SPECIAL HOME & GARDEN
Organic Gardening in 3 Easy Steps BY MARK HAGEN
Photo by Tatomm/Getty Images.
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n a (biodegradable, all-natural) nutshell, organic gardening relies on tools and techniques that do not involve synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Instead, organic gardeners turn to natural and plant-derived options to improve the quality of the planting soil, fight insects and disease, and strengthen the quality of the plant. An organic garden is a tiny part of nature’s overall system. And today’s gardeners are flocking to the concept. Because they lack the use of pesticides and synthetic additives, organic gardens
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are kind to the water table and the planet overall. In many cases foods grown organically taste better, and while some scientists disagree, there is mounting evidence that organically grown foods are more nutritious. Regardless of personal taste or scientific fact, many people simply feel better about consuming produce from organic gardens. Interested in giving organic gardening a shot? You’d be surprised how easy it is, and it all starts with getting your hands dirty.
PREPARE THE SOIL Because you won’t be gardening with synthetic fertilizers, you’ll want to give your veggies a great start, and that begins with the soil. Work plenty of compost into the soil to add nutrients and keep it moist. In general, treat the soil well, and it will reward you all season long. Some choose to avoid planting in the ground altogether, using raised beds instead. Not only do these beds allow you to best control the nutrients in the soil, but the soil warms up faster in spring, extends the growing season, and it saves some
