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Having a small organic garden at home is an excellent option. Growing your own food can be a simple solution to some environmental, economic and even health problems. You don’t really need to have a large garden or backyard for you to have your own organic garden at home.
It doesn’t matter if you can only start by growing a single tomato plant or a garden full of beds with different vegetables. In the same way, you will have benefits at the same time that you collaborate with the environment. That is why we decided to give you some tips to get you started with your small urban organic garden.
If you’ve never tried planting, much less cultivating, don’t worry. You may think it is difficult. But in reality, with simple tips you can step by step have your organic garden at home. With these simple tips you can grow vegetables, flowers and even herbs very easily.
Of course this will be a general thing. Keep in mind that gardening, as well as decoration, is not something linear or that it has to be as advised. You can take the ideas and perform the procedure as best you can. In fact, once you have the main ideas, you can look into many more options to grow.
Well, if you have a large garden or backyard, it does not matter. It’s much better if you start out really small if it’s your first time. This way you can take care of it much better and obviously it will be more productive. Of course, this will give you the confidence that your next year will be a little bigger.
Start with a small organic garden even if you have a large space
What you should bear in mind is that the plants will not be able to wait for you to be free to attend to them. So, before starting your organic garden, you should already know how much time you can dedicate to your small crop. Of course, you will also have to decide what you want to grow, depending on what is most consumed at home.
Keep in mind that you can always ask for help from an expert. You can even get seed catalogs. In general, these catalogs will not only help you to acquire your seeds. But they also have a lot of information about growing, harvesting and even cooking.
There are some of the crops that are much easier for people who are just starting out. When the weather is generally good in your region or town, peas, spinach. As well as lettuce, carrots, and radishes are an excellent option. They can even be planted in a 10 x 20 centimeter bed.
If you are in a warm climate, then green beans, zucchini. Tomatoes, basil, marigolds, and even sunflowers are also good options. Of course we recommend you to be aware if you live in areas where the seasons change. For example, crops that are typical of cold climates, it is much better to start sowing in the spring.
That is why, in the beginning we indicated that it is preferable to start small. And obviously you should not hesitate to go to an expert if you need help with some questions. It is worth mentioning that, your small organic garden can be in your garden or back duck. As well as on your small balcony or terrace if you prefer.
Planting and cultivating is a very rewarding and relaxing activity
You can even create a small vertical garden. of course you can also beautify your small balcony or terrace even more by placing an artificial grass. With this, it will undoubtedly look very cozy and relaxing with your plants in beautiful pots.
Well, now you will have to plan and choose the space where your small organic garden will go. It is preferable that you choose a sunny place with good drainage. Vegetables need six to eight hours of full sun. Although they do not care much if in the afternoon you give them a little shade to protect themselves a little from the heat.
You must not forget that you must be aware of your cultivation. So it is a good idea to have it very close to the house if you located it in your backyard. If you are gardening, you could then build a 4 “x 8” bed by removing all the grass in that area.
Although in the same way you can build a raised bed. Another important aspect that you should know is the pH of your soil, as well as the nutrients that are needed and those that are already present. Different plants thrive in different soil conditions.
And since the soil provides many of the nutrients and minerals that plants need, it is important to obtain the correct pH level. An incorrect pH level will mean that your plants may become nutrient deficient and have a hard time growing.
A small garden at home can be very beneficial
One of the easiest ways to check the pH of your soil is to use a home test kit. You just have to make sure to sample below the surface for the best and most reliable reading. Another way to check the pH of your soil is also by using an electronic pH meter.
This device comes with a probe that is inserted into the ground and immediately returns the reading. If your soil has a pH value higher than 7.0, it means that your soil is alkaline. Which is the same as the soil has few nutrients such as phosphorus, iron and manganese.
To raise the acidity of the soil, you can add things like compost and manure, leaf matter, or mulch. However, you should avoid using fungal compost and bird manure. Since these will immediately increase the alkalinity.
Perhaps also what you can add is a high quality compost with well balanced macro and micronutrients. Compost is also good for drainage, water retention, and air circulation. At the same time it provides a habitat for terrestrial creatures, such as earthworms.
