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12 Must-Know Organic Gardening Tips to Try Today

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There’s so much advice out there about organic gardening that it’s easy to get lost, especially if you don’t have a basic idea of how to start.

That’s why this article is here—to help address that problem for you.

Do you worry about chemicals in your soil?

How can you keep pests away without using chemical sprays?

What’s the best way to feed your plants naturally?

With all these questions in mind, it’s not as complicated as it seems. Organic gardening is really just about using natural methods—or should I say, nature’s stuff.

You don’t even need to be an expert to get started (a little patience and the right approach go a long way).

As you get more comfortable, you’ll see your garden grow in a healthier way, and you’ll feel great about it.

In this article, I’ll share simple organic gardening tips that anyone can follow (I swear!).

These tips are easy to try and will help you create a garden that’s good for your 3 P’s: plants, plate, and the planet.

1. Create Your Own Compost

Making your own compost is honestly one of the easiest ways to improve your garden. If you’re worried about smells or mess, don’t be—it’s not as bad as you might think.

Simply toss your kitchen scraps (like fruit peels, vegetable cores, coffee grounds, and eggshells) into a compost bin or pile outside your home.

Layer these with yard waste, such as grass clippings, dead leaves, or straw.

Every now and then, give it a stir (it’s like turning over a new leaf for your garden—literally).

Over time, it breaks down into rich, dark compost that plants absolutely love. It’s a free, natural fertilizer you won’t want to miss.

Plus, you’ll be recycling and keeping all those kitchen scraps out of the trash (which is always a good thing).

If you’re ready to take it a step further, look into the Berkeley method of composting—it’s a quick and efficient way to turn your kitchen scraps into nutrient-packed compost.

How to Compost Using The Berkeley Method (Have Rich Compost Within 18 Days!) 

Composting is one of the simplest and most successful ways to create nutrient-rich soil (and plants) for your garden.

But, if you're like me, you probably forgot to create your compost over the winter/early spring, and who are in a time crunch to prepare it.

And if that's the case, then the Berkeley Composting Method is what you'd want to use if you need it for your gardens quickly.

2. Invest in Your Soil

Soil is the foundation of everything. Without it, you’re pretty much wasting your time. 

If your soil is sandy, clay-heavy, or has been neglected for too long, it’s going to be tough for plants to thrive. But don’t stress, it’s fixable. 

First, mix in compost or well-aged manure to add nutrients. It’s feeding your soil a good meal (and it’ll thank you by supporting healthy plants). 

If you’re unsure about your soil’s health, grab a cheap soil test kit (they’re easy to use and you’ll get the info you need). 

You’ll learn if it’s missing anything, like nitrogen or potassium, and then you can add just what’s needed. 

Healthy soil looks rich and crumbly, and it’ll make your plants feel like they’re living in a five-star hotel.

3. Use Natural Fertilizers

When you think of fertilizers, the first thing that might come to mind is a chemical bag from the store.

But if you’re going organic, there’s no need for that. Opt for natural fertilizers like fish emulsion, seaweed extracts, or even worm castings (yep, worms are incredible little helpers).

These feed your soil gradually, providing nutrients without overloading it. They also support the healthy microbes in the soil, which are crucial for your plants’ growth.

It’s like giving your plants a steady, balanced meal.

You can also explore the best natural fertilizers to ensure your plants get exactly what they need—without any chemicals.

15 Best Natural Fertilizers for Vegetable Gardens!

NPK: NitrogenPhosphorusPotassium.

These are the nutrients that most plants need to grow strong and healthy.

The good news is that many natural fertilizers are packed with these exact nutrients.

In this article, I’ll share 15 proven and effective natural fertilizers that will surely help your vegetable garden thrive.

4. Use Mulch

Mulch often doesn’t get the credit it deserves—until you start using it.

It’s not a magic fix, but spreading mulch around your plants offers a range of benefits.

It keeps weeds at bay (by blocking them), preserves moisture in the soil, and even helps regulate soil temperature.

As mulch breaks down, it also adds nutrients to the soil, essentially doing double duty.

Gardeners who use mulch regularly often rave about the results, and it’s easy to see why. Once it’s down, everything just seems to run smoother.

5. Practice Companion Planting

You do companion planting when you pair plants that work well together. Some plants help others grow better by attracting beneficial insects, repelling pests, or even improving the soil.

For instance, planting basil with tomatoes not only tastes awesome but also helps keep certain pests away. Marigolds are another great option because they naturally ward off pests.

When you start mixing and matching plants that help each other out, you’ll have a garden that’s more resilient and productive.

If you’re new to companion planting, check out this companion planting guide to learn which plants pair best together.

Expert Companion Planting Guide (Grow Better Plants Together)

When I first heard about “companion planting,” I didn’t really know what it was all about.

But after researching and reading more from others who tried it, I started to understand why so many gardeners are practicing it (and you’ll likely see why too, after reading through this article).

