How to Grow an Organic Flower Garden

Overview

Growing an organic flower garden allows you to garden without concerns for polluting the environment or causing injury to small children and pets from harsh chemicals. Amending the soil with organic matter and using organic fertilizers provides all the benefits of commercially prepared formulas. Many gardeners worry about their ability to control insect pests and disease without the use of chemicals. Fortunately, there are a host of safe alternatives to control both insects and disease effectively at your disposal.

Step 1

Till the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. Remove rocks, roots and other debris. Shake soil free of sods and break up clods of soil with a hoe or rake.

Step 2

Test the soil to determine its nutrient content and pH. An inexpensive kit from your local hardware store or home improvement center provides a quick analysis of the soil. Follow directions for gathering and testing the soil sample.

Step 3

Add soil amendments to balance nutrients and adjust the pH following the instructions in the soil test kit. Most provide recommendations for both organic and chemical amendments for you soil. Select the appropriate organic amendment for you soil. These typically include compost, manure, peat moss or other organic matter. Work it into the soil well.

Step 4

Plant flowers to the recommended seed depth and spacing as directed on the seed packet. Follow spacing direction carefully as over-crowding plants reduces air circulation and invites disease. Healthy plants are better able to withstand the effects of insect pests and resist disease.

Step 5

Apply organic fertilizers to the soil as needed during the summer. These include rock phosphate, green sand, bone meal, fish emulsion and Epsom salts. Fish emulsion provides a nearly balanced source of nutrients with a formula of 4-2-2 and can be applied regularly. Other options include compost or manure tea.

Step 6

Monitor flowers closely for any signs of insect infestation. Insect damage paves the way to the introduction of disease organisms through the chew marks on stems or foliage. Remove dead foliage or diseased plants immediately.

Step 7

Invite natural predators of garden pests. Attract birds to your yard with birdfeeders and birdbaths. These natural predators eat insects and may save your flowers from insect damage. Purchase praying mantis eggs or ladybugs to help combat insects in your flowerbed.

Step 8

Apply a mixture of dish detergent and water to plants to kill insect pests. According L.M. English Extension Entomologists at New Mexico State University Extension Office, Ivory Liquid mixed to a 1 to 2 percent solution is the most effective method in controlling insects for organic gardeners. Some gardeners spray a mixture of onions, garlic and pepper on plants to control insects, but New Mexico State University experts report that the spray is often ineffective and suggest weekly spraying, if you choose to try the mixture.

Step 9

Look for pesticides labeled as organic in your home improvement center. Follow instructions carefully when applying. New Mexico State University warns that just because a product is labeled as "natural" does not mean it is not toxic. Some synthetic products may be less toxic and more effective.