Organic gardening; you’re using raw, natural elements and paying attention to the details in order to unnaturally mimic a natural process we have messed with (unnaturally) for at least a century or two now. Plenty of people jump into organic gardening to grow their own healthy food, or just because they enjoy working outdoors. I, however, am not any of those Earth fairies-also, attention to detail actually makes me twitch worse than the spiny pig weed i fight daily now.
What Is Organic Gardening?
Organic gardening is all about growing plants in a way that works with nature, not against it. Instead of using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, the focus is on building healthy soil, encouraging biodiversity, and using natural methods to keep problems in check. If you’re wondering whether it pays off, I’ll get back to you on the realistic side. This isn’t one of those expert pages, sorry. I will, however, share my journey, include anything i find helpful along the way and drop links that can help you like…. not starve while you learn what not to do with me! It’ll be fun!
I just wanted to figure out this whole “growing roots” thing my family was always buzzing about. Since it didn’t seem appealing or relevant to me at all in the abstract sense, I decided to get literal until i could say I had put forth the effort in their best wishes.
Getting Set Up: Organic Gardening Basics
Before you get your hands dirty, a solid setup goes a long way. Here are the most important parts to think about:
- Location: I choose the spot in the yard i assumed would be left alone by the chickens. I soon found out that nothing i touch will ever be left alone by chickens. They ate most of my seeds the next day. “Whatever”. I’m not moving, especially now.
- Soil: The magic starts here. Only, I was out that day. I figure dirt+water+light=seed makes plant.
- Water: Yep. Sure did. Shower for everyone. Cats and Chickens included. That’s good for the week, right?
- Garden Tools: Hose. Hoe. I’ll keep all jokes about my neighbors to myself as best i can… moving on!
Step-by-Step: Um…. Only Because I’m Editing A Template. I Suck At Organized Life.
- Plan Your Space: Ok. I burned the trash, considered chickens and read the seed pack instructions in the dark just before guessing an inch or 3 feet or whatever.
- Prep the Soil: Dug a trench across the yard. Four times.
- Pick Out Plants or Seeds: Tacos. Spaghetti. Yeah, the veggie seeds that go with those.
- Plant at the Right Time: Midnight-ish. June-ish. Bonus for the waxing moon, YAY!???
- Mulch and Water: Mulch? Oh! Much water. Done.
Key Practice in Organic Gardening
- Natural Pest Control: Um… got it. Tree branch fence=no chickens. I’m really getting the hang of things!!
Challenges in Organic Gardening (And How to Handle Them)
Remembering to water.. Got It- “Hey Google, set an alarm for midnight every Tuesday”.
Final Tips:
As a Gypsy Soul attempting to put down roots, it’s the journey I’m chasing when it comes down to it. Not sure if I’m missing the point with this though. I think the important part is that I’ve taken a step to understand a foreign idea, committed to a direction and will see this through until whatever end it meets. Hopefully, it will have the components I seek in every adventure while keeping me tied to one piece of land without the constant urge to wander. At least for a while.
0K=√M°M*5