Creative Organic Gardening:

What exactly is organic gardening?

Organic gardening refers to plants raised without using synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. The goal of organic gardening is to replenish the resources in the soil. Organic matter (grass clippings, kitchen scraps, manures, etc) is used as a soil conditioner, working into the soil when a new garden is started, or as a mulch for a current garden. Organic gardening basic tenant is feed the soil and the soil will feed the plants.

Okay, well then how do you control pests and disease if you don't use chemicals?

Granted, the fruits and vegetables you harvest from your organic gardening efforts may not look quite as pristine as those of other growing methods, but you don't have to totally lose out to insects and other pests. You must be vigilant in the care of your garden, however. Also remember, just because you see a critter with six legs, it doesn always wear the nemy sign. An aphid banquet rings the dinner bell for parasitic wasps and lady bugs. Invite frogs and lizards to the dinner party as well.

Another way to protect your crop is with the use of barriers. Floating row covers allow plants to grow while protecting them from insects who would like nothing better than to lay their eggs on the leaves and in the fruit. Floating covers are also a great way to keep birds away from your prize strawberries.

Occasionally a pesticide may be necessary to keep from losing your garden. Check with your gardening supply for organic pesticides which are less toxic to pets and wildlife than their synthetic counterparts. Insecticide soap is one such example. Composed of potassium salts and fatty acids, when sprayed directly on the insect (doesn work otherwise) the fatty acids in the soap will penetrate the insect outer covering and cause the cells to collapse (night-night bug!) The pros to using insecticidal soap are that it is non-toxic to animals, there is no residue and you can use it on vegetables up to the time of harvest. One con is also in the loop. The soap can burn or stress plants if used in full sun or high temperatures.

A few other suggestions to getting started with organic gardening:

- be sure the plants you select are suited to the location where you are going to plant them. Plants that are happy in their location are healthier and don stress as easily.

- mulch mulch mulch mulching suppresses weeds, moderates soil, conserves water and prevents erosion.

- variety is the spice of life diversity in the garden helps to attract beneficial insects and lessens the chance of problems in your garden.

To be a successful organic gardener, it will require being up close and personal with your plants, but the rewards reaped will be well worth the effort.