Growing a garden that is free from harmful chemicals is not only rewarding, it is better for the environment too. When you harvest your homegrown organic vegetables, you’ll have peace of mind knowing exactly how they were grown.
If you are just getting started with your garden, here are some important practices to incorporate to keep it organic.
1. Composting — According to Planet Natural, composting has the most impact of any organic gardening practice. Doing it means less materials end up in the landfill, and finished compost is a wonderful way to improve your soil for optimal plant health and harvests.
Doctor: 5 Signs Cancer Is Starting Inside Your Body
2. Drip irrigation — Installing drip lines in your new garden is an investment — one that will pay big rewards. Overhead watering is inefficient and is a big waster of water, says Tomato Envy. Watering close to a plant’s root zones keeps foliage dry so there’s less chance for disease.
3. Prevent pests — Penn State University Extension says conventional gardening relies on a reactive approach to pests; once pests become a problem, toxic pesticides are sprayed on crops. Organic gardeners aim to prevent pests before their numbers grow large enough to harm the plants.
Special: If You Collect Social Security, Please Read This Critical Information . . .
4. Crop rotation — This technique involves not planting the same crops in the same spots year after year. Putting plants on a well-planned rotation ensures diseases and pests lurking in the soil that attack specific plants don’t have a chance to gain a strong foothold, says Planet Natural. A good crop rotation plan will reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
5. Encourage beneficial insects — A garden is an ecosystem where “bad” insects can be kept in check by predatory “good” insects. For instance, ladybugs are a voracious natural enemy of aphids, one of the most destructive garden pests, says Tomato Envy. Not using pesticides and planting a wide variety of plants will encourage beneficial wasps, pollinators, and pest predators that will help your garden thrive.
6. Mulch — Using mulch helps control weeds so you won’t have to use toxic weed killers. It also helps keep soil moist so you will use less water, and according to Planet Natural, a good layer of mulch will decrease the amount of compost you need to keep your soil healthy.
Tip: Here's How to Never Run Out of Money During Retirement
Brande Plotnick is an ambitious home cook, gardener, beekeeper, writer, and speaker who started her website, Tomato Envy, to inspire others to find their deliberately decadent life at home. Brande’s down-to-earth style and approachable manner have been winning over the readers who follow her blog. Her work has been featured in Urban Farm Magazine, Natural Awakenings, Mother Earth News, and the Whole Seed Catalog.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.