Creating Healthy Organic Garden SoilHealthy organic garden soil and the weather are two important issues to consider when getting started with organic vegetable gardening. You would also need to grow crops that thrive in your local conditions. You should start with the soil if you want to grow any vegetables at all. If that means getting a few tons of good quality top soil, you should just do it. You will save yourself time, money and a lot of grief. To further improve the quality of the soil, add manure or compost.
Many organic gardeners make their own compost with vegetable peelings and other suitable substances.
When you have your soil prepared and looking like a garden, have the soil tested for fertility and pH. The pH measures acidity or alkalinity of the soil. Most vegetables will grow best in a neutral soil. For fertility you are having the soil tested for N P K i.e.
You will also have to realize that for your garden to be truly organic may take a little time. Remember you will be using only organic fertilizers not the inorganic, artificial kind. You can also fill your raised garden with soil and a mixture of peat moss and other organic soils. I double dug to a depth of about two shovel lengths. It's OK you will only have to double dig every few years, This will give you the depth of soil to grow healthy root crops, improve the drainage and prevent a hard pan from forming. Good drainage is related to good watering - no kidding. An Organic MatterDon't forget your success will depend on how you treat your soil. If you start with junk that's what you have - junk. "You can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear", but you can try; and the best way to try is to start from day one and realize you will need healthy organic garden soil and lots of it.
Believe me! You will come to love this dark brown material. It's the manna from heaven to the organic vegetable grower, so start your composting set-up early in the game.
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