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Starting up an organic garden does not need to be an overwhelming task - though it does seem that you will have plenty of things to sort out as you get ready! But once you've answered the questions of how much space you have, how much time you want to commit to keeping your green space and what kind of produce you hope to grow, you are well on your way. There are several benefits to keeping an organic garden. These eco-friendly green spaces can help to encourage local wildlife, improve your environment, reduce your carbon emissions and provide you with tasty, healthy, home-grown organic produce. And fortunately there is plenty of help on hand - you can even call in a professional gardener to help you get set up if you are unsure of where to start. Of course, you'll need to decide what you want to grow - you have plenty of choices, but it will largely depend on how much space you have available. If you live in an apartment or have limited ground space, you may want to start with a small garden of salad herbs, which you can easily grow in pots or window boxes. But if you have a larger space, you can be more adventurous when it comes to produce. Why not try a range of berries - strawberries and raspberries are often favourites - or grow your favourite vegetables such as peppers, green beans or potatoes? You'll have a great time experimenting and will also be able to cut down on your grocery costs and food miles - good for you and the environment! When it comes to selecting your seeds, it's essential to remember that your eco-friendly space starts from the ground up - make sure you opt for organic seeds whenever you can. To care for your green space, you may want to investigate making your own compost. In addition to being an excellent way to keep biodegradable waste out of landfills, you'll be providing essential nutrients to the soil and helping your plants grow. Garden Organic, a national charity, estimates that around half of all household waste - including your old bills and papers, raw kitchen peelings, leftover food and cardboard - could be diverted away from landfills if it is composted correctly. Furthermore, as one of the principles of organic gardening is the interdependence and inter-relations between living things, composting can help you create a healthy and productive growing environment. Caring for your soil is straightforward and needn't be expensive! You can collect rainwater to keep your plants hydrated and you'll find that the grass clippings that are left over when you mow your lawn can be a very effective fertiliser. You'll also want to consider the different animals and insects you may want to attract to your green space. One common mistake for new gardeners to make is to assume everything is a pest - but this is not the case. Planting fennel or calendula could attract predatory insects such as hoverflies, ladybirds and lacewings - creatures that may actually help to naturally keep your garden pest-free! You may also want to attract beneficial animals such as hedgehogs, frogs, toads, birds and bats by fitting your garden out with a pond. And ensuring there are plenty of nesting boxes or piles of leaves, sticks and twigs around could help to encourage animals that need space to hibernate, while long grass can provide cover for insects and other helpful creatures. If you're planning to call in the pros to get your organic garden up and running, it may also be a good opportunity for you to consider other green home improvements that could help you cut your carbon emissions - and possibly save you money in the long run. Whether you need a new A-rated condensing boiler, double glazing on your windows or an insulation top-up, calling in a local tradesperson could cut down on carbon emissions, as they will presumably have a shorter distance to travel to get to you. But no matter how you choose to adopt a greener lifestyle, you are sure to create a healthy, environmentally-friendly way of living you will enjoy for years to come.
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Gardeners, Organic garden, Green home improvements,
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