Organic Gardening: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Vegetables for Shade
Many of us are blessed (or cursed, depending on how you see it) with shady lots. The general assumption is that if you have anything other than full sun, you can't grow vegetables. Not true! These ten veggies will produce very well with three to six hours of sunlight per day.
Many of us are blessed (or cursed, depending on how you see it) with shady lots. The general assumption is that if you have anything other than full sun, you can't grow vegetables. Not true! These ten veggies will produce very well with three to six hours of sunlight per day.
Raised Bed Gardens
There are many reasons to make a raised bed garden, from poor soil to a desire to extend your growing season. This article will explain the advantages of raised beds, and tell you how to make a raised bed garden.
There are many reasons to make a raised bed garden, from poor soil to a desire to extend your growing season. This article will explain the advantages of raised beds, and tell you how to make a raised bed garden.
Homemade Aphid Sprays
These two homemade organic sprays have a proven track record of effectiveness when it comes to getting rid of aphids.
These two homemade organic sprays have a proven track record of effectiveness when it comes to getting rid of aphids.
Strawberry Pots
Strawberries adapt very well to container growing. This article explains how to plant and grow organic strawberries in a strawberry pot.
Strawberries adapt very well to container growing. This article explains how to plant and grow organic strawberries in a strawberry pot.
Container-Grown Tomatoes
Growing organic tomatoes is easy, even if you don't have space for a vegetable garden. This article will explain how to grow organic tomatoes in a container on your porch, patio, or balcony.
Growing organic tomatoes is easy, even if you don't have space for a vegetable garden. This article will explain how to grow organic tomatoes in a container on your porch, patio, or balcony.
Using Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are a valuable addition to compost and garden soil. Here are a few ideas for using coffee grounds in your garden.
Coffee grounds are a valuable addition to compost and garden soil. Here are a few ideas for using coffee grounds in your garden.
Tomato Companion Plants
Several plants make excellent companions for tomatoes in your garden. Some help repel harmful pests, some help your tomatoes grow better, and some just make good neighbors, putting on most of their growth before your tomatoes take off. Here are the best companion plant for tomatoes, and what makes them great.
Several plants make excellent companions for tomatoes in your garden. Some help repel harmful pests, some help your tomatoes grow better, and some just make good neighbors, putting on most of their growth before your tomatoes take off. Here are the best companion plant for tomatoes, and what makes them great.
Pruning Tomatoes
This article explains reasons to prune your tomato plants, as well as instructions for pruning, along with before and after photos of a pruned tomato plant.
This article explains reasons to prune your tomato plants, as well as instructions for pruning, along with before and after photos of a pruned tomato plant.
Improving Clay Soil
Clay soil can be extremely frustrating to work with, and few plants will thrive in it. By following a few steps, and putting in some manual labor, you can improve clay soil. This article shows you how.
Clay soil can be extremely frustrating to work with, and few plants will thrive in it. By following a few steps, and putting in some manual labor, you can improve clay soil. This article shows you how.
Lasagna Gardening
Lasagna gardening is a no-dig, no-till organic gardening method that results in rich, fluffy soil with
Lasagna gardening is a no-dig, no-till organic gardening method that results in rich, fluffy soil with
Do-It-Yourself Soil Tests
These four easy and inexpensive tests will tell you just about everything you need to know about your soil. You'll learn how to test for soil composition, drainage, biological activity, and soil acidity. Once you know which problems your soil has, you'll be well on your way to growing a beautiful, healthy organic garden.
These four easy and inexpensive tests will tell you just about everything you need to know about your soil. You'll learn how to test for soil composition, drainage, biological activity, and soil acidity. Once you know which problems your soil has, you'll be well on your way to growing a beautiful, healthy organic garden.
Determinate vs. Indeterminate
This FAQ answers questions about determinate vs. indeterminate tomato varieties, including the difference between the two, when to use which type, and pros and cons of both types.
This FAQ answers questions about determinate vs. indeterminate tomato varieties, including the difference between the two, when to use which type, and pros and cons of both types.
Storage Container Compost Bin
Here is a solution for anyone who wants to make compost, but doesn't have much space. You can make a simple compost bin out of a plastic storage container.
Here is a solution for anyone who wants to make compost, but doesn't have much space. You can make a simple compost bin out of a plastic storage container.
How to Grow Zucchini
Here's what you need to know to grow delicious organic zucchini and other summer squashes in your garden, including planting and growing instructions, recommended varieties, and common pests.
Here's what you need to know to grow delicious organic zucchini and other summer squashes in your garden, including planting and growing instructions, recommended varieties, and common pests.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is the bane of lilac growers and phlox lovers everywhere. Early detection and action is the key to organically ridding your garden of this annoying fungal disease.
Powdery mildew is the bane of lilac growers and phlox lovers everywhere. Early detection and action is the key to organically ridding your garden of this annoying fungal disease.
