| Organic Soil Gardening How To Guide: | | | | tends to be very healthy, there can be patches of |
| Those new to organic gardening sometimes think that | | | | clay, sandy or other soil. |
| growing one's own vegetables is all that is needed to | | | | - The nutrient content of the soil can also vary widely, |
| be an organic gardener. But unless those vegetables | | | | with some areas of the same yard having rich, |
| are grown in healthy soil, the results may be less than | | | | woodland soil while other areas have very little soil and |
| ideal. Not only that, but some soil may contain | | | | many rocks (difficult to plow). There are testing kits to |
| unhealthy levels of lead or be on property which had | | | | determine soil content, either done professionally or |
| contaminants. So it is important to be sure to start with | | | | with home testing. Of course, you can "test" an area |
| good to excellent soil. | | | | by seeing which plants do well but it is better to start |
| It is really not hard to make sure that soil meets the | | | | with some knowledge of the soil itself. |
| requirements. | | | | Start with a visual test. |
| - First, consider the land. If it is in your backyard, think | | | | Also, don't be afraid to start feeling the soil. |
| about the history of your home and land. Did you buy | | | | - As odd as this may seem, good soil will have a |
| an older home which may have contained lead? Was | | | | certain feel. If there are plenty of earthworms, that is |
| reconstruction or remodeling done after purchase? If | | | | an excellent sign. Dark, loose soil and plenty of |
| so, consider having your soil tested. This can be done | | | | earthworms can be a sign of healthy, organic soil |
| professionally or with the help of home soil tests. Of | | | | (assuming you've already tested for harmful |
| course, you'll want to take steps to remove lead from | | | | substances). Adding compost to your soil will help add |
| soil. | | | | the nutrition. Of course, you'll want to avoid pesticides |
| If lead exists in the soil, you may need to grow herbs | | | | and substances that are high in dangerous chemicals. |
| and vegetables in containers located in an area of the | | | | You are aiming for soil that is very loose and porous. |
| yard that doesn't have high lead levels. | | | | Next, make sure you know the PH level in your soil. |
| Another option? | | | | Depending on test results, you'll want to make sure |
| - A community garden. These allow gardeners to | | | | your soil is neither too acid or alkaline. |
| have individual plots or take home a portion of all | | | | - With luck, the PH will be ideal. Now it is time to move |
| vegetables grown, depending on the policies. They also | | | | on to digging through the dirt. Is the soil compacted, |
| help gardeners to network with others, make friends | | | | with little space for plants to get air and water. If so, |
| and have fun while participating in growing organic | | | | you may need to use a tiller or other equipment to |
| vegetables in the community. | | | | break up the soil. The final step is to consider adding |
| How do you make sure your soil is rich in nutrients and | | | | amendments, or extra fertilizers or nutrients to the soil. |
| likely to promote healthy vegetables? | | | | Garden centers often carry the specific types needed |
| First, consider the types of herbs and vegetables you | | | | for certain areas but be sure to use organically friendly |
| want to grow. | | | | products. |
| Some are very heavy feeders while others are not. | | | | These beginning steps will help to build organic soil. |
| Make sure you know not only your growing zone but | | | | Using rain barrels to collect water for the garden can |
| what type of soil exists where you want to put your | | | | also help to keep chemicals from the soil (depending |
| plants. Even in areas of the country where the soil | | | | on the chemical levels in drinking water). |