrupting this cycle of these pests it eliminates the need for chemicals and uses this natural approach. Proper spacing of plants is important to control pest and diseases especially when fungi is prevalent which can be easily spread by pollinators, proximity to the other plants and wind. Spacing allows the plant to be isolated and stop the spread of this contamination before it overtakes the entire crop. In this case a good sanitation and disposal method is necessary.
Use eggs shells for traps for snails. The jagged edges of the shells make it uncomfortable for them and keeps they out of the garden. Using ladybugs and plants like marigold to remove pests. Other natural repellants include planting garlic, onions and chives to act as natural repellants. The neem plant has a natural insecticide, and this is helpful in disrupting the pest reproduction. Other methods of using garlic or hot pepper sprays are a nature effective way to remove pests without the use of harsh chemicals.
The Benefits of Natural Fertilizers
Adapting to using natural fertilizers far outweighs the synthetic ones. Natural fertilizers contribute to improving the soil structure which produces a much healthier plant, better in taste and generally will last much longer than the store-bought ones. Compost makes an excellent rich organic tea that will boost your plant production. It helps to retain moisture to the soil also provides aeration which are beneficial for microbes and earthworms.
Natural fertilizers supply essential ingredients like nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. The synthetic fertilizers are often found lacking in many trace minerals and this leaves the soil without a proper balance and nutrition.
Pollinators play an essential role in the reproduction of plant life, and they could be at risk with some of these chemicals being used. Not only are they in danger but your kids and pets are also prone to these factors affecting many with health concerns. Organic fertilizers do not contribute to the pollution of the climate but brings into existence a self- sustaining ecosystem to your garden.
Other forms of organic fertilization include worm casings which are rich in nutrients. Some gardeners prefer to use banana peel tea as another method to boost the potassium level. Egg shells grounded into powder and mixed with water is an effective method to increase calcium. Coffee grounds when used sparingly can be applied for nitrogen and also used as a method to repel slugs from the garden. Alfalfa is a plant-based solution used in the form of a tea or meal for soil improvement. Make use of your vegetable water and other starch foods like pasta and rice to add nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium which the plants will convert into energy.
Taking the right steps to grow your own vegetables and avoiding the use of chemicals is moving in the right direction that promotes a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. It means becoming less reliant on store-bought produce. These natural methods of gardening produce a more flavourful and fresher product. It helps to protect the environment and nurture the potential for future harvest.
It is possible that your garden may be just a few containers. Starting small with the hope of a future expansion gives you the satisfaction of knowing that your garden is chemical free and you have made the right choice not only for your well-being but for the environment and the future.
Image generated by AI using OpenAI’s DALL·E.