Simple Organic Vegetable and Herb Gardening
Made Easy
Simon Staub
Published by Simon Staub at Free-ebooks
Copyright 2015 Simon Staub
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Our ebook is presented to you so we can share with you the way we prepare our own garden based on our own experiences and the methods we use to grow our own food. While every effort has been made by the authors to present accurate and up to date information within this document, new information is always coming to hand. Therefore we the authors reserve the right to update or change the contents and information as any changes are required.
We strongly advise everyone to do their own research into all aspects of mulch gardening. We the authors take no responsibility for any errors or discrepancies in this document or any actions taken by anyone whether monetary, legal or otherwise. It is the readers sole responsibility to seek additional information and satisfy themselves on the appropriate methods for their own garden. Reader's results will vary according to their skill levels and individual perception of the contents.
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Chapter 1 Planning Your Garden and Choosing of Plants
Chapter 2 Preparing your Garden Bed
Chapter 3 Homemade Seedling and Potting Mixes
Chapter 4 Growing, Sowing and Raising seeds and Seedlings
Asparagus Aubergine or Eggplant Beans and Peas
Blackberry, Celery, Choko or Chayote, Courgettes or Marrows, Cucumber
Green Onions, Spring Onions or Scallions, Onions and Leeks
Leafy.Green and Cruciferous Vegetables
Broccoli, Brussels Sprout, Bok Choy, Cabbage
Cauliflower, Kang Kong, Lettuce
Beets, Carrot, Garlic, Ginger and Turmeric
Potatoes, Swedes, Sweet Potatoes, Turnips
Grapes, Kiwifruit, Melons and Watermelon
Papaya or Pawpaw, Pineapple, Passionfruit
Strawberries, Tree Tomatoes, Coconuts, Chestnuts
Hazelnut, Citrus Trees, Stone Fruit Trees
Basil, Bay Leaves or Laurel Leaves, Chives
Caraway, Coriander or Cilantro, Dill, Fennel
Lavender, Mint, Mustard, Parsley and Sage
Oregano and Thyme, Rosemary, Sesame Seeds, Saffron
Herbs that Protect against Insects
Chapter 6 Collecting or Gathering Seeds
Aubergine or Eggplant, Beans, Beets
Capsicum and other Peppers, Celery
Cucurbits,Cucumber, Leeks and Onions
Radish, Squash and Pumpkin, Sunflowers, Tomatoes
Green Leafy and Cruciferous Vegetables
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts,Cabbage, Cauliflower, Lettuce
Basil Caraway, Lavender, Mustard, Sesame
Chapter 7 Growing from Cuttings and Kitchen Scraps
How to Start Soft Wood Cuttings
Avocado, Carrot Tops, Celery, Lettuce
Mushrooms, Onions, Spring, Green Onions or Scallions
Turnips, Parsnips, Swedes and Beets
Basil, Corianderand Parsley, Dill, Fennel
Garlic, Ginger and Turmeric, Lemongrass
Apples, Cherries, Lemon, Marang
Chapter 8 Growing in Pots, Hanging Baskets, Tubs or Pots
Chapter 9 Home Hydroponics with Fish
Chapter 10 Our Garden Design and Setup
Chapter 12 Glossary of Terms Used
Creating your own Organic Home Vegetable Garden using natural methods is not only logical and easy it provides you with an abundance of inexpensive, healthy, tasty nutrient rich herbs fruit and vegetables.
Nature has shown us how to naturally grow all we need without any digging, plowing, hoeing, weeding or extensive watering of the soil to produce crops free of any chemicals and artificial fertilizers on an ongoing sustainable basis. In fact the least amount of disturbance to the soil the better, as doing so is detrimental to the micro-organisms that live in healthy living soil destroying their natural delicate balance, disrupting the food chain and promoting erosion, weed growth, pests and disease. For generations people have worked very hard for long hours breaking up digging, plowing and hoeing the land in the mistaken belief they can do it better than nature. Land that for thousands if not millions of years was fertile and productive has been turned into virtual desert. By adding chemical fertilizers and the use of fungicides and pesticides that kill off many of the micro-organisms that convert organic matter into healthy soil, not returning organic matter to the land as well as plowing and extensive irrigating, most commercial farm land, many millions of hectors of land has been reduced to a bare and baron state that is only able to grow produce if fed more chemicals with extensive labor costs and a very limited future. The produce coming from many of these factory farms looks good but is lacking in many beneficial compounds, lacking flavor and many of its potential nourishing properties.
