Within the spectrum of organic gardening, many enjoy vegetable gardening for its many health benefits. There are some very useful methods that can be used successfully with vegetable gardening. Some of these are commonly used by gardeners whereas others are rare and employed by expert gardeners. Here are some of these interesting methods in organic gardening.
Hydroponics
Hydroponics is a rather intriguing field that involves growing plants without soil. The plants are grown in other substances and they do need water still. Soil-less gardening is quite a challenge but it is an interesting feat for those who succeed. This can be a good option for space- challenged gardeners who do not have adequate soil conditions.
Seed Saving
Why buy seeds every single year when there is no need to? Seed saving is a practical thing that each person should learn to do in organic gardening. When seeds are saved properly from each harvest it is not necessary to buy seeds the following year. This can result in a positive financial savings. There are commercially available seed saving kits for this purpose. This is a nice activity for family members to do together.
Vertical Gardening
Some plants simply grow more efficiently vertically. These plants may be tied to stakes in order to train them upwards. Any plant that is a vine such as pumpkins and cucumbers can and perhaps even should be grown upwards. Vines simply take up too much space on the ground. Other vegetables that grow quite well vertically include beans and peas.
Companion Planting
Some gardeners are really challenged by lack of space. Usually this is city dwellers that are limited to container gardening on patios. In this case it is wise to employ companion planting. Companion planting is when two or more crops are planted together. Some vegetables grow together well and some are co-planted because they prevent pests better when they are together. Others are companion planted because of space challenges. Others are co-planted because they are harvested at different times.
These are some of the other methods in organic gardening that are so worthwhile. Hydroponics is an interesting area to explore. Seed saving has been traditionally learned and passed down from generation to generation. Vertical gardening and companion planting are primarily used as effective space-savers. Try some of these useful organic gardening concepts in home gardening now.
Source:
Jones, L. (1995) The Art of French Vegetable Gardening. New York, NY: Artisan.
Andrea Parker - Andrea Parker is a freelance writer who enjoys living and writing in the desert valley of Lancaster, California. Andrea is a Featured ...
