If going organic has been on your mind, now’s the time! There are many reasons for going organic, but health is top of the list. With more people hoping to eat healthier, fresher, and more chemical-free food, the price of organic produce has increased significantly.
Fortunately, there’s the alternative of getting into organic farming. This way, you’ll be guaranteed organic produce without worrying about overpaying. But what exactly is organic farming, and why is it beneficial?
Organic farming is a technique used to grow food or rare animals naturally. In this instance, organic growing involves nurturing crops without using synthetic substances to maintain soil fertility.
Food grown organically has a natural and better taste. As a farmer, you’ll be able to conserve agricultural diversity in the process. If you’re considering organic growing at home, below are some things to know before setting up your garden.
Choosing A Greenhouse
Although organic farming lets you gain complete control over your crops, a greenhouse may be the best option. Plants grown in a greenhouse usually are protected from different pests, diseases, outdoor pollution, and extreme weather conditions. As a farmer, your greenhouse allows you to create the perfect growing environment for your favorite plants. This way, you’ll be able to manage every part of production organically.
If you’re interested in getting a greenhouse, South West Greenhouses advises to go for a smaller greenhouse when just starting out, as it’s less of a financial commitment, while still giving you a great space to grow organic fruit and vegetables at home.
Organic Seeds Are Better
Choosing organic farming is an excellent way of encouraging healthy plants and strong living systems. This begins with the type of seeds you opt for. Crops grown for their organic seeds don’t use pesticides or herbicides, making them perfect for healthier output.
When shopping for organic seeds, choose resistant varieties that haven’t been treated with chemicals. Alternatively, you can buy organically-raised transplants to use for organic crops.
Make Use Of Compost Manure
Compost is the best thing to happen to organic farmers. Compost is a great soil conditioner that’s free to make. It’s rich in micronutrients that feed the plants, conserve water, and cut down on weeds. This makes it the perfect option for organic manure.
Completing compost requires the proper ratio of mixed soil, air, water, nitrogen, and carbon-rich waste. This might sound complicated, but you still have decent results even with a slightly tended pile.
Before making a compost pile, note that maintaining it well won’t result in a smell. If you start noticing a smell, consider adding dry straw, leaves, or sawdust, then turn it more often.
Below are easy steps to create your compost.
- Clear at least three-square feet and make a compost bit or pen
- Next, add alternating levels such as leaf trimmings, kitchen scraps, leaves, and dry straws. Remember to add a layer of soil in between each layer.
- Complete by adding four to six inches of soil, then water it to keep it barely wet. This lets you have great compost as a microbe action will be created.
Get Your Soil Tested
For the best organic results, you’ll need to ensure that your soil is well-conditioned. For plants to grow strong, they have to eat. And healthy soil helps in building strong and nutritional produce.
To ensure your soil’s health, consider getting a soil test. In this test, you’ll learn basic texture and the amounts of nutrients that are lacking. That way, you’ll know what to add to prevent making your plants vulnerable to attack from pests and diseases.
Avoid Using Pesticides
You’ll need to avoid pesticides when hoping to get an organic farm. That means finding other ways to deal with pests and diseases. The first step when getting rid of pests is ensuring that your plants get sufficient nutrients, moisture, and light.
If this doesn’t work, introduce natural predators such as ladybugs, frogs, toads, birds, or even lizards. These insects will take care of the pests without the need for pesticides. In addition, consider using horticultural oils, garlic, hot pepper sprays, and insecticidal soaps.
Choose The Right Plants
Since organic growth doesn’t use chemical fertilizers and pesticides, choosing plants that work well for the micro-conditions is vital. These plants must adjust properly in drainage, soil quality, light, and moisture.
Having all these allows your plants to grow resistant to attacks. As seen above, consider buying seedlings from plants without chemical fertilizers and pesticides. You can find such seeds in your local farmers’ market.
Bottom Line
Organic growing can be a fun activity that yields great results. Although starting an organic garden requires some work, you’ll get fruits and vegetables free from chemicals. The most important part of organic growing is ensuring the soil is ready. Great soil means bountiful harvests.
