How to Grow an Organic Home Garden – The Easy Way

If you want healthy and fresh, you’ve got to go organic. Buying like this in the supermarket can cost a small fortune yet it is possible to grow organic vegetables at home – The Easy Way.

You don’t have to have a significant area, and you don’t have to be highly experienced. It can be easy and can save you quite a bit on your grocery bill when buying vegetables.

Here we show how to grow organic vegetables for a fraction of what you would spend on a regular basis.

Choosing Your Site

It doesn’t matter if you have a large area or a small area, gardening is much the same regardless, yet there are subtle differences. If you’re growing direct into the soil, this part is for you.

An ideal size for your beds is 16ft x 10ft yet this is not set in stone. What is more important is what your area is like.

You need an area that will get around 6 to 8 hours of sun per day in the primary growing season. If you have areas that are semi-shaded, you can make use of these as some plants grow better when they are partially shaded.

Is your area flat and does it collect standing water? These are crucial factors as even though plants need water, soil that is waterlogged will kill them faster than most things.

When you have your ideal lot you should dig it over (till) and then mix in a good 2 inches of fertilizer. It should then be watered and let sit for a couple of days before you consider planting. Plant rows should face north to south to take full advantage of the sun.

Taller plants should be on the most northern side as not to cast shade over your other vegetables.
Your vegetable rows should be 18 inches apart, and you need pathways on either side of your beds of around 2 feet to give access to both sides of your beds.

Small Spaces

If you have a small area in which to grow you can opt for a more accessible option that brings growing vegetables much closer to growing in your home.

Container gardening can be any container which has a depth of around 10-12 inches, or you can build a raised bed. These make growing organic vegetables much easier on the back since you do not have to bend over a lot.

It is also possible to grow climbing plants in containers as long as you give your plants something to climb up. Once you have your old containers, all you need to do it drill irrigation holes in the bottom and fill with a good potting soil. This eliminates the need for making sure your soil is at the right pH yet your plants will still love some good fertilizer.

Tomatoes can also be grown in hanging baskets as long as you choose a bush type. Preparation is the same as a container yet the fruits they will bear will be as good as growing in regular soil.

Compost

Creating your own compost will save you money on fertilizer yet it takes a couple of months to get to a good standard; however, once it does your vegetables will love you for adding this to your soil.

An easy way to prepare compost is by adding alternating layers of brown materials (carbon) and green items (nitrogen) which can include kitchen scraps (food) and manure.

These layers should have a thin layer of soil in between. The pile you have should be topped with up to 6 inches of soil and then turned when you add more materials.

The Right Plants

Most plants you can grow direct from seed and in some cases, it makes your vegetables hardier to insects or harsh weather conditions. There is also a wide range of plants that grow better in raised beds or containers.

You can even grow herbs in old cans which are placed on your windowsill as this acts as a kind of greenhouse. It is a matter of picking what you need, and your herbs will continue to grow.

Some of the best organic vegetable plants that are quick to grow with minimal fuss are as follows:

Tomatoes – grow in your hanging baskets or window boxes. These fruits you can pick as needed during the growing season.

Old fashioned pole beans (non-hybrid) – these like tomatoes can be picked as needed and continue giving produce right up until the first frost.

Swiss Chard and Lettuce – these once they have grown you can break off the outer leaves, and they will also keep producing for months. If you have watered your plants correctly, they will provide you with leaves that are nice and tender.

Snow peas and sugar snaps– these are the ultimate in climbing plants, and they taste delicious and much better than what you can ever buy in the supermarket.

Zucchini and Cucumbers – these can produce heaps, and you might find to prevent waste you will be giving them away to friends and family.

Watering

There is a debate on whether the best time is morning or evening. If you water in the evening, your plants will sit in water for longer periods since it doesn’t evaporate. Others say it is better in the morning.

Whichever way you water you should water around 1 inch per week split over 2 or 3 waterings. This should be around the roots and not on the leaves as these can get damaged.

Containers and raised beds do require extra water as the drainage is much better than regular soil. If you’re unsure, a good rule is when the top inch of soil is dry this is when your plants require watering.

There are many more vegetables that can be grown organically, and once you see the vegetables your plants are giving you, you will soon be wanting to pass on your vegetable garden tips to all your friends and family. There is no better way to eat healthy while getting that extra bit of exercise, and once you taste your own organic vegetables, you will be wondering why you hadn’t done it sooner.