Protecting Berries from Birds
Birds can drive any berry-lover to tears. Since berries can't be picked until they are perfectly ripe, we have to wait for just the right moment to harvest them. More often than not, we head out to the berry patch (or strawberry pot) and find that the berries we were so looking forward to have been devoured by birds. This article will give you ten humane, inexpensive ways to protect your berries from the birds
Birds can drive any berry-lover to tears. Since berries can't be picked until they are perfectly ripe, we have to wait for just the right moment to harvest them. More often than not, we head out to the berry patch (or strawberry pot) and find that the berries we were so looking forward to have been devoured by birds. This article will give you ten humane, inexpensive ways to protect your berries from the birds
Black Spot
Black spot is a disease that plagues many rose growers. Learning about the conditions that encourage this fungal disease, as well as ways to prevent it from spreading, will help you keep your roses looking great.
Black spot is a disease that plagues many rose growers. Learning about the conditions that encourage this fungal disease, as well as ways to prevent it from spreading, will help you keep your roses looking great.
Cabbage Worms
Cabbage worms can wreak havoc on brassicas, especially in early fall. Those hungry caterpillars can turn your kale into a hole-ridden mess in no time. Luckily, they're easy to identify and deal with.
Cabbage worms can wreak havoc on brassicas, especially in early fall. Those hungry caterpillars can turn your kale into a hole-ridden mess in no time. Luckily, they're easy to identify and deal with.
Aphids
Aphids can be a real pain in the garden. This article provides a description of aphids as well as the damage they cause and several organic solutions for controlling them.
Aphids can be a real pain in the garden. This article provides a description of aphids as well as the damage they cause and several organic solutions for controlling them.
Powdery Mildew Spray
Here is a simple recipe for a spray to help combat powdery mildew.
Here is a simple recipe for a spray to help combat powdery mildew.
Cutworms
Cutworms cause what can possibly be considered the cruelest damage to your plants. After you've coddled seeds and watched them grow into sturdy little seedlings, you walk out to the garden one morning to find them laying on the soil, as if chopped down by tiny axes. This is telltale cutworm damage. Here's how to identify cutworms and protect your plants from these pests.
Cutworms cause what can possibly be considered the cruelest damage to your plants. After you've coddled seeds and watched them grow into sturdy little seedlings, you walk out to the garden one morning to find them laying on the soil, as if chopped down by tiny axes. This is telltale cutworm damage. Here's how to identify cutworms and protect your plants from these pests.
Trash Can Composter
If you don't have the space for a compost pile, you can still put those kitchen scraps and yard waste to use in a trash can compost bin. It is the ideal solution for anyone who needs to compost in small spaces.
If you don't have the space for a compost pile, you can still put those kitchen scraps and yard waste to use in a trash can compost bin. It is the ideal solution for anyone who needs to compost in small spaces.
Tomato Hornworms
Tomato hornworms are some of the most common pests tomato growers have to contend with. This article shows you how to identify a tomato hornworm, and what to do if you find them on your plants.
Tomato hornworms are some of the most common pests tomato growers have to contend with. This article shows you how to identify a tomato hornworm, and what to do if you find them on your plants.
Plant Tomatoes Deep
Here is a quick tip that will help your tomato plants use less water, develop stronger root systems, and grow sturdier stems.
Here is a quick tip that will help your tomato plants use less water, develop stronger root systems, and grow sturdier stems.
Zucchini Companions
Here is a list of the best plant to combine with zucchini in your garden.
Here is a list of the best plant to combine with zucchini in your garden.
Mulch
Mulch not only makes the garden look neat and tidy, but it suppresses weeds, maintains soil moisture, and adds nutrients to the soil as well. Different types of mulches have their pros and cons, and some will work better in one situation than another. Here's everything you need to know about organic mulches.
Mulch not only makes the garden look neat and tidy, but it suppresses weeds, maintains soil moisture, and adds nutrients to the soil as well. Different types of mulches have their pros and cons, and some will work better in one situation than another. Here's everything you need to know about organic mulches.
Cucumber Beetles
How to identify cucumber beetles in your garden, and organic solutions for getting rid of them.
How to identify cucumber beetles in your garden, and organic solutions for getting rid of them.
Growing Organic Strawberries
Nothing quite says âsummer" like biting into a juicy, sweet strawberry fresh from your own garden. This
Nothing quite says âsummer" like biting into a juicy, sweet strawberry fresh from your own garden. This
Start an Organic Garden
Making a new organic garden requires a bit of work up front, but it is a simple process. From selecting a site to choosing and installing your plants, this article provides the tips and techniques you need to help your new garden thrive.
Making a new organic garden requires a bit of work up front, but it is a simple process. From selecting a site to choosing and installing your plants, this article provides the tips and techniques you need to help your new garden thrive.
Tips for Raised Bed Gardening
Gardening in a raised bed offers plenty of advantages for the gardener, but there are a few important tips and tricks to keep in mind to grow a successful raised bed garden.
