Conventional vs. Organic Growing
There are a number of reasons why organic gardening is better than conventional or commercial growing. Some of the reasons are more obvious than others. As small scale backyard gardeners, there is a tendency to focus just on the plants and practices in our own yards and on our own tables. However, conventional vs. organic growing is a hot topic and has more global ramifications.
What Do …
Compost Conundrums: Solving composting problems
Making your own compost is the best way to add organic matter and natural fertilizer to your garden. Organic matter helps water move through the soil—water stays in the soil so that plants can take it up, but organic matter also helps soil drain properly. Organic matter improves soil structure, helping roots penetrate deeply. Organic matter helps keep the pH of the …
Using Mulch in Your Garden
There are many individuals who automatically think of mulch as being the shredded bark that is colored red, brown or black and is used primarily to beautify the landscape in flower gardens. This method of mulching has its benefits which should not be discounted. Any type of mulch retains moisture and suppresses weeds. However, this should not be the only type of mulch that is used in the garden. What other types of mulch are …
More isn’t Better: Organic Fertilizer Myths Busted
With the rabid interest in organic vegetable gardening reaching a fever pitch, questions about the amount and timing of fertilizer applications are bound to appear. Wait – I sound like I’m writing a really bland paper to be delivered at a government conference. Let’s start over.
Don’t you love that show Myth Busters? I do. They save me from trying out all …
The Garbage Can Compost Bin
We all want to be greener, healthier and wiser, but we don’t have to break the bank to do it. Here’s my garbage can composter. It’s simple, chic and wallet friendly, not to mention, a good family project.
To Build a Trash Can Compost Bin
A plastic or metal garbage can; it must have a locking lid
A drill
A hole saw bit for metal doors—I used the size for the peep hole
Three or four cinder block-should have holes …
Composting with Worms
We’ve lately had a few questions about composting with worms. Can you put them in a tumbler? Will they get too hot? How do you compost with worms? (Disclaimer: I am not yet a worm farmer, but I have turned to one of my most trusty sources: The Rodale Book of Composting to bring …
Humic Acid: By Popular Demand
Well, most of my friends wanted to hear about something other than humic acid, so I’ll get to their questions tomorrow.
We frequently talk about compost on this blog. Compost is the “miracle pill” for the garden. An addition of compost can improve the worst soils. Making your own compost is relatively easy and inexpensive. However, if you can’t make your own compost, …
How to Sterilize Soil
Soil sterilization is a great technique for organic gardeners to master. For potting soil, you will need a sterile mix to avoid bringing weeds and pathogens into your indoor plants. You may also wish to sterilize outside soil if you wish to start over on a patch of garden. Here is why you might want to sterilize soil, how you can do it and how you build up a healthy population of beneficial organisms after you …
We Answer Your Gardening Questions!
This morning I was watching the Today Show, and a very prissy guest host was talking with P.Allen Smith about gardening, and they were planting lettuce and potatoes and stuff. He got dirt ( excuse me, soil) all over her arm and she freaked out. It was hilarious.
What was NOT hilarious, though, was watching them indiscriminately eating violas straight out of the cell packs. Yes, …
Should I Turn to Organic Gardening? Pros and Cons
You are likely reading this because you wish to know more about becoming an organic gardener, and have this burning question: How much time will this take? Or, how the heck can I keep my flowers alive in a pesticide-free yard without insects and disease destroying them? These are excellent questions, and many of the answers aren’t clear-cut. So, let’s start with the #1 basic difference …
