You are a dedicated organic gardener. You compost, avoid unnecessary chemicals, and grow non-GMO seeds. But your next door neighbor uses traditional pesticides and herbicides in their garden. So what do you do? This is a situation that can become complicated quickly.

In urban environments, our lawns touch the lawns of our neighbors and we all breathe the same air. That means that unless you are lucky enough to live on a private estate many miles from other humans, your garden will be impacted by other people’s landscaping choices.

How do you grow an organic garden in this interconnected environment if your neighbors use chemicals? You have to work with what you have and not demand perfection. Here is some expert advice about how to get as close to organic gardening as you can in a not-entirely-organic world. Plus, I'll share some legal tips as a former attorney on what you can (and can't) do when it comes to chemical use and how to talk to your neighbors without escalating the situation.

So, You Want to Grow an Organic Garden?

Generally, when people say that their garden is organic, they mean that they do not use chemicals while cultivating crops or tending their landscape. But organic gardening is really a much larger concept. It means choosing to garden in a way that supports the health of the whole ecosystem, from nurturing the soil to protecting beneficial insects to supporting local wildlife.

Of course, limiting chemical pesticides and herbicides is an essential part of an organic gardening approach. Research has proved beyond a doubt that these chemicals can hurt people, pets, pollinators and wildlife. But even dedicated organic gardeners will realize that “limiting chemicals” doesn’t mean “eliminating chemicals.”

Toxins can get into your garden in many different ways, and although you can be careful about your own choices, you will also be impacted by your neighbor’s choices.

What If Your Neighbor Doesn't Grow Organic?

When you buy a piece of real property, the extent of your purchase is spelled out by the property lines that are recorded in government offices. Other neighbors have to respect property lines, but nature, not so much.

Have you ever stepped into your backyard, hoping to get a whiff of the jasmine just coming into bloom, only to have to deal with the odor of the neighbor’s cigarette? Airborne smoke, sprays, and gasses cross border lines quickly and easily even on a slight breeze.

Given that, it makes sense that if a neighbor sprays chemicals on their plants, the product can travel into your garden. Sprays can drift and cause accidental pesticide and herbicide damage to plants up to 30 yards (100 m) away from the intended target. This can also contaminate pollen and nectar produced by those plants, injuring any bees and pollinators that collect that nectar.

Drifting chemicals can also land on the crops in your organic garden. That means you or your family members might ingest the toxins when you eat your homegrown veggies. To make matters worse, pesticides can remain potent for two weeks or more.

What You Can Do About Chemical Drift

Preventing all chemicals from touching your garden may not be a practical goal—unless you do live on an isolated private estate. While the government may make laws preventing the use of certain particularly toxic chemicals, like glyphosate, there are still many pesticides and herbicides that are legal.

On the other hand, it’s worth discussing the matter with your state's pesticide regulatory agency. Pesticide drift is illegal in many states, but this may not be enforced equally everywhere.

So, you may not be able to rely on the law to safeguard your organic garden. But there are other steps that you can and should take to minimize the problem. Start by addressing your neighbor directly and respectfully.

1. Talk to your neighbors

It’s hard. It’s not fun. Like trying to talk to a neighbor about their weeds taking over your yard, it can be a very difficult topic to broach. But opening up direct communication with your neighbors is the best first step to reducing toxins coming into your garden from their yard.

The rules here are simple: be honest, be polite, and be direct. Assuming you don’t have the law behind you in your area, the only way to make this work is to convince your neighbors to work with you. So that means being kind and offering constructive solutions.

2. Provide evidence

It helps here to have evidence to show your neighbor, like photos of plants in your yard before and after your neighbor sprayed. You can also provide government warnings about certain products. One of the first things to ask them for, though, is the names of the products they use. Then do some research and let them know the dangers of those specific products.

3. Offer suggestions & compromises

Before you meet with your neighbor, come up with a list of ways to address the problem. These should be easy steps they might consider to improve the issue. For example, if they use fogger-type chemicals to control mosquitoes, you can suggest they switch to granular pesticides instead. Or ask if they could do any spraying in the evening rather than the morning to limit the damage to foraging native bees.

4. Be courteous & neighborly

Above all, to be a good neighbor in your garden you need to be polite rather than demanding. If you make your neighbor into your enemy, communication is over. If your neighbor seems very reluctant to change their ways, just ask them very courteously to refrain from using chemical spray on a day when the wind is blowing toward your property.

Then when you are harvesting your crops, share some with the neighbor. This can go a long way to developing a productive agreement between the two of you.

How to Limit Chemical Drift

Here are some other actions you can take to help limit the chemical drift to your property:

• Install barriers between your property and your neighbor’s. Solid wooden fencing, like this basic wood fencing from Home Depot, along a property line will block some of a neighbor’s chemical sprays from entering your property. Tall, dense hedging plants can also be effective. Neither of these barriers will prevent all sprays from passing to your property, but they will help. In fact, if you can’t or don’t want a tall barrier, use ground cover plants to stop some of the chemicals. You can cut back on some of the transferred toxins by putting in a 3-foot (1 m) strip of wood mulch or grass as a buffer between the properties.
• Talk to the professionals your neighbor is using, if any, to care for their landscape or lawn. If your neighbors hire landscaping professionals to spray their grass or garden, get their name and phone number. Explain your problem to the company and ask them to stop using high-pressure nozzles to apply pesticides or fungicides. With any luck, they will be happy to switch to low-pressure nozzles.
• Use lightweight frost blankets to cover property line plants. You can find plant covers for cheap on Amazon. Find out the neighbor’s spray schedule or ask them to notify you the day before a spray is scheduled. The night before, spread the blankets over plants along your property line to protect them. You should also keep pets and kids out of the backyard and close all your windows when neighbors spray.

If you have never considered using a straw bale greenhouse, the first question is: why do you need one? Depending on where you live or what you want to grow, there are several compelling reasons. A greenhouse, while a necessity in some regions, can be cost-prohibitive. Hay bales are strong, economical, insulating, sustainable and even fire-resistant, making them an excellent choice for use in a greenhouse. 

For anyone exploring affordable and energy-efficient greenhouse gardening options, a hay bale greenhouse ticks a lot of boxes. Straw bale greenhouse plans may be rudimentary or complex, and can vary according to your budget.

Getting Started with a Straw Bale Greenhouse

The practice of straw bale gardening is nothing new. Indeed, the technique of building with straw bales has been around since the early 1900s, when the use of compressed hay bale technology emerged in the Great Plains. 

The first thing to consider is how you will use your greenhouse. Is it meant to be a permanent structure or temporary? What is your budget? You will have to have some type of see-through material, whether it’s glass or plastic. Glass is expensive and quite heavy, so any hay bale greenhouse plan must account for the support of such a weighty object. 

Low-cost greenhouses, made complete with plastic sheeting, are vulnerable to the weather. They often end up shredded at the first wind storm. If you choose to use plastic over glass, make sure you purchase thick, resilient plastic sheeting.

Types of Straw Bale Greenhouse

There are two basic types of straw bale greenhouse construction – load bearing, and post and beam infill. Load bearing means the roof and windows are supported by straw bale walls, which need to be protected with plaster. This type of construction will also have to be okayed according to zoning and commercial codes.

By comparison post and beam infill construction is when the bales are placed between supporting studs and roof framing.

Straw Bale Greenhouse Ideas

Wood may also be used in the construction of a straw bale greenhouse. This would likely be the load-bearing portion of the structure, often used to support the weight of the glass. Another option is to use PVC piping, which is lightweight yet sturdy. 

One of the least expensive hay bale greenhouse ideas is to make a covered trellis using conditioned hay bales, and two curved cattle panels (fencing) inside a wood frame consisting of four 2x4s. The entirety is covered in four-mil plastic and secured with zip ties, staples and a zipper. 

The conditioned bales heat the space for starting seeds and provide an area for seed trays. Once the weather warms, remove the plastic and allow climbers such as cucumbers or squashes to cover the structure.

How to Build a Straw Bale Greenhouse

Once you have given some thought to the materials, budget, location and gardening requirements, follow these basic steps to straw bale greenhouse construction:

1. First considerations are the foundation, framing and roof. Load-bearing structures only need the foundation done at this point. Think about the inclusion of a roof overhang to protect the plastered bales.
2. Stacking the bales comes next. Depending on how large your structure is, you may want to enlist the help of friends. Bales may be sandwiched between wood framing and may require metal pins to stabilize the bales. Also, a layer of rigid foam or tar might be needed to seal areas where moisture may enter the wall.
3. Add lath, like chicken wire netting, to the exterior and interior walls. This layer allows the plaster to adhere better.
4. Stitch the walls together using poly twine to secure the straw bales and connect the lath.
5. Plastering is a messy job, but can be fun. Plaster is usually applied in three layers of different thicknesses to cover the bales. There may be different recipes for each layer, which may be earth-based (lime, mud, sand) or Portland cement base, which is both sand and lime.
6. Finish the carpentry work. This means adding doors, greenhouse ventilation in the form of vents, and windows, as well as a roof if this is a load-bearing construct.

Gardening in a Straw Bale Greenhouse

Straw bale greenhouses are quite environmentally friendly, low cost, fairly simple to construct, pest resistant, and excellent insulators. Hay bales won’t last forever, though, especially if you don’t protect them. Use roof overhangs, plaster coating, high stem walls and drainage channels. You will also need to be able to open the windows of the dwelling to monitor heat and moisture. 

If you are building a hay bale greenhouse more for subsistence or commercial use, be aware that you may need supplemental greenhouse heating and blowers. This is an additional cost, even if they’re solar powered. Finally, you need to contact your local government. This type of construction, while age-old, isn’t always certified. You need to find out about local codes and ordinances, and apply for the proper permits. 

Learn More About Sustainable Gardening

Sustainability is a word you hear more and more each year, and with good reason. As we become more conscious of our impact on the Earth, it’s only natural to feel compelled to do something to help.

Luckily, there is something you can do, whether you have a garden, a back yard, or even just kitchen scraps. Sustainable landscaping, regenerative gardening, and environmentally friendly living all fall under that great big umbrella called sustainability.

What is sustainability? It can mean planting a pollinator garden to benefit bees, butterflies, and other bugs and animals we rely on so much. It can be growing native plants, either in a garden bed or as a replacement altogether of you water-hungry, pollinator-unfriendly lawn. It can also be composting, going organic, or fostering wildlife habitat. In essence, it can be all kinds of things!

If you’re interested in becoming a sustainable gardener but don’t know how to begin, here are some good jumping-off points to start your journey. Click on any of the images below to learn more:

Going Green Starts in the Garden

Each and every one of us can play a key role in keeping our Earth happy and healthy. Whether it’s reducing waste, recycling, or even just walking to work instead of driving, it all starts with taking that first step.

If you’re a gardener, that first step may be easier than you think. You might even be doing it already! Creating an earth conscious, self sustaining garden can be achieved in many different ways. Here’s a look at some of our favorite practices.

The 3 Ethics of Permaculture

If you want a quick breakdown of permaculture, check out the video below featuring permaculture expert and Gardening Know How contributor Andre the Farmer.

Want to Learn Even More About Sustainability?

Discover more about sustainable gardening methods from more experts in the field. From creating butterfly gardens to reusing kitchen scraps, the Gardening Know How Learning Channel is the go-to source for gardeners of all skill levels looking to step their garden game up.

Go Green! Organic Gardening & Eco-Friendly Practices

So what does it actually mean to have an organic garden? Does it stop at avoiding chemicals, or is there more to it than that?

Well, organic gardening practices are better for us, better for the pollinators and wildlife that share our space, and better for the Earth.

Below you’ll find detailed information on organic gardening and other eco-friendly methods for growing a safer, healthier, more sustainable garden.

Explore All of Our FREE Gardening Guides

Creating a sustainable landscape may seem daunting, but it can be so rewarding, both for you and for the planet. But in the bigger picture, any and all types of gardening can, and usually do, benefit the planet. That's why we encourage everyone to take up gardening in a way that works for them. To learn more about dozens of gardening topics and ideas, visit our complete list of free garden guides.

Victory Gardens were fashionable during the World Wars. This backyard gardening incentive boosted morale, eased the burden on the domestic food supply, and helped families cope with rationing limits. Victory Gardens were a success. By 1944, roughly 40% of the produce consumed in the United States was homegrown. There's now a push for a similar program: the Climate Victory Garden initiative.

What is a Climate Victory Garden?

Natural fluctuations in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and subsequent warming trends have cycled throughout the history of our planet. Since the 1950's, the amount of heat-trapping gases has skyrocketed to unprecedented levels. The result is imminent climate change in the form of global warming. Scientists link this upward trend to our modern lifestyle and the burning of fossil fuels.