Gardening in a raised bed offers plenty of advantages for the gardener, but there are a few important tips and tricks to keep in mind to grow a successful raised bed garden.
Grow Organic Cucumbers
Here is everything you need to help you grow delicious, nutritious fresh cucumbers in your garden -- without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
Here is everything you need to help you grow delicious, nutritious fresh cucumbers in your garden -- without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
Potato Companions
Here are the best plants to grow with potatoes in your garden (as well as those to avoid.)
Here are the best plants to grow with potatoes in your garden (as well as those to avoid.)
How to Grow Organic Beets
Learn how to grow sweet, delicious organic beets in your own garden, from choosing a spot in your garden to dealing with pest problems, and how to choose the best varieties of beets.
Learn how to grow sweet, delicious organic beets in your own garden, from choosing a spot in your garden to dealing with pest problems, and how to choose the best varieties of beets.
Tasty Heirloom Tomatoes
Here is a list of delicious heirloom tomatoes. The list includes tomatoes that are good for both fresh eating and for making sauces. If you're new to heirlooms, give a few of these a try.
Here is a list of delicious heirloom tomatoes. The list includes tomatoes that are good for both fresh eating and for making sauces. If you're new to heirlooms, give a few of these a try.
Cucumber Companion Plants
Here are plants that are good companions for cucumbers in your garden - as well as those that you should avoid planting near cucumbers.
Here are plants that are good companions for cucumbers in your garden - as well as those that you should avoid planting near cucumbers.
Grow Microgreens
Microgreens are an easy crop to grow indoors or out, in a garden or a container. Here's what you need to know to grow these delicious, beautiful greens.
Microgreens are an easy crop to grow indoors or out, in a garden or a container. Here's what you need to know to grow these delicious, beautiful greens.
Harvesting Potatoes
Information about how to tell when the time is right to harvest your potatoes, and how to harvest them when the time is right.
Information about how to tell when the time is right to harvest your potatoes, and how to harvest them when the time is right.
Easy Vegetables
If you are considering starting your first vegetable garden (or trying to figure out how to get more produce for less work), the plants on this list are a good place to start. They are not overly picky about temperature, produce throughout the season, and require very little babying from the gardener.
If you are considering starting your first vegetable garden (or trying to figure out how to get more produce for less work), the plants on this list are a good place to start. They are not overly picky about temperature, produce throughout the season, and require very little babying from the gardener.
Broccoli Companions
Here is a list of companion plants for broccoli, as well as those you should avoid planting near broccoli in your garden.
Here is a list of companion plants for broccoli, as well as those you should avoid planting near broccoli in your garden.
Diagnosing Tomato Problems
How to diagnose your tomatoes to determine whether spots on the foliage are a result of early blight, late blight, or Septoria. This article includes a chart and photos.
How to diagnose your tomatoes to determine whether spots on the foliage are a result of early blight, late blight, or Septoria. This article includes a chart and photos.
How to Harvest Asparagus
Here is an explanation of how to harvest asparagus, and when to harvest it.
Here is an explanation of how to harvest asparagus, and when to harvest it.
Rose Companion Plants
Here is a list of herbs, annuals, and perennials that make good companion plants for roses.
Here is a list of herbs, annuals, and perennials that make good companion plants for roses.
Direct Sowing
Direct sowing is the simplest method for growing plants from seed, but it can also be a bit of an uncertain method. There are a few things you can do to ensure success with direct sowing. This article provides five tips for successfully direct sowing garden seeds.
Direct sowing is the simplest method for growing plants from seed, but it can also be a bit of an uncertain method. There are a few things you can do to ensure success with direct sowing. This article provides five tips for successfully direct sowing garden seeds.
Dandelions
Dandelions are the most common weed in most American gardens. They grow particularly well in their preferred conditions, spread easily, and can quickly get out of hand if left to their own devices. Thankfully, breaking out the weed spray is totally unnecessary if you do a few key things to control them.
Dandelions are the most common weed in most American gardens. They grow particularly well in their preferred conditions, spread easily, and can quickly get out of hand if left to their own devices. Thankfully, breaking out the weed spray is totally unnecessary if you do a few key things to control them.
Growing Organic Tomatoes
Learn how to grow the best organic tomatoes, from selecting the tastiest varieties to how to handle common pest and disease problems.
Learn how to grow the best organic tomatoes, from selecting the tastiest varieties to how to handle common pest and disease problems.
How to Grow Sprouts
Growing sprouts is the easiest way to grow a bit of your own food. Here are instructions for growing sprouts in a jar, as well as recommended varieties and information about buying seed.
Growing sprouts is the easiest way to grow a bit of your own food. Here are instructions for growing sprouts in a jar, as well as recommended varieties and information about buying seed.
Tomato Borage Squash Combo
Here is a great combination to use in your vegetable garden. These three plants not only help each other grow better, but also look great in combination.
Here is a great combination to use in your vegetable garden. These three plants not only help each other grow better, but also look great in combination.
