As more and more people look towards organic options for food, there is a trend of people cultivating organic gardens in their homes. And, taking it a little ahead, now people are cultivating organic gardens in groups-community organic gardening!
Community organic gardening helps people network and connect socially. Gardening done in community groups creates a sense of harmony and well-being.
Create a Group
You can spread the word in your social circle, work colleagues, etc. that you want to start a community organic garden. Like-minded people will connect with you to form the group for collective organic farming.
Select a Leader
Select a group leader who takes the overall responsibility and assigns tasks to different group members.
Decide what you want to grow
The group can decide together the fruits and vegetables that they would like to cultivate.
Choose a Site
Choose a plot of land for the garden that is large enough to grow all the fruits/vegetables that are planned. There should be sufficient space for planting the seeds so that the plants have the recommended clearance between them.
Also, the location of the plot should be such that it receives sunlight for at least 6 hours a day and where there is the availability of water.
Documentation
Once you have found the site of your choice, you will need to complete the legal paperwork so that you can get started.
Preparing the Soil
The soil should be rich in healthy nutrients. You can get the soil analyzed by a local agricultural center. Ensure that the soil has plenty of humus. You can enrich the soil by mixing compost, grass, and manure.
Choice of Plants
Choose plants for your garden that will thrive on the existing soil quality, moisture, climatic conditions, light, moisture, etc.
Planting crops
Raised beds are a great choice for growing plants that you will be harvesting. You can group these plants. Grouping offers multiple benefits such as reducing water waste, targeting compost and nutrients. Also, ensure that there is sufficient space for air circulation between the plants.
Watering
The best time to water the plants is in the morning. Water the plants by hand making sure that you water the roots and not the foliage.
Weeding
You can reduce the weeds in your garden by adding mulch in the soil. Organic gardens require weeding to be done manually. Make sure to remove the weeds from roots to avoid regrowth.
Protecting against pests
To protect your garden from pests, you can foster natural predators such as frogs, lizards, etc. in your garden. also, you can grow plants with small blossoms such as dills, etc. which attract pests.
Once you follow all these tips, you are on your way to starting your community organic garden.
So, join hands to cultivate your organic garden and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
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