Organic gardening is no longer a fad among hardcore gardeners but instead has gone mainstream, involving the majority of the population. People have come to expect chemical free food, but when times are economically tough it becomes a hardship to spend the extra money for high quality food. With just a few hints and tips to get the rookie organic gardener started, they can once again fill their plates with good food sans chemicals.
Begin with Good Soil
The true secret for growing healthy plants is good soil. Put compost on the soil several weeks before planting to allow its benefits to leech deeper into the soil. Remember that compost adds organic matter to the soil which in turn allows the soil to hold water, but it should not be counted on as the only fertilizer.
Newspaper Mulch
Recycle old newspapers (not the glossy or colored sections) in the garden by using it as mulch. After preparing the soil with compost, lay down the paper and soak it well. If the paper is shredded, it is less likely to blow away when it dries. Another organic mulch may be added to the top of 
the newspaper, or it can be left as is.
Native Plants
Be sure to choose native plants appropriate for your climate that will thrive where they are planted. Trying to force a plant to live in an area where it is not comfortable will require much time and effort, and many gardeners will resort to chemical reinforcements. Relying on plants more suitable to your area may also widen the variety of foods eaten.
Compost Tea
Make compost tea. Tear up an old sheet into several large squares and put a few shovelfuls of compost in the center. Use wire or rope to cinch the ‘teabag’ closed and allow it to steep in a trash barrel full of water for a day or so. Use the water to give the more delicate plants a special drink once a week or so. Try this compost tea recipe.
Container Gardening
Be sure to use potting soil when planting a container. Regular soil from the ground tends to compact more than potted plants can tolerate, because they must be watered more frequently and have easy access to nutrients since their roots are confined. Use bagged potting soil and the extra cost will be returned many times over with healthy plants.
Harvesting
After all the work involved in maintaining an organic garden, most people believe that the payoff finally arrives at harvest time. While harvest is certainly a good thing, in reality the benefits began with the decision to go green with the family food. Gardening is a relaxing pastime, and it does the soul good to know that shortcuts were not taken while learning to live somewhat more self-sufficiently. That is the real reason why organically grown food tastes so good.
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