The Newspaper Method
This simple, no-dig method for making a new garden bed is perfect for making a large garden with very little time and effort.
This simple, no-dig method for making a new garden bed is perfect for making a large garden with very little time and effort.
Garlic Companion Plants
What are the best companion plants for garlic? And what should you avoid planting near garlic in the garden?
What are the best companion plants for garlic? And what should you avoid planting near garlic in the garden?
Verticillium Wilt
Verticillium wilt is a common disease that affects tomato plants. Here's how to identify it, as well as how to prevent it in the first place.
Verticillium wilt is a common disease that affects tomato plants. Here's how to identify it, as well as how to prevent it in the first place.
Bindweed
Bindweed is a vining weed with morning glory-like flowers. This article will tell you how to get rid of bindweed without using chemicals.
Bindweed is a vining weed with morning glory-like flowers. This article will tell you how to get rid of bindweed without using chemicals.
Blossom End Rot
Blossom end rot is a condition that most commonly affects tomatoes, but can also affect eggplants, peppers, squashes, and melons. Here's what you need to know about blossom end rot and how to prevent it.
Blossom end rot is a condition that most commonly affects tomatoes, but can also affect eggplants, peppers, squashes, and melons. Here's what you need to know about blossom end rot and how to prevent it.
Leaf Mold
Leaf mold is a free, easy to make soil amendment. Here are tips and instructions for how to make it, as well as suggestions for how to use it in your garden.
Leaf mold is a free, easy to make soil amendment. Here are tips and instructions for how to make it, as well as suggestions for how to use it in your garden.
Must-Have Garden Tools
It's all too easy to go overboard buying tools for your garden. In reality, if you have these ten simple tools, you can tackle almost any garden task.
It's all too easy to go overboard buying tools for your garden. In reality, if you have these ten simple tools, you can tackle almost any garden task.
Companion Plants for Beans
Here are the best companion plants for beans, as well as which plants to avoid planting near your beans.
Here are the best companion plants for beans, as well as which plants to avoid planting near your beans.
Frost Date Chart
This table shows, at a glance, what the first and last frost dates are for each USDA hardiness zone.
This table shows, at a glance, what the first and last frost dates are for each USDA hardiness zone.
Easy Vegetables to Direct Sow
Here are ten easy vegetables to grow from seed in the garden.
Here are ten easy vegetables to grow from seed in the garden.
What is Acidic Soil?
What is acidic soil, and is it a problem for your garden? This article provides a quick explanation of acidic soil, signs that your soil may be acidic, and ways to test soil acidity.
What is acidic soil, and is it a problem for your garden? This article provides a quick explanation of acidic soil, signs that your soil may be acidic, and ways to test soil acidity.
Companion Plants for Peas
Here is a list of the best companion plants for garden peas, as well as what to avoid planting nearby.
Here is a list of the best companion plants for garden peas, as well as what to avoid planting nearby.
Keep Rats Out of Compost
No matter where you live, it's possible that eventually you'll have to deal with rats that have been attracted to your compost pile. Whether they're attracted by the possibility of food, warmth, or shelter, here's how to keep rats out of your compost.
No matter where you live, it's possible that eventually you'll have to deal with rats that have been attracted to your compost pile. Whether they're attracted by the possibility of food, warmth, or shelter, here's how to keep rats out of your compost.
Eggplant from Seed
Instructions for when and how to start eggplant from seed indoors.
Instructions for when and how to start eggplant from seed indoors.
Grow Organic Beans
Here's all you need to know to grow organic beans, from how to start from seed to how to support and fertilize them.
Here's all you need to know to grow organic beans, from how to start from seed to how to support and fertilize them.
How to Set Up a Worm Bin
This article shows, step by step, how to set up a vermicomposting, or worm compost bin. It explains everything from selecting a bin size, to using the right types of worms and how to prepare the bedding.
This article shows, step by step, how to set up a vermicomposting, or worm compost bin. It explains everything from selecting a bin size, to using the right types of worms and how to prepare the bedding.
How to Harvest Cucumbers
Here are some quick tips about how to tell when your cucumbers are ready to harvest, as well as the best way to harvest them.
Here are some quick tips about how to tell when your cucumbers are ready to harvest, as well as the best way to harvest them.
Colorado Potato Beetle
If you're wondering what's eating the foliage of your potato plants, or you've seen the tell-tale yellow and black striped beetles nearby, you're very likely dealing with Colorado potato beetle. Here are some organic methods for preventing an infestation, and how to deal with one when it happens.
If you're wondering what's eating the foliage of your potato plants, or you've seen the tell-tale yellow and black striped beetles nearby, you're very likely dealing with Colorado potato beetle. Here are some organic methods for preventing an infestation, and how to deal with one when it happens.
How to Harvest Zucchini
Here is how to tell when your zucchini is ready to harvest, as well as the easiest way to harvest zucchini.
Here is how to tell when your zucchini is ready to harvest, as well as the easiest way to harvest zucchini.
