The 4 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Going Organic
1. Over and under watering
We all know that plants need water, but over and under-watering is one of the biggest culprits of an unsuccessful garden. Over watering prevents plants from creating deep root systems, which is essential to the long-term health of the plant—and your garden. Over-watering also tends to leach nutrients and lime out of the soil causing poor growth and acidity. Finally, over-watering can wash chemicals, fertilizers, weed killers and plant nutrients off your property and into streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. Such a situation can contaminate groundwater and eventually, drinking water.
Water your plants deeply about once a week and make sure the water goes deep and is not just a surface watering. Under watering your plants leads to dehydration. This weakens and stresses the plants, and makes the susceptible to diseases. Mulch can help with both of these problems. Mulch helps maintain more consistent moisture for your plants, and helps prevent weeds.
2. Using inorganic fertilizers
Inorganic fertilizers (those green crystals) contain too much salt and heavy metals, and prevent the growth of earthworms and soil microorganisms. They provide major nutrients, but don't feed the soil. The bottom line with fertilizers is: you want to feed the soil, not your plants - your plants know how much to feed themselves!
Excess nitrogen can decrease the number of flowers and fruits your plants produce. And excess nutrients in general pollute our waterways. Thee are "dead zones" in many regions where major rivers run into the oceans.
3. Using too much fertilizer
Even organic fertilizer can be overdone. More fertilizer is not better. The main idea is to maintain the soils PH balance. If your soil's PH balance is okay, then one inch of compost is sufficient for you vegetables and flowers for a whole year. Adding too much fertilizer, organic or inorganic only leads to excessive growth.
4. Failing to plan
Planning is crucial to a successful organic garden. You need to consider the lay out your plots-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! 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.