Question
We live in a tropical environment, but I am hoping to grow a few plants with my children, namely tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, and herbs.  I would like to do it organically and inexpensively, however, I'm not sure where to start.  Because we live on a foreign island, it is quite expensive to purchase organic pesticides which have to be mailed to us.  Do you have any suggestions on good all-around homemade pesticides which might be helpful but won't burn up our plants in the sun?  Any books you could recommend on inexpensive organic gardening?

Thanks,
Phyllis

Answer
Dear Phyllis:

The beginning of an organic garden starts with creating a compost pile to provide natural fertilization for your crops.  Listed below is an Internet link to a "A complete Guide to Composting":

  http://www.compostguide.com/
  

An inexpensive homemade organic pesticide for protection against leaf-eating pests can be made as follows:

  1 small onion
  1 garlic bulb
  1 teaspoon powdered cayenne pepper
  1 quart warm water

Chop, grind, or liquify garlic and onion.  Add cayenne pepper to warm water.  Steep 1 hour and strain through cheesecloth, then add 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap to the strained liquid; mix well.  Label and store in refrigerator for up to 1 week.  Pour into spray bottle for application.  Shake contents of the spray bottle before spraying on plants.  Caution:  Be careful not to get near your eyes and nose and wear rubber gloves when applying the spray to plants.

I recommend the following books for your organic gardening reference:

  1.  "The Organic Gardener's Handbook of Natural and Insect and Disease Control"; published by Rodale Garden Books.

  2.  "Lasagna Gardening"; by Patricia Lanza; published by the publishers of Organic Gardening.

Best wishes for your success.

Sincerely,

Mack Jean
AllExperts
Master Gardener
Tennessee, USA