One item to keep in mind when growing veggies naturally, you have to start with quality soil. This can be obtained by the use of compost and organic fertilizer. All time, monies and energies put into your soil to enrich it will reward you with an abundance of great tasting veggies. The cost of organic veggies is substantially more than regular veggies, so going organically is a big plus. Growing your own organic vegetables garden also means having chemical free food.

Experience working with organic gardens has shown gardeners this is the best way to maintain a budding garden. This practice is also helpful in protecting your animal friends.

Compost creates very fertile soil. You can use most any type of organic matter that you can find; add leaves, twigs, garbage such as potato peels, lettuce leaves, onion peelings and what ever fruit or veggie discards you have. Determine where you will put your compost pile, somewhere off to the side or corner of your lot or yard. Some people prefer to build a bin, but that is not necessary. Dig the earth a few inches deep- 3 to 4 inches. This will expose soil bacteria to give the mulch a good start. The first layer is called a hot layer and should be composed of garbage and if possible some manure, which can be purchased at your local feed store or home hardware. Layer this about 2 inches deep.

Something else to consider is green matter; old leaves, weeds, trimming from bushes, etc. A thin layer of granite dust, rock phosphate or other trace additives- again check at local stores. Top this with an inch of soil- preferably organic. Begin again layering in the same way.

The compost pile requires frequent watering as the heat of decomposition dries it out and stops the composting action after a few days. Be careful not to over water, just keep the pile moist.

Using a shovel or pitch fork, you should turn the pile twice the first two weeks. The turning helps air get inside the compost. Then turn once a month to keep the compost cooking. If possible have the compost pile at least 4 to 5 feet high.

Let's discuss another solution to chemical fertilizers. It’s true that chemical fertilizers are less expensive to buy than organic fertilizers. They give you quick plant growth and an abundant yield, but their side effects can be devastating. Chemical fertilizers are made from by-products of petro-chemicals, soil and strong acid.

Proven in laboratory tests, chemical fertilizers are know to lower the nutritional content of vegetables. In the West and Southwest, all dry areas, the use of chemical fertilizers is causing the ground to become more compact. Chemical super phosphate treated with sulfuric acid to make it more soluble. Used in man made fertilizers takes a long time to breakdown and the salts formed from them causes the ground to become more compact and ultimately cause erosion.

For your health and the environment, refrain from using chemical fertilizers. Don't poison Mother Earth or yourself. Cultivate a garden that is beneficial and rewarding- garden organically.