Organic Vegetable Gardening Methods for Success! Fran Scher, Ph.D. UME Master Gardener, Washington County

College of Agriculture 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 3

What “Organic” Means No genetically- engineered crops No synthetic fertilizers or synthetic pesticides Use of methods that promote ecological balance Source: Wikimedia commons 4

Why Organic Gardening Matters Reduces pesticide exposure Protects biodiversity Protects the Bay Encourages recycling Saves money on groceries 5

6 Five Steps to Your Organic Garden

BUILD THE SOIL 1 7

Organic Matter is the Key Improves soil structure and drainage Increases good microbes and earthworms Holds, then releases nutrients slowly 8

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 9

Is Your Soil Healthy? Crumbly loam Optimum pH of Organic matter ≥ 4% Not sure? Test your soil! U. MD Extension can help. 10

RIGHT PLANT, RIGHT PLACE AND TIME 2 11

Choose the Right Plants and Seed Healthy seedlings Seeds: – open-pollinated, heirloom – hybrid – organic 12

Plant in the Right Place Containers, in-ground or raised beds Six hours of sun Access to water Protected from critters 13

Plant at the Right Time HGIC Planting Calendar 14

FERTILIZE WISELY 3 15

Three Main Plant Nutrients N = Nitrogen – Leaves P = Phosphorus – Roots, flowers, fruits K = Potassium – Overall health and disease resistance 16 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 17

MANAGE PROBLEMS ORGANICALLY 4 18

Destroy Egg Masses of Bad Bugs Colorado Potato Beetle Squash Bug Stink Bug 19

Exclude Pests with Row Cover 20

Recognize and Keep Good Bugs 21 Lady Bird Beetle adult and larva LacewingAssassin Bug

Plant Companions Many flowers attract and feed beneficial insects: Dill and parsley Mint, thyme, sage, basil Zinnias, marigold, daisies Salvia and nasturtiums 22

Organic Insecticides Made from natural products Safer for the environment Examples: – Pyrethrins – Biological controls (Bt) – Insecticidal Soaps – Kaolin clay (Surround) 23

Suppress Weeds Mulch to suppress weeds. Space plants to shade out weeds. Pull or hoe weeds. Plant cover crops in open areas. 24

Manage Diseases Choose resistant varieties. Remove and destroy diseased plants. Trim plants to let air in. Rotate crops. 25

OBSERVE AND CARE FOR YOUR GARDEN 5 26

Walk in Your Garden Observe. Manage weeds. Destroy bad bugs. Fertilize if needed. Succession plant. Keep a log. 27

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. 28

As the Season Ends… Remove plant debris. Mulch bare soil. Plant crops like garlic and shallots. Plant cover crops. 29 BuckwheatPeas and oats

Five Steps to Your Organic Garden 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! 31 Questions?

Resources Grow It! Eat It! – We have all types of practical food gardening tips and information. Check out our popular blog! Home and Garden Information Center – 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 Program – Consider becoming a trained MG volunteer!

This program was brought to you by the Maryland Master Gardener Program Washington County University of Maryland Extension