The term ‘Organic Gardening’ is used often and many people ask me “What’s the difference between regular gardening and organic gardening?”
Here’s a simple explanation…
Organic gardening is general gardening methods, but without the use of chemicals or synthetic fertilisers and using non GM seeds. It’s giving consideration to the environment and also caring for nature, whilst enjoying gardening activities.
How to start growing organically?
- Begin by stopping the use of all chemicals, eg pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and synthetic/chemical fertilisers
- Use only organic products and organic ‘ingredients’ in your garden
- Improve soil by composting, hand weeding, applying organic liquid fertilisers and products and also using mulch
- Create a balance within the eco-system. Allow nature to exist as it’s meant to without us controlling it – “Work with nature, not against it”
Ways of Organic Gardening
- Composting & worm farms…see below
- Use heirloom seeds
- Propagate cuttings from your garden, or friend’s gardens
- Mulch gardens to reduce weeds, improve soil, retain nutrients and moisture
- Grow your own healthy food
- Grow companion and support plants, eg Marigolds and Comfrey
- Buy only organic products – these should have a logo or registration with organic certified organisation
Composting and Worm Farms
One of the best ways to help your garden to thrive, without the use of synthetic chemicals, is by composting or adding a worm farm to your gardening methods.
If you haven’t set up a compost system in your garden, try my In-Garden Compost Bin System for quick and easy results!!
Setup a Vermiculture/ Worm Farm for castings (worm poo) and juice. These are great products to help your garden thrive…and it’s all free!!
Composting and Worm Farms help to reduces waste, improve soil, save money and great for environment.
Get the kids involved, they’ll love getting this hands into this stuff!
Tips to Grow Your Own Organic Food
- Follow the simple steps in this article and feed your garden to grow more food!
- Choose organic seeds when possible. There’s fabulous online companies that have loads of heirloom and organic seeds to choose from. I recommend greenharvest.com.au for Australian gardeners.
- Choose organic potting mix if possible as it has natural fertilisers, not synthetic
- Organic Liquid fertilisers are a great nutrient boost for your plants
- If you’re limited for space consider growing in containers…I grow herbs in an old bath tub!!
- Grow the foods you eat the most and grow plenty of them
- Try planting fruit trees in ground or containers
- Inter-cropping is a term used for mixing up veggies, herbs and flowers to support each other’s growth and reduce pest problems
- Apply organic fertilisers regularly to keep up a constant supply of fresh food
- Mulch over the soil to reduce weeds and contain moisture and nutrients
Ideas for Pest and Disease Management
Growing good companion plants helps to support each plant’s growth. It’s also a great way to keep pests under control. A few ideas are Tomatoes and Basil or try Dill with Cabbage and Broccoli. Read more here on companion plants…
Install bird baths and let our feathered friends do all the work to reduce chewing insects.
Use natural sprays if needed, there are a few on the market that can assist with garden problems. OR make you own…try my recipes here…
Increasing bio-diversity is the best for control of garden problems. Allow nature to take care of everything! Did you know that there’s more good bugs than bad ones?? Encourage the good bugs into your garden with flowers and they will help to keep the naughty bug numbers down.
My best tip for Organic Gardening is –
Healthy soil = healthy food = healthy bodies.
If you enjoyed this article and you gathered a few ideas to become an Organic Gardener, then please consider sharing the love with others. Lots of links below…
Looking for guidance in your garden?
Here’s three ways I can support you now!
- In my FREE Program I share 5 simple ways to enhance your health and enjoy time in the garden. Boost physical and emotional wellness, learn ways to keep gardening, grow therapeutic plants and delicious healthy food.
It’s also a great place to connect with other gardeners and share your gardening wins.
- Join the Gardening Community. This is the one location online to help you with success in the garden! From gardening guides, masterclasses, courses, videos, other resources and our member forum, you’ll connect, learn & grow with confidence. Plus access one-on-one support from me.
Find out more here…www.soiltosupper.com/community/
Helping you learn, grow and thrive.
© cath manuel 15 august 2015
