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How to Grow Organic Veggie Patch

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Are you interested in growing an organic vegetable patch? As more Australians are becoming interested in sustainability and organic gardening, it’s not surprising that this interest extends to the veggie patch. Creating a vegetable patch is easy and ensuring it’s organic is achievable – even for a beginner gardener! You can grow an organic garden by following our tips below. 

What is organic gardening?

Before you commit to the idea of organic gardening, first you need to understand what it is. Organic gardening refers to the act of gardening without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilisers. Growing organic vegetables in your garden can be a rewarding (and tasty) experience, and there’s data showing that a large percentage of the Australian population are interested in the idea.

In a recent survey, 42% of participants said they would spend money to set up an organic vegetable patch. However, the amount people were willing to spend differed, with the majority of those who said they would only be willing to spend up to $100 (24%). This number was followed by 10% saying they would spend between $101 and $500, and finally 8% saying they would spend upwards of $500.

Tips for growing organic veggie patch

An organic garden can be started for relatively little money, with minimal space and can provide a positive, fruitful (excuse the pun) hobby for those interested in making a start with gardening. Here are our tips for growing an organic garden. 

Choose your plants

To start growing your organic veggie patch, you first need to choose your plants. Depending on what time of year it is when you are planting, you’ll need to find plants that are in season. Otherwise, you may plant a range of spring vegetables and herbs which won’t survive the colder weather as they are not autumn plants. We recommend starting with a selection of easy to grow plants such as leafy greens (lettuce, kale and spinach), broccoli, and strawberries

Another example of a good beginner plant is the humble tomato. Notoriously simple to grow and keep alive, tomato plants are low-maintenance, hardy, and bear fruit relatively quickly after planting, making them a great first plant for beginner gardeners. All you will need to get started is a pot, some organic soil, a packet of tomato seeds (or saplings if you wish to make the process even simpler), and a stick or lattice for the plant to grow up. Due to their tendency to grow long and tall, it’s best to stick something straight in the pot and secure the plant to it with gardening ties or a strip of soft cloth. Water regularly, and within about a month and a half you should be able to enjoy fresh, organic tomatoes!

Some other plants that are easy to grow include herbs such as parsley and basil, different varieties of lettuce, radishes, and chives.

Enhance your soil 

Having healthy, fertile soil is one of the most important steps in creating a thriving veggie patch. To have the best soil for your vegetable patch, you need to ensure it is healthy and has the right mix of nutrients. To begin, you can pick up organic potting mix from your local nursery. You can also combine other elements to the soil such as compost and mulch to make it richer. We highly recommend adding compost to your soil as it will provide much needed nutrients to help your plants thrive without the need of adding inorganic fertilisers.

Naturally deter pests 

Homegrown veggies are delicious, but sadly we’re not the only ones who think so. If you’re not careful, pests may end up reaping the rewards of your hard work and tasting your veggies before you get a chance to! Growing veggies organically means steering clear of pesticides, but luckily there are natural ways to discourage creepy crawlies from eating your food.

Companion planting

Companion planting involves growing plants next to other plants to create a beneficial environment. While it is an often-misunderstood practice, many gardeners swear by these methods, and as such it could be worth learning about if you are looking for a natural method that could help protect your plants. One example of companion planting is placing basil and tomato plants next to each other. It is said that basil can help to repel flies and mosquitoes, thus keeping them away from the tomato fruits. Lemongrass is another plant that can work as a natural pest control, as bugs are deterred by its scent.

Attract the right insects 

Another option if your plants are being overrun by insects is to make your garden appealing to the predators of the slugs and bugs. For example, slugs are eaten by lizards, frogs and birds, so by making your garden more friendly towards these creatures you could greatly reduce the number of crawlies on your plants. To attract these friendly creatures and insects to your garden, we recommend planting pollen packed plants such as lavender, marigolds, yarrow, and herbs like mint and dill. 

Manage your organic garden with Jim’s Mowing

Setting up an organic veggie patch can seem a little daunting at first, but if you break it down into steps it can be easier to manage (and even fun!). If you’re new to gardening, it’s worth considering starting with pots or a small patch and only a few herbs or vegetables that are hardy and require little upkeep. Alternatively, you can enlist the help of Jim’s Mowing! We provide professional gardening services which can ensure your garden is thriving and healthy. Jim’s Gardening Services is on hand to help you achieve your ideal veggie patch. Simply give us a ring on 13 15 46 or book online today!

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