Using Organic Fertilizer to Grow an Organic Garden

Green Gardening might seem a little redundant, but it is a term actually completely different from regular gardening. Green gardening refers to using organic fertilizer and other natural products to grow a completely organic garden.

Green Gardening is a philosophy that stresses increasing the natural health of the soil, choosing appropriate plants that are suited to your area, and working with nature to produce a healthy and productive garden.

According to PlanetNatural.com, natural and organic fertilizers differ from chemical ones by feeding the plants while building the soil. Soils with lots of organic material remain loose and airy, hold more moisture and nutrients, foster growth of soil organisms, and promote healthier plant root development. Chemically based fertilizers gradually make the soil lose its organic matter. As this material is used up, the soil structure deteriorates, becoming compact, lifeless and less able to hold water and nutrients.

Here are things to remember when trying to create an organic garden. We will cover how to know when to plant, soil importance, seasonal care and information on pesticides.

Knowing when to plant- When the average soil temperature (over a five day period) reaches 40 degrees, plant cool season crops, like spinach, carrots and beets. Wait for warm weather crops, such as corn, asparagus and tomatoes until 50 degree weather, and wait until soil temperatures reach 60 degrees or more to plant “hot” weather crops such as squash, beans, peppers and melons.
Knowing your soil- The four main components of soil are rocks and minerals, organic material (microorganisms and plants), water and air. The quantity of these materials in the soil depends on where you live. Using plenty of organic fertilizer over any type of soil will improve the quality of it and allow seeds to grow easier. It improves soil structure, texture and aeration, helps maintain a neutral pH, adds needed nutrients for plant growth and allows the soil to hold more water.
Seasonal Care- Crop rotation is important in green gardening because it cares for the soil. Make sure your plants that are in the same family are grouped together. For information on crop rotation and knowing your plants, click here. There are ways to lengthen the time of your growth season by adding simple structures to your organic garden: cold frames, hot beds, greenhouses, floating row covers, cloches and wallo’ waters.
Pesticides- Pesticides have been used for so long and so often that it is actually hurting the amount of crops that are grown. Pesticides create secondary pest problems, invoke resistance and cost a lot more than organic fertilizers.

Source: OrganicGardeningGuru.com