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Organic gardening involves a "whole system" approach to growing plants that begins with recycling natural materials back into the soil to maintain and increase soil fertility. Organic gardeners strengthen their soil by adding compost, and by mulching (covering the top layer of soil with a couple inches of shredded wood bark, decomposed leaves, or grass clippings to retain moisture). Rather than rely on synthetic pesticides and insecticides, organic gardening encourages natural methods of pest and disease control.
If you want to garden organically, begin by choosing plants that are best suited to your soil type, climate and growing conditions because those plants will be less susceptible to disease and pests. Then, grow a wide variety of plants. Variety helps create a balance in the garden between pests and predators so that no pest builds up to an unacceptable level. A wide variety of plants also attracts an abundance of birds and insects, bringing the garden to life in a busy and productive way.
Gardening organically is a way to make your own backyard or landscape reflect the cleaner, greener world you want to live in. Here are some specific "how to's":
Plan your garden - Pick a spot that gets as much sunshine as possible given the plants you want to grow. Vegetables need full sun. Flowers span the range of full sun to full shade; check the seed packet or plant catalog for guidance. Decide how large your garden plot will be. Consider not just how much space you have, but how much time you have. The larger the plot, the more time consuming it will be to manage. Does your spot drain well, or will you need to build a raised bed? Does it have access to water? Know what you're getting into before you plant the first seed.
Clear out the weeds - You'll probably need to dig them out, to be sure they're gone.
Add compost and other organic matter - If you're not impatient like me, you can test the soil first (send it to your county extension office). When you get the results back, you'll know how much of the nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and/or potassium you'll need to add. You may need to add an inch of sharp sand if your soil is clay.
Rake your soil into beds or rows - Mulch it with shredded pine bark or other organic material. Leave the plot alone for about a month before you plant it.
Meanwhile, start a compost pile - Use leaves, grass clippings, other yard debris, and kitchen waste.
Pick your seeds and plants - Consider plants that grow well in your climate, such as native plants. Choose disease-resistant species for vegetables as well as ornamental plants.
Plant, then watch and weed - Plant your seeds and plants to maximize growth. Keep a hoe handy to scratch out weeds before they take over. Keep an eye out for insects and diseases so they don't become a problem.
Enjoy your garden! - Stroll through your garden every day. Position a chair, stool or bench close by so you can sit peacefully and watch the butterflies and bees enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Native plants are beautiful, hardy and once established require less maintenance than imports. Native flowers and grasses also function much like a natural system, with diverse plants providing food and shelter for a host of birds, butterflies and beneficial insects. Here's more information about planting native plants in your garden. To find a native plant society in your region, contact the Native Plant Information Network.
Diane MacEachern is the author of Big, Green, Purse: Using Your Spending Power to Create a Cleaner, Greener, World out this February from Penguin.