Reducing our carbon footprint is one way to slow the progression of climate change. To further protect our planet, Green America has created the Climate Victory Garden initiative. This program encourages Americans to plant a garden for climate change. Participants can register their gardens on Green America's website.

How Does the Climate Victory Garden Initiative Work?

Based on the logic that growing produce at home reduces greenhouse gas emissions, gardeners are encouraged to adopt 10 “carbon-capturing” practices as a way to garden for climate change. This Washington D.C. based non-profit encourages non-gardeners to pick up a hoe and join in by planting a sustainable Victory Garden too.

The Climate Victory Garden initiative works by not only reducing the consumption of fossil fuels needed for the commercial mass production and delivery of produce, but also by fostering the re-absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The latter occurs as plants use photosynthesis and sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into energy.

Planting a backyard sustainable Victory Garden is another tool we have for reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Carbon Capturing Practices for a Sustainable Victory Garden

Gardeners wishing to join the Climate Victory Garden initiative are encouraged to adopt as many of these carbon-capturing practices as possible when planting a garden for climate change:

• Grow edible plants – Cultivate foods you enjoy and reduce your reliance on commercially-grown produce.
• Compost – Use this organically-rich material to add nutrients to the garden and keep plant material from entering landfills where it contributes to the production of greenhouse gases.
• Plant perennials – Plant perennials and add trees for their amazing ability to absorb carbon dioxide. Grow food-bearing perennials in a sustainable Victory Garden to reduce soil disturbance. 
• Rotate crops and plants – Rotating crops is a garden management practice that keeps plants healthier which produces higher crop yields and reduces chemical use.
• Ditch chemicals – Grow healthier, safer food using organic gardening methods.
• Use people power – Whenever possible, reduce carbon emissions from internal combustion engines.
• Keep soils covered – Apply mulch or plant a cover crop to prevent evaporation and erosion.
• Encourage biodiversity – A garden for climate change utilizes a variety of plants to create a balanced ecosystem which encourages pollinators and wildlife.
• Integrate crops and animals – Don't limit your sustainable Victory Garden practices to plants. Control weeds, reduce mowing, and produce more food organically by raising chickens, goats, or other small farm animals.

Summer means tick and flea season. Not only are these insects irritating for your dogs, but they spread disease. It is essential to protect pets and your family from these critters outdoors, but you don’t have to rely on harsh chemicals or medications. There are plenty of plants, maybe right in your garden, that repel fleas and ticks.

How to Make a Natural Flea and Tick Powder

A natural flea remedy and tick deterrent is simple to make and only requires a few ingredients. Start with diatomaceous earth. This is a natural powder that kills insects by drying them. It absorbs moisture readily, so avoid getting it on, near, or in the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Mix diatomaceous earth with dry neem, a product made from a tree native to India. It acts as a natural pesticide. Also, mix in dried material from plants that naturally repel fleas and ticks, and you have simple, safe product. Use equal amounts of each ingredient. Rub it into your dog’s fur to kill insects and repel them.

Plants That Fight Fleas and Ticks

These plants act like natural tick repellent and also deter fleas. Some you can use in your natural flea and tick powder. Just check with your veterinarian first to make sure you aren’t using anything toxic to animals. Also, use these as plantings around the garden to keep ticks and fleas at bay where your dog walks and plays.

Many herbs repel insects, so they can play double-duty, as a natural repellant and as part of a kitchen garden. Plant them in containers and you can move the herbs around to spots where you need them.

• Basil
• Catnip
• Chamomile
• Chrysanthemum
• Eucalyptus
• Fleawort (plantain)
• Garlic
• Lavender
• Lemongrass
• Marigolds
• Mint
• Pennyroyal
• Rosemary
• Rue
• Sage
• Tansy
• Thyme
• Wormwood
• Yarrow

Again, be aware of which plants are toxic. If you have pets that chew on leaves, be very cautious about where you put these. Your vet can tell you which plants are safe.

It's so easy to get swept away by images of immaculately kept green spaces. Lush weed-free gardens filled with blooms are a true thing of beauty. More experienced growers know the amount of time and effort required to achieve these results all too well – some relying on sprays and treatments to keep their garden looking its best. And while the use of fungicides, pesticides, and herbicides can be helpful in the garden, recent years have seen a noticeable shift toward a kinder, gentler gardening approach. Let’s learn more about this sustainable method.

What is a Gentle Gardening Approach?

The gentle gardening approach, or gardening with kindness, is a phrase most commonly used by those who maintain their growing space by using sustainable methods. Whether growing houseplants in pots or planting a large vegetable patch, gardeners have started to focus on sustaining a healthy garden ecosystem through the use of natural means.

Gardening with kindness dismisses the use of chemical sprays, fertilizers, and other potentially damaging products and replaces them with a more natural and holistic approach.

Kinder, Gentler Gardening Methods

Kinder, gentler gardening moves beyond the simple focus of organic gardening methods. Gardening with kindness considers the grower’s overall impact on the plants, the soil, the native garden wildlife and, ultimately, the planet. In addition to using sustainable methods, you can garden with diversified plantings that are attractive to various pollinators and beneficial insects. Many who utilize the gentle gardening approach emphasize their increased yields as well as overall crop improvement.

Other key elements of gardening with kindness include paying attention to crop rotation to maintain soil vitality, and using various planting techniques. Both interplanting and companion planting are believed to be beneficial within vegetable beds. Soil health is key in maintaining healthy plants.

In the past, many commercial fertilizers have been found to disturb various soil qualities and create nutrient imbalances. Rather than using these fertilizers, using sustainable methods help make the shift towards humus and compost.

Various types of herbicides and fungicides have also been found to create disturbance among organisms in the soil. With the elimination of these products, those of us who garden with kindness choose to create a thriving base from which plants are able to grow and thrive.

Regenerative Agriculture Info: How Does Regenerative Agriculture Work

Agriculture provides food for the world, but at the same time, many current farming practices contribute to global climate change by degrading the soil and releasing large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere.

What is regenerative agriculture? Sometimes referred to as climate-smart agriculture, the practice of regenerative agriculture recognizes that current farming practices aren’t sustainable over the long term.

Research suggests that certain regenerative agriculture practices can actually be restorative, and can return CO2 to the soil. Let’s learn about regenerative agriculture and how it contributes to a healthier food supply and decreased release of CO2.

Regenerative Agriculture Information

The principles of regenerative agriculture apply not only to large food producers but also to home gardens. In simple terms, healthier growing practices improve natural resources rather than depleting them. As a result, the soil retains more water, releasing less into the watershed. Any runoff is safer and cleaner.

Proponents of regenerative agriculture claim that it’s possible to grow fresh, healthy foods sustainably, in a renewed soil ecosystem, with decreased reliance on fertilizer, pesticides, and herbicides, which create imbalances in soil microbes. As conditions improve, bees and other pollinators return to the fields, while birds and beneficial insects help keep pests in check.

Regenerative agriculture is good for local communities. Healthier farming practices place greater emphasis on local and regional farms, with decreased reliance on large-scale industrial agriculture. Because it is a hands-on approach, more regenerative agriculture jobs will be created as practices are developed.

How Does Regenerative Agriculture Work?

• Tillage: Standard means of cultivation contribute to soil erosion and release large amounts of CO2. While tillage is unhealthy for soil microorganisms, low- or no-till farming practices minimize disturbance of the soil, thus increasing levels of healthy organic matter.
• Crop rotation and plant diversity: Planting a variety of crops supports different microbes by returning a wider variety of nutrients to the soil. As a result, the soil is healthier and more sustainable. Planting the same crop in the same location is an unhealthy use of the soil.
• Use of cover crops and compost: When exposed to the elements, bare topsoil erodes and nutrients wash away or dry up. Cover crops and the use of compost and other organic materials prevent erosion, conserve moisture, and infuse the soil with organic matter.
• Improved grazing practices: Regenerative agriculture involves a move away from unhealthy practices such as large feedlots, which contribute to water pollution, the emission of methane and CO2, and greater use of antibiotics and other chemicals.

You don't have to be a “tree hugger” to want to do something to help the earth remain healthy. Green-gardening trends thrive both online and in print. Environmentally friendly gardens start with a conscious decision to lower your carbon footprint, reduce chemical use, and go back to natural ways of maintaining your landscape.

For those passionate about keeping the world clean and safe for all, earth-conscious gardening is a way of life.

If you are new to the practice, some tips on how to make your garden earth friendly can get you on the right path to a sustainable way of life that does not impact nature.

What is Earth Conscious Gardening?

Turn on the television or boot up your computer and you are sure to see products, ideas, and stories on eco-friendly gardening tips. The idea is to boost pollination, increase biodiversity, and use landscape techniques that are conservative.

Humans are an important part of slowing global warming, reducing waste, and lowering energy consumption. The key maxims, "reduce, reuse, recycle," should be applied to environmentally friendly gardens. Changes don't have to be made overnight, but there are some easy alterations you can make today to your gardening practices that will benefit everyone in the long run.

Eco-Friendly Gardening Tips

One of the easiest ways to go green is by choosing native plants. They are already adapted to the area and will need less water, are less susceptible to disease and insect pests, provide habitat and pollination opportunities for wildlife and beneficial insects, and support the native diversity. It is one quick step to make your garden earth friendly.

Another important step is reducing the size of the lawn. Doing so conserves water, mowing, fertilizer, chemical use for weed prevention, and gives you more space to plant a multitude of beneficial plants.

Here are some environmentally friendly gardening ideas:

• Add flowering plants to attract pollinators.
• Capture rainwater and use it for irrigation.
• Use mulch to reduce evaporation.
• Set up a compost bin or pile.
• Use only organic products in your garden.
• Encourage birds which will eat many of the damaging insects in your yard.
• Buy soil, mulch and other items in bulk to reduce the packaging that comes in smaller amounts.

Even simple changes that seem small have been shown to provide a host of benefits to the environment and they don't have to be expensive or time consuming.

Every gardener has experienced some sort of problem regarding transplanting young seedlings. Weather can wreak havoc on tender plants, as do pests. While we can’t do much about weather conditions, we can protect our seedlings from pests by using a plant collar for pests. What is a plant collar? Read on to learn more.

What is a Plant Collar?

Cutworms and cabbage root maggots feed on tender stems of plants, effectively severing them and causing plant death. A plant collar is a simple tube placed around the base of the plant to prevent these pesky pests from feeding on the plant.

A DIY plant collar is a simple structure that can be made easily from recycled items found around the home.

How to Make a Plant Collar

The good news is that a homemade plant collar is easy to make. A DIY plant collar may be made out of several materials, often recycled ones. The easiest way to make your own plant collar is by using empty toilet paper tubes or paper towel rolls.

Other materials that may be used to create a DIY plant collar for pests are aluminum foil, paper cups, recycled cardboard, or even milk jugs and tin cans.

There are two benefits of using tubes from toilet paper or paper towel rolls. One is that you don’t need to form and secure a circle, as it’s already been done for you. Two, these rolls will automatically begin to degrade into the soil in a few weeks, enough time for the plant to mature and the stems to harden enough that the pests can’t eat through it.

Basically, the idea is to form a circle out of your chosen material that can be buried one to two inches (2.5-5 cm.) beneath the soil and stand up around the stem of the plant two to four inches (5-10 cm.).

If using toilet paper or paper towel rolls, use sharp scissors to cut the tubes to length. If using cans, remove the bottom of the can to form an open cylinder. Proceed by gently lowering the tube over the young seedlings and then burying it into the soil.

Simple DIY plant collars can help protect tender and young Brassicas, tomatoes, and peppers as well as other vegetable crops susceptible to these nibblers, giving you a better chance at a bountiful crop.

If you have recently moved, there is something fun you can do with all those cardboard boxes besides fill up your recycle bin. Reusing cardboard for the garden provides compostable material, kills pesky weeds and develops a bumper crop of earthworms. 

Cardboard in the garden will also kill lawn grass and help you get a new bed ready for veggies, ornamentals or whatever you want to grow. Continue reading for more cardboard garden ideas.

Reusing Cardboard for the Garden

When you think about it, cardboard is just a form of paper and comes from a natural source, trees. As a natural source, it will break down and release carbon into the soil. Garden upcycling with cardboard has many more benefits, however. 

You can use it as planters, to start a garden path, mulch a prepared bed, start a new bed and much more. It is important what type of cardboard you use in your landscape. 

Any cardboard that is not heavily printed, has no tape, no shiny finish, is unwaxed and plain brown is considered clean and okay to use. Some tapes will breakdown, such as the brown paper tape with strings through it. 

