5 Best Tips for Organic Vegetable Gardeners

I had an organic vegetable garden for many years. Of course, back in those days, I was an organic gardener for both economic and environmental reasons. I grew vegetables in my home garden to eat. I also enjoyed giving my tomatoes and other vegetables away to family, friends and neighbors. Having a home garden was also a great money saver. Using organic gardening methods was easy because (1) I didn't have a lot of money back then; and, (2) I was young and wanted to do my part to save the environment. Over time, organic gardening became a way of life for me and my family.

Keeping the garden clean and green throughout the growing season wasn't easy when insects and other pests invaded my gardening space. Keeping it green could be challenging when I knew that any number of commercial products would have made my life and that garden that much better.

Growing Organic for a Standout Vegetable Garden

Growing organic vegetables takes time and effort. Keeping it green requires that the gardener remain true to all-natural and organic approaches. Using earth-friendly, organic methods will produce healthier fruit and vegetables in the long run.

Want to go green with your garden this year? Not sure where to start? Here are some of my 5 Best Tips for Organic Vegetable Gardeners. Sure to make your home and garden stand out from the crowd.

Organic Tip No. 1. Keep it simple. Dig or till a small garden bed. Keep it small and simple at first. Enhance your garden with top soil from your local hardware store or home improvement center. Grow a few lines of vegetables and see how they do, given your particular weather and soil conditions. Expand from there.

Organic Tip No. 2. Commit to compost. Once your garden's in, you're ready to compost. Throughout the year, save scraps from vegetables and fruits (no animal matter) in a compost bin appropriate to your size garden and yard. Read up on composting online or at your local library. Talk to other gardeners. Using composted material, your soil will become enriched in years to come.

Organic Tip No. 3. Plant marigolds. Planting marigolds is an old farmer's trick to keep bugs and other pests at bay while your tomatoes and other vegetables take root and grow. I like to plant marigolds in between rows and plantings. It makes for a beautiful garden and also serves an organic purpose. Eventually, your tomatoes and vegetables will overtake the marigolds, but that's okay.

Organic Tip No. 4. Use natural, home remedies. If your plants show signs of distress, don't reach for the pesticide. Instead, use solutions of soap and water, among others, to keep bugs away from your growing vegetable garden. Read up on natural pest control online or at your local library. Your local Extension Service can also be a big help to the organic vegetable gardener.

Organic Tip No. 5. Collect rain water. Collect rain water in rain barrels in and around your home, and use this saved water on your organic garden. This will save big bucks and water at the same time. Vegetable gardens require frequent watering. To the extent that you can provide the moisture your plants and vegetables need in the most eco-friendly way possible, the better.

RESOURCES

Mother Earth News
www.motherearthnews.com

Organic Gardening
www.organicgardening.com

HGTV
www.hgtv.com

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Published 4/28/2009