Getting Started With Organic Gardening For Safe Food and a Healthier Lifestyle

Even if you are already an experienced gardener who has always used chemical treatments on your plants now is the time to change to all-natural fertilizers and pesticides. As a keen gardener my first thought is the value of compost. Where ever you live there may be problems with your soil structure that will require improvement to create healthy growth of plants resistant to disease and insects. Not everyone will have a good supply of compost to start with so you may need to buy compost initially to work into existing top soil. While your crops are growing you can purchase compost containers from your local garden supplier to start your own compost. Ideally rotating several containers filled with organic material and vegetable waste from the kitchen will provide compost when you need it.

To maintain the fertility of the soil and control weeds mulching becomes a priority. Mulch can consist of organic matter such as animal manures, grass clippings, straw, leaves, etc. Mulches prevent you from cultivating the soil after plants start to grow but they do keep the weeds down, and the soil surface cool from the hot sun. As mulch rots away it provides ideal conditions for a continuous supply of humus. With plenty of organic matter to feed on earthworms thrive in the conditions further improving the soil.

Controlling pests in the garden without chemicals can be daunting as a first time organic gardener until you learn the strategies to keep them at bay. Insects such as aphids, and spider mites can be dealt with a strong force from the garden hose and soapy water. One of the favourite organic ways of dealing with slugs and snails to prevent them from eating tender plants is to fill a container in the ground with beer. The following morning you will find snails have come from all over your garden to have a drink and fallen in and drowned.

Whether you want to cultivate an organic vegetable garden, organic fruit garden, or even flowers you can create a garden for the whole family to enjoy. You will be happier knowing that your family is having huge health benefits from eating all-natural foods with no health risks attached.

John Heatley is keen gardener with many years of experience, and advice gleaned from people willing to impart their knowledge about organic gardening. For more detailed information about how to start your own organic garden go to: http://organicgardening.me.