According to the United States Department of Agriculture, organic agriculture promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity.It is based on management practices that restore, maintain, and enhance ecological harmony.The process of farming organically on your own time requires a lot of research and dedication.The effort will be worth it if you love the idea of making your own farm.
Step 1: Test the soil.
If your soil isn't healthy, it may need to be adjusted.You shouldn't just put plants in the soil and hope for the best.Before starting an organic farm, you should get your soil tested.Chemicals from other places may have seeped into your soil, and it may not have the right balance of nutrients to support plant life.A home testing kit will only give you a list of numbers.You should send your soil to the local extension office.The office will test your soil and send you a breakdown of the state of it, as well as what the numbers on your sheet mean in terms of planting crops.Suggestions on how to treat your soil will be offered by the agricultural extension office.Make sure to specify that you're going organic when you send in your soil.Suggestions you get will not include chemical treatments that go against the organic lifestyle.If you want the best results, get your soil tested in the fall.If you have farming experience, you should not use a home testing kit.
Step 2: Make sure your soil is in good shape.
You may have a hard time getting your work done if you know the state of your soil.If you're lucky, your soil won't need much work before you start farming.It will take a lot of time and money to create quality soil for your organic farm.Poor soil drainage is the most expensive problem to fix.It will cost between $1,250 and $2,500 per year to use a system called subsurface drainage to get the soil where it needs to be.Unless you know how to install a subsurface system yourself, you will have to pay for labor.It is possible to begin farming and the soil will change with time.It takes about 10 years to get the soil where it needs to be.Nitrogen can be restored by using methods like crop rotation, fertilization, and on-farm composting.This method is the cheapest.It will cost you between one and two cents a year.For suggestions, read over the paperwork from the agricultural extension office.Depending on the current state of your soil type, you can either do a major overhaul of it or use mild methods to improve it.
Step 3: Take climate into account.
You can't grow plants on your farm.The climate in your area can affect which plants can be grown.You will have to choose plants that grow well in your area.Plants that need a different climate can only be grown with chemicals and pesticides.It may be difficult to grow certain plants in a cooler area.Tomatoes and tender fruit can be grown in a warmer area.In a cold area, spring grains and crucifer crops may do better.You should take winter into account.The survival of perennial fruit plants depends on the severity of the winters in your area.You should always be aware of the temperatures that are too warm or too cold for your crops to thrive.Plants that could survive in your area should be considered.
Step 4: You can visit a farmer's market.
Farmers here will use organic techniques to grow their crops.Crops sold here are likely to thrive in your area.This will introduce you to local farmers and give you a sense of which crops to plant.When you need assistance and advice, you can make connections.You can ask at a local food co-op if there is a farmer's market in your area.Make a point of visiting the farmer's markets on the days they are open.You can see what kind of fruit, vegetables, flowers, and plants are being sold.Ask the farmers if they grow their own food.Ask them about the types of soil on their farms.Try to get in touch with some farmers.You can ask for phone numbers and email addresses.You can reach out to a local farmer with experience growing organic produce if you need advice along the way.When you are ready to sell your crops, you will have a relationship with the local market.
Step 5: You should plant crops.
Crops should be grown in wide beds for organic farms.The extra space between rows increases air circulation.If you can, have raised beds on your farm so you don't have to walk on crops.Group your plants according to type.The snow peas should be grown in a different place than the tomatoes.Some of the soil is raised off the ground.Raising soil in your area will reduce traffic on your plants.Crops will thrive if you have enough space in between to plant your seeds.If you want to get specific instructions on how much space you need, you have to look at a Farmer's Almanac or similar publication.Depending on the type of crops you want to grow, the precise means of planting your crops can vary.Before planting, always research your crops and reach out to other organic farmers for advice.
Step 6: A compost heap should be started.