Well, it’s time to till or use a flat-tine fork to turn the soil in your new organic garden. Till to a depth of about 12 to 16 inches. Then you will have to make sure that it is not too wet. This is important as you could ruin the soil if you work it before it dries.
You can start by growing herbs
Take a handful and roll it into a ball. If it sticks, it is very wet. If you touch it lightly and it falls apart, it’s dry enough to work. Once the pH of the soil has been verified, having removed the soil and verified that it is dry enough, now generously add good compost and remove the bed again. Rake for a level surface removing rocks and clods of earth.
Follow the directions on the seed packets for directly seeded crops. They will tell you how deep to plant and how much space you should give the mature plants. If you decide to transplant then keep in mind that you should not place them in a much deeper soil than the soil in the pot.
Of course, depending on your choice of crop there are exceptions. For example tomatoes. The tomato plant can have the entire stem buried down to the upper leaves. Water your new plantings, but don’t flood them. Remember that watering is a slow process. So, add a little water and let it soak in.
Add more and let it soak in again. When you see that the water begins to form a small puddle on the ground, then you will be able to stop watering. Cover the bed with three to three inches of mulch. Water your seeds every day until they germinate but without overdoing it.
When the nights are warm, you can start planting tomatoes, basil, zucchini, marigolds, and sunflower seeds and beans. The peas will be the first to be done. You could choose to buy varieties of tomatoes and use a trellis to support them.
You can have a small organic garden in your garden or on your balcony
Water every day until the seeds sprout and you see new growth. Basically, with these simple steps you could already have your small organic garden in the comfort of your home. We recommend that you not only keep this information.
There are many books and magazines that can even give you other ways and ideas to plant and grow your own organic garden. You can also find local gardening groups and clubs and get involved. Don’t be afraid to start your small organic garden at home.
The best way to learn and improve, without a doubt, is by doing things and making mistakes. One thing that might also help you is keeping a gardening journal. There you can keep your log of what worked and what did not work in your first attempt with the small garden.
Also the weather or the season you started in, the date of the small harvest. You could even add delicious recipes that come to mind when you see your first organic foods in your garden. With all the information you put in your journal, you can definitely make a better plan for your garden next year.
Avoid the use of chemicals in your small organic garden. It is worth mentioning that, for a farm to be certified organic, it must comply with the restrictions on the types of chemical insecticides and fertilizers that can be used. Of course, the garden or backyard of your house does not have to meet all the criteria for an organic certification.
Take into account the pH of the soil
But in the same way it is recommended and much better that you try to focus on the healthiest and most sustainable. So try to avoid the use of chemicals as much as possible in your small urban garden. Today there are many natural options to solve the problem of pests.
For example, instead of chemicals to get rid of pests in your garden you could spray with soap and water or neem oil. There are even products that are considered organic, such as copper-based insecticides, which can still be harmful to the environment.
So it is preferable that you do a little research on each product before using them in your organic garden. If you think that the plants that we recommend is still a lot for your first garden, then herbs are the solution. Herbs are wonderful for people who have never worked in the garden.
So if you are one of them or, despite the advice, you are not sure where to start then herbs is the way. Herbs generally don’t require a lot of care. These can grow very well in most conditions and soils.
Some herbs, like basil and mint, grow very quickly. And provide a great production for the amount of time and effort put into them. Parsley, chives, coriander, and oregano are also very easy to grow. But don’t be afraid, there are many ways you can seek help.
An organic garden is sustainable and beneficial
Actually growing a small organic garden is very easy. Once you have your beds ready, pay attention to your garden. Not just for signs of pests. But also to detect weeds or slightly more serious problems that could harm your plants.
It may be that at some point some of the plants may need more fertilizer than others. Remember your gardening journal, you could even take photos to share with your gardening group companions. It will also help you document your progress and the evolution of your garden.
Gardening is a very rewarding way to spend time during the spring, summer, and fall seasons, and it’s not that difficult. If you plan ahead and seek help with your questions, everything you can have in your small organic garden.
And of course, every year it will become much easier for you to grow. Maybe you can even encourage and advise your family and friends in their urban gardens. So, don’t wait that long to create your first organic garden at home and have fun.
