Soil, Mulch, and Compost–The Role of Each in the Organic Garden
Spread mulch. Amend the soil with this or that. Add compost. Are we ever done? How do all these components help us grow healthy, vigorous plants? If you’re a bit confused about the purpose of all these materials in our organic gardens, you’re not alone. Understanding what each component does for our plants helps us […]
Methods for Organic Pest Control in the Garden
Pests and disease are a natural part of gardening, but sometimes they can get out of hand. As organic gardeners, we reach for organic solutions, but even those must be used correctly and cautiously. Read on to find out more about IPM (what is that?) and some potential organic pest control and disease problem solutions. […]
Organic Fertilizers Do’s And Dont’s
Organic fertilizers aren’t used the same way as synthetics. They are a whole-plant approach instead of a bandage and may require a little more attention (not that much more, don’t worry). However, over time the results can be far superior. Read on to learn about the differences between organic and synthetic fertilizers and some things […]
Transitioning to Organic Soils–It’s Different
Maybe you’ve been gardening for a while and decided to shift to organic products, or you’re just starting out. Either way, using organic gardening products differs from conventional bagged soils dominating the shelves. Let’s talk about organic soils and how to use them successfully. What is Organic Soil? The soil in an organic farm field […]
Avoid These 3 Common Sizing Mistakes When Designing Your Raised Garden Beds
Raised garden beds are popular for a reason – they’re an amazing choice to grow so many types of veggies, herbs, and flowers! When planning a new raised garden bed, size is often one of the first things decided upon but is often given little consideration. While premade kits come in various sizes, if you […]
Summer Gardening Tips and Great Summer Cover Crops
Summer gardening is hot right now. Midsummer can be a challenging time in areas with scorching summers and blistering sun. Cool season crops bolt, weeds seem to thrive, and watering can feel like it’s never-ending. Read on for a few summer gardening tips. Ways to Beat the Heat Summer Gardening It’s not only some of […]
Spring Cleaning: Reusing Containers
Reusing containers and pots for planting this year’s garden is a great way to minimize waste and save a little money, but it’s not a requirement. In fact, mixing fresh organic soil with last season’s organic soil left in the container can actually help revitalize the soil! However, there are many gardeners who believe thoroughly […]
Gardening To Save Money. Is It Possible?
Whether or not you can ease the bill at the grocery store by growing your own produce depends first on how you shop and what you eat. If you like to loiter around the outer edge of the store where all the produce and fresh items are located, read on. The bill can get steep […]
Keeping Carbon In Your Garden: Carbon Sequestration 101
Carbon sequestration. It’s a big term with a simple meaning, yet it packs a whole lot of punch for the earth!
Simply put, carbon sequestration is the means by which valuable carbon is returned to the soil. A process that many scientists believe has the power to slow climate change.
Gardening In A Drought… Can It Be Done?
A drought can be a gardener’s worst nightmare, and if you live in California you’re all too familiar with the challenges that these extreme periods of heat, and no rain, can bring. Constant restrictions in the Los Angeles area have limited residents to outdoor watering one day per week — that’s going to make for […]