Starting your own organic garden is simpler than you might expect. Organic gardening is no more expensive nor labor-intensive than other gardening methods, and it’s a great way to live sustainably.
So, how do you get started with organic gardening?
Mulch
Mulch is the foundation of any successful organic garden. A layer of natural mulch provides many benefits, including maintaining soil moisture and preventing weeds. The organic matter in mulch also gradually breaks down to improve soil fertility, creating a sustainable loop of benefit for your plants.
Compost & other natural fertilizers
If you have a compost pile or compost bin, you have a free and readily available source of natural fertilizer for your organic garden. Not only will compost improve the soil structure in your garden, it provides essential nutrients your plants need to thrive.
Other natural fertilizers like compost tea and worm casings are just as effective as synthetic fertilizers and perfect for organic gardening. Compost tea is made from soaking fresh compost to create a potent liquid fertilizer. Worm casings are earthworm droppings, which provide important nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus to your garden soil.
Organic pest control
Pests can pose a problem for any type of garden, but to keep your garden organic, it’s crucial to use natural pest control methods instead of synthetic pesticides. Many chemical pesticides kill beneficial insects and other helpful critters in addition to the pests, which only hurts your organic garden over time.
Instead, try natural methods of pest control, like adding plants with natural pest repelling properties. There are organic powders and sprays available to help as well, but the best defense against pests is keeping your soil healthy with mulch, composting and plenty of sun.
There are many aspects to creating and maintaining a successful organic garden. Remembering these important tips will help you whether you’re growing flowers, herbs or organic vegetables.
About the Author
Linda Cappello, Broker, GRI, ABR
Linda A. Cappello, Owner/Broker of Cappello Realty Shoreline Properties. Cappello Realty is a full service boutique Real Estate firm that specializes in 06855 - East Norwalk, and services all of Norwalk and Fairfield County, CT. Linda has been in the Real Estate business for 20+ years, spending 18 of them as a Owner/Broker. Being a Broker adds a lot responsibility to her job. She is responsible for overseeing every transaction and agent in the office. This is a challenge that she looks forward to and takes very seriously. She is constantly taking continuing education classes and attending seminars to keep abreast of the ever changing market as well as the industry standards, rules and regulations.
She is a native to East Norwalk, and has an in-depth knowledge of the city that she loves, as well as the intricacies of the many unique neighborhoods and areas that Norwalk offers. Linda offers her clients a network of professionals ranging from Attorneys, Mortgage Brokers, Home Stagers and Home Inspectors to any and all pros that you may need for a successful transaction and for the convenience of her clients.
"My job doesn't end at the closing table. It goes far beyond that, keeping in touch and staying friends who refer their family and friends. A lot of my business is referral business which is the greatest accomplishment and honor of all. Earning my clients trust."
