Organic GardeningIn organic gardening soil should be rich and fertile, and resistant to harmful pests. The key difference from conventional gardening is exhibited in fertilizing and pest control methods utilizes in a total organic garden. For full healthy foliage you must have nitrogen. Healthy roots and stems require phosphorus and for protection from disease and brief temperature fluctuations, potassium is a must. Those are the big three of organic gardening. These are all available in commercial fertilizers however they are synthetic. In organic vegetable gardening our purpose is to eliminate synthetic products and use natural replacements. Compost is probably going to be your primary ingredient for soil enrichment and fertilization. Find a small area in your yard to start a compost pile and use it to deposit household organic scraps and organic yard wastes. As the compost materials decompose they release bacteria and fungi into the soil. The bacteria and fungi convert nutrients into nitrates that will be absorbable by your vegetables. Use natural products such as seaweed, potash salts, tobacco stems and wood ash to help make potassium in your compost. Mix the decomposing pile frequently and work it thoroughly into the planting bed when ready for use. The soil's ph level is very important. Test your soil, if it has a ph of 0 it is very acidic, while a 14 is extreme alkaline. To raise the pH of the soil use ground limestone. An additional benefit of the limestone is that it contains magnesium something that most soils lack. If you have extreme alkaline soil use sulphur to bring the pH down. Pest control in organic gardening also differs from conventional gardening. In many conventional beds gardeners eliminate pests with commercial pesticides. In organic gardening your aim is to maintain balance in the garden. When practical, plant pest resistant vegetables. Most of the harmful organisms you will be worried about need bright sunlight. Mulch around the plants to deny the organisms sunlight and to help retain moisture in the ground. If necessary, apply a weak mixture of dish washing soap and vegetable oil. This will control pests such as whiteflies, mites, aphids, and scales.
Organic Seed Sources Local Nursery or Garden Store Nurseries near your home may sell bulk organic vegetable seed. Check your local phone directory, and call a few. If they don't stock bulk organic vegetable seed, they may be able suggest a source. Garden stores in your area are another potential source. Home centers that sell supplies for home repairs often have a section for gardening. Large, discount box stores usually have garden centers as well. If you live in a rural area, you may find bulk organic vegetable seed at a farm supply store. Again, ask for referrals if the store does not have what you need. Seed Catalogs It's very easy to order organic vegetable seed from seed catalogs, and have them delivered to your home. Companies such as Burpee Seed Company have many kinds of organic vegetable seed in their catalog, and will no doubt be able to fill your order for bulk organic vegetable seed. Online Seed Companies The Internet, a potential source for so many things, has several seed companies that offer bulk organic vegetable seed. Internet orders have become very safe and payment system quite reliable and convenient. shipping now is usually very fast and often right to your door. Give it a try. You can start small with very little financial investment. Enjoy! |