Organic Gardening Seminar Topics

by Doug
(in my garden)

This is where you tell me what you want to learn in the Organic Gardening Seminar.

Use the comment link below and ask as many questions - put as many topics into your posts as you want to learn.

Remember - even if somebody else picked your topic - it's important to write it out as well because I answer the most popular questions and topics (it's like a vote)

So tell me what you want to cover.

Comments for
Organic Gardening Seminar Topics

Click here to add your own comments

Fertilizing organically
by: Shirley

What is the NPK content of compost? Is it dependent upon what is used to make the compost? When we use compost tea to "stretch" our compost, how does this feed NPK to the plants; or does NPK not matter anymore? Do we "need" more than compost/compost tea?

Ingredients for composting
by: Hanne

This is for the writer who is looking for green materials for the compost heap/tumbler. I collect paper bags set up for the weekly collection of yard waste and put them in my compost tumbler. Although this is a good thing to do and perfectly legal (the county pickup people have less work), I usually do this under cover of dark because I don't want some idiot to challenge me about what I am doing with his trash. Bags of grass cuttings are easily identified when they are sitting next to a well-manicured/freshly cut lawn. I also collect bags of leaves for the proper brown/green ratio.

Vinegar as weed killer
by: Anonymous

Will vinegar kill weeds in cracks of driveways and between decorative blocks?

Composting
by: Marianne

I don't have a lot of space. What's the smallest amount of space I can use and still compost?

weed killer
by: Linda

I would be interested in knowing what effects some of the more organic weed killers (vinegar, salt) have on the soil, and, as an extension, the plants in close proxemity or those planted in the site once the weeds are gone.

Yams
by: Sally

My family likes to eat sweet potato. I've tried to start sprouts from yams purchased at the grocery, but assume they are irradiated, as nothing happens.

Advice?

SPIDER MITES
by: Ken

SPIDERY MITES on indoor plants. What can I do to get rid of these creatures.

worried about grasshoppers
by: Deborah

This is my 2nd year of gardening , Composting and companion plantings are main interests. I live in zone 8B gardening in sand. I made enough compost through last fall and winter to fill 12 holes I dug and prepared for watermelons, cantaloupes and pumpkins, so was proud of that accomplishment. My biggest problem I can see upcoming is grasshoppers , Those creatures eat everything except grass and weeds. Any organic solutions?

Table Salt
by: Sunshine

Not sure this is the place to carry on a conversation...Doug will certainly guide us to the right spot on his website. I pour salt directly from the box onto the cracks in the pavement; it eliminates weeds, grass and all. Boiling water does the same.
We've been digging up dandelions and plantain for several years and have few left in the lawn. We use corn gluten on the annual weeds and live with clover, love it, and some others. I've never striven for a "perfect" lawn and don't have it!!!

In our experience, the first years, two or three, are the worst for dandelions and plantain! Happy gardening :-)

SPIDER MITES
by: Ken

MITES MITES MITES I am sick of Spyder Mites on my indoor plants. What can I do??

Ontario's new herbicide/pesticide ban
by: Bill. Port Hope, Ontario

The 1st question is to Sunshine who mentioned; "NaCl, ordinary table salt, is found in nature (naturally) yet it is most definitely a chemical. I use it to kill the weeds between the cracks in the pavement. Sunshine, how do you use/mix the table salt to eliminate the weeds? Will it also eliminate grass? Now that Ontario has banned many herbicides/pesticides, which is a good thing, how do we deal organically with all the yellow (Dandelions) and Crabgrass which are/is going to appear in the Lawn. I'm not referring to pre-emergent stuff such as Corn Glutton. I'm also hoping that some of the natural Insecticidal Soaps have not been banned.

Ants Ants and more Ants!
by: "Anty"

My flower beds are full of ants. With kids and pets as regular visitors what can I do that won't cause harm to pets and humans??

Help me if you have any suggetstions PLEASE! I'm begging!

I am in southern NB so the invasion has just begun and it is brutal!

Thanks ,
"Anty"

Miracle Gro
by: Alice

I am relatively new to the organic gardening concept, but very interested. I would welcome a discussion on the use of Miracle Gro, as I have found it to be beneficial to trees, shrubs and grass. I realize it is not "organic".

Organic pest control
by: Anonymous

How to control diseases in fruits and veggies: like bacterial spot on melons, berry diseases, and brown rot on peaches.

