As I was chatting with some friends who had just started their organic vegetable garden, they revealed that they’d received their soil test results. According to the report, the only recommendation was to apply 10-10-10 fertilizer, which they planned to buy and apply without hesitation. My reaction? A loud and disbelieving ‘You’re what?!
‘ I couldn’t believe they were considering using conventional fertilizer on their newly amended soil – it was like they were about to undo all their hard work with one bag of strong fertilizer! As the shock wore off, I realized that my friends were simply new to gardening and hadn’t yet grasped the dos and don’ts of organic gardening.
This experience got me thinking that there might be other new gardeners out there who want to grow organically but are struggling to figure out what will and won’t promote success in their gardens. That’s why I’m writing this post – to help you understand what ‘organic’ really means, and what you can do (and avoid doing) to create a thriving organic garden.
Organic Vegetable Garden Versus Conventional Garden
Organic gardening is a distinct approach that diverges significantly from conventional methods. It’s not simply a matter of substituting ‘organic’ products; true organic gardening requires an all-or-nothing commitment. The key distinction lies in the goal: conventional gardening aims to nourish plants directly, whereas organic gardening prioritizes feeding soil life. As the soil organisms thrive, they, in turn, sustain plant growth.
This seemingly counterintuitive approach yields a multitude of benefits that are not achievable when focusing solely on plant nutrition.
Benefits of Organic Gardening
Reason 1: Biological Relationships
When you nurture the soil, you’re not just feeding your plants – you’re creating a thriving ecosystem that benefits all sorts of microorganisms, from bacteria and fungi to protozoa and nematodes. These tiny life forms form mutually beneficial relationships with plants, providing them with essential nutrients and protection from pathogens, diseases, and pests. New research has revealed that these soil dwellers can even communicate with each other, warning nearby plants of impending threats.
This gives those plants a head start in boosting their defenses and preparing to repel unwanted visitors. But it’s not just the microorganisms that are important – well-fed soil also hosts communities of beneficial insects like earthworms, arthropods, and more. These critters play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter, releasing vital nutrients for the microorganisms to thrive.
And here’s the best part: these larger soil helpers also support bird populations by serving as a protein-rich food source for predatory birds. Those birds, in turn, prey on garden pests that would otherwise be munching away at your plants. It’s a win-win-win situation – when you feed your soil, you’re creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that benefits both your plants and the local wildlife.
In essence, by focusing on soil health rather than just plant health, you’re creating an entire network of beneficial relationships that make your plants less susceptible to disease, more resilient in challenging conditions, and ultimately more nutritious for you when you harvest them.
Reason 2: Environmental Benefits
When you choose organic gardening, the benefits extend far beyond your plants’ health. The environmental advantages are significant too. Conventional methods often rely on feeding plants instead of nourishing the soil. This approach can leave plants more vulnerable to pests and pathogens. As a result, they may require repeated applications of fungicides and pesticides to stay healthy.
Reason 3: Homesteader Friendly
While I appreciate the environmental benefits of organic gardening, what really keeps me committed to this approach is seeing the tangible improvements in my garden’s health and productivity over time. It takes a few years to notice the differences, but when you do, it’s incredibly rewarding.
One of the most significant advantages of organic gardening is its ability to retain water deep within the soil.
This means I need to water less frequently, which not only saves me time but also gives my garden a better chance to thrive during droughts and heavy rainfall events.
Another benefit is the reduced need for synthetic fertilizers. In the early stages of an organic garden, it’s common to rely on natural amendments like compost, worm castings, and wood ash. But as your soil becomes more vibrant and teeming with life, you’ll find that these additives become less necessary.
The quality of my organically grown produce is also significantly better than what I’ve tasted from conventionally farmed vegetables. The nutrients are more balanced, the flavors are richer, and the overall nutritional value is higher. In fact, I’ve noticed a tangible difference in my energy levels and general health since incorporating homegrown organic produce into my diet.
Not only do I harvest healthier food, but I also enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly what’s gone into growing my vegetables. No artificial pesticides or preservatives, just pure, natural goodness.
All-In Organic Gardening
While it may seem appealing to combine organic and conventional gardening practices, it’s essential to understand that this approach can have unintended consequences. In reality, you’re either fully committed to one method or the other. Some gardeners may choose to blend the two, using some organic techniques alongside conventional methods. This hybrid approach has its benefits, such as improving soil structure with compost.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that your soil won’t be as biologically active as a fully organic system. The biological life in your soil will become dormant, requiring time and effort to restore it to its optimal state. This is because conventional gardening methods can starve the soil of essential nutrients, disrupting the delicate balance of microorganisms at work.
If you do choose to switch between organic and conventional methods, be prepared for a period of adjustment to get your soil back on track. Ultimately, the key to success lies in committing to one approach and allowing it to unfold naturally.
