Organic Gardening Basics: How to Start an Organic Garden (2024)

Our grandparents grew “organic” without even using the word. What does it mean to be an organic gardener? Here are eight steps to help you ditch the chemicals and be rewarded with better-tasting, more nutritious, less toxic food—that’s also better for the natural world aroundyou.

Yes, organic produce not only has a superior taste but is more nutritious. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly, which is also important for gardening. No groundwater is being polluted by chemicals; topsoil is being created instead of lost; biological diversity is strengthened; and the natural balance between predator and pest ispromoted.

8 Steps Toward OrganicGardening

Here are 8 simple steps toward growing an organicgarden:

1. Get a soiltest.
2. Start a compostpile.
3. Use organic seeds and plants whenpossible.
4. Practice good gardensanitation.
5. Rotate plant families everyyear.
6. Use physical barriers and traps to thwart bad bugs—handpick offending insects whenpossible.
7. Scout for problemsdaily.
8. Safely dispose of leftoverchemicals.

Organic gardening is not difficult. Think of it as a cycle. The gardenerfeeds the soil, the soil feeds the plants, and the plants feed thegardener.

1. SoilTest

The first step in going organic is getting a soil test. From it, you will learn the basic texture of your soil and its acidity or pH level. You’ll also learn the amounts of nutrients already in your soil and which nutrients it’s lacking. Plants forced to grow in poor soil are usually stressed, making them weak and more vulnerable to attack from pests and diseases. See my post on how to take a soil test.

2.Compost

If you don’t already have a compost pile, start one now in the corner of your yard.Compost is the best soil conditioner and slow-release plant food that you can use—and it’s free for the making!Rich in micronutrients, it encourages the growth of beneficial soil organisms, builds soil fertility, and improves the structure of any soil type. See how to compost.

3. Seeds andPlants

When shopping for seeds and plants,look for resistant varieties. Use organic seeds whenever possible, but also avoid ones that have been treated with chemicals. (It should state that on the package.) Always purchase organically-raised transplants or start your own. Most commercially grown plants are raised in a bath ofchemicals.

4.Sanitation

5.Rotation

If this is not your first year of gardening, be careful where you place your plants. Do not grow the same plants in the same garden bed year after year. Rotating planting areas prevents your soil from being depleted of the same nutrients each season, and it also helps to head off diseases and break the cycle of insectinfestation.

Try a 4-year rotation by moving brassicas, cucurbits, nightshades, and root crops to a new bedeach year.Learn more about crop rotation.

6. Barriers andTraps

Barriers such as row covers and cutworm collars work well to keep insects from attacking your plants, especially when the plants aresmall.

Sticky traps can attract and catch offending insects, and slugs can’t resist a saucer ofbeer.

Handpick and dispose of the beetles and creepy crawlies you catch in the act. If you are squeamish about touching them, try knocking them into a pail of soapy water. Remember that not all bugs are bad, so get to know your enemy and encourage a healthy balance between predator insects and their prey. Here are the beneficial insects that eat pests. Don’t killthem!

7. Keep Eyes Open and Your HandsOn

Try to visit your garden daily to check your plants for any signs of trouble. Caught early on, many problems can be stopped before they get too big to deal with. Look under leaves for bug eggs and remove them before they can hatch out. Leaves also can tell you a lot about the health of your plants!Watch for brown edges, white patches, curling, and yellowing. Organic gardeners have to be aware of what is going on in their gardens. Managing a safe and sustainable garden will bring you closer tonature.

8. Toss theChemicals

If you have any leftover garden chemicals, take them to the next hazardous waste collection day at your local transfer station to ensure their safe disposal. Getting them off your property also lessens the chance that you might use them in a “weak” moment. Time to step away from the spray, toss the 10-10-10, and sack the Sevin! A better garden and better healthawait!

While you may not use chemicals in the garden, that doesn’t mean your plants fend for themselves. Use the tricks I mentioned above (such as cutworm collars), and also consider these homemade insecticide sprays and weedkillers.

• The first line of defense against pests should be aninsecticidal soap spray or oil. See my post on five homemade organic pesticides touse.
• When it comes to weeds (unwanted plants), don’t resort to cancer-causing herbicides in an edible garden!There are better ways to control competing plants while still keeping people, pets, wildlife, and waterwayssafe. See my post on 5homemade herbicidesto killweeds.

Are you ready to make the leap into organic gardening? Tell us about yourexperience!