There's more than one way to skin a cat, as my Mom used to say.  (Yes, I know...what a charming mental image...my apologies, but that IS what Mom always used to say.)  Meaning, in this instance, that just because I use organic gardening fertilizing methods doesn't mean there aren't other ways to go about it.  Actually, bonemeal, bloodmeal and manure are also considered 'organic' in ...

If you haven't had the time to properly prepare your soil before planting, adding fertilizers can help ensure a healthy harvest.  The easiest way is just to buy a bag of commercial pre-blended fertilizer from a garden center and apply according to label instructions.  Make sure the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are in a balanced 1:1:1 or 2:1:1 ratio, which is easy to check because t...

The best compost is the compost you make.  It is a great way to recycle things you would normally throw away, as it helps reduce waste from landfill, and you will be reusing the end product.  There are compost tumblers and bins you can purchase for composting.  You can simply make one yourself as well; it is completely up to you. The ideal compost bin is one that is easily acce...

Compost is actively decaying organic matter made up from yard trimmings, fallen leaves, wood chips, manure, vegetable parings from the kitchen, and even used coffee grounds or rinsed egg shells.  Soil bacteria and fungi change the nutrients in these materials into a form that is available for the roots of growing plants.  The activity of billions of microorganisms in a well-constructed c...

Do you love the aroma of sweet basil or the taste of rosemary and oregano in your pasta sauce? Have you thought about growing your own but don’t know how to start? If you have ever grown tomatoes, you can grow your own chemical-free herbs. Herbs have been used for everything from seasonings to medicinal purposes since about 2700 BC, all starting with the Chinese. When it comes to having genera...

Organic gardening is becoming a more popular way of life. It is gardening without using any artificial substances for pesticides or weeds. You would only use things that are natural in your garden. You can have an organic vegetable or flower garden.  Or better yet, both!Gardening using the organic method is safer for the environment and safer for our health. Organic gardening produces bette...