Pesticide residue on fruit and vegetables is nasty stuff. It doesn’t matter how much you wash it either, there’s no way to get it all off. But it is possible to grow your own organic produce, right in your back yard. They’ll have more nutrients than commercially grown produce and, as far as I’m concerned, they taste better too.

Some of the easiest things to start with are strawberries, tomatoes, lettuce, summer squash, peppers and kale. These are all relatively easy to care for. And, with the exception of looking out for a late freeze, they’ll all thrive with just the basic amount of attention and watering. Treat them right and they’ll give you an abundance at harvest time.

If you’re starting from seeds, it’s best to get the seeds started inside. Make sure you use containers that give the seeds plenty of room to grow – small to medium flower pots work well. Place your starter seed pots where they’ll get plenty of natural light or you’ll have to provide a grow light for them.

While your seedlings are sprouting, you’ll need to get to work outside. Choose a sunny spot with good drainage for your garden. It it’s a grassy area, you’ll need to turn the soil over. Next layer on some organic fertilizer and then compost or manure. Cover the entire area with hay or straw and give it a very good watering.

Once your seedlings are mature enough and the danger of frost is passed, it’s time to move everything outside.

Check online or in plant books for planting guidelines for each type of plant. Some prefer to be spaced closely together, while others need plenty of room to spread.

Keep your garden watered, fertilized and free of weeds and you’ll be in for a wonderful bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Enjoy!

You can find out more about organic gardening at Seeds of Change and Organic Gardening Magazine’s What is Organic Gardening?