| Organic gardens are gardens that are free of | | | | and work it frequently. By working it I mean |
| pesticide. An added benefit is that if you grow | | | | turn it with a shovel so the organic material will |
| an organic vegetable garden, your food is free of | | | | break down. When you are ready to start planting |
| poisons. If you plant an organic flower garden | | | | work your compost into the garden beds before |
| the environment will benefit. | | | | you plant. |
| The definition of organic gardening is a garden | | | | Your garden location is very important. You |
| that does not use pesticides to kill pests. This | | | | need to pick a spot that gets lots of light and |
| method can be used in either vegetable or flower | | | | drains well. If it is a very windy spot you will |
| gardens. In vegetable gardens organic is the | | | | have to figure out some way of sheltering. |
| safest for you since you will be consuming what | | | | Don't pick a low spot on your property since that |
| you have grown. But, if you utilize it in flower | | | | might flood during heavy rains. You really want |
| gardening also, it is safest for the environment. | | | | to put the garden in a place that has easy access |
| Raising an organic garden has many sound | | | | for you and for watering with your hose. |
| reasons to encourage gardeners to go this | | | | Mentioned above were companion plants. |
| route. As mentioned above all of your | | | | Companion plants are plants that repel unwanted |
| vegetables will be pesticide free, which means no | | | | pests. If you plant roses, plant some garlic. It |
| poison on the food you are growing. While in | | | | is said that garlic will repel rose's nemesis, aphids. |
| flower gardening, many people plant flowers that | | | | Cucumber beetles will not be a worry if you plant |
| will attract butterflies or bees which you won't | | | | oregano. Marigolds will also repel many pests. |
| attract if you use pesticides. You especially want | | | | For a good natural pesticide follow this recipe: |
| to remain pesticide free if you have small children | | | | In a jar, combine 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid and |
| or pets because chemicals could be harmful for | | | | 1 cup vegetable oil. Shake vigorously. In an empty |
| them. | | | | spray bottle, combine 2 teaspoons of this mixture |
| Your organic garden will be anything but simple | | | | and 1 cup water. Use at ten-day intervals (or |
| gardening. Every garden takes effort and | | | | more often if needed) to rid plants of whiteflies, |
| research and your organic garden is no | | | | mites, aphids, scales, and other pests. |
| exception. As with all gardens you must start | | | | If you come up with a good plan you can have |
| with a plan. Research the plants you wish to | | | | flowers and vegetables mixed together. Make |
| grow. Find out what their needs are when it | | | | sure that you know your zone and the conditions |
| comes to light, fertilizer, PH in the soil and | | | | that apply in your area. Flower and vegetable |
| drainage. Be diligent in picking a spot that is well | | | | gardens will be very different in Alaska than in |
| suited to your plants. If you are planting an herb | | | | Florida. |
| garden select a site that is close to your kitchen | | | | Your organic garden will take some work, but it |
| door for easy harvesting. Find out if there are | | | | will not be in vain when you can sit back and |
| companion plants and if there are, consider using | | | | enjoy your beautiful blooms or make some |
| them. | | | | culinary delights from the vegetables and herbs |
| When planting an organic garden you will need | | | | you have grown. |
| some really good compost. You can make your | | | | Happy Gardening! |
| compost out of soil and organic matter. Organic | | | | Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved. |
| matter includes leaves, manure, vegetable refuse, | | | | This article may be distributed freely on your |
| coffee grinds and eggshells. You can include | | | | website and in your ezines, as long as this entire |
| peels from fruits and vegetables. (Potato skins, | | | | article, copyright notice, links and the resource |
| apple skins, orange rinds, etc.) Start your | | | | box are unchanged. |
| compost early, find a place to put your compost | | | | |