There are so many hobbies that people have dabbled in, but for
Organic Vegetable Gardening
until recently barely existed. It could be the times we are in too. Gardening for a lot of people is something you saw your grandparents do tinkering in the yard. So the thought of vegetable gardening fell by the waist side especially since you can easily go to the market and buy some a lot quicker.
Things have since changed since the economy is not what it used to be, nor are the prices. With all of the environmental issues that have come up to cause heath concerns, people are reconsidering how they once felt about organic vegetable gardening. There have also been many revitalization efforts in rural areas to expose younger children and let’s face it adults as well that have either missed a generation of planting or have not done any since they were young.
With the continued interest in a healthier lifestyle, there seems to be a renewed interest in gardening as soon as more and more prices go up along with the health concerns on the rise. When this lettuce is recalled and those tomatoes people have started to take notice of organic foods. While they are even more expensive then the other produce.
So now everything needs to be outweighed – cost vs. health. When you are on a tight budget it is hard enough to make decisions especially since junk food is less expensive than fruits and vegetables. People feeding a family should not have to make such decisions in order to eat.
This is all the more reason to have your very own vegetable gardening done at your home. You and your family will be able to just go outside and pick your own fruits and vegetables. If you happen to have children or neighbors that would be interested in doing a group project such as one person grow lettuce and tomatoes, one person grow melons, another grow carrots, and someone do herbs well you get the idea. You can have a food exchange even if you have limited space.
Organic vegetable gardening can also be done in apartments and condominiums so don’t let the lack of yard prevent your new project. If you have windows or even lights, you can do this. Now if you do not know how to begin, read Organic Vegetable Gardening for Beginners for additional information to help you get started.
Just think organic vegetable gardening is not that difficult or expensive to start. This can be something fun that everyone can enjoy what they grow, making this more than just a hobby, were people will actually benefit and this could be a way of life.
quite helpful. In the recent past organic gardening seemed like it was limited to a handful of extremely health conscience people. Not today this has totally changed due to the economy, heath concerns and becoming more eco-friendly.
So now that you are convinced to try organic gardening there are a few things to think about such as how will you control the weeds, animals and bugs that all seem to love gardens. By the way, without using any chemicals or precipices. Not to worry, that will be addressed as well.
Just think about it, how did previous generations do their gardening? They were truly the forefathers of organic vegetable gardening for beginners. Do you honestly think they had Miracle-Gro? No but they managed and you will too! You can do this!
Now getting started you will need the same mindset of previous generations that did not have anything near what is available today. Using natural minerals and material will protect your garden and you will have a plentiful organic garden with delicious produce full of natural anti-oxidants.
To get you even more motivated, organic vegetable gardening has prove to produce food higher in nutrients, vitamins and minerals than non organically grown vegetables. As added benefits, it tastes better plus you grew it yourself! So lets get started and begin with what you will need:
Available Space – How much space do you have for your organic garden? If you live in an apartment or a condo you can get pots for your garden. Either you can look around to see what you already have or you can get them online they are pretty inexpensive. If you plant outside with both inside and outside gardening there will need to be a lot of sunlight
Type of Soil – You will need thick rich soil – this is key for a successful organic vegetable garden. It is also key not to forget and use any harmful chemicals – now if you are in an apartment you can get soil from neighbors, family or friends and you also have an option to purchase organic soil.
Compost – This is another essential ingredient and needs to be started before planting. This is a lot easier if you have a yard, but if not a garbage can will a good tight top will do. Now you will need to put dirt in the can or buy it. For in the yard, dig a hole where your compost pit will be. Once that is done, fill it with garbage from your kitchen fruit and vegetable peals, leaves, needles, egg shells, bark, corn stalks and coffee grinds to start your compost pit.
Newspaper and Mulch – Take the newspaper and put leaves, flower blossoms, twigs, bark and needles from trees. This can all be gathered and put into bags to store.This will also serve to keep unwanted weeds, bugs and animals away from your garden.
Shovel, Gloves and Hoe – You will need tools for your organic garden. The shovel to mix compost, gloves to protect your hands and a hoe to move soil, compost and mulch. If you are in an apartment, you can get had tools to do the job.
Your organic vegetable gardening for beginners has been prepared for do you know what you will grow? Some of the easiest plants to start include:
Beets, Potatoes, Carrots, Green Beans, Lettuce, Radish, Onions
You see that organic vegetable gardening for beginners is not that difficult, look at it as a new hobby that will produce flavorful produce. It sounds like a lot but once you get started you will see that it is not. Once you combine the soil and the compost and it is a rich consistency you can start to plants. The organic mulch will added to the top and you will have healthy garden!
Organic Herb Gardening believe it or not can be done anywhere either inside or outside as long as there is light. Now here you have one of two choices, to buy plants that have already started to grow or starting your herb garden from seeds. Either is fine, the only difference is that you will have a jump start on buying the plants. If you do decide to buy herbs already started, just be sure to check to make sure they are not wilted. Another thing to check is to make sure there are no holes in the leaves, this could be a sign of small bugs in or around the plants.
Now if you are starting off with seeds organic herb gardeningwill take a while so you will need to be patient. If you are new to gardening and you buy a pack of seeds, just don’t dump the whole pack of seeds in one hole because they will not grow properly. Depending on which seeds you choose, there will be specific instructions on the back and they will help you with your planting.
Some hardy herbs to grow would be the different types of basil. This is an extremely hardy herb and if you are not careful with what you plant and where, basil can take over your organic herb garden. This is something to be especially mindful of if you are growing the herbs inside. You will see that basil is very competitive for the light.
Depending on your taste and the recipes you like will determine what herbs to start to grow. Some of the the best to have on hand are:
Basil – Excellent for sauces, soups, salads, pesto, meat and poultry.
Dill – Has a combination of a bitter/sharp taste and is used in soups, potatoes,omelets, salads, meat, poultry and fish
Mint – Great in tea, jelly, jam, mint sauce, and lamb
Parsley – This can be used in soups, stews, casseroles, and as a garnish on just about anything
Sage – Excellent for stuffing and pork, lamb, omelets, cheese dishes and sausage dishes as well
Thyme – This serves well as a rub on any type of roast or sprinkled on vegetables, fish, poultry and eggs.
There are many different many uses that will save you money if you do decide to do your own organic herb gardening. One word of advice would be to keep the mint and basil away from each other since both have a tendency to hog the light, overshadowing the some of the not as hardy herbs.