If you look under the trees in any forest you will find there are virtually no weeds, just layers of decomposing leaves rotting branches and other debris that have fallen from the trees. Nature is returning the nutrients needed back to the soil. If you were to dig into this you would find a moist environment hosting a multitude of insects, fungi and other organisms living and working hard with the result that all this natural material is broken down into extremely rich soil, a whole complete eco system that is perfect for growing just about anything.
No matter what type of soil you have from rich top soil to barren eroded areas, clay soils or just sand or gravel it can easily be turned into a natural healthy productive garden with a minimum amount of effort, by simply applying a covering of mulch made from grinding or shredding all manner of garden and organic wastes, made up of leaves branches and trimmings, from very fine to medium large wood chips. (It is always best if possible to prune or cut vegetation before any seeds or fruit have matured so they will not germinate if using it to make mulch). After a few months nature will reduce this mulch cover with the help of oxygen from the air a little water from rain, (or an initial light sprinkling by a garden hose to assist in keeping it moist for the first month or so) plus a multitude of insects, fungi and microbes into a wonderful growing environment. The soil under the mulch will benefit as the micro-organisms in the mulch enter the soil and revitalize it. The mulch will help to retain moisture and earth worms and insects that are attracted to it because it is a major food supply for them, will break up the soil as will any of the roots of the crops you plant while they are growing through it, seeking the minerals and nutrients that are available there.
Chapter 1 Planning your Garden and Choosing Plants
When planning your garden several factors should be taken into account, the most important being climate, sunshine and rain fall, other considerations are the amount of time you have to devote to looking after your garden, the space or area you have to accommodate your garden, the types of produce you wish to grow and the number of people you want to feed. If space is limited or at a premium, then choosing plants that you use regularly that are quick growing and produce a relatively high yield is the best option. Tomatoes, Cucumber, Courgettes, Melons and Squash, Peas and Beans, Salad Greens like Sweet Potato Tops, Kang Kong (Water Spinach) plus a whole variety of Herbs etc can all be grown relatively quickly in your garden, pots or hanging baskets with their vines being trained to grow on trellises fences or walls. Different varieties of Lettuce, Pak Choy, Sliver Beet, Cabbage, Kale and spinach are all fast growing and take up limited space, they can be grown together in tubs, trays pots, hanging baskets or in your garden. Spring Onions, Garlic, Ginger and Turmeric etc grow well in pots hanging baskets or your garden and can be harvested as needed. Asparagus can be grown in your garden or a large pot 3 ft by 3 ft and if properly looked after can live for 15 years or more providing a multitude of spears every season. A small herb garden in a pot or arranged in a hanging basket can provide a variety of herbs year round.
Depending on where you live, you will always have a good choice of what you can grow in your garden or area, there are always lots of different varieties of plants that will thrive in any given environment, in a garden, large or small, inside or outside, on a deck, a rooftop, in baskets, hanging or free standing in pots or tubs. There are also some types of plants that are just not suitable to grow because of your climate, available space or other factors. The temperature in your area is a major factor which can influence plants ability to survive and grow, it can also act as a trigger to start some seeds to germinate or produce flowers. Some plants require cool conditions for their seeds to germinate, others need a warm environment. The design of your garden depends on your area or available space, how much sun and rain you can expect and the wind conditions, how much time you have to devote to your garden etc, all these things play important roles in deciding what plants are best suited and how you should go about growing them.
Take advantage of the existing trees large rocks and contours if any of your land, many plants like to climb and using existing feature can save a lot of unnecessary work. Consider the rainfall and any runoff, as some plants love wet conditions while others demand dryer soils. Consider how many people you wish to feed or supply from your garden and plant accordingly. It is often better to start with a small area and do it properly and then once you have an area established increasing it is very easy. Some crops are high maintenance while others require very little effort. Many plants varieties such as tomatoes, cucumbers peas and beans like to grow off the ground on stakes, frames, trellis or wires; others are more suited to standing alone, living under ground or close to or on the surface. Some vegetables are annual, only living for a season, others are biennial, they flower and produce flowers and seeds in their second year or season and some can last for 15 years or more. Lettuces and leafy herbs like basil generally like to have full sunshine, others thrive in partial shade.
Pests and disease are usually a problem in standard gardens that use commercial fertilizers and standard methods but most of these things do not worry a well planed organic mulch garden, because healthy natural plants can provide protection to themselves and other plants. Arranging your plants to take advantage of their natural properties to help repel pests, attract beneficial insects and stop diseases spreading as well as supporting each other because of the different nutrients they use or provide. One of the most effective methods of controlling pests is companion planting. Planting in long straight rows of the same vegetable varieties encourages pests and disease and also reduces individual plants abilities to get the best from your garden.
