Enjoy Your Own Organic Produce With These Tips

One of the benefits (if you can call it that) of chemically-enhanced produce is that it grows bigger, faster and cheaper than organic produce. But the risk factor involved is just too much for some people to live with, and thus they attempt to grow their own produce organically. If you fit this bill, check out these gardening tips.

The best time to water your organic garden is early in the morning. By watering at the start of the day, you are allowing any moisture that accumulates on the leaves to dissipate. This helps to discourage the growth of any mildew or fungus on the leaves that cold air and water would combine to create.

<DIV style='float: left; width: 150px; padding: 5px 5px 5px 5px;'><DIV style='background-color: #FFFFCC; color: #000000;'><small><font color='#FF0000'><b>TIP!</b></font> When planting a new tree, never cramp roots into a small hole and always spread out the roots of bare-root stock instead of wrapping them around the stem. Make sure you cut away the plastic, twine, or cable wrapped around balled and burlapped trees before planting.</small></DIV></DIV>

Use organic material to mulch your trees and flower beds. When using an organic material it will help to conserve the water, and adds nutrients and humus to your plants. Using three inches of organic material will also help discourage weeds, and adds a nice finished appearance to all your plants.

Discourage rabbits from using your garden as a snack bar. Rabbits will take advantage of your organic garden if you give them the chance. They don't tend to discriminate between certain foods, eating anything that they encounter. Blood meal, wood ashes, hot pepper flakes, chili powder or garlic powder sprinkled around your plants will deter them. You can also sprinkle black pepper directly on a plant, which will give the rabbit a sneezing fit.

Try using organic matter for your organic garden. The best organic matter that you can use for your garden's bed preparation is a type of compost that is made from anything that used to be alive. Examples of this would be compost comprised of dead leaves, any kind of kitchen waste, or even grass clippings.

<DIV style='float: right; width: 150px; padding: 5px 5px 5px 5px;'><DIV style='background-color: #FFFFCC; color: #000000;'><small><font color='#FF0000'><b>TIP!</b></font> Organic gardening does not have to involve very hard work or deep digging in the dirt. If you use things like compost or soil amendments, then you don't have to work the soil so deeply.</small></DIV></DIV>

Keep your surrounding water clean. Everything that you put into your garden, whether it's pesticides or commercial fertilizer, always makes its way into the water system by leaching through the ground. By only using plain water and natural fertilizers you will ensure that your gardening is organic and environmentally friendly.

To help spread mulch easily, you can use a flat-head rake or a bow. If you are using a rake, you should use the rakes tined edge to pull and spread your mulch. Use the flat side of the rake to even your mulch on the bed. You will want to use a light push then pull action.

Try to think of your organic environment in terms of an ecosystem. More specifically, try thinking of it in terms of "biodiversity". If you use many different types of plants, you will help encourage many different types of insects to live in your garden. Many of these insects can be beneficial to your garden.

Mass-produced food will always have its own advantages, but it may not be worth it to you or your family to risk your health for a few extra dollars in savings. If you decide to grow organically, however, you can save hundreds while ensuring that everything you eat is fresh and healthy. Just use these tips to help you grow.