Organic Garden

For years, whenever I heard the phrase "organic garden" I typically imagined some refugee from the 1970s toiling away at a weedy little patch of dirt that could only be loosely called a garden. However, when I actually began doing more research on the matter, and seeing how an organic garden is supposed to look, I found myself coming to the realization that I couldn't have been more wrong. What I found was that an organic garden, when done properly, provides truly amazing results. Here are a few things you should consider about an organic garden the next time you sit down to design your garden.

• What. One of the most common misconceptions about an organic garden is what makes an organic garden different from other kinds. Simply put, an organic garden simply means that you don't use synthetic fertilizers, insecticides, and pesticides. Instead you use natural (or "organic") alternatives. Another telling feature lies in the fact that the successful organic gardener looks at each individual plant as part of the larger whole. Each plant or flower is usually chosen to complement and help other plants grow better.
• Where. Where you are when you start your organic garden plays a huge role in your success. Make sure you choose the plants most suited for the area in which you live. For example, if you live in Florida you don't want to choose a plant that is supposed to grow in the deserts of Western America. Simply put, make sure that you know the proper conditions and climate for your area and that you choose plants accordingly.
• When. Ideally, the best time to begin organic gardening is in the middle of summer or early fall. This gives you enough time to start a compost bin for your garden. Properly allowing your compost to age prior to use in the early spring will go a long way to making a successful organic garden. Simply build your compost bin near the site of your future (or existing) garden and every time that you mow the yard or have any left over vegetables from dinner, place those into the bin. Properly maintain your compost bin, and come next spring you will be ready to go.