Growing concerns about the safety of pesticides, herbicides and genetically modified plants and seeds are prompting more and more home gardeners to explore organic gardening methods. This trend is partly driven by the increasing popularity of organic vegetables and fruits available in farmer's markets and organic food sections in supermarkets. Consumers are discovering that foods grown organically are not only better for their health and the health of the environment but are better tasting too.

Not Just for Backyards

Organic gardens are not only showing up in backyards and gardens but are also appearing in unconventional areas like rooftops. Urban gardeners are discovering that organic rooftop gardens help keep structures cooler, reduce rainwater runoff and clean pollution from the air. People are also growing plants organically in containers on patios, decks and balconies. Even vertical gardens, the latest trend in urban gardening, are sporting organically grown plants.

Tips for Beginners

When starting an organic garden from scratch, experts recommended purchasing only seeds that have been certified organic. Soil is typically amended with organic compost that is free of insect larvae and weed seeds. Many organic gardeners swear by compost tea, a liquid solution made by steeping compost in water for several days. Compost tea adds beneficial living microorganisms that help make nutrients in the soil available to plants.

There are number of natural and organic solutions available for countering pests and diseases in an organic garden. Beginner organic gardeners will enjoy more success by growing plants that naturally attract beneficial insects and that deter harmful ones. The following plants are easy to grow and help protect the garden from harmful insects and diseases:

Borage. This annual herb helps deter tomato worms, caterpillars that can quickly eat their way through tomato plants, cucumbers, squash and strawberries. Borage also improves the disease resistance of nearby plants.

Garlic. This species of the onion genus helps deter Japanese beetles, aphids and spider mites from nearby roses, peas, cucumbers and celery.

Mint. This fast-growing herb attracts beneficial earthworms while repelling ants, aphids, cabbage moths and fleas. Mint is a good companion plant for cabbages and tomatoes.

Marigold. This pretty flowering annual helps deter nematodes, roundworms that feed on the roots of plants. Marigolds also repel whiteflies.

Sweet Alyssum. This low-growing flowering plant attracts aphid-eating wasps. Sweet Alyssum makes attractive borders for corn, broccoli and eggplant.

Polyculture

Even an experienced home gardener may be baffled by new terminology and methodology when switching to an organic approach. One of the most important terms to learn is "polyculture." In a polyculture garden, vegetables are staggered throughout the garden rather than lined up in rows. The effect is more like one of a traditional English flower bed than a conventional vegetable garden. This strategy helps to deter pests. Most pestiferous insects are drawn to vegetables by the plant's scent, which is diffused when the vegetables are scattered around the garden.

By choosing the right plants and arranging them in the most beneficial configuration, both beginner and expert home gardeners can easily grow organic plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables without being too bothered with pests and diseases. Employing these strategies, organic gardening can be as enjoyable and easy as conventional gardens but with greater rewards.


Copyright (c) 2012 Jack Russell