Getting Rid of Sidewalk Weeds
Here are some simple, organic methods for getting rid of weeds in sidewalks, driveways, patios, and between pavers.
Here are some simple, organic methods for getting rid of weeds in sidewalks, driveways, patios, and between pavers.
Wire Fencing Compost Bin
You do not have to make elaborate structures to have a productive compost pile. This compost bin, made from wire fencing, is so easy to make, you'll be able to make a new one whenever you have a surplus of materials to compost.
You do not have to make elaborate structures to have a productive compost pile. This compost bin, made from wire fencing, is so easy to make, you'll be able to make a new one whenever you have a surplus of materials to compost.
Protecting Plants from Cutworm
Cutworms are notorious for destroying tender seedlings in the garden. Here's how to protect your plants from these pests.
Cutworms are notorious for destroying tender seedlings in the garden. Here's how to protect your plants from these pests.
Start an Organic Vegetable Garden
Here is what you need to know to start your own organic vegetable garden. From site selection to figuring out the right size, to amending the soil and planting your new organic vegetable garden.
Here is what you need to know to start your own organic vegetable garden. From site selection to figuring out the right size, to amending the soil and planting your new organic vegetable garden.
Seed Starting Mix Recipe
Here is a very high quality recipe for a soil-less mix that is perfect for starting and growing your seeds in. This recipe works in pots, flats, cell packs, and soil blocks.
Here is a very high quality recipe for a soil-less mix that is perfect for starting and growing your seeds in. This recipe works in pots, flats, cell packs, and soil blocks.
Carrots
Carrots are a real treat when picked fresh from the garden. The flavor is so much sweeter and more robust than the ones you buy from the supermarket. There are a few tricks to success in growing carrots in your garden, and this article will tell you everything you need to know.
Carrots are a real treat when picked fresh from the garden. The flavor is so much sweeter and more robust than the ones you buy from the supermarket. There are a few tricks to success in growing carrots in your garden, and this article will tell you everything you need to know.
Using Autumn Leaves
There are plenty of alternatives to raking and bagging your leaves every fall. From making compost and leaf mold to using your leaves as mulch, this article lays out five easy ways to use autumn leaves in your garden.
There are plenty of alternatives to raking and bagging your leaves every fall. From making compost and leaf mold to using your leaves as mulch, this article lays out five easy ways to use autumn leaves in your garden.
Growing Zucchini and Summer Squash
Here is everything you need to know to grow organic zucchini and summer squash in your garden, from planting and growing to harvesting and diagnosing pest and disease problems.
Here is everything you need to know to grow organic zucchini and summer squash in your garden, from planting and growing to harvesting and diagnosing pest and disease problems.
Fish Emulsion
Description of fish emulsion.
Description of fish emulsion.
Composting Methods
So you want to compost, but you don't know where to start? Or you have limitations to deal with, such as a lack of space or neighbors that just don't understand. No matter what your composting needs are, there is a solution out there that will work for you. Here are several easy options for home composting.
So you want to compost, but you don't know where to start? Or you have limitations to deal with, such as a lack of space or neighbors that just don't understand. No matter what your composting needs are, there is a solution out there that will work for you. Here are several easy options for home composting.
Golden Jubilee
Golden Jubilee tomato
Golden Jubilee tomato
Common Vegetable Garden Pests
Here are some of the most common pests in the vegetable garden, and what you can do to get rid of them organically.
Here are some of the most common pests in the vegetable garden, and what you can do to get rid of them organically.
Organic Seeds
If you are looking for a good source for organic vegetable, herb, or flower seeds, this list is full of good options.
If you are looking for a good source for organic vegetable, herb, or flower seeds, this list is full of good options.
How to Grow Organic Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a delicious, versatile vegetable, and it's also easy to grow. Here's what you need to know to grow your own organic Swiss chard.
Swiss chard is a delicious, versatile vegetable, and it's also easy to grow. Here's what you need to know to grow your own organic Swiss chard.
Growing Organic Lettuce
Growing organic lettuce is rewarding, and can be done in a traditional garden or in containers. This article tells you everything you need to do to grow organic lettuce.
Growing organic lettuce is rewarding, and can be done in a traditional garden or in containers. This article tells you everything you need to do to grow organic lettuce.
Bone Meal
Definition of bone meal.
Definition of bone meal.
How to Compost
Here is a crash course in composting: what to compost, where to compost, how to maintain your compost pile, and how to harvest and use your compost.
Here is a crash course in composting: what to compost, where to compost, how to maintain your compost pile, and how to harvest and use your compost.
Nodes
Definition of node as it relates to plants.
Definition of node as it relates to plants.
Trench Composting
Trench composting is easy, invisible, and possible in any size garden. This article will explain the method, as well as suggest a few ways to compost in trenches in your own garden.
Trench composting is easy, invisible, and possible in any size garden. This article will explain the method, as well as suggest a few ways to compost in trenches in your own garden.
