Organic gardening is a great way to connect with nature and grow fresh, healthy food. It also gives you more control over the ingredients that end up in your diet, and it isn’t as time-consuming or expensive as you may think.

Choosing plants that suit your soil and micro-conditions is key to success. It also reduces the need for artificial pesticides and fertilizers.

Soil Test

Soil testing is an essential part of successful organic gardening. Without this information, you’re like gardening blindfolded, unable to make the most of the soil’s resources.

Soils vary in their nutrient levels and water availability, from season to season. Soil tests tell you what nutrients are available, which ones plants need most, and which ones might be limiting plant growth.

A good basic test includes pH (a measure of alkalinity or acidity), phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and other nutrients that plants use in large amounts. Other tests can include soluble salts and a cation exchange capacity (CEC), the percentage of soil organic matter (OM%), and other factors.

Take samples of the soil from several distinct areas, such as vegetable gardens, lawns, and landscape beds. Avoid sampling from any area that contains fertilizer spreaders or has previously had a compost pile.

Fertilize

To grow strong plants, your garden soil needs to be rich in nutrients. Plants use these nutrients to grow roots and produce flowers and fruit.

Organic fertilizers are made from a variety of organic materials such as crop residues, composted and dried animal manures, concentrated compost, earthworm castings, seaweed and seed meal. They contribute all of the macronutrients and micronutrients that are essential for growth.

They also help build healthy microbial communities in your soil and promote healthier root development.

Fertilizers can be applied during the spring to support early growth of transplants and vegetable seedlings. For example, a liquid application provides immediate access to nutrients for the developing roots of spring sprouts.

Planting

One of the most important aspects of organic gardening is planting. Selecting the right plant varieties for the area and climate will allow you to maximize productivity while avoiding costly fertilizers, pesticides and weed control methods.

The proper site for your crop is also crucial, with good light exposure, good soil drainage and adequate soil fertility being top priorities. Choosing the wrong site for your garden can lead to disastrous results.

The best way to determine which site will suit your needs is to get a soil test. This will tell you the pH levels, aeration, organic matter and other vital information about your soil that can help you make smart decisions for your garden. In addition, it might also reveal what type of chemical fertilizers and pesticides your neighbor is using on his or her property – this could potentially impact your own efforts! The best way to avoid these issues is to be careful where you plant!

Harvesting

Harvesting is one of the most rewarding parts of gardening. You get to enjoy the fruits of your labor and eat your produce while knowing that you haven’t added any chemicals.

The timing of harvesting depends on the plant. For example, herbs should be harvested in the morning. This is when the dew has dried on them. This prevents them from rotting and allows them to retain their flavor longer.

Many organic gardeners save seed from their favorite plants. This will help them continue to grow the best varieties of the season’s crop.

Another way to protect your crops is by practicing companion planting. This involves placing plants that grow well together in a symbiotic relationship, instead of competing for the same nutrients.

Companion planting can also help to banish pests and ward off disease. For example, peppery nasturtiums will repel black fly and basil will keep aphids off tomatoes. It also improves the flavor of your produce!