We’ve all heard the term organic gardening, it sounds catchy and has an eco-friendly ring to it. But not even some experienced gardeners really understand what this entails. It is commonly thought that a garden can be called organic if no toxic chemicals are involved. Although this is true, it is only one of many aspects of organic gardening that we have yet to cover.
Every garden starts with soil – the richer in nutrients, the better. If your garden is full of fertile black soil, you already have a great head start! But you must keep in mind that soil is something that needs to be sustained. Many things can ruin or contaminate soil for years to come, one of them being the plants themselves. Some crops may lead to land depletion or loss of fertility.
Say No To Toxins
The main cause of soil contamination is, of course, all the pesticides that are being used to get rid of unwanted pests in the garden. While pesticides and insecticides protect the plants, most of the time store-bought ones cause more harm than good. All pesticides contain harmful chemicals not only to humans but to the ecosystem as a whole. They leak into the soil, cling onto fruits and vegetables that will later be consumed, and they can even be dangerous to wildlife or pets. Instead of risking contamination, why not go for a truly eco-friendly option and make your own pesticide out of plants or household items. By following a step-by-step tutorial, you can not only save your plants but a lot of money, too. Natural sprays do the job just as well as store-bought, but without any negative impact on the soil.
Don’t Let Your Waste Go To Waste!
Natural fertilizers like manure or eggshells are also a great way to go. Instead of throwing out organic waste like coffee grounds or vegetable peels, try putting them in the soil and see how beneficial this can be for the garden. Sustainability should always be a priority and this way you can kill two birds with one stone by also lowering the amount of waste that you produce.
Biodiversity Is In
When we think of the perfect yard, most people imagine freshly mowed and perfectly cut grass behind a white picket fence, where every single blade of grass is no different from the other. To some, this may seem ideal, but it's frankly speaking, boring and kills off any chance of biodiversity. What is biodiversity, and why is it so important to have in our yards and gardens? It refers to all varieties of life and can encompass whole ecosystems. In other words, this term includes both flora and fauna: the trees and bushes, flowers and plants that are either planted or grow by themselves, the bees that pollinate flowers, and even the tiniest of bugs that also contribute to the environment they live in. All of these life forms naturally coexist and even create symbioses.
Biodiversity has great potential and is slowly becoming a new trend. Perhaps, in 10-20 years, it will become a widespread standard that will let nature take control and manifest in all its glory. This is not only beneficial for the ecology but also much easier to maintain. It saves lots of time and effort, so you have more time enjoying nature instead of trying to “fix” it.
Reap What You Sow
Even if you are an experienced gardener with a green thumb, some plants can really be “out of place”. Think about what kinds of plants will adapt and thrive in the particular soil and climate conditions when growing from seeds or replanting. The main factors include moisture, amount of sunlight, and changes in temperature year-round. If you live in an area where droughts often occur, consider plants like lavender, Verbascum, and thyme. If your area is high in moisture and has wet, soggy soil, canna, and Siberian irises are a good choice. Some plants need more care than others, so if you aren’t ready to make a commitment – don’t worry! You have plenty of options to choose from. Even air plants that thrive without water or soil can become a wonderful bonus to your garden.
Our ancestors knew quite a lot about agriculture, and some of these methods are used until now. Native Americans came up with a very effective technique to grow different cultures together in a way that they can benefit each other. It is known as the Sister Method, where corn, beans, and squash are planted in one bed. The corn acts as a pole for the beans to “climb on” and support them as they grow, and the squash lies closer to the ground, protecting the beans and corn from pests with its prickly leaves and keeping the soil damp and shady. Another ancient technique known as the Three Field method can be very useful when dealing with larger fields of crops. One field was sowed with seeds, the second had fully grown crops that were ready to harvest, and the third field was “resting” after the harvest, which prevented exploitation of the soil.
Accessorize Your Garden
Make your garden even closer to nature by adding some small details like bird feeders, birdbath fountains, or even a pond. It will liven up the area and attract all sorts of wildlife like squirrels, birds, and frogs and make them feel welcome in your garden. This is great if you enjoy birdwatching or if you like animals in general. Having a pond full of fish and beautiful water lilies in your garden can be quite calming.
Final Thoughts
Knowing all the above-mentioned facts and tips, you can start contributing to the environment. To live in harmony, we must give as much as we take, and truly understand the importance of every single form of life. We are all part of biodiversity, and we, as humans, should make the conscious choice of preserving the resources that we have. Even something as small as a garden can already have a great impact.
Michael Brauer is a blog author at Summerhouse24.co.uk. He deals with the topics of house building and gardening and writes his articles about them in an accessible form for a wide audience.