The Do’s of Organic Gardening
If your enthusiasm has been piqued by the insights shared earlier, congratulations are in order! You’re now motivated to embark on the rewarding journey of cultivating an organic vegetable garden. To get you started, I’ll outline a comprehensive do’s and don’t guide for growing a thriving and chemical-free oasis.
Apply Compost
To establish a thriving organic garden, it’s essential to incorporate 4 inches of compost annually for the first few years to boost your soil’s organic matter content. As your soil reaches a critical mass, you can reduce the amount of compost to around 2 inches per year. One sign that your soil has reached this milestone is when you can easily dig with a shovel and the top layer feels moist even without recent rainfall.
With a critical mass of organic matter, you’ll also notice a significant reduction in pest issues and an improvement in the flavor and quality of your vegetables. Many weeds that sprout up will be edible, and the few non-edible varieties will be weak and easy to remove.
Use Organic Fertilizers
Organic fertilizers are created from natural by-products, including plant and animal matter such as feather meal, bone meal, kelp meal, soybean meal, composted animal manure, and other sustainable sources. Unlike synthetic options, these natural amendments aren’t mined from the earth and typically contain low levels of nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (N-P-K) rates, usually below 15% per pound. For instance, chicken manure has an N-P-K rating of 3-2-3.
The majority of the nutrients in organic fertilizers are released slowly over time, rather than being immediately water-soluble. This is because they focus on enriching the soil microbiome, rather than providing a quick fix for plants. As a result, the soil’s inhabitants must break them down to make the nutrients available to plants.
Additionally, when combined with compost in an organic garden, you can often get away with using significantly less fertilizer, typically 50-60% or less of what’s recommended for synthetic options. For example, the organic equivalent of a 10-10-10 fertilizer would be more like a 4-4-4. This is why you won’t find high-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizers bearing OMRI or organic certification labels at most gardening stores.
Maintain Moist Soil
In order to create an environment conducive to microbial life in your garden, maintaining optimal soil moisture levels is crucial until you’ve reached a critical mass of organic matter. Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi rely heavily on water, thriving in moist conditions and becoming dormant when dryness sets in.
As you’re working to boost microbial activity through composting and the use of organic fertilizers, it’s essential to ensure your soil retains a sponge-like consistency most of the time. If it becomes any drier than that, it’s time to give your soil a drink.
Mulch
In organic gardening, using mulch is a crucial step in preserving moisture and maintaining soil health. Instead of frequent watering, mulch helps lock in moisture, making it an essential component of any successful garden. Mulching materials like straw, chopped leaves, grass clippings, newspaper, and cardboard are all effective at protecting the soil. Not only do they retain moisture, but as they break down, they also become a natural food source for your soil’s microorganisms.
When adding mulch, it’s essential to maintain a light layer of 1-2 inches to start. If more is needed, you can always add it later. However, remember that all soil life needs oxygen too. Overloading the soil with too much mulch can be detrimental to the very organisms you’re trying to support. A delicate balance must be struck between keeping your soil moist and giving its inhabitants the breathability they require.
Manual Pest Control
While the initial instinct may be to reach for pesticides, it’s essential to consider the potential risks associated with these products. The warnings on labels should serve as a reminder to explore alternative methods, such as hand-picking pests. A simple bowl of soapy water or clean water can be an effective solution. By knocking pests into the bowl, you can kill them with soapy water or immobilize them temporarily for your chickens to consume.
However, it’s crucial to exercise caution when introducing insects to your flock. Some species secrete toxins that can harm your chickens (e. g., blister beetles), making identification essential before offering them as a snack. Additionally, some beneficial insects, such as praying mantis, assassin beetle, and lady beetle, are natural pest controllers and should be allowed to thrive. By adopting a more holistic approach to pest management, you can create a healthier and more balanced ecosystem.
Use Cover Crops
One effective way to utilize your garden when you’re not growing vegetables is by cultivating cover crops. My go-to options for cold weather include mustard and tillage radish, while buckwheat excels in warm weather conditions. For fall planting, I prefer winter wheat, rye, or crimson clover, as they allow me to over-winter the soil. To prepare these cover crops for mulching, I mow them down at ground level using a scythe or weed trimmer before they have a chance to bloom.
Then, I leave the roots to decompose naturally in the soil and use their accumulated leaf matter as a rich mulch to suppress unwanted root growth. Finally, I can incorporate compost directly on top of this mulched layer for an added boost of nutrients.
Practice Crop Rotation
While crop rotation may not be an effective method for controlling insects in a small garden, as pests can simply fly over to the new location, it does offer benefits in terms of pathogen reduction. Certain crops like tomatoes and potatoes are highly susceptible to fungal pathogens, and by rotating them every five years, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of these pathogens emerging. This approach eliminates the need for fungicides, which can disrupt the balance of your organic soil.
