Growing an organic vegetable garden at home makes it more convenient to include plenty of fresh vegetables in your diet. Using only organic seeds, plants and growing methods also reduces your exposure to pesticides and other potentially harmful chemicals. While they may take a little work, proven-effective organic gardening techniques can help you to produce an abundant, chemical-free harvest.
Enrich Soil Naturally
Add organic matter to the soil to improve fertility and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. Aim to create soil with 3 percent to 5 percent organic matter, suggest experts at the University of Missouri. Options include animal manure, compost and cover crops, also called green manure. To amend deficient soil, use organic fertilizers such as bone meal, fish emulsion and gypsum. Before adding fertilizers or large amounts of organic matter, test your soil to check the pH and nutrient levels. Soil test kits are available in gardening supply stores.
Plant Low-Maintenance Cultivars
Plant disease- and pest-resistant vegetable cultivars. These don't depend on help from chemical products to stay healthy. Use cultivars that mature early, as they give disease and insects less time to take hold. Consult a garden center or university extension's horticulture department to find out which cultivars grow best in your area. Consider avoiding vegetables that draw pests, such as cabbage, potatoes and cucumbers, recommend University of Illinois horticulturists. Opt for vegetables pests rarely bother, such as lettuce, carrots and peas.
Ensure Good Air Flow
Control air circulation and damp to prevent disease naturally. Leave sufficient space between plants. Plant well clear of trees and buildings. To minimize dampness, arrange planting rows so the prevailing winds blow between the rows. Stay out of the garden when plants are wet. Water can spread disease from one plant to another, advises the University of Illinois.
Take Advantage of Companion Planting
In lieu of chemical fertilizers, place together companion plant species that help each other grow. Examples of companion planting include planting peas near carrots, corn near cucumbers and potatoes near beans, say North Dakota State University experts. Include flowers and herbs that repel pests. Nasturtiums discourage squash bugs. Sage helps to keep away black flea beetles and cabbage moths.
Manage Pests Organically
Hand pick insects to control minor infestations of large pests such as potato bugs and tomato hornworms. Spray down large plants with water to wash off spider mites and aphids. Treat powdery mildew with a 70 percent concentration of neem oil, University of Missouri experts advise. Other natural pesticide options include baking soda and Bordeaux mixture, as well as botanical pesticides such as Pyrethrum and Rotenone. Use only recommended amounts to avoid harming plants or contaminating soil. Wear protective clothing when applying.
References
- University of Missouri: Organic Vegetable Gardening Techniques
- North Dakota State University: Organic Gardening Tips
- Cornell University: Companion Planting
- Texas A&M University: Organic Options Against Insect Adversaries are Diverse and Effective
- University of Illinois: Organic or Not --- Tips for Reducing Pest Problems
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