Choosing the right orchad location is one of the most important steps of organic gardening. You will whether have satisfaction and a bountiful harvest or years of headaches depending on the location. In her book, Organic Food Gardening Beginner's Manual, Julie Villani says inspecting a few points now will make your organic gardening easier and fun. Here are eight tips on picking the perfect spot for your organic garden:
Let In The Sunlight
Organic Fruit
This is especially crucial if you plan to grow vegetables over the winter. You will want a spot that gets at least six hours of sunlight each day. If you live in an area where the temperatures are milder, then you will want a orchad that gets its maximum sunlight in the morning. If the summers are hot where you live, look for an area that gets some afternoon shade.
Steer clear of trees
Avoid planting by large trees as they furnish too much shade and will compete with your orchad for nutrients and water.
Keep It Close to Water
If you want your orchad to yield in bountiful supply, it will need lots of water, so make sure your plot is close to a trustworthy water source. The last thing you want to do is to carry heavy buckets of water to your orchad every day.
Consider Collecting Your Water
Keep a cistern near your orchad plot to procure rainwater. That way you'll save on water costs if you live in town and fuel costs if you live in the country. (It takes electricity or gas to run a pump if you are on a well system). Get the water out of the cistern whether straight through a pump or by using good old fashioned gravity.
You can also use recycled household water on your lawn, decorative shrubs, fruit and nut trees, but don't use it on your vegetables, herbs or soft fruits - in other words fruit that is not grown on trees - unless you have tested it to make distinct it is safe.
Think About The Wind
If you live on the plains like I do, then you know the wind can wreak havoc with a lot of things, including your tender orchad plants. A wind-break can help sacrifice the wind and give your plants a opening to thrive. You don't want to wholly block the wind, as that will generate turbulence, so instead use layers of trees and shrubs, or put trellises nearby that are strong enough to keep vine-type vegetables, such as squash. These will sacrifice the wind without creating troublesome turbulence.
Is There enough Drainage?
We live on a wooded lot, and sunny spots are few and far between. Unfortunately, the only ready spot for our orchad was at the lowest of a hill. Every time it rains, the area is covered with six inches of water. We dealt with this question by building raised beds that were at least 18 inches high. Your plants hate standing in water, so the next time it rains, look at the ground you are inspecting planting in, and build raised beds if needed.
What About the Soil?
This is the least important issue when inspecting a plot of land, because the soil can all the time be improved. Start composting now, or reconsider putting in easier raised beds that do not wish digging. Over time, even the worst of soils can be improved with rich soil you make yourself.
Keep It Close
A orchad close to your front steps is easier to keep weed-free. That way, you can pull out two or three of the unwelcome plants each time you walk to and from your car. Harvesting vegetables and herbs for meals will also be easier if your orchad is close to the kitchen.
So there you have it. Effect these tips and your next orchad will be easier, more bountiful and downright fun!
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