Page 38 - Organic Gardening 3 Part Series

In smaller gardens, you probably won't need anything other than a watering can.

But in a large garden, you may find that you need sprinklers or a drip irrigation
system.

Since water is a natural resource which should be conserved, there are a few ways
which you can ensure that you're only using what you need:

 Designate sections of your garden for vegetables with low, medium, and
high-water requirements and water them separately.
 Use a rain barrel to catch water from your roof.
 Insulate the soil with a thick layer of mulch.
 Control weeds since they are competing with your plants for moisture.

Mulching

Mulching offers an excellent return on your investment of time and effort. It

controls weed growth, helps the soil retain moisture, and prevents erosion.

And using organic mulch offers the added benefit of nutrients. They also

encourage the growth of beneficial organisms which destroy harmful ones. They
also encourage earthworms which help aerate and fertilize your garden.

Mulches can also help control pests which is key in an organic garden by acting as
a barrier between plants and plant pathogens and insects.

Weeding

Weeds can be the most persistent pests. If left unchecked, they will compete with
your plants for nutrients and water. Some weeds such as bindweed will entwine
themselves around your garden plants and choke

them. Others are poisonous and some even
harbor harmful insects.

Learn which weeds you need to control, and
which are actually beneficial. Clover is often
thought of as a pest when in reality it adds
nitrogen to the soil. It makes an excellent ground
cover.