Otherwise, keep it simple and only use the basic type of cardboard or you will be pulling tape and plastic finish out of your new areas. If you are doing a layered or lasagna garden, make sure to moisten the cardboard first before topping it with organic material or mulch. There will be more rapid breakdown when using cardboard in the garden in this manner.

Cardboard Gardening Ideas

If you can think it, it can probably be done. Garden upcycling with cardboard not only repurposes refuse but is useful in many ways. 

The most common of the cardboard garden ideas is to use it to start a new bed, called sheet mulching. It doesn't matter if the area has weeds or grass but do remove large rocks and other items you wouldn't want in a planting space. Lay the cardboard down on top of the area and moisten well. Use those rocks or any other heavy items to hold the cardboard down to the ground. Keep the area moist. A good time to do this is in fall. By spring you will have killed the weeds and the grass, and the area will be ready to till. 

Layered beds will become super rich and nutrient dense if you use cardboard. It is similar to the method above, only you cover the cardboard with mulch or compost. In spring, simply till the area and you will be ready to plant. 

Or, perhaps, you are an antsy gardener who wants to get going immediately once temperatures are warmed. Prepare your vegetable beds in fall and then cover them with cardboard to keep weeds from filling the areas.

Other Ways to Use Cardboard in the Garden

Lay cardboard down where you want a path and cover with pavers. Over time, the cardboard will melt into the soil but it will kill any undesirables under the pavers in the meantime. Shred the cardboard and add it as an important carbon source to your compost bin. 

Another idea for reusing cardboard for the garden is to place pieces of it around plants in areas that are prone to weeds. It will reduce weeds drastically and eventually compost into the soil. 

For a cute gift idea, have the kids paint smaller cardboard boxes and fill them with soil and colorful flowers. It would make a special gift for grandma or even their teacher.

We all know that pepper spray repels the bad guys, right? So, it isn’t necessarily a stretch to think that you could repel insect pests with hot peppers. Okay, maybe it is a stretch, but my mind went there and decided to investigate further.

A little research into the question “Do hot peppers deter pests?” and voila! Some mighty interesting information about using hot peppers for pest control, along with a great recipe for a DIY homemade natural pest repellent using hot peppers. Read on to learn more.

Do Hot Peppers Deter Pests?

Informed folks today are concerned about synthetic pesticide use on foods used for human consumption and are increasingly looking for and using alternative natural products. Researchers have been listening, and have conducted a number of studies on the efficacy of using hot peppers for pest control, specifically on the larvae of the cabbage looper and on spider mites.

What did they find? Many different types of hot peppers were used in the study, and most of them were successful in killing the cabbage looper larvae, but only one type of pepper used had any effect on the spider mites–cayenne pepper.

Research has already determined that using hot peppers in repellents can deter the onion fly from laying eggs and can reduce growth of the spiny bollworm and repel cotton pests as well. So, the answer is yes, you can repel pests with hot peppers, but not all pests.

Still, a hot pepper spray for plants seems to be an option for the home gardener looking for a natural pest repellent. While natural repellents are sold in stores that contain hot peppers, you can also make your own.

DIY Hot Pepper Spray For Plants

There are a number of recipes on the internet for making your own pest repellent. This first one is the easiest.

• Puree one garlic bulb and one small onion in a blender or food processor.
• Add 1 teaspoon (5 ml.) of cayenne powder and 1 quart (1 L.) of water.
• Let steep for an hour.
• Strain any chunks through cheesecloth, discard chunks of onion and garlic, and add 1 tablespoon (15 ml.) of dish soap to the liquid.
• Put in a sprayer and spray both the upper and lower surfaces of plants that are infested.

You can also start with 2 cups (473 ml.) of hot peppers, chopped. Note: Make sure you are protected. Wear goggles, long sleeves, and gloves; you might want to cover your mouth and nose as well.

• Chop up the peppers small enough so that you can measure out 2 cups (473 ml).
• Dump the cut peppers into a food processor and add one head of garlic, 1 tablespoon (15 ml.) of cayenne pepper and puree along with enough water to keep the food processor going.
• Once you are done pureeing the mixture, place it in a large bucket and add 4 gallons (15 L.) of water. Let this sit for 24 hours.
• After 24 hours, strain out the peppers and add to the liquid 3 tablespoons (44 ml.) of dish soap.
• Pour into a garden sprayer or spray bottle to use as needed.

Horticultural oils include mineral oil and other petroleum derivatives as well as plant-derived oils accepted in organic farming and gardening. They are used to control soft-bodied insects, mites, and certain fungi in a non-toxic manner. Jojoba oil is a natural, plant-based horticultural oil. Read on to learn more about jojoba pesticide oil.

What is Jojoba Oil?

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) is a woody shrub native to desert regions of southern California, Arizona, and northwestern Mexico. The small, green fruits of jojoba are not edible, but the oil extracted from the seeds is useful in several areas of industry as well as in the garden.

Jojoba oil has been used in traditional medicine, and today it is included in many cosmetics and hair products.

Jojoba Garden Uses

Jojoba oil can be used to control:

• aphids
• scale insects
• thrips
• psyllids
• whiteflies

Like other horticultural oils, jojoba oil kills these soft-bodied insects by clogging the spiracles (openings in the insects’ exoskeletons which they use to breathe) and suffocating them. Oils may also disrupt the feeding and egg laying behaviors of certain insects. In short, jojoba oil and bugs do not get along.

Horticultural oils are also used to control fungi that grow on the surfaces of plants, such as powdery mildew. Jojoba may have fungicidal properties, and, like other oils, it likely interferes with the germination or release of fungal spores.

The effectiveness of some pesticides can also be enhanced by oils including jojoba. Pesticide ingredients like spinosad and copper ammonium complex are formulated with 1% oil to increase their ability to control certain insects.

It is important to apply the oil at the correct time of year to control the targeted pest. Certain caterpillar eggs can be killed by jojoba oil, but it won’t kill the caterpillars after they hatch. For some pests, it’s best to treat with oil during the dormant time of year when trees and shrubs are leafless. That way, you will get better coverage of the trunk and branches and reach more of the insect population. Be sure to identify the pest and learn about its life cycle before application.

Risks of Jojoba Oil in the Garden

Jojoba oil kills insects by physically suffocating them, not by poisoning them, and it is a safer choice for people, wildlife, and the environment. However, it can harm plants under certain circumstances.

Plants under drought conditions or in hot weather may be more susceptible to damage from oils, so don’t apply oils when the temperature is higher than 90 degrees F. (32 C.) or during a drought. Sulfur, used as a fungicide in the garden, can make plants susceptible to damage from oils. Don’t apply jojoba or other oils within 30 days of applying a sulfur treatment.

Certain plant species, such as maples, walnuts, and many conifers, are more sensitive to damage and shouldn’t be treated with oils.

With several species of bees now listed as endangered and dwindling monarch butterfly populations, people are more conscience of the harmful side effects of chemical pesticides. These not only harm beneficial insects, but they also poison birds, reptiles, amphibians, and animals that eat the insects. Chemical residue remains on food crops, causing illnesses in people who eat them. They also get into the water table. It is because of all these harmful effects, farmers and gardeners all over the world have been implementing newer, safer pest control methods. One such method is push-pull technology. Read on to learn more about how push-pull works.

What is Push-Pull Technology?

It can be a real challenge to avoid harsh and dangerous chemical pesticides that not only damage our environment by poisoning pollinators but can also poison us. With push-pull methods, however, this may be changing. Push-pull pest control is a chemical free method that has become very popular in Australia and Africa for food crops. How push-pull works is by using companion plants that deter and repel (push) insects away from important food crops and decoy plants that attract (pull) pests to different locations where they are trapped or preyed upon by beneficial insects. An example of this push-pull strategy for pest control is the common practice of interplanting plants like corn and Desmodium, then planting sudangrass around these corn fields. The Desmodium contains essential oils that repel or “push” stem borers away from the corn. The sudangrass then plays its role as a “pull” plant by not only attracting the stem borers away from the corn, but also attracting insects that prey on these borers – a win-win for everyone.

How to Use Push-Pull Strategy for Pest Control

Below are examples of some common plants and the role they can play when using push-pull in gardens: Push Plants

• Chives – repels carrot flies, Japanese beetles and aphids
• Dill – repels aphids, squash bugs, spider mites, cabbage loopers
• Fennel – repels aphids, slugs and snails
• Basil – repels tomato hornworms

Pull Plants

• Sorghum – attracts corn earworms
• Dill – attracts tomato hornworms
• Nasturtiums – attracts aphids
• Sunflowers – attract stinkbugs
• Mustard – attracts harlequin bugs
• Zinnia - attracts Japanese beetles

These days, we are all more conscious of the impact we have on the environment and have adopted more environmentally friendly practices, like avoiding harmful chemical pesticides. We all dream of a lush, healthy, organic garden. Unfortunately, these eco-friendly practices can sometimes leave ourselves, our loved ones, or our gardens vulnerable to harmful pests.

Continue reading to learn about using and making effective, environmentally friendly bug sprays for people and plants.

Organic Bug Spray for Plants

There are many organic insect sprays for humans and pets available at health food stores. Even the big brands like Off, Cutter, and Avon have jumped on the organic bandwagon.

When purchasing organic and eco-friendly insect sprays, be sure to read the labels. If a product has understandable ingredients like lemon eucalyptus oil, citronella, or rosemary extract, it probably is truly organic. If the product’s ingredients contain complex chemical compounds or DEET, keep browsing.

You can also make your own homemade, environmentally friendly bug sprays with plant oils or extracts and water. Some eco-friendly insect repellents that are safe for the human body are lemon eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, citronella oil, catmint extract, rosemary extract, and rose geranium oil. These are all usually available at health food stores or can be purchased online. You can just dab a few drops directly on your body or, for fuller coverage, mix in a spray bottle with water, shake before each use, and spray yourself before outdoor activities.

For another eco-friendly bug spray recipe, boil any combination you like of the following plants:

• Citronella (Citrosa)
• Catmint
• Rosemary
• Peppermint
• Lemon balm
• Thyme
• Bay leaves
• Cloves
• Basil
• Borage
• Dill
• Garlic
• Onion
• Fennel
• Sage
• Parsley
• Nasturtium
• Marigold

Let cool, then strain and place in a spray bottle. This herb infused, water-based insect repellent will have a shorter shelf life than the oil and water mixtures. It can, however, be kept longer if refrigerated.

Using Natural Pest Control Sprays in the Garden

My go-to eco-friendly bug spray recipe for the garden is a mixture of Dawn dish soap, mouthwash, and water. I swear by this easy recipe and have used it on every garden pest I encounter with great results. It works on insects, mites, and fungi. I have also heard of people adding a little baking soda to the mixture, though I have not tried it myself. It’s important to spray this mixture on a cloudy day or in the evening to avoid scorching of the plants.

Spray all surfaces of the plants, the undersides of all leaves, and deep within the plant center. You can also make a plant insecticide oil spray with 1 cup (237 ml.) of vegetable oil or mineral oil, 2 teaspoons (10 ml.) Dawn dish soap, and 1 cup (237 ml.) of water. Shake well before each use and thoroughly spray all surfaces of the infected plant.

Likewise, you can make a plant spray with 1 quart (1 L.) water, 2 teaspoons (10 ml.) garlic powder, 1 teaspoon (5 ml.) cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon (5 ml.) Dawn dish soap.

Other organic bug sprays for plants are Bacillus thuringiensis, neem oil, mineral oil, and hot pepper spray. These can be purchased at garden centers or online. Below is a short list of insect-specific, eco-friendly control sprays:

• Earwigs – Take an empty margarine container and lid, poke four to six holes near the top of the container just below the lid, fill the container about a ¼ full of soy sauce and vegetable oil, and put the lid back on. Place these earwig traps in cool, moist areas, like under hostas, etc. The soy sauce attracts the earwigs, and the vegetable oil makes them unable to get out.
• Ants – Soapy water along with any of these-- cucumber, mint, cayenne pepper, citrus oil, lemon juice, cinnamon, borax, garlic, cloves, coffee grounds, diatomaceous earth-- will help take care of ant pests.
• Fleas – Soapy water mixed with fleabane, cedar, diatomaceous earth, citrus oil, and rose geranium oil. You can add a smidge of apple cider vinegar to pet food to deter fleas too.
• Mosquitos – Sage, rosemary, mint, citronella, lavender, garlic, catmint, beebalm, lemongrass, marigold, lemon balm, thyme, oregano, basil, dill, chamomile, cloves, fennel, borage, eucalyptus, rose geranium oil, or neem oil all help against mosquitos.
• Flies – Mint, bay leaves, basil, eucalyptus, and cloves help with controlling flies.
• Ticks – Rose geranium oil, eucalyptus, cloves, rosemary, mints, citrus oil, olive oil, lemon balm, citronella, oregano, garlic, and lemongrass mixtures can help with ticks.