Garlic Planting Depth
How deeply should you plant garlic in your garden? Here's the answer!
How deeply should you plant garlic in your garden? Here's the answer!
Plantains
Plantains are the second most common lawn weed (behind dandelions) plaguing gardeners. They thrive in certain conditions, so preventing them from getting a foothold in your garden is an important step. If you have them, there are a couple easy ways to get rid of them and prevent them from spreading further.
Plantains are the second most common lawn weed (behind dandelions) plaguing gardeners. They thrive in certain conditions, so preventing them from getting a foothold in your garden is an important step. If you have them, there are a couple easy ways to get rid of them and prevent them from spreading further.
N-P-K
Definition of N-P-K
Definition of N-P-K
Grow Organic Potatoes
Potatoes are a great crop to grow in the home vegetable garden. Here is a comprehensive guide to growing organic potatoes.
Potatoes are a great crop to grow in the home vegetable garden. Here is a comprehensive guide to growing organic potatoes.
Greensand
Definition of greensand.
Definition of greensand.
Cherokee Purple
Cherokee Purple tomato
Cherokee Purple tomato
Seed Starting Equipment
Here is a list of everything you will need to successfully start plants from seed indoors.
Here is a list of everything you will need to successfully start plants from seed indoors.
Lasagna Garden Ingredients
What are the best items to add to a lasagna garden?
What are the best items to add to a lasagna garden?
Brandywine
Brandywine tomato
Brandywine tomato
Spinach Alternatives
If you're looking for something to grow after your spinach has bolted, these three delicious greens are worth a try. And here's a bonus: they're slow to bolt, even in the hottest weather.
If you're looking for something to grow after your spinach has bolted, these three delicious greens are worth a try. And here's a bonus: they're slow to bolt, even in the hottest weather.
Steps to an Organic Lawn
Organic lawn care starts with the basics: mowing and watering properly, feeding the soil, and observing the state of your lawn. This article provides the basics of caring for an organic lawn.
Organic lawn care starts with the basics: mowing and watering properly, feeding the soil, and observing the state of your lawn. This article provides the basics of caring for an organic lawn.
Yellow Woodsorrel
Yellow Woodsorrel is a weed that resembles a clover, but with small yellow flowers. This article explains how to identify and control yellow woodsorrel in the garden.
Yellow Woodsorrel is a weed that resembles a clover, but with small yellow flowers. This article explains how to identify and control yellow woodsorrel in the garden.
How to Grow Organic Spinach
How to grow organic spinach, including planting instructions, pest and disease control, and care tips.
How to grow organic spinach, including planting instructions, pest and disease control, and care tips.
Costoluto Genovese
Costoluto Genovese
Costoluto Genovese
Iris Borers
Name: Iris borer, Macronoctua onusta Life Cycle: Iris borer moths lay their eggs on the foliage of irises
Name: Iris borer, Macronoctua onusta Life Cycle: Iris borer moths lay their eggs on the foliage of irises
Heirloom Basics
What are heirloom plants, and why do they have so many fans? Defining heirlooms, and the many reasons to grow them.
What are heirloom plants, and why do they have so many fans? Defining heirlooms, and the many reasons to grow them.
Saving Tomato Seeds
Here are step-by-step instructions, complete with photos, for saving tomato seeds. It's a simple process, and one that enables you to keep growing your favorite tomatoes year after year.
Here are step-by-step instructions, complete with photos, for saving tomato seeds. It's a simple process, and one that enables you to keep growing your favorite tomatoes year after year.
How Deep to Plant Seeds
Sometimes we lose the seed packet, with all of its wonderful planting instructions, or we get some seeds from a friend, minus helpful instructions. How can you tell how deeply to sow seeds in your garden? There is an easy trick to figure it out.
Sometimes we lose the seed packet, with all of its wonderful planting instructions, or we get some seeds from a friend, minus helpful instructions. How can you tell how deeply to sow seeds in your garden? There is an easy trick to figure it out.
Red Currant
Red Currant tomato
Red Currant tomato
Radiator Charlie's Mortgage Lifter
Mortgage Lifter
Mortgage Lifter
Greens and Browns in Compost
: Which items are "greens" and which are "browns" when it comes to composting? Here is a simple list
: Which items are "greens" and which are "browns" when it comes to composting? Here is a simple list
Veggies to Direct Sow in June
Here is a regional guide to which vegetables you can direct sow in your garden during the month of June.
Here is a regional guide to which vegetables you can direct sow in your garden during the month of June.
Garden Peach
Garden Peach tomato
Garden Peach tomato
How to Grow Organic Radishes
Radishes are a fairly care-free vegetable to grow in your garden, and one that produces a crop in a short amount of time, as well. Here are the essential tips and tricks to growing delicious organic radishes in your garden.
Radishes are a fairly care-free vegetable to grow in your garden, and one that produces a crop in a short amount of time, as well. Here are the essential tips and tricks to growing delicious organic radishes in your garden.
