6 Keys to Growing Organic Vegetables in Your Apartment

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6 Keys to Growing Organic Vegetables in Your Apartment

Staff Writer · Jul 23, 2010

Growing organic vegetables is one of the best things you can do for your health, and your apartment. Using pesticides and chemical fertilizers to grow your food is dangerous to your health. You may not be aware of the alternatives, but you can grow organic vegetables and save money in the process.

1 – Buy Organic Seeds

The seeds you buy should be organic. If they are not, they were most likely saved from plants that were grown with the chemicals you’re trying to avoid. Like organic foods in stores, organic seeds have a “Certified Organic” label. It’s hard to find them locally, but you can find them at online garden stores, such as Peaceful Valley at www.groworganic.com.

2 – Buy Organic Plants

Growing organic vegetables successfully sometimes means starting from plants. For example, it’s better to buy tomato plants, instead of starting from seeds. Don’t buy non-organic plants, with a plan to grow them organically. The nursery you bought them from will use pesticides to keep the plants “alive” long enough for customers to make a purchase. You can’t undo the damage to the plant. Start fresh with a certified organic plant. If you know someone locally who grows organic produce, buy a plant from them.

3 – Outdoors Organic Compost

Use compost instead of using chemical fertilizers to grow organic vegetables (which would make your vegetables non-organic). If you’re like most renters, you probably don’t have permission to store rotten foods and manure in the backyard to make your own organic compost. That may not be true for everyone though, so if your renting situation allows for that, you should learn how to make your own organic compost outdoors. Otherwise, you can purchase them at any local garden center and at an online organic garden supply store.

4 – Organic Compost Indoors

You can use technology for indoor composting or use worms. Some kitchen composters are expensive, but they do get the job done if you can afford it. For example, the NatureMill Plus XE Kitchen Composter will compost up to 120 pounds every two weeks. It’s odor free, which is important when you’re composting indoors. You can also use plastic tubs with earthworms to compost organic matter. Find one with a charcoal filter if you can, so that your kitchen doesn’t smell like a dump.

5- Organic Potting Soil

One mistake that beginners make when growing organic vegetables is using regular soil. You may think that it’s just dirt, but non-organic soil sold in stores contain chemicals. You’ll defeat the whole purpose of growing organically if you pick non-organic soil. Know where you soil is coming from and what is in it. Keep this in mind if you plan to ask neighbors or friends for soil.

6 – Grow a Few Vegetables You Eat

You could grow many different vegetables and harvest a little, or grow only a few and harvest more. The latter is better, and can save you money and a trip to the store. Learn how to preserve the vegetables you grow. Freezing and canning are great options that you can do in your apartment.

Join the ranks of many renters who eat healthier by growing organic vegetables in their apartments.

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