The Organic Garden - Organic Gardening for Children ~ Teacher Guide; by Garden Organic UK ` For more information, Please see websites below: ` Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ` Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ` Free School Gardening Art Posters http://scribd.com/doc/239851159` ` Companion Planting Increases Food Production from School Gardens http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ` Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ` City Chickens for your Organic School Garden http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ` Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide http://scribd.com/doc/239851110

1. The organic garden
Keep your garden growing with the
Garden Organic Guidelines
What are the guidelines?
• List unacceptable practices in organic
• Describe best practice for
gardens
healthy organic growing
• How to create/maintain diverse • Contribute to Bronze, Silver and Gold
Mark Award
ecosystem needed for an organic
garden, above and below ground
Minimise energy use,
eg buy long lasting tools, reuse
materials, make own energy,
insulate greenhouses
Recycle plant and animal
waste to return nutrients
to soil and potting
mixes, eg compost and
manure. Source waste
carefully and apply at
recommended rates
Choose wood for
raised beds, sheds,
etc from local
sustainable sources.
Avoid preservatives
where possible.
Pest and disease control
• Monitor plants for problems and
act quickly if needed. Only use
organic sprays as last resort.
Prevention is best, eg grow flowers
to attract natural pest predators,
space/prune plants for good air
flow to limit disease, and avoid/
improve tricky growing conditions
like waterlogged soil.
•
Water only when
needed, using
collected rainwater
first, eg water butts.
Reduce water use
by increasing soil
moisture retention
Grow plants in soil
where possible. Plants in
containers rely on feeding
and watering, and are
more prone to pests
and diseases
Ensure healthy start
with good quality
Remove weeds competing
seeds and plants.
with crops for light, water,
Raise your own or
nutrients and space.
buy organic
Prevention is best, eg use light
excluding mulch. Leave weeds
that are good for wildlife
Illustrations: Verity Thompson
Further information
s
uideline
ning G
Garde
Organic
Booklets: Bronze, Silver and Gold
Garden Organic Guidelines – for gardening
Full version available at www.gardenorganic.org.uk
Page 1
www.foodforlife.org.uk