6 Easy Tips To Grow Your Own Organic Fruits And Vegetables

Organic gardening for your own organic fruits and vegetables in a kitchen garden can be very easy yet very satisfying. Here’s how to do it.

“Have fruit and vegetables. They are nutritious and very good for health,” is what we hear these days. But have we ever wondered whether we are getting the required amount of nutrition or not? Definitely, the answer has to be found out.

In this era of fast food and junk food and the usage of fertilizers and pesticides, nutrition is one thing that’s definitely losing out space somewhere in the middle.

In this article of mine, I suggest an alternative method to overcome the problem. Organic gardening, or in simple terms, growing vegetables at home without the use of pesticides and fertilizers.

‘Organic gardening’ may sound complicated but, it’s relatively easy with a few simple steps to follow and one can grow veggies at home.

Organic gardening is becoming popular these days owing to its simple procedure with no extra cost and fruitful results. Also, a garden at home enables us to eat fresh fruits and vegetables without any cost as any organic produce could be costly in the market.

In addition to avoiding pesticides and fertilizers, organic gardening can also be an enriching experience as one gets a chance to closely work with nature and observe it.

Here are the simple steps for starting and maintaining an organic garden at home to obtain high yields:

#1: Set the things right

Select an open area in your garden which receives 6 to 7 hours of sunlight every day. Also, make sure that soil is in good condition for obtaining higher yields. If soil is poor, use compost.

For obtaining maximum benefits, plant in natural ground. If you have little or no space, you may go for container gardening or use pots.

#2: Start small

Decide on which plants to grow and do not invest too much on the tools. Initially, it is advisable to begin with 3 to 4 plants. Choose the plant type according to the conditions of the soil, climate and the amount of water required. Also, remember that the plants should be productive, requiring less labour and should not cost you more for maintenance.

Tomatoes, mint, fenugreek (Methi), Pumpkin, Coriander can be a good option for beginners.

#3: Feed well

Water the plants wisely such that the water goes to the roots directly but be careful not to immerse the plant completely with water.  During summers, it is advisable to water the plants twice a day (morning and evening).

Do not use any fertilizers. Instead, go for the compost if necessary.

#5: Say NO to weeds

It is mandatory to prevent the growth of weeds because they compete with the plant for nutrients and water. In this process, it hampers the growth of the plants.

Here are a few tips for preventing the growth of weeds.

• Chop: Chop the unnecessary weeds using a sharp knife/ blade to avoid its regrowth.
• Pull: Pull the weeds so that it comes out along with its roots. This avoids further growth.
• Mulch: Mulch is any covering that blocks sunlight, thereby inhibiting growth under it. Materials like wheat straw, leaves or any organic material can be layered on the ground (about 2 inches thick) in between plants. This could be an effective solution for preventing weeds.

#6: Clean green

Always ensure to keep your garden clean by picking up fallen, dry leaves and throw them away. When you plan your garden, make sure that there is enough air flow between the plants. This helps in preventing plant diseases.

Hey! Beginners, here are some veggies that can be grown easily.

• Tomatoes: Choose an area in the garden where there is direct sunlight. The plant needs a minimum of 12 hours of sunlight. Scrape out seeds from tomato. Put them in the soil. Water the plant regularly. It may take a little longer to harvest. They could be grown in containers also.
• Methi: Take some methi seeds, sow them scattered in the soil.

Just sprinkle water to keep the soil moist. The seeds start germinating in 2 to 3 days. Moderate sunlight is sufficient for growth. Methi can be harvested in 2-3 weeks.

• Brinjal: Eggplants, as they are called, can be suitable candidates for container gardening also. The plants need moist and rich soil. They grow best during summers. They can be harvested in 3 months.
• Pumpkin: it grows best when planted in ground. It needs a higher temperature for its growth as well as a lot of water. It takes 3 to 4 months to mature.

Happy Gardening!

Post images credit: Manasa Bramhanya

Image source: organic gardening by Shutterstock.

Manasa Bramhanya

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