Having organic produce at your fingertips is a conscious eater’s dream — especially if you live in an urban area where eating organic is expensive and rarely an option. Growing your own produce is the only way to be truly in charge of your food — no chemicals, no pesticides, no trucks, etc.
An organic container garden is the perfect way to enter organic growing. You’ll have complete knowledge of what you eat and save some cash along the way. All you need is a patio, porch, or a fire escape to get started!
Here are 4 organic container gardening tips to ensure your fresh harvests are truly organic (and truly tasty).
1. Pick your soil carefully.
Soil is key.
Soil is your plant’s ‘home.’ It’s how they access the bulk of their food and water, so choosing good soil is imperative to good growth.
Soilless potting mixes are the best options for container gardens, having good drainage and aeration.
However, some store-bought soil mixes may contain synthetic ingredients that get in the way of your organic growing mission. Be sure to purchase only soil mixes marked organic.
Alternatively, you can create your own soil mix or source from responsible and trusted sources.
Gardenuity’s soil mix is perfect for growing in containers, customized to the season and your plants needs, and contains the optimal mix for your veggie of choosing.
2. Source seeds or seedlings responsibly.
The number one must-do to grow an organic container garden is to grow an organic seed or plant in your container.
Pick what you want to grow — whether that be tomatoes, peppers, garlic, herbs, or strawberries — and then find organic seeds at a store.
If you’re starting from transplants, triple check whether your plants are organic! Additionally, seedlings need to be sourced from trustworthy partners.
Being sold a bad seedling can be the quickest end to your container garden.
Check their credits, review, and more to ensure you can have organic growing success.
3. Feed your plants consciously.
When you’re growing in a container garden, feeding your plants well is especially important. Because of the drainage holes, nutrients can be washed out and never reach your plant.
First, make sure you include organic matter in your soil before planting. This will help prime the soil for your plant’s growth.
Then, fertilize with fertilizer that is chemical-free and organic! Follow the instructions on the fertilizer you buy to optimally feed your plant.
4. Control pests thoughtfully.
Although it’s usually not much of a problem in container gardens, pests can always be an issue where there are plants. The best way to control pests — for your plants and for you — is organically.
First, see if you can simply pluck your pests off by hand. It’s a surefire way to remove a pest and keep your produce 100% organic.
Alternatively, you can use mild all-natural pesticides on your plants. Spray according to the directions as little as you can.
Organic container gardening is an un-intimidating and exciting way to enter the world of growing and organic eating.
Go here for a step-by-step guide to beginning your first container vegetable garden.
