To be successful in organic gardening, you must make detailed plans. The floor is your first consideration; how to make it rich and fertile, and how to prepare it so that harmful pests do not attack your garden. The two ways that organic gardening differs from conventional gardens is the use of fertilizers and how to keep pests in check. Phosphorus, Nitrogen and Potassium are the three essential components for your organic garden.

For lush green foliage, it must have nitrogen. Phosphorus is needed for strong roots and stems. And for the important protection against illness and short cold snaps, potassium is a must. Let’s call them the big three. The big three are available in commercial fertilizers, however they are synthetic. In organic horticulture, the big three are added in a very different way.

The best way to enrich your soil is with compost. Dig a few holes in your backyard to start your compost from kitchen scraps. Use things like pine needles, corn stalks, leaves, carrot heads, fruits or vegetables that have gone bad, manure, eggshells, and coffee grounds. Some organic gardeners use weeds in their compost, but I don’t recommend it for obvious reasons. As the compost materials break down, they release bacteria and fungi into the soil you are preparing. Bacteria and fungi convert nutrients like nitrogen into ammonia and nitrates that will be usable for your vegetables. Use substances like seaweed, potash salts, tobacco stalks, and wood ash to help make potassium in your compost. By making your own compost, you are controlling the mix and balance to achieve the right mix for your organic garden.

To be absolutely sure that your compost has fully broken down and now offers the correct balance, start working it into the soil at least two weeks before you plan to plant.

The pH in the soil must be adequate for healthy plants. Test your soil, if it has a ph of 0 it is very acidic, while 14 is extremely alkaline. Of course, a seven indicates neutral ground. To raise soil pH, use inexpensive ground limestone. An added benefit of limestone is that it contains magnesium, something most soils lack. If, on the other hand, you have extremely alkaline soil, use sulfur to lower the pH.

Pest control in organic horticulture is also different from conventional gardening. In many conventional bed gardeners want to eradicate all pests with pesticides. Many in organic gardening just want to keep the pest population down for balance in the garden. Obviously, whenever possible, plant pest-resistant vegetables. In order for harmful organisms to grow, they need bright sunlight, so keep a thick mulch around plants to prevent organisms that need sunlight to help maintain moisture in the soil. If you find that you have a large infestation, here is a natural formula for pest control:

In a jar, combine 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and 1 cup of vegetable oil. Shake vigorously. In an empty spray bottle, combine 2 teaspoons of this mixture and 1 cup of water. Use at 10-day intervals (or more often if necessary) to kill whiteflies, mites, aphids, scales, and other plant pests.

Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to growing a healthy and bountiful organic garden.

Happy gardening!

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