There really is no mystery to gardening organically. You grow appropriate varieties, keep them healthy and cared for and when problems occur, choose the least toxic option. Sounds easy enough, right?
The key to organic gardening is keeping a healthy balance in your garden. Prevent problems, rather than treating for them after the fact. Healthy plants are better able to withstand pests than stressed plants. And your plants will be healthy if they are given what they need to grow well and if you are a growing diversity of plants.
Here are some more tips to help you garden organically:
In a Nutshell, how to get started as an organic gardener
- What is Organic Gardening?
- Growing Roses Organically - Yes, It Can Be Done
- Let Nature Tell You When to Plant (Phenology)
Organic Gardening Starts with Great Soil
Granted, soil is not the fun part of gardening. But it is the foundation of a great garden. In organic gardening we say, "Feed the soil and let the soil feed the plant". Starting a new garden with really great soil will save you time and money in the long run, in both work and replacement plants. If your garden is already planted, you can still give it a boost by side dressing and mulching and rich organic matter.
- Making Good Soil out of Bad
- How Much Mulch or Soil Amendment Will You Need?
- Reading a Garden Fertilizer Label
Start with Healthy Plants
Sounds like a no brainer, but how do you know which plants are worthy enough to be brought home and planted in your garden. Here are some tips on checking out plants in the nursery. You want plants that have been started off right and that aren't bringing problems with them that could spread throughout your garden.
Dealing with Garden Pests & Problems
OK, problems will happen even in the best maintained garden. The key is not to panic and start spraying randomly. If you keep a watchful eye on your garden plants, you'll spot problems while they're small and easy to manage or avert. Just because you garden organically doesn't mean you have to surrender to pests and diseases.
- Companion Planting to Control Insects
- Some Common Organic Pesticides
- Identifying Plant Nutrient Deficiencies
- Pest Control in the Vegetable Garden Using Worm Compost
- Messenger - A New Gardening Tool Against Plant Diseases
- Let a Natural Predator Get Rid of Bagworms For You
Identifying Pests and Good Guys
- A Good Insect - Learn to Recognize Lady Beetle (Ladybug) Nymphs
- Photo Gallery of Garden Pests
- Garden Insect Pest Identification Web Sites
