Backyard gardening
Backyard Gardening in the city can be tricky but following fundamental tips can give you a great start.
Location
Keep it simple, a vegetable garden requires 6 to 8 hours of sun. The Sun rises in the East and sets in the West. Where is the sun at sunrise in relation to your proposed location?
Plan
Plan which vegetables to plant. Read the seed package for your zone and season to plant that item. Also research for companion plants.
Tools
Starting a backyard garden generally requires a shovel, wheel barrel, hoe, metal rake, hand shovel, pruner, watering can and water system (hose, or drip system).
Prepare
Commit to planting your food garden organically. Based on your garden plan, test the soil to determine the soil condition. If required, amend.
Plant
Dig as directed, add a root starter to help develop strong root systems. A tsp of Epson salt or black strap molasses are good substitutes to a root starter.
Patience
Water, wee maintain pest control & feed as directed & wait. Then Harvest!
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Tips & Tricks
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Loam is generally considered to be ideal soil because it retains moisture and nutrients but does not stay soggy.
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Always wash your vegetables as soon as they are harvested (definitely before eating them). I use a large stainless steel bowl of water and add a couple tablespoons of white vinegar (it gets the bugs and/or fungus you can't see, off).
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Always wear gloves in the garden. Bacteria is in the soil.
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Add the garden to your sprinkler system for consistent watering, or, install a drip watering system which can be purchased in plumbing/irrigation parts of most home and garden centers (need help, let us know). It is better to water via the root system vs the stems and leaves.
USDA Zone Finder
USDA organic products have strict production and labeling requirements. Organic products must meet the following requirements:
Produced without excluded methods, (e.g., genetic engineering, ionizing radiation, or sewage sludge). Policy on genetically modified organisms (pdf)
Produced using allowed substances. View the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List).
Overseen by a USDA National Organic Program-authorized certifying agent, following all USDA organic regulations.
