Time For Organic Gardening

[GoOrganic]

It seemed like winter would never end, probably because I look forward so much to getting outside and starting my organic garden every spring. I'm very excited this year because there is a lady who grows vegetable plants from seeds and sells them cheap that isn't too far from me. Her plants are heirloom and open-pollinated varieties, which are what I want. Not only do they produce great nutritional products, but they are environmentally friendly as well.

[LiveGreen]

I feel the same you do about winter being over and spring gardening starting. I grow an organic garden, too, and I have vegetable and herb seeds started and the cool weather early ones are planted and growing in the ground. I hope they don't drown with all the rain we've had. I look forward to eating what I know is organic and natural.

[Freebird11]

I LIKE TO ADD SOME TIPS FOR ORGANIC GARDENING:
1. Mulch your flower beds and trees with 3" of organic material - it conserves water, adds humus and nutrients, and discourages weeds. It gives your beds a nice, finished appearance.

2. Mulch acid-loving plants with a thick layer of pine needles each fall. As the needles decompose, they will deposit their acid in the soil.

3. The most important step in pest management is to maintain healthy soil. It produces healthy plants, which are better able to withstand disease and insect damage.

4. Aphids? Spray infested stems, leaves, and buds with a very dilute soapy water, then clear water. It works even on the heaviest infestation.

5. Compost improves soil structure, texture, and areation, and increases the soil's water holding capacity. It also promotes soil fertility and stimulates healthy root development.