First Steps

While we haven't tilled the ground, or decided what we want to grow, or even where we want to grow it, Jason and I have decided that we want to grow ORGANIC!



Jason and I as a married couple have only had one growing season under our belt, we planted yellow squash and eggplant.  Needless to say we ate a lot of yellow squash, and not much eggplant.  We were renting at the time and didn't want to commit to destroying the landlords lawn.


Now we are new home owners and (also recent vegetarians) and really excited to have a garden, ORGANIC garden. 


Except where to start?



Jason went to the library and brought home a plethora (really more than necessary) books on organic gardening and energy efficiency.  I started by picking one, and taking notes!

This is the title I've started with.  Doug and Jessica are very helpful!  I haven't gotten so far yet but hopefully I will finish it soon.  Here is what I've learned so far:

• The soil is where it's at.  Literally, think of taking care of your plants by taking care of your soil instead!
• pH should be at the golden number of 6.5, that number is magic.  Soil needs to be tested and treated accordingly.
• <6.5 is too acidic, add limestone (doug and jessica suggest dolomitic limestone)
• >6.5 is too alkaline, add sulfur.
• Once soil is treated test again in a few months

• Then there is the COMPOST.  This is also a really big deal.Good soil needs organic matter additives in order to have nutrients for your plants to be strong and fruitful. 
• To be sure what you are putting in your garden it is best to make your own compost.  Commercial  composts can have bio-solids (sewage) and fillers like bark chippings.  You want to feed your garden good things- not junk!
• IF you purchase your compost be sure to smell it (any reputable seller will let you) if it smells earthy it is good, if it smells like urine or overall gross DO NOT BUY!!
• Making your own compost
• 3:1 Ratio of Brown:Green Materials
• Green Materials include but are not limited to:
• Grass clippings
• Kitchen Scraps
• Weeds/Fresh trimmings
• Manure
• Over-ripe Veggies
• Brown Materials include but are not limited to:
• Hay
• Straw
• Shredded Newspaper
• Autumn Leaves
• Unbleached napkins/paper towels
• 2 Additional ingredients are needed
• Oxygen- be sure to stir or mix frequently
• Water- Maintain the moisture needed for decomposition
• Then there are Soil Amendments
• These are meant to add organic material to the soil, be sure to vary products to get a variety of nutrients!
• Examples Are:
• Compost
• Mushroom Soil/Compost
• Sphagnum Peat Moss
• Leaf Mold/Humus
• Manures
• Be sure to check pH and nutrient levels for best product for your garden!
• It seems as though Compost and Leaf Mold/Humus are the best for their nutrients and levels of pH

 More planning and prep to come!  I know there are few readers for this blog yet, but are there any suggestions for starting your first 'real' garden??