Organic gardening is exactly the same as any regular gardening, except that no synthetic fertilizers, or pesticides are used. Only natural, bio-degradable products are used. This can make certain aspects of gardening a little more difficult, such as the control of diseases, insects and weeds. Organic gardening also requires more attention to the soil and the plants, than regular gardening.

Perhaps the most important aspect of Organic gardening, is the soil. Gardeners must add organic matter to the soil, regularly, in order to keep the soil productive. In fact, compost is essential to the healthiness and well being of the plants, being grown organically. Compost can be made from leaves, dead flowers, vegetable scraps, fruit rinds, grass clippings, manure and many other natural by-products.

The ideal soil has a dark colour, sweet smell and is full of earthworms. Some soil may need more natural additives, than regular compost can give, such as bone-meal, rock phosphates, or greensand. A simple soil test, will tell you the pH balance and give you a better understanding, of which nutrients you will need to use. Most garden shops and nurseries will be able to analyze your soil for you.

One of the biggest problems, that can even make serious organic gardeners, frustrated and ready to reach for pesticides, is insects on their plants. Not being able to use commercial chemicals, seems to make the organic garden so much more vulnerable to pests. The best way to defend plants against insects, is to take proper preventative measures.

One thing that can be done, is to make sure all plants are healthy and not too wet, or dry, because insects usually attack unhealthy plants. If the plants are healthy, they can often outgrow minor insect damage. Having a variety of plant types is a good idea, to keep pests of a particular plant type, from taking out the entire garden.

Perhaps the best way to defend against insects, is to make your garden more enticing to insect predators, such as ladybugs, birds, frogs and lizards. You can do this, by keeping a water source nearby, or by growing plants that attract insects that feed on nectar. Other ideas are sticky traps, barriers and plant collars. There are also some remedies from common household items, that can be used to prevent insects, like insecticidal soaps, garlic and hot peppers.

To avoid plant disease in organic gardening, try to choose disease resistant plants and plant them under prime conditions. Many diseases will spread, because of constant moisture and bad air circulation, so the site of your garden and the way it is watered, can help ensure against diseases.

Weeds can be an annoying and frustrating part of organic gardening. Organic mulch can act as a weed barrier, but for even better protection, put a layer of newspaper, construction paper, or cardboard under the mulch.

Corn meal gluten, will slow the growth of weeds, if spread early in the season, before planting, as does solarisation. There’s also the old-fashioned method of hoeing and hand pulling, that always works. Your best bet in weed prevention, is persistence. Mulch well and pull and hoe whenever you can. After a few seasons of organic gardening, you will be able to overcome most obstacles.

Organic gardening is an excellent way, to ensure that your plants will be free and clear of all pesticides and if taken care of properly, they will be as healthy as they can possibly be. Organic gardening may take a little more time and care than regular gardening, but after gardeners get the hang of it and figure out the quirks of their organic garden, it is definitely worth the extra time.

No fruit, or vegetable tastes nicer, than those that are organically grown. With all the disease and side effects, that plague us these days, organic gardening is becoming increasingly more popular and helps with a healthier lifestyle. If you intend growing fruit and vegetables for sale, try growing them organically, you should even get a better price for them. You can approach the health shops.

Simply put, organic gardening is natural gardening, without the use of any chemicals. If you are one of those who dislike chemicals and prefer natural remedies in your garden and if you love the country living, then get this book “Home And Garden, Country and Rural Life”. It covers garden topics, as well as wildlife, nature and other pastimes. If you are interested in being eco friendly and protecting the environment and if you are sick of the rat race and dream of relaxing in the rural country environment, then you should read this book on the good life.

Titled “Home And Garden - Country And Rural Life,” it will show you how to best enjoy your garden, the birds and bees, how to raise chickens and goats and even how to bake your own bread. Change your lifestyle, by reading this book. Take a look here http://dersalsites.com/hag/  

Sally Robson is a South African Internet marketer, who together with her husband Derek, have a vision of empowering all fellow South Africans and other non U.S folk, to have equal opportunity and success on the internet, by overcoming the many obstacles facing them. They have started a string of sites, resources, courses and articles, as part of Dersalsites. Sally has a passion for gardening. For more articles and advice on gardening topics, visit Sally at: http://www.dersalsites.com/sallysgardeningtips/