Simply planting any of the plants mentioned in this article will also help deter pests.

Creating a tree guild provides a natural, self-sustaining, useful landscape that encompasses several plant species, each with its own purpose and benefit to the others. What is a tree guild? This sort of planting plan starts with a vigorous, productive main tree and graduates gently to mutually sustaining sub-plantings. It takes some time to achieve, and success depends upon the variety and diversity of the lower plants.

What is a Tree Guild?

A useful way to look at landscaping is holistically. Taking the entire concept into consideration and opting for plants that complement each other helps minimize upkeep and builds a strong scaffold for each species to thrive. Fruit tree guild design is one way to optimize a planting space and create a more diverse producing food garden. Knowing how to plant a tree guild provides practical permaculture that withstands stress and enhances each plant's health. Permaculture is the planned design of agriculturally productive systems that have the characteristics of a natural ecosystem. Tree guild permaculture takes the concept one step further by utilizing the tree as the main anchor and adding elements into the areas that produce food and creates a stable environment. You don't have to be a professional landscaper to delve into fruit tree guild design. It does, however, take some research and a concerted plan for the successive plantings. Start with a vigorous, producing fruit tree and work your way down from there. Tree guild permaculture is a perfect melding of plants that work together to sustain the area and provide a productive space. The whole goal is to create a unity of plants with individual beneficial attributes and uses.

Types of Fruit Tree Guild Plants

As you consciously plan your garden under a fruit tree, take into consideration the attributes you need from each species. Every plant should give something to the area and help sustain the entire concept. These plants will provide nitrogen-fixing, fertilization and pollination optimization, pest prevention, diverse food crops, and help retain moisture and control weeds. That might seem like a lot to ask for from a handful of plants, but a careful reflection on the options available to you will help whittle down the most beneficial specimens. You will need understory plants that enhance the growth space under the larger centerpiece tree. These might be smaller fruit or nut trees. Next, you need nitrogen-fixing plants in the legume family to enhance soil fertility. Finally, select groundcovers and pest preventers such as herbs.

How to Plant a Tree Guild

Once you have selected your centerpiece tree, ensure good workable soil around its root zone. You will be planting trees and plants of successive heights and spreads to create a filled area defensible against weeds and moisture loss. Depending upon the amount of light that reaches the area under the tree, some of the options for larger plantings might be berry bushes, citrus trees, and other small producing bushes. Weed and grass suppressing plants will give food while holding at bay opportunistic pest plants. These may include:

• Bulbs
• Leeks
• Ramps
• Other alliums

Next, choose blooming plants with pest repellent and pollinator attracting properties. There are a host of herbs perfect for this such as:

• Comfrey
• Dill
• Borage
• Bee balm

Choose nitrogen-fixing specimens to keep enriching the bed such as:

• Clover
• Lupine
• Peanuts
• Pigeon peas

Useful groundcovers to prevent weeds and hold moisture in the soil might include:

• Strawberries
• Red clover
• Peanut
• Rhubarb

The actual combinations will depend upon your planting zone, the amount of light, and your food preferences.

Keeping ourselves and our children safe from toxic chemicals is a no brainer, but not all products on the market are as safe as they purport to be. Organic pesticides are a safer alternative to chemical formulas, but even these need to be used with caution. What are organic pesticides and are organic pesticides safe?

What are Organic Pesticides?

Organic pesticides for plants are considered to be those made from natural ingredients. That doesn’t mean they are free from chemicals, just that the chemicals are derived from botanical and mineral sources. They must still be used carefully, but the chemicals break down more quickly than commercial sources and are deemed less threatening. Chemicals assault the body at almost every hour of the day. They may come in the air, the food we eat, the products we use on our bodies, and even in our drinking water. Toxic buildup of these chemicals have been shown to cause damage in the body and minimize health. Many of the modern pesticides used today commercially persist in soil for years and compound the store of toxins in our soil, air, and water. There are many types of natural pesticides which are not products of chemical engineering and return to the earth with less impact and reduced danger. Pesticides for organic gardens must meet certain criteria set forth by the USDA and bear a logo stating they are certified. Are organic pesticides safe to use in the home landscape? The bonuses with using organic pesticides for plants are their specific target range, slow mode of action, shorter persistence, low residue levels, and safer use than conventional pesticides. These attributes are a win-win for consumers and the earth alike, but as with any formula you must pay strict attention to time and mode of application and follow any precautions.

Types of Natural Pesticides

The wide variety of organic pesticides encompasses biochemical, microbial, botanical, or mineral based. Many of these come from plants themselves, insects, or naturally occurring minerals.

• Biochemical – Biochemical pesticides are fascinating in their simplicity and sneakiness. Pheromones are one form which is sometimes naturally sourced or manmade. They can disrupt mating behavior and control insect populations.
• Microbial – Microbial agents stem from bacteria, fungi, algae, naturally occurring viruses, or protozoans. These either introduce a disease to a certain insect population, produce a toxin or limit reproduction. Milky spore is an example of this type of natural pesticide.
• Botanical – Botanical pesticides come from plants. Nicotine, Neem, Rotenone, Sabadilla, and Pyrethrins are all derived from other plants. Pyrethrins for instance, come from the chrysanthemum plant and are effective on flying insects and to flush out larvae and grubs.
• Mineral – Mineral based controls include sulfur and lime-sulfur. Both are sprayed as part of the control of common insect pests.

Homemade Organic Pesticides

Folk wisdom had a cure all for everything before modern technology and science came to the fore. Pest control in the field was accomplished using companion plants and herbs, good cultural practices (such as crop rotation and field burning) or the result of home concocted sprays and dusts.

• Garlic can deter beetles and some larvae. Pennyroyal, feverfew, and tansy have excellent repellent properties and add lively color, scent, and texture to the garden.
• Encouraging beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and wasps, are a natural way to reduce the populations of unwanted pests.
• Vegetable oil mixed with organic dish soap is a common pesticide useful on small sucking insects.
• Sticky traps are easy to assemble with fly paper and effective in controlling flying insects on fruit trees.
• The internet abounds with homemade organic pesticides and successful methods of controlling insects.

Your pets depend on you to keep them safe both indoors and out. That includes using fertilizer that's pet friendly. Knowing that you don't have to worry about your pet's safety when they play outdoors gives you peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying time spent together.

Using Pet Safe Fertilizer for Lawns and Gardens

Commercially prepared pet friendly fertilizers may list precautions and restrictions, and you should follow them to the letter. The label may suggest keeping the pet off the lawn for a specified period of time, usually about 24 hours. For an extra measure of safety, make sure you break up any clods or clumps of fertilizer because your pet will find any new objects lying on the ground interesting, and perhaps worth a taste. Store any unused portions of the fertilizer in its original bag. Place the bag out of reach, or put in a plastic bin with a lid that locks in place securely. Pets are very skillful at getting into places where they don't belong, so even if you use pet safe fertilizers for your lawns and gardens, you should be aware of the symptoms of chemical poisoning, which include:

• Muscle tremors
• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Swelling

Types of Fertilizer Safe for Pets

Here are a few types of safe fertilizers for pets: Seaweed - Seaweed is rich in nitrogen. You can buy it ground up but it's more common as a spray-on liquid. Fish emulsion - While fish emulsion is a great fertilizer option, remember that this is a quick-release fertilizer and can burn plants if you use too much. Dogs are likely to find the smell very appealing and might try to dig up your garden plants. Grass Clippings - You can use 20 percent less nitrogen fertilizer by leaving grass clippings on your lawn. For this to work, you may have to mow more frequently. Long clippings can do more harm than good. Manure - This is a tricky one because dogs may try to eat it. Composting for three or four months removes much of the smell and makes it safer for pets and the garden. Be aware that horse manure may contain weed seeds. Compost - Compost is one of the best fertilizers for gardens, and if you make your own, it's free. You can also use it on the lawn, but it takes quite a bit to provide enough nitrogen for lawn grass. Bone Meal/Blood Meal - Bone meal and blood meal are natural products that may not harm your dog, but the taste and smell may be very appealing to them. Avoid both to prevent digging and rolling in the garden.

Cornmeal gluten, commonly referred to as corn gluten meal (CGM), is the by-product of corn wet milling. It is used to feed cattle, fish, dogs, and poultry. Gluten meal is known as a natural substitute for chemical pre-emergent herbicides. Using this cornmeal as weed killer is a great way to eradicate weeds without the threat of toxic chemicals. If you have pets or small children, gluten meal is a great option.

Gluten Cornmeal as Weed Killer

Researchers at Iowa State University discovered by accident that cornmeal gluten acts as an herbicide while they were doing disease research. They saw that corn gluten meal kept grass and other seeds, such as crabgrass, dandelions, and chickweed from sprouting.

It is important to note that cornmeal gluten is only effective against seeds, not plants that are mature, and is most effective with corn gluten having at least 60% proteins in it. For annual weeds that are growing, plain cornmeal products will not kill it. These weeds include:

• foxtail
• purslane
• pigweed
• crabgrass

Perennial weeds will not be damaged either. They pop back up year after year because their roots survive under the soil over winter. Some of these include:

• dandelions
• quack grass
• plantain

However, cornmeal gluten will stop the seeds that these weeds shed in the summer so that the weeds will not increase. With consistent use of gluten meal products, these weeds will gradually decline.

How to Use Cornmeal Gluten in the Garden

Many people use corn gluten on their lawns, but it can be safely and effectively used in gardens as well. Using gluten cornmeal in gardens is a great way to keep weed seeds from sprouting and will not damage existing plants, shrubs, or trees.

Be sure to follow the application instructions on the package and apply before weeds start to grow. Sometimes this can be a very tight window, but is best done in early spring. In flower and vegetable beds where seeds are sown, be sure to wait to apply at least until the seeds are grown up a bit. If applied too early, it can prevent these seeds from sprouting.

Tip: If you have large areas to cover, you can try a spray form for ease of application. Apply every four weeks, or after heavy rains, during the growing season to maintain effectiveness.

Sometimes we gardeners are sure that the weeds are going to get the better of us. They test our patience to the very core, sneaking up where they don't belong and creeping in where they are hard to pull. While there are many different chemical sprays to combat weeds, some of these can be quite dangerous and costly. For this reason, some of us may consider using salt to kill weeds. Let's learn more about killing weeds with salt.

Can You Kill Weeds with Salt?

Although killing weeds with salt may seem strange, it is effective when used cautiously. Salt is inexpensive and readily available. Salt dehydrates plants and disrupts the internal water balance of plant cells. Salt is best used for small-scale gardening where it will be easily diluted by rain or watering, however. If salt is used on a large scale, it can create soil conditions that are not suitable for growing plants for quite some time.

Salt Recipe for Weeds

Making a salt weed killer mixture at home is not difficult. You can add rock or table salt to water until it dissolves. Make a fairly weak mixture to start with - 3:1 ratio of water to salt. You can increase the amount of salt daily until the salt begins to kills the target plant. Adding a little bit of dish soap and white vinegar helps with weed killing effectiveness. It lowers the surface tension of the water, which allows the salt solution to be absorbed by the plant.

How to Use Salt to Kill Weeds

Applying salt to weeds must be done extremely carefully to avoid damage to nearby vegetation. Use a funnel to direct the saltwater to the weed; this will help keep the solution from splattering. Once you have applied the solution, water any nearby plants well. This will help to mitigate damage and will cause the salt to leach below the root zone of the plants. Caution: A popular question asked by gardeners is “Can I pour salt on the ground to kill weeds?” This is not a good practice, as it can easily damage surrounding vegetation and soil. The salt weed killing method works best if the salt is diluted and applied directly to the weed. Always use caution when working with salt - do not ingest the salt or rub it in your eyes.

Plants can be susceptible to a variety of pathogens, and just like a cold in a school group of children, be rapidly passed, potentially infecting an entire crop. A newer method for controlling disease amidst greenhouse and other commercial crops is called soil biofungicide. What is a biofungicide and how do biofungicides work?

What is a Biofungicide?

A biofungicide is made up of beneficial fungi and bacteria that colonize and assail plant pathogens, thereby thwarting the diseases they cause. These microorganisms are commonly and naturally found in soil, making them an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides. Additionally, using biofungicides in gardens as an incorporated disease management program reduces the risk of pathogens becoming resistant to chemical fungicides.

How Do Biofungicides Work?