Japanese Black Trifele
Here is a list of delicious heirloom tomatoes. The list includes tomatoes that are good for both fresh eating and for making sauces. If you're new to heirlooms, give a few of these a try.
Here is a list of delicious heirloom tomatoes. The list includes tomatoes that are good for both fresh eating and for making sauces. If you're new to heirlooms, give a few of these a try.
How to Thin Apples
Here are some things to consider when deciding which fruit to prune from your apple tree.
Here are some things to consider when deciding which fruit to prune from your apple tree.
Bokashi
An explanation of what bokashi is and how it is used.
An explanation of what bokashi is and how it is used.
Saving Kitchen Scraps
Here are a few ideas for storing your kitchen scraps until you're ready to add them to the compost. Whether aesthetics or price is your main concern, there is an option here that will work for you.
Here are a few ideas for storing your kitchen scraps until you're ready to add them to the compost. Whether aesthetics or price is your main concern, there is an option here that will work for you.
How to Improve Acidic Soil
If you're dealing with acidic soil in your garden, here's how to improve it by increasing the pH level using organic methods.
If you're dealing with acidic soil in your garden, here's how to improve it by increasing the pH level using organic methods.
How to Grow Organic Raspberries
Information about growing organic raspberries in your garden.
Information about growing organic raspberries in your garden.
Dig and Drop Composting
Not everyone has space in the garden for a compost bin or pile, and many, thanks to local ordinances or homeowners association rules, may not be allowed to compost at all. Here is a simple, effective method for composting without a pile.
Not everyone has space in the garden for a compost bin or pile, and many, thanks to local ordinances or homeowners association rules, may not be allowed to compost at all. Here is a simple, effective method for composting without a pile.
Leggy Seedlings
It's a common problem among indoor seed-starters: leggy seedlings. Here's what causes seedlings to get leggy, and how to avoid it.
It's a common problem among indoor seed-starters: leggy seedlings. Here's what causes seedlings to get leggy, and how to avoid it.
Organic Weed Control
A continually-growing list of the most common lawn and garden weeds. Identify your weeds, learn about how they grow, and find out the best ways to get rid of them.
A continually-growing list of the most common lawn and garden weeds. Identify your weeds, learn about how they grow, and find out the best ways to get rid of them.
Kellogg's Breakfast
Kellogg's Breakfast tomato
Kellogg's Breakfast tomato
Hot Composting How To
The term "hot composting" refers to a method in which microbial activity within the compost pile is at
The term "hot composting" refers to a method in which microbial activity within the compost pile is at
Yellow Pear
Yellow Pear tomato
Yellow Pear tomato
San Marzano
San Marzano
San Marzano
Sun Dried Tomatoes
If you love the flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, why not make your own? Here are simple instructions for how to make your own dried tomatoes, either in the sun or in your oven.
If you love the flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, why not make your own? Here are simple instructions for how to make your own dried tomatoes, either in the sun or in your oven.
Growing Organic Cucumbers
Here's everything you need to know to grow healthy, delicious organic cucumbers in your garden.
Here's everything you need to know to grow healthy, delicious organic cucumbers in your garden.
Starting an Organic Garden
From selecting a site and testing the soil to preparing a bed and buying plants, learn everything you need to know to successfully make a new organic garden.
From selecting a site and testing the soil to preparing a bed and buying plants, learn everything you need to know to successfully make a new organic garden.
How to Grow Organic Peas
Peas are a sweet, succulent rite of spring for many gardeners. Here's everything you need to know to grow your own organic peas.
Peas are a sweet, succulent rite of spring for many gardeners. Here's everything you need to know to grow your own organic peas.
How to Harvest Potatoes
Here are some tips for how to tell when the time is right to harvest potatoes from your garden.
Here are some tips for how to tell when the time is right to harvest potatoes from your garden.
Mini Hoop Houses
If you want to be able to harvest your own fresh vegetables, even in the middle of winter, you'll need to build a simple cold frame or mini hoop house tunnel. This article explains how to garden in a mini hoop house.
If you want to be able to harvest your own fresh vegetables, even in the middle of winter, you'll need to build a simple cold frame or mini hoop house tunnel. This article explains how to garden in a mini hoop house.
Smelly Compost
One of the things many people worry about when they start composting is that the pile will stink. A healthy compost pile does not give off any bad odors. However, if things are a bit off in your pile, things can start to get smelly. Here's what you need to do if your compost pile is starting to smell bad.
One of the things many people worry about when they start composting is that the pile will stink. A healthy compost pile does not give off any bad odors. However, if things are a bit off in your pile, things can start to get smelly. Here's what you need to do if your compost pile is starting to smell bad.
Veggies to Plant in August
Here is a regional list of which vegetables and herbs you can plant in your garden in August.
Here is a regional list of which vegetables and herbs you can plant in your garden in August.
