Starting an organic garden isn't that difficult. If you already grow vegetables, fruit or herbs, all you need to do is change some of your methods, so that, for example, instead of blasting a pest with chemicals, you protect the crop so the little beastie can't get to it. Or you might introduce a predator to eat the pest.

If you want to get a taste of how much fun an organic garden can be, the best thing to do is just pick one crop from the annual varieties (because that way you start getting results before you get bored, hopefully).

Planning is the best way to achieve the results you want from your organic garden. You need to ask yourself a few questions to work out the needs of your family. You also have to decide what space you have to make available.

Some obvious questions come to mind:

• Do I have an area that has full sun for most of the day?

• What is the closest source of water available to the area I want to create my organic garden?

• If you live in a windy area are you able to erect a wind-break to reduce prevailing winds?

• What kind of soil do I have? Although most soils will be suitable in the long term with regular addition of organic matter.

• Find out what temperature zone you are living in - you will need to know this to determine the types of plants and when to plant. For example hot, temperate or cool areas.

• What are the food needs of my family? There's no point growing pumpkins if no-one likes pumpkin! Make a list of what fruit and vegetables your family likes.

So, you've allocated a sunny area for your organic veggie garden beds. You've got water available.

It's a good idea to measure up your area and decide if you want to create individual beds. Make it no wider than about 1.2metres. That way you can reach in from either side without having to stand on the bed. You want to avoid any compacting of the soil. The beds can be as long as you like.

If you're going to have drip or trickle irrigation, now is the time to do it - before you start planting. It's pretty easy to install irrigation and you can even include a timer - especially handy for those of us with poor memories.
It's better to have water going directly to the roots where it's needed. Watering too frequently encourages shallow root growth which leaves plants very sensitive to water shortages. Deeper, less frequent watering promotes deeper root growth.

When you've covered some of the basics, you'll need to have the list of foods that your family enjoys.

For beginners it is recommended to start with seedlings. As you gain more experience you'll want to raise your plants from seeds, and then start saving your own seeds. But for now go with plants that have a head start.

When your beds are ready, go to your local nursery and see what's available. Most plants have information about planting requirements. If you're not sure, get advice from the nursery staff. Once you're at home you want to get your new plants in the ground as soon as possible, especially in warm weather. Always water your seedlings about 30 minutes before planting. You have to keep the shock of transplanting to a minimum.
Adding blood and bone or another all round organic fertilizer is also beneficial at planting - not too close to those delicate roots though.

Almost any soil will be improved and workable over time with the addition of enough organic matter. It will take time, but over the years you will create nutrient rich, living soil, perfect for the health of your plants and your family. In the mean time you have to work with what you've got!

In your new garden the best veggies to start with are potatoes, lettuce, brassicas and cucurbits (cucumber family). Root crops are better once your plot has matured. It is better to have mixed plantings of vegetables and herbs, rather than long rows or a whole bed of one type of plant. Companion Planting benefits your garden in many ways, including pest and disease prevention and growing healthier, more vigorous plants. Keeping your beds topped up with compost and/or mulch helps prevent weeds, retain moisture and promotes steady healthy growth.