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Beginner Organic Gardeners - How to Avoid Common Mistakes

2. Mulching - This is a great way to prevent soil erosion, add organic matter to the soil and reduce evaporation. However, you need to leave space around the base of each plant. Mulching right up to plant stems encourages disease and rot to set in. Leave a 50mm (2 inches) between the mulch and the stem. You don't need to mulch any deeper than 75mm (3 inches).

3. Using inorganic fertilizers - many inorganic fertilizers are heavy on salts, discourage (or kill) earthworms an

4. Overuse of fertilizers - Don't overdo it. More fertilizer is not better, even when it is organic. Too much can lead to excess plant growth. The magic comes from creating healthy, balanced soil.
A general rule of thumb is to add about 25mm (1inch) of compost to the soil. This should be enough to grow most annual vegetables and flowers. If you are mulching with compost, most plants will not need much more in the way of fertilizers. It's like eating right and taking vitamins... putting compost in the soil is getting the plants to eat right, adding fertilizer is like giving them a vitamin on top of eating right.
You may need to use more compost or some organic fertilizer until you create good soil. It's a good idea to do a soil test to see if your soil is around the right pH. Without getting technical, no matter what your soil is like it will benefit greatly with the addition of organic matter. Over time you will achieve the right pH, just by continually adding compost.

5. Failing to plan - Planning is crucial to a successful organic veggie garden. You need to consider the aspect of your plot/s. North facing in the southern hemisphere, South facing in the northern hemisphere is best. If your area is windy, you'll need to find solutions for this too.
Having water close by is just as important. As well as installing an irrigation system with a timer. It will be the difference between enjoying your garden and being a slave to it!
Knowing and catering to the needs of your family will help you decide what to plant and how many.
If you are planting trees and shrubs, check what their eventual size is going to be. Many shrubs and trees are difficult to move. Trees will grow and make shade, so don't forget they do this and expect your sun loving flowers to still thrive in the shade. Trees can also grow into power lines, tear up footpaths and even destroy house foundations and septic tanks. Plan carefully before planting big trees.

Source: Free Online Articles from ArticlesBase.com

Source: Free Online Articles from ArticlesBase.com

Hi, I am an avid organic gardener and am known by my friends as the recycling queen. I live on a small country property in South Australia. It is my mission to encourage as many people as possible to start organic gardening. This will improve both our individual lives and the wellbeing of our personal and global environments. Please visit my website for more great organic gardening tips & information.

Happy gardening, healthy living...
Julie Williams
www.1stoporganicgardening.com

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