Nature does not dig, weed, plow or irrigate land but uses natural forces and conditions to grow, maintain and encourage all the many thousands of plants everywhere that have evolved and adapted to survive the differing elements they encounter. A successful low maintenance and productive garden whether it’s for growing fruit and vegetables for food or decorative plants such as flowers can be made by adapting natural processes and methods in your own garden.
If you wish to sterilize the soil because you suspect it may be harboring pests, diseases, weeds and seeds, the easiest time to do this is before you put down mulch or start a new garden. An existing garden that is struggling to survive or taking lots of time and effort to maintain can easily be transformed into a virtually maintenance free garden by applying woodchip mulch and using the methods outlined in this book.
It’s always a good idea to sterilize garden soil before planting to ensure the most optimal growth and health of your garden and its plants. Solarization is a method of using heat from the sun to kill disease carrying organisms that can cause plant problems like verticillium wilt, root rot, damping off and others, as well as to eradicate pests and seeds that could be living in the soil. In order for your garden to have the full benefit of solarization, the soil needs to reach a temperature of 114 degrees F (46 degrees C) for at least four to six weeks.
First clear the area of any vegetation that will not easily flatten and any rocks and inorganic matter. Then give it a good soaking so that the top foot (30cm) or so is moist and cover the whole area with clear plastic sheeting, held down with rocks, bricks or anything to stop it blowing away. Some people opt for black plastic sheeting but we found that it was not as effective. I have heard that using 1 sheet of clear plastic on the ground with another sheet held a few inches above it can reduce the time it takes for the soil to be solarized because it increases the heating effect but we have not tried doing this as we found the 1 sheet method adequate.
The plastic sheets must be kept flat to the ground. In hot areas with lots of sun leave the plastic sheet in place for 4 weeks. In colder areas it may need to be left for 8 to 12 weeks. But check the soil to make sure it is still moist every week to insure the sanitizing heat penetrates the soil.
Soil for use in seedling and potting mixes can also be solarized in the same way, spread the soil out to a depth of about 4 inches (10cm) on a plastic sheet, then add enough water so it is completely moist and place another clear plastic sheet on top of it weighted down to secure it and then leave it for 4 to 12 weeks. A quicker method is to bake it in your oven, spread the soil into baking dishes so it is about 4 inches (10cm) thick and bake it @ 180-200 F. (82-93 C.) for at least 30 minutes.
A Mini Insectary is very good idea to help with the control of pests and also increase the visual appearance of your garden. A mini insectary is an area or areas of flowering or aromatic plants designed to attract and harbor beneficial insects. These 'good' insects prey on many common garden insect pests, and offer the gardener a safer, natural alternative to pesticides.
A Banana circle is a good way to start a garden in the tropics or anywhere bananas will grow (we grew bananas in Auckland New Zealand 40 years ago, our plants only produced a few bananas but we felt it was worth the effort), especially if your limited with space or want several separate garden plots. Plant your banana seedlings in a 15 to 25 ft diameter circle and place your mulch around the seedlings and covering the area inside the circle they form. Bananas are quick growing and produce a large amount of trash that can be chopped up and used as mulch or compost, once you have harvested your bananas, the plant should be cut down to about a foot from ground level, then more shoots will grow from this stump to form new plants. Bananas provide excellent protection from heat and drought and a natural barrier for your garden.
Deciding on whether to plant seeds, cuttings or purchase seedling is a matter of not only convenience but also of the quality of the plants, fruit and vegetables they will produce. Some vegetables like bok choy and lettuce grow very quickly from seeds, a matter of a few weeks, while other can take several months to mature. Fruit trees can take anywhere from 4 to 15 years to bear fruit depending on the type of tree. Using seeds from reputable organic sources is often the best way to go, seeds harvested from plants you have grown is also a good option, as long as steps to stop cross-pollination have been taken. Many plants can be cross-pollinated by wind or insects and quite often the resulting seeds will not grow plants or fruit anything like what you expect. Seeds from shop brought fruit are usually hybrid which are almost certain to produce plants and fruit that are very different from the fruit you took them from. Hybrid plants are grown from crossing different varieties of the same type of plants to produce a plant with characteristics that are required such as size, color and insect resistance. Another reason to grow from seeds is you can get a much larger variety and variations of the same types of plants than usually found in nurseries. Planting cuttings is a sure way to guarantee that you will get fruit and vegetables that are the same as the parent plant and often much quicker to grow than seeds.
The growing season in your area is a major factor that should be taken into account when making choices whether stating from seeds or seedlings. If you are able to start seeds indoors during colder months, then replant or moving them outside when conditions are right, this will give a larger range of options on the types of plants you can grow in places where the growing season is short. Tomatoes, peppers and eggplant are often eithe