To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow
It’s never too late (in the year, nor in life) to take up gardening, and if this is something you’ve been considering, then this post is for you. There is a saying that goes something like this: whenever you are eating a thing of beauty, you are restoring your soul. How perfect is that? What you put into your body matters a lot. Now imagine that what you put into your body was grown by your own fair hands? Want to get started? Here’s how to start an organic garden.
Choose your plot
You might not have the room for a full sized vegetable plot, or you might not want to turn over your whole garden either. So it’s up to you to decide where your plot will be, and how big too. It might be several containers on a balcony, or it might be an allotment. Either way, you need to make sure it’s ready to use. Just as you need the right nutrients to function well, so does your garden. So prepare your plot- fill it with good quality soil and make sure it is ready to go before you plant anything.
Make your own compost
This is so easy to do and such a great way to be eco-friendly too. A good quality compost is essential for a good quality garden, and what better way to give back to earth? You can make your own compost heap very easily, or you can buy special bins that are designed to make the task a little easier. Don’t throw your veg and fruit scraps away- compost them. For more information on how to get started, see here.
Choose your plants carefully
It’s all very well having grand plans of exotic plants that you can serve up to your friends, but have you really thought about what will grow in your garden? The UK is vastly different to other climates, and depending on where you are in the country, some plants might not fare so well. Don’t plant seeds for plants that need lots of light if your plot is mostly shady, for example, and steer clear of plants that are notoriously difficult to grow. Start simple.
As we’re heading into Autumn soon the following are great plants to start with now:
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Lettuce
- Onions
- Radishes
- Rocket
- Turnips
- Spinach
And as we head into Winter, the best plants to be growing are
- Broad beans
- Asparagus
- Peas
- Garlic
- Winter lettuce
- Spring Cabbage
Water and weed well
Make this part of your routine, and you might find that it’s both relaxing and rewarding. Your garden needs lots of TLC too. So water your plants well (mornings are usually best) and make sure you regularly tend to weeds too. Pulling weeds can be hugely therapeutic and actually great exercise too. So no excuses!
Steer clear of toxic pesticides
Don’t be tempted to use pesticides on your garden. There are other ways to treat those pesky garden invaders! Do some research and find natural methods that will deter pests from eating your plants. Toxic pesticides are bad for both your garden and the environment around you, so should be avoided at all costs.
At the end of the day…
When you’ve spent some time gardening, chances are you will feel it! Spend some time on yourself now. Remember to wash your hands well (even if you use gardening gloves) with a proper gardening soap. We love our Little Gardeners soap because it was made especially for hands that have been busy working the earth.
Coloured with rough green clay and added organic oats for cleaning dirty but delicate hands, this bar is fragranced with a heady blend of Rose Geranium and Ylang Ylang…. Perfect for any gardener right through to the the lady of the house who dabbles with paints or pots! Almost too good for the outhouse sink – so totally ok to use this one in the bath to wash particularly grimy hands and bodies!
