Sustainable Living: Organic Gardening Tips for Beginners & Pros

Are you interested in starting a sustainable garden organically, or just for fun but not sure where to begin? Sustainable gardening is a rewarding practice that not only benefits the environment but also provides you with fresh produce right at your fingertips. Whether you have a small balcony or a spacious backyard, today's blog may have a few helpful tips that will help you on your journey to a productive garden harvest; weather it's your first time gardening or your just looking for fresh ideas. Continue reading for a little inspiration.

Gardening is fun and can be a part of sustainable living. Here is one of my very own prepared garden beds, highlighting the essential knowledge of soil and plant needs for successful gardening.

1. Before you plant it is always helpful to know where to start. Weather your trying to create a more sustainable garden more organically or just garden in general it can be so rewarding. But first you need to Find Your ZONE! Every State/City has a zone to know when or what to plant during the right time & season. You can visit the USDA plant hardiness map zone website and fill in all of the information for your area and then this should tell you what zone you live in example: Zone 9A, 8B, etc. This is all helpful information to have a successful growing season. While planting is exciting always keep in mind that you should also plant Native plants because they are well-adapted to the local environment, making them easier to grow and maintain. They also support local wildlife, such as pollinators and birds, creating a balanced ecosystem in your garden. Consider planting a variety of native flowers, bushes, and trees to attract beneficial insects and birds.

2. Practice Water Conservation: One of the key principles of sustainable gardening is to conserve water. Try creating water catchment systems, or catching water in five gallon buckets to reuse for watering your plants. This keeps from using a well or city water which runs your electricity up at the pump.

3. Compost Kitchen Scraps: Instead of throwing away your kitchen scraps, start a compost pile in your garden. Composting not only reduces waste but also creates nutrient-rich soil for your plants. Keep a five gallon bucket in your kitchen and use that to catch and collect. Believe me this sound like work but honestly I don't have to many cons about this. Not only does this keep the smell of your trash down, but it also allows for some amazing soil once it breaks down in your compost. Plants LOVE this.

4. Helpful hints though, Avoid Chemical Pesticides in your garden or around your home of possible. This can harm your plants and any beneficial insects, pollinators, and other wildlife that may be in your garden. Create as much of an organic garden as much as possible and Instead, opt for natural pest control methods such as planting companion plants, using Neem oil, or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs and praying mantises to keep harmful pests at bay. Sometimes I do use a food grade Diatomaceous earth around my plants if I have serious pest issues. However, there are other homemade remedies you can research for your benefit.

5. Always Rotate Your Crops when replanting, this helps to prevent soil depletion and reduce the risk of pests and diseases, practice crop rotation in your garden. Planting different crops in the same area each season can help maintain soil fertility and improve overall plant health.

6. YES! Embrace The Chaos -Remember that sustainable gardening is a journey, and it's okay to make mistakes along the way. Gardening is a learning process, so don't be discouraged by setbacks. Embrace imperfection and celebrate the small victories in your garden. By following these sustainable gardening tips, you can create a thriving garden that not only provides you with fresh produce but also supports the local ecosystem. Get started on your sustainable gardening journey today and reap the benefits of connecting with nature right in your own backyard.

7. Plant what your family eats, this ensures that you grow what you know and once you feel like you got the hang of this add a new plant each season!

   
   

   Sustainable, organic gardening and homesteading can go hand in hand. But it can be overwhelming, but just like creating each row in your garden each one is unique. This is the same with everything you do in sustainable living you take one step at a time so be sure to read organic gardening tips for beginners & pros and share I'de love to know if anything I have listed has helped you. I will be sharing tips and photos of other helpful gardening blogs as we go! This was just the beginning. Stay tuned.