Biofungicides control other microorganisms in the four following ways:

• Through direct competition, biofungicides grow a defensive barrier around the root system, or rhizosphere, thereby shielding the roots from harmful attacking fungi.
• Biofungicides also produce a chemical similar to an antibiotic, which is toxic to the invading pathogen. This process is called antibiosis.
• Additionally, biofungicides attack and feed on the harmful pathogen. The biofungicide has to be in the rhizosphere either before or at the same time as the pathogen. Predation by the biofungicide will not affect the harmful pathogen if introduces after it has infected the roots.
• Lastly, introducing a biofungicide kickstarts the plant's own immune defense mechanisms, enabling it to successfully fight off the invading harmful pathogen.

When to Use a Biofungicide

It is important to know when to use a biofungicide. As explained above, introduction of a biofungicide will not “cure” an already infected plant. When using biofungicides in the garden, they must be applied before the onset of disease development. Early application protects the roots against attacking fungi and encourages vigorous development of root hairs. Biofungicides should always be used in conjunction with the basic cultural control of sanitation, which is the first line of defense for protection from disease. Like any fungicide, the use of biological fungicide products should be applied according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most biofungicides can be used by organic growers, are generally safer than chemical fungicides, and can be used in conjunction with fertilizers, rooting compounds, and insecticides. Biofungicides have a shorter shelf life than their chemical counterparts and are not a cure-all for infected plants but rather a naturally occurring method for controlling disease prior to infection.

Sugar is more than the addictive, sweet stuff we stir into our coffee and gorge on at Easter and Halloween. Using sugar to kill weeds is the subject of study by several university horticultural and agronomic professionals. Weeds are the stuff of horror to those of us who want a lush, green lawn and the effects of sugar on plants seem to point to the white powder as a safe herbicide to deter unwanted weeds.

Effects of Sugar on Plants

All plants benefit and grow best in nitrogen rich soils. Nitrogen is the basis for green, leafy growth and promotes the healthy uptake of other necessary nutrients. Nitrogen is yielded by composting or rotting organic matter. Sugar is a carbon nutrient and contains no nitrogen. Sugar on weeds has the ability to limit growth in some plants, especially those that are not adaptive to low nitrogen environments. This is because microorganisms in soil are forced to source their necessary nitrogen from soil. This leaves little for weed growth. As such, sugar weed control is possible with direct application to pesky weeds and invasive plants.

Using Sugar to Kill Weeds

Killing lawn weeds with sugar or minimizing garden herbicide use is a natural and potentially effective method of weed control. More research is needed but, thus far, science and environmental trials verify that sugar on weeds can provide an alternative to damaging chemical methods. Using sugar to kill weeds may lead to more economical means of weed control through other items, like sawdust that contains carbon.

How to Use Sugar Weed Control in Gardens

Before you use up your coffee sweetener supply, take a moment to contemplate the types of weeds for which sugar weed control is best suited. Broadleaf and annual weeds succumb to the sugar treatment much better than grasses and perennials. The method is simple. Take about a cup (240 mL.) full, or even a handful, of sugar and sprinkle it around the base of a weed. Take care to avoid other plants and coat the soil thickly over the offending weed's root zone. Check the weed in a day or two and recoat if the area was saturated or the weed is not showing signs of decline.

Killing Lawn Weeds with Sugar

Leafy, green plants, like grass, require high amounts of nitrogen for best growth. Feeding the lawn with a commercial fertilizer provides the nitrogen, but also adds excessive salt to soil, which causes poor root growth over time. Sugar encourages grass roots to seek nitrogen in soil. This competitive use depletes soil nitrogen for weeds and helps grass flourish and crowd out pest plants. You can use granulated or powdered sugar sprinkled lightly over your lawn or a molasses spray. (Mix molasses at a rate of 1 ¾ cups (420 mL.) to 10 gallons (38 L.) of water in a backpack or manual sprayer.) Evenly coat the lawn and water it in lightly. Don't over coat or forget to water, as the sugar will attract insects and animals if left on top of the leaf blades. The best time to start sugar weed control is spring when weeds are small and before they go to seed.

For better soil quality and space saving in the garden, consider biointensive gardening. Keep reading for more information on the biointensive planting method and how to grow a biointensive garden.

What is Biointensive Gardening?

Biointensive gardening focuses a lot on the quality of the soil. When farmers use biointensive gardening, they loosen up the soil at least twice as deep as normal gardening preparations. This way, their plants' roots can penetrate through the soil deeper, and get more nutrients and water from deep underground. Another important aspect of biointensive soil building is compost. It's important to return nutrients into the soil after plants have taken them out of the soil. With a biointensive planting method, you can put compost, usually made up of dry leaves, straw, kitchen scraps, and clippings from the yard, back into the soil by mixing it into the ground really deep. It will allow for larger yields for crops because the soil will be more nutrient rich. Biointensive sustainable garden plants include any plants you can plant in your garden. The difference is how they are grown. You will place your plants in more space saving arrangements and this way, your biointensive gardening efforts will be fruitful. Farmers are using the land more efficiently and are able to plant more in the space they have.

How to Grow a Biointensive Garden

Usually, in normal planting, you would plant rows of lettuce, and rows of peppers,, etc. With biointensive gardening, you would go ahead and plant your rows of lettuce. They grow close to the ground and can grow close to each other. Then, you would plant peppers among the lettuce because they grow taller and have tall stems. This will not interfere with the lettuce growth and the lettuce won't interfere with the pepper growth because the peppers actually grow above the lettuce. It's a great combination. The biointensive planting method includes no single planting of plants and no mechanized equipment if at all possible. The biointensive soil building belief is that machinery uses too much energy and leaves soil too susceptible to erosion. Since it is heavy, it also compacts the soil, which means all the double-digging that was done to prepare the soil was for naught. Another thing that is part of the biointensive planting process is the use of open-pollinated seeds instead of genetically modified seeds. The goal of biointensive gardening is to incorporate all natural gardening in the farm, therefore, not using anything modified. The main goal of biointensive soil building is to improve the soil. By double planting the soil, digging deep and adding compost back when your crops are done growing, you're improving the soil for each new crop.

Organic garden pest control is on the minds of many gardeners these days. Natural home pesticides are not only easy to make, they are cheaper and safer than many products you can buy on store shelves. Let's take a look at some natural insect repellents you can make for the garden.

How to Make Natural Pesticide

The best way to make natural pesticides is to use natural products that you have laying around your house. Garden pests are repelled or killed by a surprising number of safe and natural products. Here are a few natural insect repellent recipes:

Organic Garden Pest Control Recipe #1

• 1 head of garlic
• 1 tablespoon (15 mL.) dish soap (Note: do not use a dish soap that contains bleach)
• 2 tablespoons (29.5 mL.) mineral or vegetable oil
• 2 cups (480 mL.) water

Peel the garlic cloves and puree the cloves along with the oil and water. Allow to sit over night and then strain the mixture. Add the soap and mix toughly. Pour into a spray bottle and use on pest infected plants.

Organic Garden Pest Control Recipe #2

• 1 tablespoon (15 mL.) vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons (29.5 mL.) baking soda
• 1 teaspoon (5 mL.) dish soap or Murphy Oil (Note: do not use a dish soap that contains bleach)
• 2 quarts (1.9 L.) of water

Combine ingredients and pour into a spray bottle. Use this organic bug spray on your affected plants.

Organic Garden Pest Control Recipe #3

• 1/2 cup (120 mL.) chopped hot peppers (the hotter the better)
• 2 cups (480 mL.) water
• 2 tablespoons (29.5 mL.) dish soap (Note: do not use a dish soap that contains bleach)

Puree peppers and water. Let sit overnight. Strain carefully (this will burn your skin) and mix in dish soap. Pour into a spray bottle and spray this organic bug spray on your buggy plants. Natural home pesticides are exactly like chemical pesticides in one very important way. Organic bug spray for plants will kill any bug it comes in contact with, whether a pest bug or a beneficial bug. It is always best before mixing up any natural insect repellent recipes to think hard about how much damage pests are really doing to your garden. You may be doing more damage to your plants by killing the bugs than the bugs were doing to your plants. BEFORE USING ANY HOMEMADE MIX: It should be noted that anytime you use a home mix, you should always test it out on a small portion of the plant first to make sure that it will not harm the plant. Also, avoid using any bleach-based soaps or detergents on plants since this can be harmful to them. In addition, it is important that a home mixture never be applied to any plant on a hot or bright sunny day, as this will quickly lead to burning of the plant and its ultimate demise.

Your pets are as much a part of your life as your garden is and you want to make sure that they can enjoy your garden without it making them sick. While stores sell a number of weed killers, most of them are not very healthy for your pets, and you may want to use a pet friendly weed killer. Fortunately, there are a number of organic and pet safe weed control methods you can use to keep your garden healthy for your pets.

Types of Pet Friendly Weed Killer

Boiling Water

If you have an area that you need to clear weeds out of on a wholesale level, such as a driveway or a sidewalk or just a large weedy patch where no plants you wish to keep are growing, you may want to consider using boiling water. Boiling water is certainly a pet safe weed killer and it will instantly kill any plant it comes in contact with by literally cooking the plant in the ground. But be careful, boiling water will kill all plants, not just the weeds.

Vinegar

Vinegar works well as pet friendly weed killer. All you need to do is spray the vinegar on the plants that you wish to kill. For some tougher weeds, you may need to reapply the vinegar several times before the plant completely dies.

Salt

If you have an area that you do not wish to have plants growing at all, like a brick path or patio, salt works well as a pet safe weed control. Putting salt in an area will make the soil unsuitable for plants and weeds to grow in.

Sugar

Believe it or not, sugar is also a pet friendly weed killer. It puts the soil organisms into overdrive and the soil becomes temporarily unsuitable for plants. It is great for killing weed trees, bushes or vines that are hard to pull out. Simply pour some sugar at the base of the plant you wish to kill. If you are concerned about it becoming an attraction to pests, simply mix the sugar with equal parts chili pepper to deter those possible pests.

Cornmeal

Sometimes the most effective pet safe weed killers are the ones that stop the weeds before they even appear. Cornmeal has a chemical in it that acts as a pre-emergent on plant seeds. That means that it will prevent the seed from germinating. Sprinkling cornmeal in an area that you want to keep weeds out of will not harm the current plants but will keep weeds from growing.

Homemade Pet Safe Weed Killer

The nice thing about all of the above remedies is that any of them can be combined to make more effective pet safe weed killers. Just mix them together. If the mixture is liquid and you'll be using a spray bottle, add in a little dish soap. The dish soap will help the liquid stick to the weed better. Our pets are our friends and we don't want to do anything to harm them. Using products that are available in your house to make pet safe weed killers is less expensive, just as effective and much safer than using the dangerous chemicals sold in stores.

Weeds are plants that grow where they aren’t wanted. This is a simplistic description that does nothing to help gardeners who fight what seems like an endless battle – to create a tidy landscape free of encroachment by pesky weeds. It’s tempting to think that the secret to a perfect garden is to drown unwanted weeds with chemicals. However, there are ways to weed your garden naturally. For the sake of the environment – and your pocketbook – herbicides should always be a last resort when all else fails. Read on to learn about controlling weeds without chemicals.

Types of Weeds

Before you begin your quest to weed your garden naturally, it may help to have a basic understanding of types of weeds. If you garden regularly, you are probably already well aware of the three types of weeds: broadleaf weeds (like dandelions), grass-like weeds (such as wild chives), and grassy weeds (like crabgrass). All weeds, no matter the type, fall under three primary classifications:

• Annuals, which grow, set seeds, and die in a single year
• Biennials, which survive for two years
• Perennials, which can live for many years

Natural Weed Control

Here are some methods for killing weeds naturally:

Remove weeds by hand – Use a slender trowel or a dandelion fork to remove weeds by the roots when they are young and tender, or wear gloves and tug the weeds from the soil. This task is easiest after a rainfall, or you can soften the soil by watering the day before. Work carefully to get the entire root, or your hard work may be in vain. Some roots, such as dandelions, have long, tough taproots and small pieces left in the soil are enough to regenerate new plants.

Minimize cultivation – Deep cultivation often brings dormant weed seeds to the top, where they are exposed to water and sunlight that allows them to germinate. Often, simply scraping the surface of the soil with a hoe is enough to keep weeds in check, although the task must be repeated regularly. Hoeing is most effective for annual weeds. Till or dig the soil only when absolutely necessary.

Mulch the soil – A layer of organic mulch may not keep every weed seed from sprouting but minimizing exposure to sunlight can help keep weeds in check. Limit mulch to 3 inches (7.5 cm.) or less, as a thick layer of mulch can provide a hiding place for slugs and snails. For areas that don’t require cultivation or digging, consider placing a sheet of landscape fabric under the mulch.

