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

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What “Organic” Means

• No genetically-engineered crops

• No synthetic fertilizers or synthetic pesticides

• Use of methods that promote ecological balance Source: Wikimedia commons

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Why Organic Gardening Matters• Reduces pesticide exposure• Protects biodiversity• Protects the Bay • Encourages recycling• Saves money on groceries

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Five Steps to Your Organic Garden

BUILD THE SOIL

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Organic Matter is the Key

• Improves soil structure and drainage

• Increases good microbes and earthworms

• Holds, then releases nutrients slowly

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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

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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.

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RIGHT PLANT, RIGHT PLACE AND TIME

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Choose the Right Plants and Seed• Healthy seedlings• Seeds:

– open-pollinated, heirloom – hybrid– organic

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Plant in the Right Place

• Containers, in-ground or raised beds

• Six hours of sun• Access to water• Protected from critters

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Plant at the Right Time

• HGIC Planting Calendar

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FERTILIZE WISELY

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Three Main Plant Nutrients• N = Nitrogen

– Leaves

• P = Phosphorus– Roots, flowers, fruits

• K = Potassium – Overall health and disease resistance

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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

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MANAGE PROBLEMS ORGANICALLY

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Destroy Egg Masses of Bad BugsColorado Potato Beetle

Squash Bug

Stink Bug

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Exclude Pests with Row Cover

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Recognize and Keep Good Bugs

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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

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Organic Insecticides

• Made from natural products

• Safer for the environment• Examples:

– Pyrethrins– Biological controls (Bt)– Insecticidal Soaps– Kaolin clay (Surround)

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Suppress Weeds• Mulch to suppress

weeds.

• Space plants to shade out weeds.

• Pull or hoe weeds.

• Plant cover crops in open areas.

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Manage Diseases

• Choose resistant varieties.• Remove and destroy

diseased plants.• Trim plants to let air in.• Rotate crops.

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OBSERVE AND CARE FOR YOUR GARDEN

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Walk in Your Garden

• Observe.• Manage weeds.• Destroy bad bugs.• Fertilize if

needed.• Succession plant.• Keep a log.

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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.

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As the Season Ends…

• Remove plant debris.• Mulch bare soil.• Plant crops like garlic

and shallots.• Plant cover crops.

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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!

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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