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One of the most important aspects of an organic garden is the soil. The soil is a storehouse of living organisms, which must be fed and cared for like other organisms. A successful soil contains large amounts of organic matter, this applies to all plant and animal matter, alive or dead. Organic matter represents material that has been living in tissue or come from it (McGrath 43). Typical examples of organic matter include leaves, grass clippings, manure, or weeds. Organic matter can be separated into three main components, green matter which only includes plant materials, leaf mold which is decaying remains of leaves which have fallen to the ground, and organic residues which include a vast array of decomposable materials like garbage, waste, or even spoiled milk McGrath 46). Compost is the key to a nutrient rich soil; composting refers to the combination of organic materials that are under controlled conditions to transform the raw ingredients into a nutrient rich fertilizer (Cox 42). Any organic matter can be used in a compost pile, but must be chosen with care. Compost piles require warm temperatures to allow the matter to compost, moist conditions, bacteria, and nitrogen (McGrath 79). While larger piles tend to heat up quicker, air holes are needed to allow the warmth to spread. Manure is also needed and should typically compromise about a quarter to a fifth of the pile since it is rich in nitrogen (Cox 45). Once a working soil has been produced plants should be chosen according to the acidity and alkalinity of the soil. Most soils that are composed of manure and organic matter are neutral, however some can still be slightly acid or alkaline (McGrath 85). As with any garden, pests are normally a problem but have many natural remedies. The most common pest is the aphid, a tiny insect that attacks most edible plants (Cox 150). A simple blend of soap and water can be sprayed directly onto the plant and surrounding soil. Insects such a lacewings, spiders, and ladybugs are all helpful insects that feed on the pests. The capture and release method can be used to bring helpful insects into a garden. Slugs are another common pest and can also be avoided. Slugs are not able to cross over sand; simply placing sand around the perimeter of the plants keeps unwanted slugs off the plants. Companion planting, combining two plants for a particular purpose like pest control, is yet another useful technique (McClure 14). Companion crops hide the desired crops and attract the pest. Garlic is a typical companion plant because it masks the desired crop’s scent with the powerful garlic odor. Monocultures, large groups of similar plants, are common targets for pests; creating a diverse and contrasting garden aids in fewer plant attacks (McClure 21). Sources: Cox, Jeff. Your Organic Garden. Rodale Press: Pennsylvania, 1994. McClure, Susan. The Successful Organic Gardening Companion Planting. Rodale Press: Pennsylvania, 1994. McGrath, Mike. The Best of Organic Gardening. Rodale Press: Pennsylvania, 1996. |
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