Call in the critters – It may sound funny, but many property owners hire goat farmers who raise the animals solely to control unwanted vegetation. Goats aren’t the best means of control when it comes to grassy weeds, but they love broadleaf plants. Goats are able to get to areas that are difficult for humans to access, and they even like poison ivy. A cost-effective means of controlling invasive plants, goats are used by the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and many counties and cities.

Don’t let plants go to seed – If you can’t remove weeds by the roots, the most important thing is to never, ever let them go to seed. Remove blooms with clippers, or if you have a large patch, use weed trimmers or a mower. By all means, don’t wait until the blooms wilt and turn dry.

Try vinegar – Many people think use of vinegar to control weeds is just an old wives tale, but some gardeners swear that the acidic liquid is effective when used to drench individual weeds. Don’t count on vinegar to solve all of your weedy problems, as it may not kill root systems of larger weeds. Apply vinegar carefully, as herbicides, since it can also kill the plants you want to keep. Vinegar, however, is safe for the soil.

Choke them out – A healthy lawn or garden can help choke out unwanted plants. Pay close attention to water and fertilizer and be sure plants have adequate air circulation. Treat pests and diseases promptly and dispose of unhealthy plants. Choose your weapons well. Different types of weeds call for different defense tactics. Additionally, you must also choose your battles wisely. Since weeds are an inevitable part of gardening, some battles are simply not worth the effort. Believe it or not, some weeds can be quite beautiful and even useful in the garden.

Permaculture gardens use techniques and practices that combine the best of wildlife gardening, edible landscaping, and native-plant cultivation into one low-maintenance, self-contained and productive ecosystem. Let's learn more about the essence of permaculture gardening.

Why Use Permaculture?

Permaculture gardens serve many functions. Rather than limit the garden to only one use, permaculture gardens employ a variety of uses. A permaculture garden provides food and medicinal crops, wildlife habitats, crafting materials, an attractive appearance, and a private, relaxing atmosphere throughout every season.

These types of gardens produce food by using a variety of vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers. Flowers are not only grown for their edible or medicinal properties but also for use as cut flowers for beautiful bouquets or dried out for additional longer-lasting displays, and numerous plant materials are used for crafts as well.

Permaculture gardens welcome wildlife and are often used as quiet sanctuaries for meditating and/or exercise too.

What is a Permaculture Garden?

Permaculture gardens are self-sustaining. Some of the gardening and recycling methods that are common to permaculture include:

Edible gardening & companion planting - Edible gardening practices are commonplace. Vegetables, herbs, edible flowers, small fruit-bearing trees, and companion plantings are commonly grown together. The closest plants are those that get used on a regular basis or those requiring higher maintenance. Greenhouses can be used year round for growing a variety of plants as well.

Raised beds & Vertical gardening techniques - Permaculture gardens are usually quite small in size; however, every piece of available space is used. Raised beds are a commonplace with a permaculture garden, filled with an assortment of plants. Raised beds take up little room, are more easily accessible, drain easily and are attractive. Vertical gardening practices are often used. These include growing plants on trellises and in hanging baskets.

Keyhole gardening - Creative patterns in the permaculture garden define edges and increase productivity. One of these designs includes the keyhole garden. Not only is it beautiful, but it is extremely productive. It can easily be adapted to the specific needs of the gardener.

The beds in this garden are normally horseshoe shaped and are sized so that they are easily accessible in all areas. The beds can be situated near the home for quick access or along a well-traversed path. There are different ways to construct a keyhole garden.

Generally, raised beds are preferred and well-suited for perennial plants, which are also commonly favored. Because of the fact that most perennials have deeper root systems and can, therefore, tap into the moisture and minerals needed from deep beneath the ground, these plants do not require as much water or fertilizer as other plants, such as annuals.

Also, perennials are usually around throughout the year, offering shelter to wildlife. Keyhole gardens can also be designed in a circle, with the center housing a variety of herbs and perennials. The center can also include a small tree or shrub, and if space permits, a small pond or other water feature may be added.

Sheet mulching - Sheet mulching (such as lasagna gardening) is another alternative, especially for annual plantings. Rather than tilling up the soil, a weed barrier such as wet newspaper or cardboard is applied to the area. These will eventually breakdown over time, allowing both water and plant roots to enter the soil. It also helps to enrich the soil.

Another layer of straw, or other suitable organic mulch, is then put down to define the keyhole's path. Around its outer edges, a layer of compost and soil is applied for plantings. This will then be covered with additional straw to help retain moisture.

Soil & Composting - Soil is always important and great care is given to this in a permaculture garden. Worms are essential in permaculture gardens. They help keep soil loose and healthy. A good soil structure consists of a large population of earthworms and a natural balance of beneficial insects. Compost piles are another important element in permaculture gardens. All materials for fertilizing and mulching are produced within the permaculture garden.

Benefits of Permaculture Gardening

Nothing within the permaculture garden should ever be wasted. Garden waste is used for composting, which in turn, is used for soil amendment and fertilizer. Water is also an important element with permaculture gardens. Not only does water keep the soil and plants hydrated, but it is also used to attract wildlife to the permaculture garden.

Many permaculture gardens even implement recycling practices for watering. For instance, rain barrels are often used to catch rainwater coming from the gutter downspout. This not only saves on water but is especially good for the garden as rainwater is loaded with nutrients. There is no need for pesticides in a permaculture garden.

Water features often encourage beneficial insects, birds, frogs, and other small wildlife creatures, and many of these will feed on pests in the permaculture garden. Companion plantings also help keep insect and other pest problems to a minimum.

Permaculture gardens require less maintenance. Once a permaculture garden has established itself, you do nothing but water and harvest crops or add occasional mulch. Permaculture simply refers to a garden that can essentially take care of itself.

Each plant in a permaculture garden has a specific purpose. Some are used solely for food and others for medicine. Some are planted to attract beneficial insects, while others are planted to deter pests.

Then there are those that are strictly planted for improving the soil, and those that simply boost the permaculture garden's beauty. There's no better way to enjoy and benefit from all that nature has to offer than in a permaculture garden.

Walk into any garden store and you will find shelf after shelf of chemicals to help control the pests in your garden. You can spend hundreds of dollars on these products every season. Not this year. You've decided to go organic instead. You know this means that you won't be using those chemicals with unpronounceable names. You're going to be using natural ingredients and nature itself to keep your garden pest-free. So, the question is: what works and what doesn't? Keep reading to learn more about natural pest control in an organic garden.

Tips for Natural Pest Control

The best defense against garden pests is good soil and healthy plants. Following that, simple garden protection includes items you can safely use to deter pests as well as the addition of certain plants that repel insect pests or attract the predators which feed on them.

Healthy Soil and Plants

Always rotate crops so that nothing is growing in the same spot that it did last year. Begin your organic garden by working in compost to fertilize the soil. You cannot add too much compost to your garden. If you plan to use hybrid seeds, instead of heirloom, choose seeds and plants that are bred to resist pests. Each year, more and more varieties of vegetables are being developed that are pest and disease resistant. Cull out any plant that looks unhealthy, as a sick plant only invites unwanted guests to your garden. A sick or diseased plant will not produce as well as a healthy plant, so you are not losing anything by pulling it from the ground.

Natural Garden Deterrents

Fine mesh netting, available from your garden center, is your next line of defense. By placing the netting over the plants, you protect the plant from flying insects, mice, and other varmints. Netting is the preferred preventative for vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce, and other leafy produce. Protecting young vegetable plants from worms and slugs can be accomplished by using old soda pop bottles. These can be either the single-serve or the two-liter (0.5 gal.) type. Simply cut out the top and bottom of the bottle and place it around the plant. Another method of organic pest control is companion planting. By planting annuals, such as marigolds and California poppies, in and among your vegetable crop, you will help attract beneficial insects to your garden. These beneficial insects, like the ladybug, eat not the plant, but other insects. Some plants, such as wormwood, give off an odor that many pests do not like and will cause them to go to someone else's garden. Many organic gardeners plant hot peppers, like chili peppers, throughout their garden. The capsaicin in the pepper plants deters many insects from biting on the plants near them. Using hot pepper sprays on the vegetable plants themselves will also send many bugs elsewhere for their dinner. Hot peppers should not be planted near crops such as melons, however, because they may pick up the flavor of the pepper. Another trick to try, especially for aphids, is a mixture of water and bleach-free dish soap or another detergent. Spray the leaves of the plants lightly and it should destroy the little annoying insects. It may be easier to just grab a bottle of pesticide from the store shelf, but for the healthiest, purest, freshest tasting vegetables, organic is the way to go. You may have to put forth a tad bit more effort, but when you know you can safely grab that tomato off the vine and eat it right there, then you'll know why organic is the best way to go.

There are some patches of earth that seem to have been made for gardens. The soil is loamy, rich, and dark and crumbles just right in the hands. This is the type of garden that gardeners with clay soil are insanely jealous of. If you live in an area that is plagued by clay soil, you know how that feels. You sigh when having to put a shovel to the ground because you know that if only your soil was better, that the task of digging would not be nearly so hard. Yet, it is possible to organically improve your clay soil. Keep reading to learn more.

Clay Heavy Soil

How can you tell if your garden has clay heavy soil? One of the biggest indicators is if you take a handful of damp soil and squish it in your hands for a second, when you open your hands and that soil ball you just formed does not crumble, you most likely have clay heavy soil. Some other indicators are a greasy or slimy feel when the soil is wet, a dusty but hard appearance when the soil is dry, or if you have drainage issues. All of these things are signs that your soil has too much clay. Clay heavy soils can create several problems for a gardener. Clay soils have drainage problems that can literally drown your plants during times of heavy rains, and then when the weather is dry, the soil has a hard time retaining moisture and your plants will shrivel up. Having clay heavy soil is not a reason to give up on your garden though. With a little bit of work and a whole lot of compost, your garden soil can be the source of jealousy for your fellow gardeners as well.

How to Organically Improve Your Clay Soil

One of the best things you can add to your clay soil is a compost of some kind. Whether the compost is well-rotted manure, leaf humus, or many of the other options out there, you simply can not add too much to your clay soil.

• Place the compost on the flower bed that you want to improve the soil of and dig it in with either a shovel or a tiller. Make sure you work in some of the existing soil into the compost, as it will help any flowers you plant acclimate to the surrounding soil both on the side and below the bed.
• If you have more time (and you want to do less work), you can simply lay the compost on top of the soil and let it sit for a season or two. This works best if you place the compost on the clay soil early in fall and let it sit through to spring. The compost will work its way into the top few inches (8 cm.) of the clay and will give your bed a good start.

Gypsum is another thing you can add to clay soil to help improve it. The gypsum helps to push the clay soil particles apart, making room for proper drainage and water retention. Both compost and gypsum will also help attract worms to your clay soil, which then helps even further as the worms will burrow through the clay soil. The burrowing action of the worms will aerate your clay soil. As the worms burrow through the soil, they will also leave behind their castings too, which will help add nutrients to the soil. As you can see, you can easily improve your clay soil with just a few steps. In no time at all, you will find that your garden will have the kind of soil that you used to only dream of.

Eat organic, the ads in the 'health' magazines scream at you. One hundred percent organic produce, says the sign at the local farmer's market. Just what is organic gardening and how can it be beneficial to you? Keep reading to find out exactly what makes an organic garden.

What is an Organic Garden?

Organic gardening is a term used to designate that the flowers, herbs or vegetables have not been subjected to any chemical or synthetic fertilizers or herbicides. This distinction also includes the ground they were grown in and how they were treated while producing. An organic garden is one that uses nothing but natural methods of bug control and natural, organic means of fertilizing the soil. The belief is simply that organic food products are safer and healthier for us to eat.

Tips for Growing Organic Gardens

Organic farmers achieve natural bug control by using companion planting and beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, to rid the garden of pests, like aphids, that destroy crops. Many organic farmers, and even some who are not, plant their crops in certain combinations in order to repel pests. A good example of this would be planting hot peppers near beans and peas with the idea that the capsaicin will deter the bean beetle and other insects. Another example of this would be marigolds in the potato patch to dissuade the potato bug. A good organic garden is only as good as the soil it is grown in. To achieve superior soil, most organic farmers rely on compost, which is made from the breaking down of organic matter (i.e. eggshells, coffee grounds, animal feces and grass or yard clippings). Throughout the year, organic gardeners collect the household waste, animal manure, and yard clippings for the compost bin. This bin is turned regularly in order to facilitate decomposition. Normally, by the end of a year, the waste matter will turn into what is known as 'black gold.' Early in the growing season, the organic gardener will work the compost into the garden plot, thus enriching the soil with the natural ingredients needed for a rich growing bed. This black gold is the key for rich soil, which in turn is key to growing organic vegetables, flowers and herbs. It gives the plants the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy.

