by The Long Island Gardener

Created on: March 07, 2009   Last Updated: December 06, 2011

Organic fruits and vegetables aren't just safer and better-tasting. Scientists have new evidence that organic produce has more vitamins, too. In fact, that single organic apple-a-day is 30 percent higher in antioxidants, bursting with vitamin C and other healthy things.

Want to convert to chemical-free? Here's what you need to know this summer to get the most out of your organic vegetable garden:

1. Tons of sun. It takes lots of energy to turn soil nutrients into vegetables. Look out the window. If your vegetable patch is short on sun, you cannot make up for it with fertilizer or anything else. Make absolutely certain this plot gets as much sun as you can give it, dawn to dusk. This is the only way to succeed with a vegetable garden.

2. Feed your soil. Organic matter is the key to nutrient-rich Soil. Instead of spoon feeding chemical fertilizers to your plants, build up your soil.  The miracle microbes that live underground are capable of pouring out nutrients at the perfect rate for temperature and season. Chemical fertilizers are bad for them. Amend, instead.

3. Testing, testing. Have your Soil tested annually and strive for the perfect balance between minerals. Vegetable plants are hungry for nutrients users. Your local Extension Service will do a full test for a modest fee. Private services often can run a wide range of in-depth soil analyses. This is not the place to cut costs.

4. Use green mulches - These began as chlorophyll-colored organic matter - straw and grass clippings. Even after they turn brown, they still hold sugars that important soil microbes thrive on. Steer clear of wood-based mulch for your vegetable plots - they cultivate the wrong kinds of microbes.

5. Got earthworms? They're just what the doctor ordered when it comes to Soil fertility. Digestive enzymes in earthworms generate humic acids by the mega-ton. If your soil is compacted, earthworms aerate and mix it with Oxygen. Keep your earthworms happy.

6. Topdress with compost. Not only do you pour nutrients into your soil, but you build up the microbes population - beneficial fungi, disease-fighting nematodes and others. Avoid twigs and woody stems for compost catering to vegetables; focus on kitchen scraps, grass clippings and dead leaves.

7. Fortify organically. In the organic world, you don't fertilize - you "amend". No such thing as "plant food" anymore. Champion amendment: Alfalfa meal, ideal for jump-starting vegetable-friendly microorganisms. Other

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