Organic Gardening DOs and DONTs

Organic gardening is the art and science of cultivating flowers, vegetables, fruits, or ornamental plants based on the principles of organic farming, particularly in terms of soil conservation and building, the preservation of heritage-species and pest management. Organic farming relies greatly on the decomposition of organic materials and it uses methods like composting and green manure. It uses such techniques in order to replace the nutrients absorbed from the soil by previous crops.

Organic gardening has many benefits. The fact that it relies on organic materials reduces the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals. Anyone who has the interest can try their hand on organic gardening. Of course, before embarking into this project, one must have knowledge of how things are done in organic gardening. Here are some of the most important things that organic gardeners must take note of.

Healthy Soil

Always try to maintain a healthy soil. Keeping a healthy soil is the best way to control pests. Besides, it also produces healthy plants that can withstand insect damage and disease. Since the use of chemicals is discouraged in organic gardening, you must use compost to improve the texture, structure and aeration of the soil. Besides increasing the soil's fertility, compost also helps in improving the water holding capacity of the soil. Instead of using artificial chemicals or fertilizers, you must look for organic and natural alternatives. Avoid using inorganic materials since it can lead to the buildup of toxins in the soil resulting in water contamination.

Pest Control

Second, use the organic approach of controlling pests instead of the chemical method. Try to create a biodiversity in the soil so that the microbes and insects will control themselves. Avoid using pesticides and synthetic fertilizers since they can pollute the soil and the water. Instead of using chemicals, use organic materials, which provide the best and long-term solution to pest control.
For instance, you can use hot-pepper sprays or garlic. You can mix these herbs with water in a blender and then spray them on the plants. Organic farming is against the use of artificial and synthetic chemicals in cultivating and protecting plants from diseases and pest infestation. Besides, using organic materials also lessens the risk of being exposed to harmful chemicals

Keep your garden Clean

Avoid accumulating mulch near tree trunks. This will help you prevent pest infestation and plant diseases. While organic materials are essential in improving the fertility of the soil, try to maintain your garden as clean as possible from things or materials that may cause plant diseases or trigger pest infestation.

Simple Compost

Simply put all the essential ingredients in a certain spot and these elements will eventually decompose. Of course, if you want to make the composting process faster, try to provide the best conditions possible in order to speed up the decomposition of the organic materials. Here, temperature plays an important role.

There are many other tips regarding organic gardening which you can find throughout libraries and online resources.