By Paul Guzman
So what is organic gardening? It is gardening using materials and or matter that comes from compost, manure and other living matter. It is also a way to garden without using pesticides, insecticides and other ingredients that are harmful to the earths environment. It is primarily used for health and environmental issues.
Organic gardening is an excellent way to grow your trees, shrubs, flowers, vegetables and plants. Many plants, trees, shrubs and vegetables benefit greatly with organic materials. Farmers are now turning to this type of farming due to the bad effects of poisonous insecticides and pesticides.
Organic composting comes from worms, food waste, grass clippings and old leaves. If left alone in some type of tumbler or rotating container it will eventually be consumed by bacteria. You can then use this type of "Compost" to amend your soil for your gardening needs. Humus comes from composted vegetable matter. You can make your own organic compost using a Compost Tumbler. Visit your local greenhouse or plant nursery and ask for such a product.
Mulching is another form of organic gardening. Mulch is added to the top layer of any gardening bed, tree, or plant thus keeping moisture in and suppressing weeds from growing. This helps in eliminating harmful herbicides and or insecticides into the environment. Another added benefit is that mulching will make the root system grow faster and in turn take in more natural ingredients from the earths soils.
Organic fertilizers are cottonseed meal, blood meal, Fish Emulsion, manure and sewage sludge. Many of these type of fertilizers are high or low on the three types of nutrients needed for your plants such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or potash.
Be sure to read labels before purchasing. In my opinion fish emulsion is the best and easiest to apply. You should also be aware that some organic fertilizers may burn the plants.
Manure the fresher the better over time this type of fertilizer will weaken, but do not overuse as it can burn plants. Yea I know it stinks but it works. Farmers now sell organic matter but you can also purchase organic compost at your local garden nursery. Just be sure to ask for "Organic compost" or "Organic Potting Soil".
Cottonseed oil is the safest but is normally used for acid loving plants.
Blood meal comes from cattle blood after they have been slaughtered. Be careful not to overuse blood meal as it can also burn plants. It is high in nitrogen and good for green foliage.
You can also make your own organic compost. Leaves, tree and shrub cuttings make excellent compost. You will need to purchase a compost bin or tumbler that can help speed up the process. Be sure to add a compost maker material this can also be added to the compost bin for a good organic compost soil.
If you are concerned about the environment then "Organic Gardening" is the way to go or should I say grow.
Paul Guzman is the author of this article. You can checkout his website about southwestern gardening at: Southwestern Garden Tips
Source:www.isnare.com |
