The impulse to garden in hard times has deep roots. Vegetable gardening has many rewards that are especially helpful during this time of lockdowns and social distancing. You get outside in the fresh air. You stretch those muscles and get some exercise. Everyone in the family can participate. And, at the end of the day, there are those delicious tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, squash, and beans! But if you’ve never planted a garden before, it may seem a bit daunting.
Where to start?
Here is a simple primer that breaks down organic backyard gardening into manageable steps: Organic Gardening 101: How to Start Your Own Backyard Garden
What will make my garden organic?
Organic gardening is not simply an absence of toxic things, like chemical fertilizers and herbicides. Organic is a system that builds soil health and thereby grows strong, productive plants. Organic gardening means working with nature, not against it, to insure a thriving biodiverse ecosystem which supports plants and beneficial insects.
For a wealth of resources about organic gardening, purchasing, and living see Go Organics article “Staying Home and Putting Down Roots“.
To learn about the history of the wartime Victory Garden: Food Supply Anxiety Brings Back Victory Gardens
Maryland Organic Food & Farming Association 