By Madelyn Lipszyc

As a result of the fruit and vegetable industry's recurrent decisions towards using pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals, people are turning to their very own backyards as sanctuaries and an undeveloped food source.

Garden chemicals are typically used to produce larger and more vibrant crops - but unfortunately their use comes with a side dish of toxins. Consequently, shoppers have become wary of store-bought fruits and vegetables, and organic produce can cost a pretty penny. Unless you grow it yourself!

Begin by detoxifying the area where you want to place your garden. There should be enough space so the fruits or veggies are not crowded together, and it should not be too close to fences in order to avoid contamination. Remove old plants, weeds, rocks, and other debris from the area. Mix the soil until you attain a nice dark colour. Peat moss, topsoil, potash, organic eggshells and teabags will help the soil retain moisture in its first phase. Make sure your plants will be in a sunny area. Also, be very cautious to plant if your home is near a power plant, dump site, or other toxic waste site. Raised beds may be the answer in these cases. If you have a sunny spot, but no grass, you can plant in small containers as well.

Before planting, you must research the fruits or vegetables you want to grow, making sure that you plant them at the correct time, and that they are suitable for growth in your region. You can go about getting your seeds by purchasing organic seeds from a local farmers' or produce market, or you can carry out what is called 'guerilla gardening.' This is done by going to a local farmers' market and just taking seeds from disposed-of fruits or vegetables in the back. This can be a useful source of seeds if you are on a tight budget.

When the soil reaches about 60 degrees Fahrenheit, plant the seeds in rows. In southern Canada and northern U.S., plant around late May and the plants will yield until late September. Depending on what's being planted, seeds should be placed with enough space between so as not to overcrowd each other. Very tiny seeds may have to be thinned once they sprout. For larger seeds, gather the soil in the shape of a miniature hill 1 inch above ground level, then dig down between 1 and 3 ½ inches, depending on the type of plant, and place the seed inside the mound. Then gently cover the seed with soil and pack down lightly. Bigger vegetables, like tomatoes, may be started ahead of time in small pots and transplanted out once the weather has warmed. Plant the seeds of large vegetables about three feet apart. Berry seeds can be planted a minimum of 6 inches apart. When bigger vegetables or bushes grow 15 inches high, crate them with wood and wire to maintain proper growing shape. There are many ways to do this in an eco-friendly way using recycled objects.

Keep in mind that smaller fruits and berries, like strawberries, can return for up to 5 years, so no new planting is required. If you are short of time, perennials are a very good idea, because you plant once, and the plant just keeps on yielding.

If you find that weeds become a problem, you may apply mulch. Be sure to watch for insects or animals. Typically, insect damage will create small holes in the leaves, but if all your crops are damaged, you might want to ask a local expert for help.

Water the plants when the soil becomes dry. You can test dryness by touching the earth, and if the soil sticks to your hand, it is wet, but if it crumbles to the ground then your plants are thirsty! Be careful not to over-water, as this can cause spoiling. When watering, there should not be puddles on top of the soil. Also, check the Home EnviroSense articles at Green Solutions Magazine, www.greensolutionsmag.com, for tips on how to limit water use in the garden.

Drying, preserving, and freezing your fruits and vegetables are great options if you get a large crop and want to save them well into the cold season. Many people like to make jelly and preserves and use them on special occasions. There are various eco-friendly jars and recycled materials that can be used for this.

Finally, don't forget to watch your plants closely, look for bugs, wash before eating, and enjoy the sweet deliciousness of your hard work. The environment, and your wallet, will surely thank you!

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