How Do I Get Started?  

Planning is the best way to achieve the results you want from your organic garden. You need to ask yourself a few questions to work out the needs of your family. You also have to decide what space you have to make available.

Some obvious questions come to mind:-

* Do I have an area that has full sun for most of the day?

* If you live in a windy area are you able to erect a wind-break to reduce prevailing winds?

* What kind of soil do I have? Although most soils will be suitable in the long term with regular addition of organic matter.

* Find out what temperature zone you are living in - you will need to know this to determine the types of plants and when to plant. For example hot, temperate or cool areas.

* What are the food needs of my family? There's no point growing pumpkins if no-one likes pumpkin! Make a list of what fruit and vegetables your family likes.

If you are just starting out, take a look at my e-book "Organic Food Gardening Beginner's Manual" to get you started with great information, tips and simple organic gardening techniques.

And you can always see what I'm doing in my own Organic Garden by visiting my blog.

So, you've allocated a sunny area for your organic veggie garden beds. You've got water available. Do you know what temperature zone you are in? Perhaps you'd like to start with a "no-dig plot"?

It's a good idea to measure up your area and decide if you want to create individual beds. I like my beds to be no wider than about 1.2metres. That way I can reach in from either side without having to stand on the bed. You want to avoid any compacting of the soil. The beds can be as long as you like. I like to have mine running lengthways in an East / West fashion to maximize sunlight.

If you're going to have drip or trickle irrigation (my preferred watering method), now is the time to do it - before you start planting. It's pretty easy to install irrigation and you can even include a timer - especially handy for those of us with poor memories. This photo shows an early organic veggie garden that I started from scratch. 

I installed micro-spray irrigation in the two beds, but wouldn't choose it again. It's better to have water going directly to the roots where it's needed. Watering too frequently encourages shallow root growth which leaves plants very sensitive to water shortages. Deeper, less frequent watering promotes deeper root growth.

You don't need to have hardwood sleepers or any borders really. You could even have a border of herbs. But I use the sleepers as I'm always adding organic matter to the beds and I like it tidy.

When you've covered some of the basics, you'll need to have the list of foods that your family enjoys ready. It's a great idea to keep a garden journal. Over the seasons and years you will gather so much information on what works in your garden.... and what doesn't work. 

The best time to plant various things; when they mature; what varieties you have the most success with; what the weather was like that season. Your journal will "grow" into a goldmine of information relevant to your property and garden style. A great legacy for the young gardeners in your family.

For beginners I'd recommend starting out with seedlings.
As you gain more experience I'm sure you'll want to raise your plants from seeds, then start saving your own seeds. But for now go with plants that have a head start.
When your beds are ready, go to your local nursery and see what's available. Most plants have information about planting requirements. If you're not sure, get advice from the nursery staff.

Once you're at home you want to get your new plants in the ground as soon as possible, especially in warm weather. Always water your seedlings about 30 minutes before planting. I always water the hole for each plant before it goes in the ground and straight after, so you need a hose nearby also. You have to keep the shock of transplanting to a minimum.

Adding blood and bone or another all round organic fertilizer is also beneficial at planting - not too close to those delicate roots though. Look through the fertilizers page to learn more about what to feed your plants.

Almost any soil will be improved and workable over time with the addition of enough organic matter. It will take time, but over the years you will create nutrient rich, living soil, perfect for the health of your plants and your family. In the mean time you have to work with what you've got!

In your new garden the best veggies to start with are potatoes, lettuce, brassicas and cucurbits (cucumber family). Root crops are better once your plot has matured. It is better to have mixed plantings of vegetables and herbs, rather than long rows or a whole bed of one type of plant. Companion Planting benefits your garden in many ways, including pest and disease prevention and growing healthier, more vigorous plants. Keeping your beds topped up with compost and/or mulch helps prevent weeds, retain moisture and promotes steady healthy growth.

One way to quickly grow your garden is to create more plants for free. Propagating your own plants is so rewarding and a great hobby that improves your garden and the environment at the same time!

 Congratulations on getting started.