Organic Gardening Concerns

Currently, there are few large scale organic operations in the United States. Most organic gardens are raised by small farms and homesteads scattered around the country. Yet, the demand for organic, especially produce and herbs, is growing annually. While there are numerous organizations that organic farms can join to have their produce certified organic, there are not FDA or USDA guidelines of what can be sold as organic in your local supermarket. This means, there is no real guarantee that because the sign says 'organic' that the product really is free of pesticides and herbicides. If you are looking to purchase organic produce, your best bet is the local farmers market or health food store. Ask lots of questions to be sure of what you are truly buying. A real organic gardener will have no reservations explaining how they raise their product. The only real way to ensure that you are eating organic is to grow your own organic garden. Begin small, choose a small area and start your own compost bin. Read a lot of books or check out any of the numerous article on this website. By this time next year, you too, can be eating organic.

Organic gardening doesn't require any different tools than a traditional garden. Rakes, hoes, trowels, soil forks, and shovels all are standard no matter what type of garden you grow. If you plant in raised beds, a tiller isn't necessary, although a small one is a nice tool to have around for breaking up new ground. The difference lies in what products you use for fertilizer and pest and weed control. Let's learn more about these organic gardening supplies.

Using Organic Fertilizer

Fertilizer supplies for an organic garden begins with compost. Adding compost to any soil type increases the nutrient value and supports healthier plants. Most organic gardeners make their own compost using kitchen and yard waste, but it can be purchased at any good garden center. Ground cover crops can also be planted during the fallow season to be tilled into the soil in spring and can add many nutrients back into the garden plot. Earthworms introduced into the garden can facilitate keeping oxygen in the soil and their castings add more nutrients. Organic fertilizers can be purchased for extreme problems, but with good compost this is rarely necessary. For extremely poor soil, use of an organic fertilizer the first year may help build the nutrient value of the soil until compost can completely fulfill that role.

Tools for Organic Weed Control

Organic weed control is generally done the old fashioned way-- by hand pulling. Any weeds pulled are added to the compost bin for the next year. Most organic farmers mulch their gardens heavily to keep the weed population down. A simple, inexpensive way to make mulch is to save old newspapers and magazines and use a shredder to cut the paper into small strips. Print publications are now mostly printed with soy ink and are safe to use, just be sure to remove any staples. Organic pine needles and hay are other options.

Organic Pest Control Options

Finding or using pest control supplies for an organic garden can be a big issue for gardeners, but there are many ways to naturally control the bug, slug, and caterpillar population.

• The first step to controlling pests is to remove any diseased, or otherwise sickly, plants from the garden immediately. Healthy plants are more resistant to damage from insects and other pests.
• A simple method of organic pest control to deter caterpillars and slugs is to put a plastic barrier around the plant. You can make this barrier by cutting out the top and bottom of individual-sized soft drink or water bottles. Crushed eggshells or coarse sand can also be sprinkled around plants that attract this type of pest.
• Netting is another option for insects and moths. While netting can be cost prohibitive for large gardens, it works well for smaller raised beds.
• Organic pesticides can be purchased, or there are several that can be made at home using common household ingredients. Companion planting and the introduction of beneficial insects to the garden also can cut down on pest damage.
• A good fence is a must to deter the four-legged pests such as rabbits. While poultry fencing can be expensive, it is a permanent solution to the problem. Deer, in more rural areas, can be a major headache for any gardener. A good deer fence is generally at least 7 feet (2 m.) high. You can make this fence by adding barbed wire above the poultry fence to keep all critters away from the garden.

The supplies for an organic garden need not be any more expensive than those for a traditional garden. Look for ways to improvise the more expensive equipment and don't believe everything the salesman at the garden center tries to convince you is needed. Do searches on the Internet to find natural solutions for any specific problems that may arise. Oftentimes, the answer is within your reach and is simple to make.

Many people are looking to improve their lifestyle, their health, or the environment by making the decision to grow organically. Some understand the concepts behind organic gardens, while others only have a vague notion. The problem for many is not knowing where to start and not knowing where to find reliable information. Keep reading for my take on some of the best organic gardening tips with this organic gardening book review.

Comprehensive Book for Designing Organic Gardens

For the backyard organic gardener, there is no better book than The Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening, published by Rodale Press. This gem of a book has been constantly reprinted since 1959. With well over a thousand pages of information, this organic gardening book is considered the bible by most organic growers. A word of caution though: The Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening went through a major revision in the early 1990's, and while it now has more illustrations, much of the better information was cut. The new version, appropriately named Rodale's All-New Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening, is smaller and contains far less information than the original. Numerous copies of the older versions can be found online at places such as eBay, Amazon, and half.com and are well worth the search and the price they are being offered for. The best editions were produced during the mid-seventies through the mid-eighties and are a wealth of information.

Using the Encyclopedia for How to Start an Organic Garden

The Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening covers everything an organic gardener needs to know for how to start an organic garden. It contains extensive information on everything from individual plant needs and compost to preserving the harvest. Including not only vegetables, but also herbs, flowers, trees, and grasses, all the information is there to grow anything organically. As the name implies, this is a comprehensive encyclopedia. Every entry is in alphabetical order, making it easy to find the information you need quickly. Listings of plants are by their common names-- the names familiar to everyone instead of Latin names, which require a separate glossary to find what you are looking for. This organic gardening book has extensive sections on topics such as composting, mulching, and natural fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. Where needed, cross-referencing is included within the entries so that you can find more information if needed. Definitions of what may be unknown words are also included and given the same thorough description as the individual plants and topics. The encyclopedia covers all methods of organic gardening, including a basic primer on hydroponics. Black and white pictures are included with some entries, as well as charts, tables, and lists where needed. Every entry is thorough. For topics like composting, the entry gives the reader everything he or she needs to get started. For the individual plants, the entries cover everything from the seed to the harvest and further into forms of preservation if applicable. The Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening is written for the beginner and the seasoned gardener alike. Written in a clear, comprehensive style, the encyclopedia gives basic instruction and advanced techniques for designing organic gardens. Whether you're looking to just plant a few organic tomatoes or begin a large organic orchard, all the information is between the covers. Many books have been written over the years on organic gardening. Some offer good, practical advice, while others barely offer an overview of what organic gardening is. It would be easy to spend hundreds of dollars for other books in an attempt to find all the organic gardening tips and information included in The Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening book. While much of the information found within the covers of The Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening can be found through other sources, such as the Internet, having a reference book at hand that has everything is far better than spending hours searching for the information you need. With this organic gardening book on your library shelf, you will have everything you need for a successful organic garden at your fingertips.

A successful organic garden is dependent upon the quality of the soil. Poor soil yields poor crops, while good, rich soil will allow you to grow prize-winning plants and vegetables. Here are a few ideas for adding organic matter to the soil to help provide the nutrients it needs for an abundant harvest.

Organic Soil Amendments

Adding organic matter to the soil for organic gardens is crucial to the health of your plants. Here are some common organic soil amendments for creating healthy garden soil.

Compost

It doesn't matter which article you read or which organic gardener you talk to, they will all tell you the same thing; an organic garden begins with compost. Compost is simply deteriorated, rotten organic matter. It can be made with household cooking scraps, leaves, grass clippings, etc. The longer your compost bin cooks, the better the resulting compost will be. Most gardeners recommend at least a year. Compost is worked into the existing soil before spring planting and can be added later in the summer if you plan a fall garden. The nutrients from the compost will help ensure strong healthy plants. Healthy plants are less likely to be devastated by bugs or disease.

Manure

Manure is another popular fertilizer among gardeners for adding organic matter to the soil. The droppings from cows, horses, goats, rabbits, and chickens are all considered to be viable manure for your garden. Manure can be purchased from garden centers, or if you are lucky enough to live near a rural area it can be purchased directly from the stock owner at a more reasonable price. Beware of putting fresh manure on your garden space as it can burn the plants. This is best applied in late fall after all plants have been harvested or added to your compost pile to age.

Organic Soil Fertilizers

There are a number of other organic soil fertilizers you can add to the garden. Fish emulsion and seaweed extract, while expensive, can do wonders for your soil. Bone meal is another, somewhat cheaper, alternative. Comfrey is yet another option, which in addition to manure or compost, can be given to plants in the form of tea. All of these options provide much-needed nutrients, especially if compost or manure is not available.

Mulch

After your soil has been prepared, you are ready to plant. If you are like most gardeners, you will already have many plants started, like tomatoes and peppers. Once you have them spaced the proper distance in the garden, your next step is to mulch. Mulching is the practice of using straw, hay, or even shredded newspaper around the plants in order to keep weeds from overtaking your garden. Most gardeners apply a layer of mulch all around the plants and in the walkways to deter the growth of unwanted plants. For plants you start directly from seed in your garden, you should wait until they have broken the ground before you mulch. This makes it easier to thin the plants to the proper distance apart and can allow you to see which plants appear to be the strongest. Once thinned, apply mulch as you did for the seedlings. At the end of the growing season and following the harvest, till the mulch directly into your garden plot. Tilling will help the soil retain much-needed moisture and keep the organic garden soil workable.

Healthy Soil for Organic Gardens

The soil in some locations can be so poor that topsoil will need to be purchased in order to even begin a garden. You can have your soil tested by taking a sample to your local county extension office. They can tell you what nutrients your soil is missing and give you further guidance on how to improve the type of soil you have. Generally, there is no charge for this service. Keeping your soil healthy and nutrient-loaded without the use of chemical fertilizers is a bit more work. Yet, at the same time, you know exactly what is in your garden, and the results will be quality fruits and vegetables that you can eat without worrying about chemical residue. Trust me, nothing tastes better than biting into a red, ripe tomato right off the vine when you finish your morning weeding.

A healthy organic garden is easy to accomplish if you know the basics of gardening. It takes only a bit more effort to grow organically than it does to use chemical pesticides and herbicides. Keep reading for some organic gardening tips every gardener can use.

Planning Guide for Organic Gardens

Everyone can benefit from a planning guide for organic gardens. For this reason, I've outlined ten organic gardening tips to get your organic garden off to the right start.

1. A successful organic garden begins with soil. There is a vast difference between soil and dirt. Nothing other than hearty weeds grow in dirt. A good organic gardener will do everything possible to improve his or her soil for the greatest possible yields.
2. Start a compost bin today. This bin doesn't have to be elaborate. Just select an area and begin collecting organic matter such as grass clippings, leaves, and food waste. If desired, a bin can be made out of woven wire, pallets, or even a fifty-five gallon barrel. Contribute to your compost bin daily.
3. Have your soil tested and add the proper organic fertilizer. Organic fertilizers include fish emulsions, seaweed extracts, bone meal, and compost. Make your soil as rich in nutrients as possible. If needed, buy topsoil from your local garden center to make your soil the best it can be. In extremely rocky or clay soil areas, using raised beds can make all the difference.
4. Choose healthy plants and viable seeds to plant. If you begin your plants from seed, be sure to thin out the plants for optimal growth. If starting from purchased plants, be sure the plants are strong and healthy. Choosing heirloom seeds and plants will allow you to save seed from one year to the next from the best of the season's crop.
5. Research and learn about companion planting. Certain plants grow well together in a symbiotic relationship. For instance, marigolds will attract the aphids away from your tomato plants. There are many articles on the net that will help you learn more about designing organic gardens like this.
6. Guarantee that your organic garden has enough water. Plants need lots of moisture, and sometimes nature doesn't provide enough. Be sure when selecting your garden area that water is available for those long, hot, and dry summer days.
7. Use mulch wherever possible in your garden. Mulching will help your garden to retain moisture and will help prevent weed growth. Pull all weeds before they have an opportunity to take over.
8. Use organic herbicides when needed. Doing so can be as simple as spraying a pepper/water blend or organic soap mixture on the plants to kill the bugs. The soap mixture has the added benefit of reducing the chance of diseased plants. Another alternative is to use netting to protect the plants from insects and small animals.
9. Pull plants once they stop producing. Add the plants to your compost bin for next year. Once the plants are no longer bearing fruit, removing them will help maintain the nutrients in the soil, discourage pests, and help prevent disease.
10. Purchase a good organic gardening book. The Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening, published by Rodale Press, is a good choice, but an Amazon or Barnes and Noble search will uncover many others. These books will educate you and will be invaluable when dealing with a particular pest or problem in your organic garden.

