Organic vegetables are healthier, tastier and better for the environment but are typically expensive, much more so than non-organic. Choosing organic is a no-brainer, if you can afford it, for your own health and also that of wildlife and the planet.
So, if you want to feed your family the best, pesticide-free vegetables without denting your monthly budget, starting an organic vegetable garden is 100% the way forward. The best part is, turning your garden into a healthy and sustainable food source is easier than you may think.
Even if you do have a lot of land to spare, you can also quickly start growing organic vegetables in just a few feet of land by following these five basic organic gardening tips:
1. Beginner Soil Tips for Growing Organic Vegetables
The basics of healthy soil for growing organic vegetables include adding a few inches of good-quality compost to the top inches of soil.
You can create your own compost from your food scraps and it’s easy to do. I’ll drop a video from Spicy Moustache below who shares how to create an affordable DIY compost bin to get started.
Add around two inches of leaf mulch (not bark) and provide ample water. It can take a long time to build up terrific soil, so you can also choose to start your garden with liquid fertilisers – they are exceptionally beneficial to supplement old nutrient-depleted soils. Just choose an organic version to keep your garden organic. Seaweed fertiliser is particularly good for growing vegetables.
Microbial inoculants, like compost tea, can be a helpful addition to your soil as they introduce beneficial microbes. These microbes can aid in nutrient breakdown and plant growth. However, it’s important to note that their effectiveness depends on various factors like existing soil conditions and the type of inoculant used. They aren’t a guaranteed solution but can be a valuable tool in your organic gardening toolbox.
2. Choosing the Right Location
Most vegetable varieties prefer to be planted in a sunny spot.
Look for a location that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of full sun a day and is protected from wind. The best location for your vegetables will depend on what you want to grow. Start your garden off small and add to it as time goes on.
Many beginners start too big and end up overwhelmed by gardening chores and weeds. Start small and things will be easier for you.
There are some vegetables that are OK to grow in shade, they might just grow a little slower. Such vegetables include:
- Chard
- Lettuce
- Salad leaves
- Beetroot
- Baby carrots
- Courgettes
3. Seeding Tips
While it is not rocket science to grow plants from their seeds, there is still some science involved.
A simple tip is to read and follow the planting guidelines for your specific seeding starter kits. Different seeds have different rules such as spacing requirements, where is best to plant them in the garden, and the best months to plant outdoors.
When searching for the perfect seeds to plant, be sure to look for flower seeds as well. Flowers attract helpful insects to your garden to pollinate plants and help keep harmful insects under control. Some of the best flowers to plant around an organic vegetable garden include daisies, sunflowers, and cosmos.
It’s also a good idea to plant bait flowers and plants to attract slugs and snails to a different part of your garden, instead of to your precious vegetables! Here are some effective options:
- Nasturtiums: These vibrant flowering plants are a favourite snail and slug snack.
- Hostas: While not ideal for all gardens due to their shade preference, hostas are a tasty (for snails and slugs) addition.
- Lettuces: Sacrifice a small patch of lettuce to divert these slimy pests.
- Daylilies: The vibrant blooms may not be the target, but the foliage attracts snails and slugs.
Plant these decoy options strategically around the perimeter of your vegetable garden. Regularly check and remove the attracted snails and slugs to keep them from munching on your vegetables.
4. Don’t Forget About TLC
Plant diseases and weeds can spread rapidly in dead foliage.
Once or twice a week, walk through your organic vegetable garden and pick up garden debris. Look for signs of diseased plants by inspecting their leaves, flowers, or stems. Pick off any infected leaves and throw them away.
Never add diseased leaves to your compost pile – they will just wreak havoc on the rest of your garden. Rust and leaf spot spreads rapidly in fallen foliage, so be vigilant with your garden and plants. However, some hot compost bins are suitable for diseased plants and leaves, only if they reach a certain temperature that kills the disease, so do your research or throw them away if you are unsure. You wouldn’t want to spoil your future produce!
5. Timing
Timing is everything when it comes to growing the perfect organic vegetables at home.
You must research the best time of year to plant vegetables to avoid wastage and unnecessary costs. There are countless resources online to help you with this but remember to set your climate zone to give you the exact times for your part of the world.
Final Thoughts
Watching tiny seeds grow into an abundant garden of delicious and nutritious vegetables is wonderfully rewarding. Organic vegetable gardening for beginners is easier than you realise and worth the effort.