Organic Gardening: A Healthy Choice for People, Plants, and the Planet

Health-conscious world drives organic gardening popularity as alternative to chemical pesticides/fertilizers. Magazines help beginners.

The Basics

Natural insect control and soil fertilization. Compost: leaves, grass, rotting produce, wood shavings, paper. Decomposition releases heat and nutrients into soil—rich, dark mulch.

Soil Preparation Critical

Soil feeds plants. Clay holds nutrients well. Test soil type; prepare accordingly (add compost mulch).

Natural Pest Control

No pesticides? More planning needed. Nature's answers: beneficial insects/animals. Ladybugs eat aphids; frogs, lizards, birds eat pests. Floating row covers block insects but admit sunlight.

Plant Selection Strategy

Match plants to regional climate—pre-equipped for local threats. Diversify plantings vs. monoculture rows—less attractive to pests.