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
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What “Organic” Means
• No geneticallyengineered crops
• No synthetic fertilizers
or synthetic pesticides
• Use of methods that
promote ecological
balance
Source: Wikimedia commons
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Why Organic Gardening Matters
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Reduces pesticide exposure
Protects biodiversity
Protects the Bay
Encourages recycling
Saves money on groceries
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Five Steps to Your
Organic Garden
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1
BUILD THE SOIL
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Organic Matter is the Key
• Improves soil
structure and
drainage
• Increases good
microbes and
earthworms
• Holds, then releases
nutrients slowly
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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
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Is Your Soil Healthy?
• Crumbly loam
• Optimum pH of 6.0-6.8
• Organic matter ≥ 4%
Not sure? Test your soil!
U. MD Extension can help.
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2
RIGHT PLANT, RIGHT PLACE
AND TIME
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Choose the Right Plants and Seed
• Healthy seedlings
• Seeds:
– open-pollinated, heirloom
– hybrid
– organic
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Plant in the Right Place
• Containers, in-ground or
raised beds
• Six hours of sun
• Access to water
• Protected from critters
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Plant at the Right Time
• HGIC Planting Calendar
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3
FERTILIZE WISELY
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Three Main Plant Nutrients
• N = Nitrogen
– Leaves
• P = Phosphorus
– Roots, flowers, fruits
• K = Potassium
– Overall health and disease resistance
Example: All-purpose organic fertilizer (Garden Tone)
N-P-K: 3-4-4
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Why Organic Fertilizers?
• May supply a wide range
of nutrients
• Usually provide
nutrients slowly
• Some are supplemented
with beneficial microbes
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4
MANAGE PROBLEMS
ORGANICALLY
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Destroy Egg Masses of Bad Bugs
Colorado Potato Beetle
Squash Bug
Stink Bug
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Exclude Pests with Row Cover
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Recognize and Keep Good Bugs
Lady Bird Beetle adult and larva
Lacewing
Assassin Bug
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Plant Companions
Many flowers attract and
feed beneficial insects:
• Dill and parsley
• Mint, thyme, sage, basil
• Zinnias, marigold, daisies
• Salvia and nasturtiums
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Organic Insecticides
• Made from natural
products
• Safer for the environment
• Examples:
– Pyrethrins
– Biological controls (Bt)
– Insecticidal Soaps
– Kaolin clay (Surround)
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Suppress Weeds
• Mulch to suppress
weeds.
• Space plants to
shade out weeds.
• Pull or hoe weeds.
• Plant cover crops in
open areas.
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Manage Diseases
• Choose resistant varieties.
• Remove and destroy
diseased plants.
• Trim plants to let air in.
• Rotate crops.
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5
OBSERVE AND CARE FOR
YOUR GARDEN
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Walk in Your Garden
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Observe.
Manage weeds.
Destroy bad bugs.
Fertilize if needed.
Succession plant.
Keep a log.
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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.
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As the Season Ends…
• Remove plant debris.
• Mulch bare soil.
• Plant crops like garlic
and shallots.
• Plant cover crops.
Buckwheat
Peas and oats
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Five Steps to Your Organic Garden
1. Build the soil
2. Right plant, right place and time
3. Fertilize wisely
4. Manage problems organically
5. Observe and care for your garden
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Enjoy your organic garden!
Questions?
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Resources
• Grow It! Eat It!
http://www.extension.umd.edu/growit
– We have all types of practical food gardening tips and
information. Check out our popular blog!
• Home and Garden Information Center
http://www.extension.umd.edu/hgic
– 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
http://www.extension.umd.edu/mg
– Consider becoming a trained MG volunteer!
This program was brought to you by the
Maryland Master Gardener Program
Washington County
University of Maryland Extension