In this article, I’ll go over the basics of companion planting, explain why it’s worth trying, and show you how to get started in your own garden.

6. Rotate Your Crops Each Season

Crop rotation doesn’t seem like a big deal at first, but it actually makes a lot of sense when you think about it.

If you keep planting the same thing in the same spot every year, the soil can become depleted, and pests tend to find their way in.

By switching things up, you’re giving the soil a chance to regenerate and preventing pests from becoming a bigger problem.

Gardeners who rotate their crops often mention how much healthier their plants are. It’s a small practice that can have a noticeable impact.

7. Make Homemade Pest Sprays


If you’re dealing with pests, there’s no need to reach for harsh chemicals (your garden will thank you).

You can make your own pest spray with things you probably already have in your kitchen.

Garlic, for example, is an excellent natural bug repellent. Just blend some garlic with water, add a drop of dish soap (to help it stick to the plants), and spray it on the affected areas.

Neem oil is another option. It’s gentle but effective against a variety of garden pests.

These homemade sprays work just as well as store-bought options and keep things natural (and much safer for your garden’s good bugs).

8. Attract Pollinators to Your Garden


Attracting pollinators to your garden is a simple but powerful way to help your plants grow.

Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds (though not always noticed) play a huge role in ensuring your plants produce fruits and seeds.

They move pollen from one plant to another, which is essential for fruiting and seed production. Without them, your garden would struggle to produce the same amount of food.

To bring these pollinators in, plant flowers they love. Nectar-rich blooms like lavender, sunflowers, and zinnias are treats for these garden helpers.

Not only do these flowers add beauty to your garden, but they also invite pollinators to stick around. When they do, your fruits and vegetables will thrive, getting all the extra help they need.

9. Water Efficiently


Giving your plants a good soak isn’t enough—did you know there’s a smart way to water them?

Watering early in the morning is actually a much better approach. It’s like giving your plants a drink before the heat of the day hits, helping them stay hydrated and preventing water loss.

Using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system is the most efficient way to go. It directs water exactly where it’s needed, minimizing waste and ensuring your plants get just the right amount.

10. Control Weeds Without Chemicals


Weeds seem to be a constant annoyance, no matter how hard you try to avoid them. But you don’t need chemicals to keep them at bay.

Mulch does an excellent job of preventing weeds from growing in the first place. If some do sneak through, pulling them up by hand is your next best option (I know—it’s not glamorous, but it’s oddly satisfying).

Be sure to get the roots when you pull them out, especially when the soil is damp. If you stay on top of it, you won’t have to worry about weeds taking over your garden.

Natural methods for weed control work wonders, and the less you rely on chemicals, the better it is for the environment (and your plants).

a dandelion flowers in a field of grass.

7 Natural (and Effective) Methods to Prevent Weeds From Growing In Your Garden

I know you've all experienced that moment in the garden when you're out checking your plants and all of a sudden, you noticed weeds are popping up everywhere in your garden.

These weeds have been one of the problems that makes gardeners frustrated as they can harm their plants.

In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about preventing weeds naturally and methods that you can implement right away.

11. Save Seeds for the Next Season

Saving seeds is like giving yourself a head start for the next growing season.

All you need to do is let your plants reach full maturity, collect the seeds, and store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant them again.

The beauty of saving seeds isn’t just about cutting costs (though that’s definitely a perk!). It’s also about creating a connection with the plants that have already thrived in your garden.

Take tomatoes, peppers, and beans, for example. These are great options for saving seeds because they’re reliable and easy to work with.

With tomatoes, you can save seeds from your favorite varieties, ensuring you’re growing exactly what worked well for you last season.

The same goes for peppers and beans. If you had a variety that grew especially strong or tasted just right, saving those seeds allows you to repeat that success year after year.

12. Choose Organic Seeds or Seedlings

Starting your garden with organic seeds is like giving your plants a healthier beginning.

You’re setting them up to grow in a more natural environment, with fewer chemicals involved from the start.

Organic plants tend to perform better in the long run because they’re bred to resist pests and diseases without relying on artificial pesticides.

Over time, they become stronger and more resilient, reducing the need for chemicals in your garden.

Organic seeds are often grown by farmers who focus on sustainability. By buying them, you’re supporting responsible farming practices—a win for the environment and your garden.

And, of course, it’s good for your health. By choosing organic, you’re growing food free from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, while supporting farming methods that are gentler on the planet.

Go organic!


See? Organic gardening isn’t complicated—it’s really about working with nature, not against it.

Just follow these tips, and they’ll surely help you build a garden that’s strong, healthy, and ready to handle the ups and downs of each growing season.

In the end, you’ll get to enjoy the simple pleasure of growing your own food (which is pretty awesome, if you ask me).

Have you tried any of these organic gardening tips yet? Share your experience in the comments below!

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