Crop rotation also excels at promoting soil aeration and nutrient scavenging. Different plants have unique root structures that allow them to access different nutrients in the soil. For example, tap-rooted plants like carrots and beets dig deep into the soil to bring up lower-down nutrients, while shallow-rooted plants like lettuce and spinach feed on the top few inches of soil.
By varying the types of plants you grow based on their rooting habits, your plants can access a broader range of nutrients in the same soil without depleting it. Additionally, these different root types help to aerate the soil, allowing water and air to penetrate through multiple pathways and expanding the reach of beneficial biological life forms.
The Don’ts of Organic Gardening
As you embark on the process of avoiding common pitfalls, it’s essential to be aware of the potential obstacles that can hinder your progress. With this knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to steer clear of these hazards and maintain momentum towards your goals.
Don’t Use Strong or Fast Acting
Fertilizers
When it comes to fertilizers, I’m selective about what I use. I tend to steer clear of salt-based products, such as those with ammonium in their name, as they can acidify the soil and harm beneficial microorganisms. Similarly, I avoid most products with a high water-soluble nutrient content – anything above 30-40% is too much for me.
Fertilizers with extremely high levels of water-soluble nutrients (50-70% or more) are particularly problematic, as they can leach away in the rain and runoff into areas where I don’t need them. This not only wastes valuable resources but also promotes rapid plant growth, which can lead to pest and disease issues.
If I do need a quick fix for a specific deficiency (such as phosphorous), I’ll turn to an organic liquid fertilizer applied directly to the leaves – compost teas designed to address the issue are my go-to solution.
Don’t Compost Diseased Plants
As organic gardeners, we’re familiar with the importance of creating our own compost. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution when adding plant matter to the mix. Fungal pathogens, for instance, can be notoriously persistent and easily spread through contaminated compost.
To ensure a healthy and thriving ecosystem in your garden, it’s always best to err on the side of caution: if you’re unsure about the condition of a particular plant or piece of organic matter, it’s better to leave it out of your compost pile altogether.
Don’t Apply Chemical Loaded Water
When using water from an external source in your garden, be mindful of its chemical composition. Chlorine and other additives are designed to eradicate microorganisms, which can be detrimental to the very life forms we’re trying to cultivate. Instead, consider collecting rainwater or allowing chemically treated water to sit for a few days before application. This will give any harmful substances time to dissipate, rendering them less likely to harm your garden’s ecosystem.
Don’t Apply Too Much of Anything
When it comes to organic gardening, even seemingly harmless products can have unintended consequences. Take fertilizers, for instance. While those labeled as organic are a great start, excessive usage can still harm your vegetable garden. A better approach is to apply them in smaller, more frequent doses rather than all at once. This can be achieved by spacing out applications every 4-6 weeks. For interim boosts, consider using low-dose alternatives like compost tea or worm castings.
Don’t Use Herbicides
While most gardeners may not relish the task of weeding, it’s an essential practice in maintaining an organic vegetable garden. Weeds possess an remarkable ability to thrive in less than ideal conditions, making them notoriously resilient to eradication efforts. The fact that they can withstand a broad range of assault methods means that any solution strong enough to effectively kill weeds will inevitably have a significant impact on the soil’s ecosystem.
This raises concerns about the potential harm inflicted on microorganisms, the unsung heroes working tirelessly beneath our feet. It may not be a popular sentiment, but I firmly believe there is no such thing as a weed-killing method that is truly safe for an organic garden setting. In my experience, manual weeding or employing simple yet effective methods like covering with cardboard and compost are the most reliable approaches to managing weed populations.
Don’t Use Pesticides
While acknowledging that some organic-approved pesticides might seem like a convenient solution for dealing with unwanted pests in an organic garden, I firmly believe that they shouldn’t be tolerated. In reality, there are far more effective and non-toxic ways to manage infestations, such as using your own hands to squish the offenders. All it takes is a quick dash to grab some gloves and a willingness to take matters into your own hands.
Don’t Use Fungicides
In contrast to organic orchards where fungicides may be justified, organic vegetable gardens rarely require their use. When fungal pathogens do arise in your garden, there are natural and effective alternatives to consider. For instance, biofumigant cover crops like mustard can be used to suppress fungal growth. Additionally, incorporating neem meal and cornmeal into your soil as a fertilizer can help promote a healthy balance of microorganisms.
Consistently adding compost to the soil will also aid in minimizing the presence of fungal pathogens. If necessary, you may need to take a more proactive approach by planting fungal pathogen-resistant hybrid seeds for a few years until the issue is effectively managed. In extreme cases, it may be prudent to avoid using the most severely affected areas for susceptible plants for 7-10 years.
Conclusion
While conventional gardens may have their place, an organic vegetable garden offers a unique set of benefits that make it well worth the extra effort upfront. In fact, with a little more work at the beginning, you can reap significant rewards in the long run. So, when your soil test recommends applying a 10-10-10 to your organic garden, remember that there’s often a better way – one that prioritizes natural methods and sustainable practices.
