Build A Kinder Earth

Want to grow your own fruits and vegetables? Start an organic garden with me!

For the past several weeks I have been contemplating starting an organic garden. However, seeing as I spent the past months in a college dormitory, my garden just wasn’t plausible. Now that I’m home visiting my parents in San Jose, I feel that perhaps the time has come for my imaginary garden to finally become a reality.

I had a garden once when I was younger, however the concept of an organic garden is completely foreign to me. What exactly is an organic garden? Simply put, an organic garden is one in which gardeners don’t use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides on their plants. Also, an organic gardener strives to work in harmony with nature by minimizing and continually replenishing any resources the garden consumes.

Another key aspect for growing organically is to choose plants suited to the climate and other conditions so that they will be able to grow without a lot of attention. When you try to grow a plant that is not right for the climate, you will have to boost its natural defenses to keep it healthy.

Now that you have some idea of what constitutes an organic garden, you can start laying your garden’s foundation. First off, pick a location where the garden will get half a day’s worth of sunlight. Make sure there is easy access to water and that it will drain well.

Secondly, clear the area of all weeds. Till the area and rake to remove all debris. This will help you when weeding once you’ve added plants.

Thirdly, build your soil with organic matters; add compost, bone meal or rock phosphate, and greensand to supply nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Now, till in fertilizers and two kinds of organic matter. Add an inch of sharp sand if your soil is clay, then rake your soil into beds or rows. Leave your garden to adjust to its nutrients for at least a month before planting.

Then, choose an organic mulch for your garden. Pick a material like ground bark that will decompose over a season or two.

Now you can start a compost pile and recycle leaves, grass clippings, coffee grounds, eggshells and kitchen waste into excellent organic fertilizer.

Add your plants to the garden. Make sure you pick ones that are suitable for the climate and any other conditions. Look for disease resistance plants.

Now, make sure you take enough time to maintain your garden, by removing weeds and adding any needed nutrients, resources.

So, for the next couple of weeks, I’ll be detailing my experience starting up my garden as well as adding any other tips and input I come across. Happy gardening!