Growing Your Own Organic Garden Is Easy!

Pesticides are made from toxic chemicals designed to kill the troublesome bugs that dine on agricultural crops or other plants. However, when these chemicals become airborne or seep into groundwater, they can present a human health hazard. Chemicals from pesticides can be absorbed through the skin, ingested through the mouth, or breathed in. If you’re concerned about the negative impact that pesticides could have on your health, you should try to incorporate more foods that are organically grown. Promoting organic farming is also better for the earth, because it means that fewer harmful chemicals are contaminating soil and groundwater.

Many grocery stores offer products with organic labels. However, labeling guidelines are generally lax and organic foods can be more expensive. Lucky for you, you don’t have to visit the store every time you want to have great fruits and vegetables – you can grab your gardening tools instead. Consider cultivating your very own organic garden!

How might one do this? Even though “organic” means forgetting pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, your plants don’t have to deal with nature’s trials alone. Following are a few ways to maintain a successful organic garden:

 

Soil preparation:

Proper conditioning of the soil is vital to the well-being of your plants. You must make sure the fruits and vegetables you’ll be growing will have plenty of healthy nutrients to grow in. Organic treatment of soil is preferable to chemicals as the latter can seep into the fruits and vegetables that will end up on your table, posing a danger to your health. You should obtain a testing kit to measure the pH of your soil. Alternately, you may be able to send a soil sample for testing to your local agricultural office. The soil will need lots of humus to make it fertile. You can mix compost, grass and leaf clippings as well as manure. Obtain manure only from animals humanely raised on an organic farm, as those raised in factory farms will often contain toxins in their bodies – leading to the possibility of toxins in their manure.

 

Choosing the right plants:

It is important to pick plants that are capable of surviving in your own specific set of local micro-conditions. You must do a decent amount of research into what plants will adjust best to your backyard’s conditions such as light, soil quality, moisture and drainage. If you need to buy seedlings you should consider buying those that are native to your area and that have strong roots. The local farmer’s market is a good place to check out local plants and you’ll also have a chance to talk to local farmers for advice.

 

Watering:

It’s best to water plants in the morning because mornings tend to be relatively cool, thus keeping water evaporation to a minimum. Watering your plants during the evening can cause them to remain damp overnight and possibly develop fungal diseases. You should water the roots instead of the greenery as it is more sensitive and easy to damage. A drip system can work very well as it allows gradual and controlled irrigation of your garden. If you have a small garden, you can also simply water plants by hand, although it may take a bit more effort.

 

Weeding:

Weed killing chemicals may seem like a great solution, but keep in mind that the chemicals used eventually end up in the soil. They’re then absorbed by plants and introduced into our diet, causing health issues. The best way to deal with weeds is by good old-fashioned weeding by hand combined with mulching to suffocate any stubborn weeds. Get some fresh air and exercise while ridding your garden of weeds.

 

Maintaining an organic garden can be particularly beneficial if you have small children in the house or family members with asthma, as they are the most susceptible to developing health issues from pesticide exposure. Use these tips to grow safer produce for a healthier family and a greener earth!

 

• Article submitted by SW15 removal services

 

Sources:

http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/dept/comguide/effects_excerpt.pdf