Many people think organic gardening is much too complicated for the regular homeowner, but in reality it is much easier to make and maintain an organic garden than any other type of garden. Yes, you may need different types of seed and plants than the ones found in local garden centers and nurseries, but the basics of building a garden are easy.
Organic Container Gardening!
Perhaps you do not have the room for a big garden in the ground. You may live in an apartment and only have a balcony. This would mean you need to grow your garden in containers. This is entirely possible and what is even better, is that you can grow an organic garden in containers. Most vegetables and flowers both do well in containers and you can keep your garden organic.
Facts on Urban Farming!
Urban farming has become very popular in the last few years. Growing food in heavily populated municipalities is becoming mainstream. Large cities often boast several urban gardens and farms and some may also have community gardens.
What differentiates an urban farm from a community garden or urban garden?
The urban farm actually sells their produce either to local restaurants or at farmer’s markets while community gardens and those in the backyard of a city lot are for consumption of the people that keep the garden maintained. Urban farms can also grow food that will be given away to a soup kitchen or at a food pantry. The food is grown and exchanged in some form of commerce to another person or entity.
Using Grow Lights to Start Seedlings!
Grow lights are an essential gardening tool when starting seeds indoors during the last part of winter and early spring. The sun’s rays are not strong enough in the Northern Hemisphere to allow seeds to germinate and grow inside.
Seeds require light to germinate and put forth stems and leaves. Properly installed and used lights enable seeds to develop into strong plants that are planted outside at the earliest time in order to capitalize on the growing season.
Rooftop Garden Basics!
Rooftop gardens are a great alternative to having a yard and garden or having a balcony filled with pots. In many cases a rooftop garden insulates the roof and helps the roof reduce storm run-off that can damage siding and gutters. Rooftops are often left bare and are a big waste of space. A green roof can be efficient and produce food for the family.
Local Laws and Permissions.
Many urban municipalities have laws or ordinances that might apply to rooftop gardens. Always check with city hall before installing a rooftop garden. Those that rent or have home owner associations should also check to make sure there are no regulations on gardening on a rooftop. Continue reading
Greenhouse for Organic Garden?
Normally, when we think of greenhouses, we think of really large gardening areas covered in glass. But did you know that you can still build a small yet convenient and working DIY greenhouse for your home organic garden?
Knowing the Cost.
Depending on your land area size and choice of materials, you can easily build an economical greenhouse for your organic garden. However, of course, you need to have an initial investment for building, which includes the materials needed to construct it. Continue reading
Square Foot Gardening
This method is very good for those that can’t bend down to the ground any more as it is in a raised bed and just big enough to be able to reach across. Not too many weeds grow in the garden because you are using a soil mix of your own. It is a form of organic gardening because you do not have to use chemicals or pesticides and you make your own soil mix. Continue reading
Seed Starting Tips
Not everyone is knowledgeable when it comes to starting their home garden, but the most important thing you have to consider is starting the seeds for transplant onto your yard or garden. Here are some tips for better seed starting.
Hydroponic Vegetable Gardening Basics!
A hydroponic vegetable garden means it is grown from a water-based solution instead of soil. One of the reasons why most people choose to invest in hydroponic gardening is that in liquid, nutrients are easier to be absorbed by the plant roots compared to regular soil. Hydroponics is quite difficult to setup but because of its many advantages, it is becoming a bit popular among gardeners.
Organic Pest Control
When considering pest control on the garden, some people immediately run to the garden center and pick up chemicals to get rid of them. Not so in organic gardening. There are other ways of containing, maintaining and preventing pests that do not involve unwanted chemicals and you can do it right in your own yard.
Organic is all about creating an ecosystem and insects are a part of that ecosystem. The garden needs bees and even some harmful insects to stay healthy. These insects feed the birds that control insect overpopulation. Nature is a delicate cycle and if you break that cycle, your garden might not grow well. Continue reading