Many people across the developed world are looking for new and rewarding ways to go green and avoid the pitfalls of modern food cultivation and supply. Organic gardening has become a popular method for ordinary people to grow their own vegetables, using only natural methods of fertilization and pest-control.

Food grown in this way is not only more healthy, but also tastes better. Organic vegetables and fruit are more nutritional, contain a higher vitamin content and have no chemical residue. Growing your own food without chemicals is also better for the environment.

There's also the fact to consider, that if you grow your own fruit and vegetables, you know what's in them.

Organic vegetable gardening is no harder than traditional gardening methods once you have the basics in place. I have prepared some key points that will help you to success with your organic vegetable garden.

More attention needs to be given to the soil than with a traditional gardening approach. Turn the soil regularly, whilst adding and mixing-in compost. Compost consists largely of leaves, vegetable scraps, dead flowers and grass clippings. Compost also retains moisture, has nutrients, acts as a natural pest-controller and will provide most of the materials necessary for your organic vegetable garden to grow and flourish.

I would suggest making your own compost heap at the bottom of the garden, or in some out-of-the-way corner. Add all of your crass cuttings, other garden and kitchen-food waste to the mix. Be careful not to add too much animal or fish remains.

Once you have your compost ready, spread it over the top soil. Make sure that the layer is about two inches thick. The compost will supply a large part of the minerals and other nutrients that your plants need to grow.

There are many organic fertilizers and other organic garden products on offer. If you are a vegetarian I suggest you check the label, because some of them contain animal products like fish oil, bone and leather.

Make sure that the seeds or plants that you buy are organic. These are easily available to buy online if you have trouble purchasing them in your local area.

If you are starting your vegetable garden from seeds, these will need to be planted either indoors or in a greenhouse. Plant them in a container with plenty of organic soil. Make sure that they have plenty of light and water, but don't over-water them as they can die easily. The soil just needs to be moist.

When your seedlings have two leafs on them it is time to transfer them to a bigger container. Consider potting your plants in biodegradable pots, as these can be planted straight into the soil.

As I have already said, your compost will act as a natural pest-controller. Organic gardening, however, allows for a certain level of insect and pest activity. Consider actively enticing insect predators to your crops, such as ladybugs and birds, by keeping a water source nearby. There are also some household items that you can use, such as garlic and hot peppers, to keep insects away.

These key points should guide you to success with your organic vegetable garden. When you harvest your crop, you will know that not only is the taste far superior, but that your vegetables are much more healthy than traditional methods of growing food.

Ian Basford is a keen vegetable gardener. Download his FREE ebook “Foolproof Vegetable Garden” from his blog at http://foolproof-vegetable-garden.blogspot.com