As we continue to deplete the ozone layer while the earth’s temperature is on the rise, it’s more important than ever to take any steps we can to stop global warming and save the earth. One thing you can do to help is start an organic garden. What is organic gardening? Organic gardeners do their gardening nature’s way, without the use of pesticides, chemicals or fertilizers. Start by changing your mindset: think of your plants as part of an ecosystem that includes the soil, the water, the sun, animals, even people. Organic gardening is safer for the earth and actually easier to do than other kinds of gardening. Read on to find out how to get started.

Step 1: Don’t be afraid to compost. Starting a compost pile is the best way to get on the organic gardening bandwagon. You can use scraps from your kitchen, like vegetable peels and coffee grounds, and you can also collect plant scraps, like weeds, leaves and grass clippings. There are many ways to store them – in a bin, in a pile in a corner of your yard, or in a store-bought composter. Be sure to mix up your compost pile every once in a while to make sure the materials get enough oxygen to break down. Once you can’t tell what the items in the compost pile originally were, your compost is ready to use.

Step 2: Actually use the compost. Once you’ve gone to all that trouble to make a compost pile, make sure you actually use it in your organic garden. It will make your soil more fertile and help it absorb water. If you chickened out at step one and bailed on making a compost pile, there are bags of pre-made compost available for purchase that you can use in your garden instead. You should regularly add some of your compost, or your organic material, to the soil in your organic garden. Now you’re officially on your way to going organic.

Step 3: Choose hassle-free plants. The best way to make sure your organic garden stays easy-to-manage is to pick out the right kinds of plants in the first place. The best kind of plant for your organic garden is a plant that’s native to your soil. If your plants have already adapted to the climate and the type of soil in your garden, they will be less likely to contract diseases and attract pests. You’ll have an easier time tending to your organic garden if your plants are cooperative. If you can’t use native plants, pick strong plants that can withstand wear and tear. Also, be sure to plant different varieties of plants in your organic garden, since more variety means fewer pests and diseases.

Step 4: Mulch is a must. Even though you should stay away from chemical fertilizers and pesticides, be sure to pick up some mulch. Mulch creates a forest-like floor for whatever’s growing in your organic garden, and adding between one and three inches of mulch at least once a year will keep your organic garden growing strong. Mulch also saves water and wards off weeds, keeping your soil moist and healthy. Good soil will definitely help your organic garden grow.

Step 5: Some pests are your friends. Pesticides that demolish all pests in the vicinity of your garden will kill both good and bad pests alike. To go organic in your garden, let some friendly pests take care of the rest. Soil microorganisms fight off other pests, earthworms fertilize your soil, and birds, spiders, snakes, ladybugs and other insects will eat some of the bugs that bug you and your organic garden. Don’t give up at the first sign of a pest. Who knows, maybe another pest will eliminate it naturally.