Organic gardening is becoming a popular way of life as people become more conscious of their health and the environment. Gardening can be a relaxing hobby but it can also become a lifestyle. Organic gardening may seem intimidating if you are beginning, but it is much easier than you think.
Living in a bustling city like New York takes more creativity to set up your organic garden. There are lovely urban gardens that can turn your concrete into a jungle. With some planning and research, you can create a beautiful and productive garden right in your backyard, rooftop, terrace, or even windowsill.
To enhance and enliven your indoor or outdoor garden, choose the perfect planters that will help your garden thrive. Planter Resource, established in 1994, has been a staple for garden supplies in NYC Flower Market. We have grown to be one of the largest and most reputable pottery and garden supplies suppliers on the East Coast. We offer a wide selection of pottery, same-day or next delivery in the five boroughs, and excellent customer service. Call 212-206-7687 and care for your garden with Planter Resource!
Beginning Your Organic Garden
The benefits of organic gardening include producing healthy, nutrient-dense produce, minimizing pesticide and chemical exposure, and reducing environmental damage while providing yummy and trusted food for you and your family’s bellies.
Find Your Space
Community Gardens in NYC
Community gardens are a great way to get involved in organic gardening in NYC. NYC currently has over 600 community gardens, allowing city residents to grow vegetables, fruits, and herbs. These gardens are run by volunteers who share the space and harvest the crops. Some NYC community gardens have waiting lists, but others are open to newcomers and offer affordable plots to lease for gardeners who want their own space to grow.
Rooftop Gardens
Rooftop gardens are becoming increasingly popular in NYC as people try to make the most of limited outdoor space. Rooftops provide the perfect location for a vegetable or herb garden, as they are often untouched by common pests and get plenty of sun exposure. Rooftop gardens can be created on both commercial and residential buildings and come in all shapes and sizes. Some of the most popular rooftop gardens in NYC include the Brooklyn Grange, which operates two rooftop farms in Brooklyn, and The Farm on Adderley, a restaurant in Ditmas Park, which grows its produce on a rooftop farm.
A Windowsill Garden
A windowsill garden could be the answer for those who live in small apartments or have no outdoor space to work with. All that’s needed is a sunny windowsill, a container, soil, and seedlings. Herbs, lettuce, and tomatoes are perfect for windowsill gardens, and container gardening has the added benefit of being quite mobile. This option is perfect for renters who may have to move frequently. Don’t forget to decorate your windowsill garden with the perfect planters. Planter Resource offers standard fiberglass planters to more specialized glassware planters. Find what speaks to you in our store or on our site. Be sure to ask about our wholesale planters.
Start Your Organic Garden
1. Choose the Right Plants
Choose the right plants for your space and climate. Whether you’re working with a tiny balcony or a large backyard, it’s important to select plants that thrive in your specific environment. In NYC, the climate can be harsh, with hot summers and cold winters, so it’s crucial to choose plants that can handle these extremes. Some popular choices for organic gardening in NYC include tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and leafy greens like kale and spinach. These plants are easy to grow and can be used in a variety of recipes.
Choosing organic seeds and plants ensures that you start with healthy and uncontaminated plants. Organic seeds are free from pesticides and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). They also produce plants that are more resistant to pests and disease.
2. Maintaining a Healthy Soil
Healthy soil is crucial for a successful organic garden. In NYC, soil can be contaminated with pollutants like lead and other heavy metals, so it’s essential to test your soil before planting. You can purchase a soil testing kit online or through your local garden center. If your soil is contaminated, you may need to add organic matter like compost. Though, like most New Yorkers might not have access to the soil in their space unless it comes bought in a bag. Choose organic options for the best type of soil.
3. Plan Your Garden Layout
Planning your garden layout involves choosing the right plants for your space and grouping them based on their needs. You can also incorporate companion planting, which is the practice of planting different types of plants together to benefit each other, such as planting onions near carrots or basil near tomatoes.
4. Prepare Your Soil
Preparing your soil properly will ensure your plants have a healthy growing environment. Remove any weeds and rocks and add organic matter such as compost, aged manure, or leaf mold. Mix the amendments into your soil and rake it smoothly.
5. Water Regularly
Watering your plants regularly is crucial for their growth and productivity. However, it is essential to provide plants with the right amount of water. Water plants either early in the morning or late in the day to reduce water loss due to evaporation. Overwatering can lead to root rot while under-watering can damage plants.
If using planters to help with your urban garden, remember that the material matters. Terracotta, for instance, is a perfect material for water absorption. If you worry that you are overwatering or underwatering, choose a planter that works for you. Planter Resource has an extensive range of planter products in many different materials. Contact us to start planning your garden.
6. Mulch Your Garden
Mulching your garden is an essential step in organic gardening care. Mulch helps retain moisture and reduce weed growth. It also keeps soil temperatures consistent, providing a warm environment for plants to grow. Use organic mulch, such as straw, leaves, or grass clippings, to provide additional nutrients to your soil.
7. Feed Your Plants Regularly
Feeding your plants with organic fertilizers, such as compost tea, fish emulsion, or seaweed extract, provides essential nutrients to plants. Organic fertilizers slowly release nutrients into the soil, which is essential for the long-term health of your garden. Feeding your plants every two to four weeks during the growing season is recommended.
8. Control Pests Naturally
Controlling pests naturally in an organic garden involves identifying the pests and using natural methods to eliminate them. Companion planting, physical barriers, and beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and praying mantises, can help control pests. Avoid chemical pesticides, as they can harm beneficial insects and pollute the environment.
9. Harvest and Preserve Your Crops
Harvesting your crops at the right time is crucial for their flavor and nutrient content. Be sure to harvest fruits and vegetables when they are ripe but not overripe. You can preserve your crops by canning, freezing, or drying them, which allows you to enjoy them year-round. Each meal you make will taste all the better as you grow your food with your green thumbs.
10. Composting
Composting is an excellent way to reduce waste and produce nutrient-rich soil amendments for your garden. It involves collecting organic materials such as kitchen scraps, yard waste, and garden debris and allowing them to decompose naturally.
Help Your Organic Garden with Planter Resource
Organic gardening is an excellent way to grow your own food and care for the environment. By following these steps for organic gardening care, you can have a successful and enjoyable garden. With a little bit of effort and dedication, you can have a thriving organic garden that provides you with fresh and healthy produce. For the best gardens in NYC, you may need some planters to assist you. Planter Resource has in stock a wide range of products that can satisfy any sized indoor or outdoor space. Allow Planter Resource to help bring your organic garden to life. Grow happily with Planter Resource.
