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Organic Gardening—July 2008

by Mary Collins | Email me if you questions or comments | Back to List of Articles

Getting Started With Organic Gardening: Starting Small

July 2008 Declare Your Freedom, Garden Organically!

“There is no beginning too small.” — Thoreau

Organic gardening has been a popular topic in print, on television, and now on the Internet.  Even with all this enthusiasm for the organic movement, there are still many people who have not discovered the possibilities of organic gardening. 

Whether you are beginning or adding to an organic garden I’m here to encourage you. Yes, it is hot. Fear not, for this is a great time to begin.  It is not too late to enjoy the fruits of this summer.  Gardening in this way is simple, joyous, and fun.  I trust that you will come to know me as a friend and resource.  I believe what I will write may resonate with your own desires to grow. 

Success will build your confidence and organic gardening will “grow” on you.  For the best results, I recommend starting small, with plants likely to thrive when you give them the best home.   Even just a few healthy plants will bring you joy. It is often much wiser to start with a few plants rather than attempting too much.   If you begin right now, you can still savor your own luscious tomatoes picked from the vine. Many popular herbs, like the various basils, thrive in these summer temperatures; pesto, pasta, or pizza anyone?   Flowers in a container or in a raised bed will bring life and color to your yard very quickly, even if started from seed.  Shady areas can also be used to grow plants that will enhance the beauty of your space and create a thriving garden.

Over the years I have volunteered in, co-created, and contributed to various gardens.
Each garden project was a unique and joyous experience.  If you are an experienced gardener you may feel validation as I often do when reading articles by other gardeners.  Beginners can take heart knowing that even young children can be given marigold seeds and a cup of dirt or a bean seed between two pieces of moist paper as a demonstration that things naturally want to grow.  For the skeptics, I acknowledge that it is true some cultivars are slower or a bit more finicky, but fortunately organic gardeners know how to keep things in balance and you need not include those plants to have a fulfilling and fine garden.

This series is inspired, as am I, by the seasons.  Each installment will incorporate suggestions about what gardening activities may best be done at the current time of year. Often these cycles inspire me to reflect on past experiences, savor the moment, or look forward to future gardening opportunities and planning, which I will discuss along the way.  Fortunately you can start your gardening here and now.  The heat of the sun will mean rapid growth for those plants well suited to summer.  Organic gardening need not be difficult, nor lots of work.  To succeed, we need to know a few basics and start with well-chosen seeds or plants. We do not need an arsenal of sprays and fertilizers on hand to have a lovely garden.  

In addition to presenting facts and “how to garden” ideas, I hope to reveal an enticing journey along the organic gardening path.

Starting in the heat of mid-summer means that we must take it easy on the plants as well as ourselves.  Do not over-expose to heat and sun, drink plenty of water, and take rest breaks.

I have developed short tips for the four basic considerations as we begin the journey of organic gardening. Consider each of the four “S’s”:

SUN
Sun requirements can be divided into three types: Shade, Part-shade, and Sun.   If you attempt to grow a plant intended for shade in full sun you will quickly discover that no amount of water will protect it from the excess sun rays and heat.  The leaves can actually get “burned”.  Likewise, plants that require full sun to bloom or fruit simply will never thrive in part to full shade.  If you live in a house that is surrounded by mature trees or buildings that block the sun, choose wisely where and what to plant.  In North Carolina, afternoon sun is the most intense heat of the day.  Some plants can take it, but most appreciate a break in the form of shade during those hours.  Many plants really like morning sun and depending on the cumulative amount of sunlight in a particular spot, this could actually be a full sun area.

SOIL
Soil in North Carolina is a complex blend ranging from nearly all sand to hard clay or even rock.  All of these components in our soils have advantages and disadvantages in terms of retaining moisture and nutrients for particular plants.  The benefit of one of the cornerstones of organic gardening, compost, is that it is mixed with clay to allow it to breathe and drain as well as sand, while adding substance so that the necessary nutrients are not leached out with each rain.

SELECTION
Selection refers to not only the correct plant in terms of sun requirements. Growth habit, form, size, and length of growing season are also key.  The popular tomato plant comes in dozens of types and maturities. The maturity determines how many days until you can start eating ripe tomatoes.  There are various shapes, sizes, colors, and textures of tomatoes. All tomatoes prefer full sun and can take the heat provided there is adequate moisture. However, some tomato plants are compact and content in a patio container while others tower over adult heads, requiring trellising or staking.

STEWARDSHIP
Stewardship means looking after your plant.  If we are not getting rain you may need to add water. Some plants do much better with benign neglect, while others prefer more TLC.
If a plant is not thriving there can be any number of reasons, requiring some observation and detective work.   Most likely it is in the wrong place, incorrect soil, or getting too much or too little water.   It is always best to start small.  Do a few things well and master them before moving on to larger scale projects.  I take those apparent “not successes” as opportunities to learn and adapt.

In July we celebrate Independence Day.  For this month I want you to declare your freedom to dig in and garden organically.   We are not going to encumber this with too much discussion because you want to get started.  I know you are an intelligent and empowered person because you are reading InnerChange.  I trust that you will get the answers you need as the questions arise.  Certainly it is possible that the risk you take could result in a setback, but consider the possible rewards and I am sure you’ll agree you deserve the liberty of your own organic garden.

Here is my short and sweet list of recommended beginnings for July:

Full Sun (minimum 6 hours daylight):

Annual flowers from seed or plants:

• Zinnias or Marigolds
• Petunias
• Geraniums

Perennial flowering plants:

• Stella d’oro daylilies or other re-blooming varieties
• Salvias, spikes of flowers in a variety of colors
• Verbenas (perennial)
• Blanket flower (Gaillardia)

Herbs:

• Basils
• Oregano
• Sweet marjoram
• Lemon Balm

Vegetables:

• Beans (from seed) several varieties
• Tomato plants
• Zucchini

Part to Full Shade (up to 4 hours indirect sun, preferably morning hours only or less):

Perennials:

• Hostas
• Vincas
• Japanese spurge

Once you have decided where and what you would like to plant, there are many excellent resources available to ensure success.  The backs of seed packets, books on gardening, and the Internet are all close at hand.  A reputable garden center, preferably one that is local and familiar with organic practices, can help you find plants or seeds that will do well in your area. If you have a friend who is a gardener or if you have access to a master gardener through the cooperative extension service they can provide much help and support.   If you are concerned about your soil or you have only a patio or deck, organic container gardening mixes are available.

In the next article of this series I will share many moons of gardening history and why organic gardening is part of a more sustainable suburban lifestyle.

by Mary Collins | Email me if you questions or comments | Back to List of Articles