So, if you have land to spareeven justone square footconsider starting an organic vegetable garden of your own.
The most important component in soil is theorganic matter, such as manure, peat moss, or compost.
You cancreate your own compostpile by designating an area or bin where organic matter will decompose.
Credit: Robert Cardillo
Reduce weeds for your organic vegetable garden by spreading a 1- to 2-inch-thicklayer of mulch on the soil.
This creates a barrier that prevents weeds from getting sunlight and from germinating.
The mulch layer also prevents fungal disease spores from drifting onto plant leaves.
Use an Organic Garden Fertilizer
Fertilizing your vegetables helps them grow faster and yield larger crops.
Avoid droopy or wilting leaves.
Avoid plants that are already budding or have flowers.
Tending an elevated plot is also easier on your back.
Rotating crops to different parts of the garden helps limit disease development and prevents the depletion of soil nutrients.
How to Pick Weeds
Oh, thosepesky weeds.
Credit: Robert Cardillo
They seem to pop up overnight.
Gardeners should plan on almost daily weeding and remember that weeds grow back if the roots aren’t removed.
Pulling weeds by hand is easier after rain or watering.
(If the soil is really wet and muddy, wait until it dries out a bit.)
As far as the method goes, there are a couple of ways to pull a weed.
One is to pull the root out while gently pinching the base of the stem.
Many insects spread diseases as they feed and move from one plant to the next.
If you’re squeamish, wear gloves.
While you are at it,look for signsof diseased leaves, flowers, and plant stems.
Just be sure to throw dead or diseased leaves in the trash, not in your compost pile.
Instead of watering from overhead, use awater-saving soaker hosethat delivers water directly to the roots and prevents splashing.
Be sure to follow the spacing requirements on seed packets to avoid crowding.
Good airflow between the plants can help prevent many types of fungal diseases.
Growing an organic vegetable garden is a fun and satisfying way to put food on the table.
The key to successespecially with organic gardeningis to focus on cultivating nutrient-rich soil.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to plant depends on yourUSDA Plant Hardiness Zone.
Early summer is the time to plant pumpkins, fennel, beans zucchini, and tomatoes.
Early fall (September) is a great time for beets, radishes, broccoli, and winter lettuces.
Beginning gardeners should try their luck with easy-to-growfavorites like zucchini, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, and cabbage.
