We’ve all heard about the advantages of eating organic fruits and vegetables but those produce items that have been grown organically almost always have a higher price tag and these days, everyone is saving every penny they can. But, what if you could eat organically and save money at the same time? Autumn Hill Nursery in Canton, GA and Woodstock, GA wants to help you get your organic vegetable garden growing so you can have fresh – healthy – veggies all summer long!
Garden Location
Plant your vegetable garden in an area that gets at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight a day and has good drainage, even after a heavy rain. Make sure that your garden has a nearby water source and has a southern exposure.
Garden Planning
When planning your garden the most important thing to consider is size. From there you need to think about the types of vegetables you intend to plant – the mature size, nutritional and watering needs, and growing seasons.
Irrigation
The easiest way to encourage your organic vegetable garden to produce is to use irrigation, though hand watering with a hose or watering can would work as well. Trickle irrigation is the most water efficient method but overhead sprinkler systems are an option as well.
Soil Preparation
When you are gardening organically, you must take a long term approach to the preparation of your soil. The only fertilizers that you may use should be organic such as seasoned manure or compost. The first year of your organic vegetable garden may not produce as well as you would like, but as the seasons continue and you continue to feed your soil with organic matter, your crops will increase their production.
Composting
Your compost bin is an excellent source of organic matter to feed and fertilize your organic garden. Composting to many may seem difficult, but it is an easy process and requires very little work. You can start your compost bin with just scraps from your table!
Fertilization
You need to know exactly what your soil needs to provide the optimal nutrients to your plants. The easiest way to do this is to call your local extension office and they will do a soil test that will tell you which nutrients your soil is lacking and how you can create optimal soil for vegetable gardening.
Insect and Disease Control
When you are growing an organic garden, you should not use typical weed, insect, or disease control because they are full of bad chemicals that you do not want in your food. Instead, plant disease resistant vegetable varieties. Planting early will also help avoid issues as the insect population increases as the season goes on.
Autumn Hill Nursery wishes you the best of luck with your organic vegetable garden! For a great selection of vegetables to help get you started, come see us at either of our locations. We can help you get all of the tools you need to get growing right away!