Worms Escaping from Bin
It can be a little alarming to open your worm bin and see your worms poised just inside the lid, looking for an escape route. Or, worse, you head to the bin and see dead worms around the bin--escapees that didn't get very far. Here's why they try to escape, and what you can do to keep your worms in their vermicompost bin.
It can be a little alarming to open your worm bin and see your worms poised just inside the lid, looking for an escape route. Or, worse, you head to the bin and see dead worms around the bin--escapees that didn't get very far. Here's why they try to escape, and what you can do to keep your worms in their vermicompost bin.
Veggies to Plant in July
Here is a handy list of those veggies and herbs you can plant during the month of July, either from seeds or transplants.
Here is a handy list of those veggies and herbs you can plant during the month of July, either from seeds or transplants.
Kelp Meal
Definition of and uses for kelp meal.
Definition of and uses for kelp meal.
Buying Healthy Plants
This article will explain which signs to look for when buying plants.
This article will explain which signs to look for when buying plants.
How to Make Worm Beds
If you have a bit of space, you can make worm beds for vermicomposting right in your garden. Use your worm bed to produce lots of vermicompost, to reduce your waste, or maybe even to start your own business selling worms.
If you have a bit of space, you can make worm beds for vermicomposting right in your garden. Use your worm bed to produce lots of vermicompost, to reduce your waste, or maybe even to start your own business selling worms.
Benefits of Composting
What are the benefits of composting in your garden? There are several, both in terms of garden health and reducing the amount of waste we produce.
What are the benefits of composting in your garden? There are several, both in terms of garden health and reducing the amount of waste we produce.
Wet Worm Bins
Here's what to do when your worm bin is too wet. Too much moisture in a worm bin is caused by several factors, from the types of food you put in to how much bedding you have provided your worms. Moisture problems are an easy fix. Here's how to deal with a wet worm bin.
Here's what to do when your worm bin is too wet. Too much moisture in a worm bin is caused by several factors, from the types of food you put in to how much bedding you have provided your worms. Moisture problems are an easy fix. Here's how to deal with a wet worm bin.
Fruit Flies in Worm Bins
One of the most common issues people have with their vermicompost bins is dealing with fruit flies. Here is how to prevent the problem in the first place.
One of the most common issues people have with their vermicompost bins is dealing with fruit flies. Here is how to prevent the problem in the first place.
Interplanting
Definition of interplanting, or intercropping.
Definition of interplanting, or intercropping.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is an effective organic control for snails, slugs, flea bettles, and several other garden pests.
Diatomaceous earth is an effective organic control for snails, slugs, flea bettles, and several other garden pests.
Frost Protection for Tomatoes
Here is a quick and easy way to protect your tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants from fall frost and keep your season going just a bit longer.
Here is a quick and easy way to protect your tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants from fall frost and keep your season going just a bit longer.
Natural Fertilizers for Your Garden
Are you wondering which types of natural fertilizers will work best in your organic garden? Here are some of the most common natural fertilizers.
Are you wondering which types of natural fertilizers will work best in your organic garden? Here are some of the most common natural fertilizers.
What is Organic Gardening?
What is organic gardening, and how is it different from regular gardening? This article answers the question by providing three major tenets of organic gardening.
What is organic gardening, and how is it different from regular gardening? This article answers the question by providing three major tenets of organic gardening.
Hardneck vs. Softneck Garlic
The difference between hardneck and softneck garlic, and which type you should plant in your garden.
The difference between hardneck and softneck garlic, and which type you should plant in your garden.
Best and Worst Foods for a Worm Bin
Like everyone else, the red wigglers in your vermicomposting bin have preferences about the food they eat. Here is a list of the foods they seem to like the best, as well as the foods they seem to avoid.
Like everyone else, the red wigglers in your vermicomposting bin have preferences about the food they eat. Here is a list of the foods they seem to like the best, as well as the foods they seem to avoid.
Cutworm Collars
If you've had issues with cutworms killing your seedlings in the past, here is a simple, effective solution for protecting your plants from these pests.
If you've had issues with cutworms killing your seedlings in the past, here is a simple, effective solution for protecting your plants from these pests.
Preventing Heat Stress
Heat stress in plants is a problem in many parts of the country. Here are the ideas for ways to prevent heat stress in your garden plants.
Heat stress in plants is a problem in many parts of the country. Here are the ideas for ways to prevent heat stress in your garden plants.
Plastic Bucket Worm Bin
You can easily and inexpensively make your own vermicomposting bin with nothing more than two five-gallon buckets, a lid, and a drill. Here's how to do it.
You can easily and inexpensively make your own vermicomposting bin with nothing more than two five-gallon buckets, a lid, and a drill. Here's how to do it.
Bolt
Definition of bolting
Definition of bolting
Chamomile Tea for Damping Off
Chamomile tea is an effective tool if you've had problems with seedlings dying due to damping off. Here is a recipe along with instructions for how often to apply the tea.
Chamomile tea is an effective tool if you've had problems with seedlings dying due to damping off. Here is a recipe along with instructions for how often to apply the tea.