Your need for chemical varieties will be lessened by this.You can keep a compost heap in a container in the kitchen or outside.You can either put the compost in a bin or pen.Nitrogen or carbon rich organic waste can come from your kitchen, as well as water, soil, and air.Add layers of carbon, composed of brown material and nitrogen, which is waste that is green in color, such as old leafy greens from the kitchen.You can top off your pile with a 4 to 6 inch layer of soil after adding a few layers.Your compost should be ready to use in about 2 months.
Step 7: Don't forget to water your plants.
The amount of water you use depends on the type of plant.A Farmer's Almanac or similar publication is a good place to start.There are a few general guidelines when it comes to watering your plants.It's best to drink water in the morning.It tends to be cooler and less windy in the morning, giving the water the best chance to reach your plants.You can water your plants at the roots.Damage can be caused by watering the greenery.Plants may need to be watered a few times a week.Plants may only need weekly watering once they are established.Make sure to look into your plant's type before making a decision about watering.
Step 8: Don't plant in the garden.
It will take a lot of work on your part to keep weeds at bay, as you will not be relying on chemicals to reduce weeds in your garden.You will have to weed your garden on a regular basis.If you want to weed your garden, you have to pull weeds from the roots.You should wear gloves and use tools.Hire neighborhood kids to help you with the gardening if you can't bend over yourself.There are mulch, straw, and wood chips that can be scattered around the base of plants.The cheapest option is straw.Wood chips are expensive, but may need less frequent replacements than other options.Grass clippings are high in nitrogen and should not be used on plants that do not require a lot.Grass clippings would benefit squash and lettuce.
Step 9: Don't let your garden be boring.
It's a good way to keep pests away.A variety of plants keeps pests away as it limits the amount of one plant offered to pests.A lot of plants can be grown in your garden.When you start selling produce and plants, you will have more options for customers.Pick plants that will thrive in your climate and soil.If you want to learn more about plants, visit a farmer's market.Farmers in your area can give you recommendations on crops to add to your garden.
Step 10: Natural means of discouraging pests.
Chemical pesticides are not used a lot on organic farms.As you maintain your organic garden, explore natural options to repel pests.If you leave a small source of water in your garden, it will attract natural predators for pests.Frogs, birds, toads, and lizards can be found in a garden.Put nets and row covers over your plants to keep pests out.There are sprays made from garlic and hot peppers.Make sure your plants are getting enough light.Plants that are healthy are able to fight pests.
Step 11: Enroll in a training program before you start your farm.
The courses on organic farming may be offered by colleges and universities.Formal training can be an asset if you plan to farm for a profit.There is a local organic farm that offers training to farmers who are just getting started.If you're serious about starting your own organic farm, training is a good idea.You want to make sure you're able to grow a lot of crops so you can make money.Training will teach you how to best assure your crops grow, as well as tips about harvesting and packaging crops for sale.Training is a great networking opportunity.Other farmers can help you find a market for your crops.Many of your teachers already farm, and may be able to help you down the road.
Step 12: Check out the benefits of certification.
If your farm meets the standards of organic farming, it will be certified by a certification program.There are many reasons why certification programs can be beneficial to your farm.If your farm is certified as organic, you can use the USDA organic seal.It will make health conscious consumers feel safe buying from you.If you sell food labeled as organic, this seal is required.Consumers may be nervous about purchasing your crops if you only give them your word.To make sure your crops are grown according to guidelines, certification shows you put the work in.
Step 13: You can learn the process of becoming certified.
The process depends on which program you're working with.Private, foreign, or state entities can be used to get certified.The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has standards for organic farming practices.The application process will usually require you to provide a detailed account of how you grow your crops.If the agent feels that your farm meets the correct standards, he will accept your application.There is an on site inspection.It can be costly to get certified.You can get certified if you choose an organization within your price range.
Step 14: Look for alternative labels.
Many people disagree with the USDA standards for organic.Farmers don't have the time or money for certification.Certified Naturally Grown is a program for small scale farms.If it's difficult for you to meet USDA requirements, consider a grassroots program like this.It is possible to be upfront with consumers about your practices if you live in a smaller area.A small farmer's market may operate more on word of mouth than official certification.