For years, I’ve practiced organic gardening whenever possible. Compatible plantings, beneficial insect introductions and most of all, healthy soil, can prevent many of the common garden problems and bring you a bountiful harvest.
Here are some of my favorite tips, which have worked well over the years:
- Prepare the soil early by adding manure and compost when you till, before you plant.
Cow manure, zoo poop, blood and bone meal, fish emulsion and worm castings all add nutrients. Ask a local nursery what works best in your climate. You may also want to test some soil samples – most local agriculture extension offices can perform this service for a modest fee. - Investigate drip irrigation systems. They use less water, take less time, and are relatively cheap to install. A win all the way around!
- If you don’t have a lot of worms – get some! They will aerate your soil so you don’t have to, and their castings (aka poop) nourish the soil for free!
- Got pesky bugs? Most nurseries sell beneficial insects like lady bugs, which have voracious appetites for aphids.
- Avoid treated lumber as a border or bin material for raised beds where you grow food. The chemicals used to treat the lumber leach out into the soil, and into your plants.