Guest Post Author Bio: This post was written by Bailey Harris. Bailey writes for www.insurancequotes.org
If you’ve ever purchased organic vegetables from your local grocery store, you know it can be quite expensive. Yet, you pay the prices because you want to provide chemical-free vegetables for you and your family. Luckily, organic vegetables can be grown in the comfort of your own backyard. It requires time and patience, but will be well worth it. You will have peace of mind knowing that your tasty vegetables are chemical-free, and the money you save will be an added bonus.
Compost
First, you will want to create a compost pile that will produce organic fertilizer for your soil. You do not need a very large area to do this. There are also compost bins that you can purchase from home and garden stores that will hold your compost. You can add yard clippings, produce scraps, coffee grounds and coffee filters, and many other types of kitchen waste. These things, when broken down, provide excellent nutrients to the soil of an organic garden. Nutrient-rich soil will help to grow healthy, strong vegetables. You should moisten and stir your compost often. That will ensure it is breaking down and being mixed thoroughly.
Location
Next, you will need to determine where you want your organic garden. You will want a spot that is in full sun for most of the day. Try to keep your garden away from your home and other structures, as contaminants from paints and metals can enter the soil quite easily. You do not need a very large area. For beginners, a 10-foot square garden will provide adequate room for a variety of vegetable plants. If you plan on having a wide variety of plants, just make your plot larger.
Preparation
To prepare your garden, you will want to remove the top layer of sod from your proposed plot. You should remove all grass, weeds, stones, and other debris. You should then remove the top couple inches of soil from your garden. You can place it in a wheelbarrow, and dump it elsewhere later. If your compost is ready to use, you should then place a fairly thick layer of it on top of the soil. Afterwards, water your garden and rake the layer of compost into the soil. You are now ready to plant your seeds.
Planting
Select a few types of seeds that are likely to grow well in your area. You can purchase organic seeds from some garden stores. Then plant your seeds according to the instructions on the package, keeping your rows as close together as possible. Mark your rows with wooden stakes so you remember what is growing where. Water your garden well when you are finished planting.
Mulching
When your seeds begin to grow, you can place a layer of organic mulch around your plants. You will want the mulch near, but not touching, the base of the plants. Mulch can be made from many items, including leaves, grass clippings, tree bark, and straw. Mulch will keep moisture in the soil and keep weeds from popping up in your garden. Keep your plants watered well and do so at their bases.
Pest Control
If insects or pests become a problem in your garden, there are a number of organic, chemical-free ways to control them. You can easily make a spray out of vegetable oil and cayenne pepper, which will deter insects and pests from entering your garden. Just spray it sparingly on the leaves and near the base of any plants that need protection. Remember to reapply the spray after watering and rainfall.
You can also create a pest-repelling spray out of 3 drops sage essential oil, 3 drops thyme essential oil, 3 drops lavender essential oil, 1 teaspoon rubbing alcohol, and 4 pints of water. Just mix all the ingredients and spray on the leaves of your plants. Reapply after watering or rainfall as well.
If you follow these basic instructions, you should have an abundance of organic, delicious vegetables in no time. You will be amazed at how easy it really is to have your own organic, chemical-free vegetable garden. It will save you from paying for over-priced organics at the grocery store, which should make you very happy. Plus, the yummy flavor of home-grown vegetables cannot be beat.
So, will you grow your own organic vegetables this summer?
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