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Organic Vegetable GardeningMethods for Success!
Fran Scher, Ph.D.UME Master Gardener, Washington County
College ofAgriculture and Natural Resources
What You Will Learn Today
• What “organic” means• Why organic gardening
matters• Five steps to building a
healthy organic vegetable garden
• Ways to take action in your own garden
3
What “Organic” Means
• No genetically-engineered crops
• No synthetic fertilizers or synthetic pesticides
• Use of methods that promote ecological balance Source: Wikimedia commons
4
Why Organic Gardening Matters• Reduces pesticide exposure• Protects biodiversity• Protects the Bay • Encourages recycling• Saves money on groceries
5
6
Five Steps to Your Organic Garden
BUILD THE SOIL
1
7
Organic Matter is the Key
• Improves soil structure and drainage
• Increases good microbes and earthworms
• Holds, then releases nutrients slowly
8
Sources of Organic Matter
• Compost—make it or buy it– Recycle food scraps, grass, paper,
and leaves– LeafGro brand is locally made
• Composted manure• Organic mulches
9
Is Your Soil Healthy?
• Crumbly loam• Optimum pH of 6.0-6.8• Organic matter ≥ 4%
Not sure? Test your soil! U. MD Extension can help.
10
RIGHT PLANT, RIGHT PLACE AND TIME
2
11
Choose the Right Plants and Seed• Healthy seedlings• Seeds:
– open-pollinated, heirloom – hybrid– organic
12
Plant in the Right Place
• Containers, in-ground or raised beds
• Six hours of sun• Access to water• Protected from critters
13
Plant at the Right Time
• HGIC Planting Calendar
14
FERTILIZE WISELY
3
15
Three Main Plant Nutrients• N = Nitrogen
– Leaves
• P = Phosphorus– Roots, flowers, fruits
• K = Potassium – Overall health and disease resistance
16
Example: All-purpose organic fertilizer (Garden Tone) N-P-K: 3-4-4
Why Organic Fertilizers?
• May supply a wide range of nutrients
• Usually provide nutrients slowly
• Some are supplemented with beneficial microbes
17
MANAGE PROBLEMS ORGANICALLY
4
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Destroy Egg Masses of Bad BugsColorado Potato Beetle
Squash Bug
Stink Bug
19
Exclude Pests with Row Cover
20
Recognize and Keep Good Bugs
21
Lady Bird Beetle adult and larva
Lacewing Assassin Bug
Plant CompanionsMany flowers attract and feed beneficial insects:
•Dill and parsley
•Mint, thyme, sage, basil
•Zinnias, marigold, daisies
•Salvia and nasturtiums
22
Organic Insecticides
• Made from natural products
• Safer for the environment• Examples:
– Pyrethrins– Biological controls (Bt)– Insecticidal Soaps– Kaolin clay (Surround)
23
Suppress Weeds• Mulch to suppress
weeds.
• Space plants to shade out weeds.
• Pull or hoe weeds.
• Plant cover crops in open areas.
24
Manage Diseases
• Choose resistant varieties.• Remove and destroy
diseased plants.• Trim plants to let air in.• Rotate crops.
25
OBSERVE AND CARE FOR YOUR GARDEN
5
26
Walk in Your Garden
• Observe.• Manage weeds.• Destroy bad bugs.• Fertilize if
needed.• Succession plant.• Keep a log.
27
Water Wisely• Water in morning, if
possible; not in the evening.
• Water the soil, not the leaves.
• Water deeply, less often.• Use drip irrigation or
soaker hoses.
28
As the Season Ends…
• Remove plant debris.• Mulch bare soil.• Plant crops like garlic
and shallots.• Plant cover crops.
29Buckwheat Peas and oats
Five Steps to Your Organic Garden
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1. Build the soil
2. Right plant, right place and time
3. Fertilize wisely
4. Manage problems organically
5. Observe and care for your garden
Enjoy your organic garden!
31
Questions?
Resources
• Grow It! Eat It!http://www.extension.umd.edu/growit
– We have all types of practical food gardening tips and information. Check out our popular blog!
• Home and Garden Information Centerhttp://www.extension.umd.edu/hgic
– Here you will find factsheets, photos, and videos. You can also subscribe to the free monthly e-newsletter.
– We answer gardening questions 24/7…just click “Ask Maryland’s Garden Experts”
• Maryland Master Gardener Programhttp://www.extension.umd.edu/mg
– Consider becoming a trained MG volunteer!
This program was brought to you by the
Maryland Master Gardener Program
Washington County
University of Maryland Extension