Organic Vegetables

Whether you purchase your vegetables from an organic vegetable farm, or if you wish to try your hand at your own organic vegetable garden, everyone agrees that organic vegetables are healthier, heartier, and better for you

To receive the USDA Organic Seal, vegetables grown organically will be free of the use of harsh chemicals and pesticides. In fact, organic farms rely on many methods that produce strong, disease and pest resistant plants. By using these types of natural methods for farming, the overall result is produce that is free from the harmful effects of harsh chemicals.

Organic vegetables are not only better for you, but they are better for the earth. The United States Department of Agriculture has strict guidelines that a farm must follow if they want their produce to bear the official Organic Seal. These farms not only restrict the use of pesticides and other chemicals, they also utilize farming methods that help restore the balance of the soil. However, you don’t have to be a farmer inspected by the USDA to grown organic vegetables. Every homeowner or gardener can grow their vegetables organically by incorporating a few simple steps.

First, it is important to change the way you think about gardening. The main areas where you will need to implement changes to ensure your garden is organic are the areas of fertilization as well as pest control.

When choosing a fertilizer for your organic garden you will want to choose natural methods. It is a good idea to add organic fertilizer and matter to your soil at least three weeks before you begin planting your vegetables. This will ensure that the matter has had plenty of time to decompose and release its nutrients into the soil. Some of the organic matter that you will want to consider using includes:

· Animal Manure
· Compost
· Mixed Organic Fertilizer

Organic fertilizers improve the condition of your soil before you begin to plant your vegetable garden. It also helps the soil with the ability to retain nutrients and water. When the soil is improved, your vegetables will grow stronger and they will be more resilient. Animal manure also makes an excellent organic fertilizer. These manures include cow, horse, hog, poultry, sheep, rabbit, goat, and other grass-eating animals. Fertilizing with manure is a wonderful way to maintain the health and vitality of your vegetable garden, however it may be necessary to add potash or ground rock phosphate to your fertilizer to ensure that it has all of the proper nutrients needed.

Composting is a great way to create organic fertilizer. Adding organic materials to your compost pile will ensure that you have enough organic fertilizer to maintain your vegetable garden. You can add just about any thing that is organic to your compost pile. Some of the most common items added to the compost pile include leaves, banana peels, corn stalks, rotten eggs, coffee grounds, fruit peels, lawn and shrub clippings, and oak leaves. You can use compost in the same manner as you would use animal manure. It is a good idea to use your compost at least three weeks before you begin planting your vegetable garden. By using organic fertilizers you can ensure that your vegetable garden will flourish.