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 …
When and Where to Use Liquid Organic Fertilizer
While often the fertilizer focus in organic gardening is on compost, manure, cover crops, or the addition of certain minerals, there are also times when liquid organic fertilizers have a place in the yard and garden. Some of these products can be purchased, and some of them can be concocted by the gardener from items on hand.
There are a number of liquid fertilizers on the market that are approved for organic use. However, as in …
Acid-loving Plants
Acid-loving plants are not plants on drugs; they are plants growing in acidic soil. Whether a soil is
considered “acidic” or “basic” is entirely dependent on the pH of the soil. (Don’t get the pH of the soil confused with adding “humic acid” to your soil, though humic acid is derived by …
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 …
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 …
Organic Versus Conventional Gardening – Comparing Fertilizer
We all know that organic gardening is better for your health and better for the environment, yet people new to organic gardening have way too much confusing information thrown at them. Worse, they may turn to organic gardening with the mind-set of a conventional gardener. Many conventional gardeners who go cold turkey and switch to organic …
Mulch Matters – What and When to Apply in Your Organic Garden
As we get closer to the end of the gardening season for most of North America, it is time to think about mulch. Depending upon where you live, you might automatically think about one material over another when you think about mulch. In the Southeastern US, pine straw is the mulch of choice for many people. It makes sense, because natural …
Organic Amendments to Add to Your Soil
As an organic gardener, you know that the soil is the most important factor in creating a successful garden. Rich healthy soil means healthy, beautiful blooms and juicy vegetables.
Compost
Compost is made from decayed organic materials such as straw, grass clippings, newspaper, leaves, certain food wastes, spent plants, hay, chipped trees/brush, and farm manures. You can easily make your own compost using a bin, tumbler …
Improving Your Soil with Organic Matter
After moving into a new home in a new or established neighborhood, many gardeners are disappointed to discover their flowering plants struggling for survival due to poor soil. The soil may be full of clay or stones, too acidic, compacted, or lacking in organic matter. Some home-owners may resort to simply adding fertilizer. Don’t do this!
With a little knowledge and a bit of determination you can use soil amendments …
Green Versus Brown Compost Materials
Download a Printable Guide for Your Fridge (PDF)Composting in your garden is very easy to do, however, to achieve quick and optimal compost, it should be well balanced with green and brown waste materials.
What are green versus brown materials, and why should you care? Think of compost as a healthy meal for your soil life – those worms and microbes that do the actual work …