Designing organic gardens is easy with a little planning. Follow these organic gardening tips and enjoy the bounty and benefits that go along with it. Organic gardening guarantees you healthier food than what is normally found in your local supermarket. By growing vegetables yourself, you save money by not having to purchase organic from the health food store at relatively high prices. Plus, you also receive the benefit of knowing that you are providing yourself and your family with the best produce there is-- chemical-free and delicious.

Nothing quite compares to the wonderful plants grown in an organic garden. Everything from flowers to herbs and veggies can be organically grown in the home garden. Keep reading for more information on creating this type of garden and just how easy organic garden maintenance really is.

What Does Organic Gardening Mean?

The first step to growing an organic garden is understanding what the term organic means. Organic, in the definition of gardening, means to grow without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Organic gardens are grown using natural fertilizers, such as fish emulsion, and natural insect deterrents, such as companion planting.

How to Grow an Organic Garden

An organic garden is not harder to grow than one that relies on chemicals, but it does take a bit more advance planning. For an organic garden to be successful, you must have healthy soil for the plants to grow in. To achieve this goal, you must build up the soil with nutrients to replace any that may be diminished. To do this, you start with good compost and natural fertilizer.

• Compost - Compost is simply deteriorated plant and animal matter. A compost bin can be started easily by using kitchen waste and yard trimmings, clippings, and leaves. You can use a wire mesh ring or a fifty-five-gallon (208 L.) drum for a simple compost bin. If using a drum, be sure to drill holes every few inches (7.5 cm.) around to sides to allow the compost to breathe and cook.
• Natural fertilizers - Natural fertilizers can be purchased from any reputable garden center. These can include fish emulsion, seaweed extracts, and various types of manures. Manures can be the droppings from rabbits, chickens, goats, or cows, with cow and chickens being the preferred among professional organic growers.

Spend a year building up the soil in the area you wish to have as your organic garden. By consistently adding compost and other fertilizers to your soil, when it is time to plant you will be giving your seeds and seedlings the best possible start. Healthy plants are your first defense against disease and insect invasion. Choose plants for your garden wisely. Many organic gardeners choose heirloom plants because the seed can be saved and used from year to year. Others choose hybrid seeds and plants bred for disease retardant and insect tolerance. Or you can choose a mixture of both heirloom and hybrid seeds for your garden, depending on what you choose to grow.

Organic Garden Maintenance

Most seed should be started indoors in late winter or early spring. Thin plants after a week or two of growth, leaving only the strongest one in a pot. This allows only the healthiest-looking plants to grow stronger. When all chance of frost has passed in your area, plant the seedlings into your prepared soil. To help keep moisture in the soil, mulch around the small plants with hay or straw. Plants, such as cabbages, should have plastic tubes around the stems to keep slugs, caterpillars, and certain types of worms from eating the plants. The tubes can be made easily from clean soda pop bottles; simply cut the tops and bottoms out and surround the young plants. Netting is used by many gardeners to keep flying insects away from both young and older plants in the garden. Fine mesh netting can be purchased at most garden centers or occasionally at the fabric section of department stores and supercenters. If you have a paper shredder, you can shred old newspapers and magazines to place in the rows between your plants. This will help cut down on weeds that can attract bugs to your garden. Newspapers are printed with soy ink that will not harm the plants in the garden. An organic garden is worth every bit of effort you put into it. You will be rewarded with healthy flowers and wonderful herbs and vegetables that you will be confident to serve to your family and friends.

No matter where you go today, people are talking about organic foods. From the daily paper to the local super-center, organic is definitely in. No longer are organic fruits and vegetables just for treehuggers or the old hippies; they have come into the mainstream diet with a bang. So what exactly are the benefits of growing an organic garden? Keep reading to learn more.

Benefits of Growing an Organic Garden

Below, I've outlined five of the reasons why, if you have a garden, it should be organic.

1. Taste - While many organic fruits and vegetables will not have the uniform look of those you purchase in a supermarket, they will have superior taste -- a virtual explosion of flavor that bears little resemblance to the taste of commercially raised produce. Nothing tastes better than fresh fruits or vegetables straight off the vine, tree, or plant. For fruits and veggies that don't have to be cooked, they can be tasted right there in the garden.
2. Health - An organic garden is free from toxic chemicals, which means that the produce is free also. Your fruits and vegetables will not have a chemical residue that would enter your body if not thoroughly washed away. Organic produce has also been shown to have a higher vitamin and mineral content than produce grown with the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. By planting your own organic garden, you are assuring yourself and your family the best possible fruits and vegetables. Plus, you have the added benefit of exercise; from planting the seeds to carrying in the harvest, working in your garden will help tone your body and work off extra calories.
3. Money - Planting your own organic vegetable garden will save you money. That is something we all want to do. Buying organic produce at farmers markets and health food stores can cost up to 50% or more over the regular supermarket. By growing your own, you save money at the store, and in these days of rising fuel costs, you won't have to make as many trips for the perishables. Preserving the excess will enable you to make your garden last long into the winter months without have to purchase 'greenhouse' vegetables from the store.
4. Spiritual - Ask any gardener, especially an organic gardener, what they think about while tilling the soil, planting seeds, or pulling weeds in their garden. You'll probably get an answer similar to these: "it's my time with my higher power," "being in the garden brings me closer to nature," "working in the soil and watching the garden grow makes me feel I am part of something larger," or "it's meditative" and "my time of prayer."
5. Environment - Since organic gardeners use no chemical pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, none of these chemicals can run off and find their way into the water supply. Another benefit of this lack of chemical run-off is that small animals, birds, and beneficial insects are not harmed. Since organic gardeners are continually building up their soil with organic matter, there is less erosion of topsoil leading to general erosion, which can impact an entire area. By putting organic waste into compost, you are helping relieve landfills from waste that would otherwise be taking up space there.

The benefits of organic gardening are many. I have only listed a few of the best. Your next step is learning to preserve the excess. By simple methods of freezing, drying, and canning you can literally enjoy the fruits of your labor on the coldest days of the winter. Even if you don't have room for a large garden, or can only container garden, the use of organic gardening principles will reward you in many different ways, including having the best and healthiest produce.

Ask any serious gardener what his or her secret is, and I'm sure that 99% of the time, the answer will be compost. For an organic garden, compost is critical to success. So where do you get compost? You can purchase it through your local garden center, or you can set up your own compost bin and make it yourself for little or no cost at all. Let's learn more about making and using compost in your garden. Compost is nothing more than decayed organic matter. This matter can be:

• leaves
• grass clippings
• yard trimmings
• most household waste - such as vegetable peelings, eggshells, and coffee grounds

An empty coffee or plastic pail kept in your kitchen can be used to collect the kitchen waste to be dumped into your compost bin or garden compost pile.

Compost Bin Plans

An outdoor compost bin can be as simple as just choosing an unused corner of your yard to pile inside and outside waste. Yet to get really serious, most people use an actual bin to build their compost. Bins can be purchased online or at your local garden center, or you can build your own.

Woven wire bins

The simplest compost bin is made with a length of woven wire formed into a circle. The length of woven wire should be no less than nine feet (2.7 m.) and can be larger if you choose. Once you have it formed into a circle, it is ready to use. Simply place your bin in an out of the way, yet easy to get to, place and begin using.

Fifty-five gallon barrel bins

The second type of compost bin is made with a fifty-five gallon (208 L.) barrel. Using a drill, space holes around the perimeter, starting at the bottom of the barrel and work upward for approximately 18 inches (45.7 cm.). This method will allow your garden compost pile to breathe.

Wooden pallet bins

The third type of homemade compost bins is made with used wooden pallets. These pallets can be acquired from local businesses for very little money or even for free. You will need 12 pallets for a complete working bin. You also will need more room for this type of bin, as it is actually three bins in one. You will need a number of screws and minimally six hinges and three hook and eye closures. You begin by attaching three of the pallets together into a square form leaving the front pallet for later. To that 'u' shape, add another pallet to the rear and the right side. Repeat again by adding to the second 'u' shape. You should now have three formed bins. Attach to each opening one more pallet using two hinges and attaching a hook and eye so the door of the squares open and close securely. Begin using this system by filling the first bin. When it becomes full, open the door and shovel the cooking compost into the second bin. Repeat when full again, shoveling the second into the third and so on. This type of bin process is the quickest way to make good compost as you are regularly turning the matter and, thus, hastening the cooking time.

How to Make Compost for the Garden

Making and using compost in your garden is easy. No matter which compost bin plans you choose, the basic operation is the same. Begin by putting a three- to five-inch (7.6 to 12.7 cm.) layer of organic matter, such as leaves or grass clippings, into the bin. Next, add kitchen waste. Continue to fill your bin until full. Good compost takes approximately a year to cook and turn into what farmers refer to as "black gold." Depending on the size of your garden, you may need to build more than one bin for your garden compost pile, especially if you choose the barrel method. For the woven wire bin, once it is full and cooking on its own, the wire can be lifted and moved to begin another bin. The pallet bin is generally large enough to make more than enough compost for a good sized garden. Whichever you choose, and if you start now, by next season's garden time, you should have plenty of wonderful compost for your organic garden success. Compost gardening is just that easy!

Many people believe that because they live in a city apartment, they could never have an organic garden of their own. Nothing could be further from the truth because as long as you have several windows, you can grow a lot of produce. Indoor organic gardening in containers allows you to grow nearly anything your heart desires. Let's learn more about how to grow plants organically indoors.

Organic Container Gardening Indoors

Almost any vegetable can be grown in containers. Pots, hanging baskets, and numerous other containers can be used to grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers organically indoors. The key is to match the vegetable with the proper sized container. The larger the plant will be at maturity, the larger container you will need. Organic potting soil is available at any good garden center. Once you determine how much you will need for your available containers, make your purchase. Pre-packaged compost can be purchased at the same time to increase the nutrient value of the potting soil. At the same time, choose the vegetable plants and seeds that you wish to grow. Be sure to purchase only strong healthy plants, as they are the ones that will produce the best.

Tips for Indoor Organic Gardening

Give the plants a day or two in front of a sunny window before transplanting them to the containers. This will allow them to acclimate to their new environment. When you are ready to transplant, the following specifics can be a guide:

Vegetables

Tomato plants should be planted individually in pots no less than eight inches (20.5 cm.) in diameter. Plant deep enough that the roots are buried at least one inch (2.5 cm.) under the soil line. Place a stick or other rod along the side of the plant for tying the plant to as it grows. Set the container in front of a south-facing window and water whenever the soil feels dry to the touch. Bush beans can be planted directly from seed in containers of at least eight inches (20.5 cm.) in diameter. Runner beans and most peas can be planted in hanging baskets, where the plant can drape over the sides to the ground. While beans prefer the southern sun, they can also be placed in windows where they receive either the morning or evening light. Most types of leaf lettuce can be planted in almost any type of container. Read the package instructions of the individual species to determine how thick to plant the seed. Lettuce will do well in the morning sunlight. This method is not for the timid but does work well and makes for a wonderful conversation piece. Remove the curtains from a south-facing window, leaving the curtain rod in place. Hang a basket of single, same variety squash plants at either end of the window. As the squash grows, train the vines to cling to the curtain rod. By summer's end, you will have both squash to eat and a lovely, living curtain on the window. Growing corn indoors requires a very large container, but can be a striking addition to your indoor garden. Plant a handful of corn seed approximately one inch (2.5 cm.) deep scattered around the diameter of the container. Thin plants to no more than three to five plants once you determine which are the strongest. Keep the soil moist at all times and by the time it matures, you will have enough corn for at least several meals.

Herbs

Kitchen herbs such as oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary can be planted together in a window box in the kitchen. Plant chives in a separate container that can be placed in the same window. If you have a window over the kitchen sink, this placement can work best, as the herbs will receive steam moisture from dishwashing. Use the herbs as needed and trim the leaves back to keep them from growing too large. For people who cannot find room at all for container gardening, sprouts can be the answer. Buy organic alfalfa, mung beans, or other sprouting seeds at your local health food store. Measure approximately one tablespoon (15 mL.) of seed into a quart jar and cover with a cloth or other fine screening. Use a screw band or rubber band to hold the cover on. Fill the jar half full with water and place it in a dark cabinet to sit overnight. Beginning the next morning, drain the sprouts and rinse them twice a day. Depending on the type of seed you are using, the spouts will be ready to eat in three to five days. Once they are at approximately the right size, set the jar in a window to allow them to green up. Organic container gardening can be fun and provide you with all different types of fresh vegetables and herbs. The taste will be fresher and the product healthier than what you can purchase at a regular grocery store. And the best part is that you can grow them year-round.