Site EN RSS By: Kal (Webmaster) http://www.gardening30.com/GardeningSearch/blog/Organic+Vegetable+Gardening http://www.gardening30.com/GardeningSearch/blog/Organic+Vegetable+Gardening http://www.gardening30.com/GardeningSearch/blog/Organic+Vegetable+Gardening <br /> Organic vegetable gardening is something more farmers are getting into because it is cost effective and they are able to produce almost the same yield of crops. Before you can do this at home, the principles of organic vegetable gardening must be understood. The use of fertilizers, nutrients or pesticides is forbidden in organic vegetable gardening. The two things you will use to make it all work are sunlight and water so nature is your partner here. We don't provide these artificially so the ideal area and adequate drainage must be provided.<br /> <br /> Besides sunlight and water, you can mix together leftover food, chipped bark, garden compost, leaf moulds and manure using a compost heap and then spread it throughout your garden to help the crops grow. You shouldn't come over all peculiar when thinking about manure, it is sold in stores so you don't have to scoop this from the toilet, and, if you keep Chickens it is great to let them roam around in the garden. You can't put dead animals or meat products in the soil which is what some people use. Leave them in the bin for a fortnight and maggots will soon appear which is what you use to help fertilize your garden.<br /> <br /> Another helpful creature is the earthworm because it digs deep into the ground and aerates the soil bringing various minerals to the surface which also provides better drainage. According to experts, the casting this long pink colored creature leaves behind is five times as rich in nitrogen phosphorous and potassium. Any gardening store or garden center will have this available for you to purchase.<br /> <br /> Organic gardening is a challenge because pests such as army worms, crickets, gypsy moth caterpillars, slugs and squash bugs are unwanted guests. In an organic setting the best weapon is the toad which is known to eat more almost every type of insect despite the fact that at one time people used fertilizer to kill them. Get a bird if you have caterpillars or spiders lurking in the garden because this is not in the toad's diet.<br /> <br /> A toad or a bird may come in to your home as long as you set the ideal environment for them so you don't have to buy one from the pet store. Within days, you will have some new occupants protecting your garden if you can put up a bird house or a small pond. Other insect killers which you can get to do the job include the preying mantis and the ladybug because they mark their territory and eat anything that dares enter their domain.<br /> <br /> Protect your vegetables with plants: Despite all the flowers and creatures that nature has to offer, the best way to keep the soil fertile is through crop rotation. Plant a kind of vegetable every other season once the first one is harvested and alternate it with another vegetable type. you just have to be practice it so you can harvest the vegetables you have planted weeks ago. By: Kal (Webmaster) http://www.gardening30.com/GardeningSearch/blog/Gardening+Tips http://www.gardening30.com/GardeningSearch/blog/Gardening+Tips http://www.gardening30.com/GardeningSearch/blog/Gardening+Tips <br /> I am going to share with you some tips which have worked for me. The internet, gardening clubs, books, magazines and your local nursery could prove to be invaluable resources to get more information on gardening. Of the much information you need to get started, the most important ones are: quantum of sunlight you can expect, how to use mulch and fertilizers and the type of soil that you have to manage to get optimum results. The type of tools needed including the kind of tiller and watering system that are required, are information that are important.<br /> <br /> Tip #1: If you want to save on time, start jotting down your gardening plan on a piece of paper. A second opinion from a friend sometimes helps. How far is the hose from the garden and would you need sprinklers?<br /> <br /> Gardening Tip #2: The garden is a success if the soil is prepared well. One of the important points of consideration is that all plants may not grow well in the same kind of soil. Also make sure that if it is going to be a vegetable or an herb garden, you try and use organic fertilizer because it will not affect that flavor of the food. Try to replace ordinary fertilizers with good compost or even wooden chip mulch.<br /> <br /> Are you of the opinion that a backyard compost heap is impossible? Fresh home brew compost is filled with essential nutrients for our herb and vegetable garden, but after all it may not be a very realistic idea. Mulch is a good substitute for a home compost mixture but make sure to use the softer woods like redwood or pine because the faster it breaks down the better. Mulch, compost or fertilizer, ensure that they are all mixed well.<br /> <br /> Gardening Tip #3: When the soil is ready, do not plant the seedlings immediately. I believe that the best option is to plant together all plants which have same individualities. For example, any plant with a large girth should be clubbed with other plants with similar characteristics. You can see all the plants if you plant taller plants at the back with shorter ones in the front.<br /> <br /> Gardening Tip #4: One of the most important points to remember is to water your garden regularly. For a big house, keeping your garden in ship shape is a tough task. An automatic watering system is best since it works on its own. Starting from a big sprinkling system to a timer tied to a hose – the automatic watering system has it all. One of the most rewarding hobbies, a garden provides you with beauty, shade and sometimes food also!