How to control insects on veggies and fruit: like flea beetles, squash borer, squash bugs, aspargus beetles, cucumber beetles, bean beetles, and plum curculio.

Misc questions
by: Anonymous

Are there specific plants that can be avoided to minimize Japanese Beetles?

What are the advantages/disadvantages to coated seeds?

Are there fast impact organic fertilizers(other than manure)?

Compost Pile Temperature
by: Anonymous

Would be interested in learning ways of attaining and maintaining a proper temperature to speed up decomposition and to kill off seeds and diseases. Thank you.

woodchips
by: flowerchild

Hi Doug,

Thanks for your gardening notes--they always inspire me to keep trying! The previous owner of our house (and yard) left me a beautiful perrenial garden but had covered the soil with woodchips. The soil underneath the woodchips is rock hard and doesn't seem very fertile. Should I just dig the woodchips in? I have been pushing them to the sides to make paths (the garden is quite deep in spots). What's the best way to enrich the soil? Fresh soil? Manure? I have been adding lots of peat moss but it hasn't seemed to help. Is there any other way than digging it all by hand--a huge job! There are a lot of weeds in it and the grass is encroaching. Any help you can offer is appreciated.

Pests, compost, fish emulsion, mildew spray
by: Anonymous

Quesions I have:
1. pests - ways to discourage moles/voles in lawn and gardens
2. Do the little bugs that roll up have a positive or negative function in garden soil?
3. Soil amendments - are compost and decomposed manure equal
4. Can fish emulsion be used on any/all perennials and shrubs? How diluted? How often?
5. Recipe for mildew prevention spray - baking soda

Thanks for your newsletter, blogs and seminars, Doug. I've learned so much.

organic gardening explained
by: Anonymous

how to choose heirloom seeds for the right climate

companion plantings

organic fertilizers/compost tea recipes/compost maintenance

organic solutions for garden pests

Organic Topics
by: Marie

Identifying pests

Identifying diseases

Grubs
by: B

How to eliminate most of the grubs from my lawn.

Organic Gardening questions
by: Pamela in Indiana

--Different ways to create a new garden from an area already covered by lawn
-- How to reclaim garden area that was originally started with the newspaper method, and now grass, dandelions and violets are coming up strong as ever
--Mulch recommendations since weeds come up easily through straw mulches - could something be mixed in with the straw?
--If we purchase bagged mulch, which is best to use (I see hardwood, cypress, pine, etc in bags) - which will really break down well over time and actually improve the soil as it breaks down?
--Recipes for different types of compost teas - what to use to create fungal or bacterial teas and which plants like which tea
--Instructions for building low cost compost tea brewer
--How long can tea wait to be used after being brewed?

Thank you!

Japanese beetles
by: Anonymous

Seriously considering pulling out my entire raspberry patch unless I can find an organic solution to Japanese beetles. They also eat my Rose of Sharon, and have started on my Day Lilies !!! HELP !

Japanese beetles
by: Anonymous

How to prepare your soil, or what to use (organically) on red raspberries to prevent Japanese beetles from annhilate them.

pests
by: Anonymous

I would love to find out about controlling the pests. Last year the slugs ate more than I did. Every night I went slug picking but it wasn't enough. Also I have a greenhouse problem. It got very moist at the end of the year and now I have fuzzy (mould I think) on the soil and green growth on the windows. What could I clean the greenhouse windows with?

Bees
by: Kathie

I noticed last year I had very little bees and less vegetables on my nice healthy plants .
I would like to learn how to hand pollinate my vegetables and the flowers I could grow to help the bees.

This for Jane - Red Wrigglers
by: Betty Jane - Ohio

I also keep a bin of worms. It's a small one under my kitchen sink. But I find the same thing... they're not eating fast enough. I'd like to get ideas on better methods.

Companion planting?
by: Vivienne

What about companion planting? Does it work? Would you recommend it?

Organic Pest Control
by: Anonymous

Last year I met about every bug imaginable, it seems, and the squash bugs in particular got the best of the garden. I am interested in battling bugs better this year. I also tried doing some greenhouse gardening and aphids became a major problem. In spite of this, the eggplants are doing well. If I take them out of the containers and put them in the garden, will I be causing disease to enter my good soil? Companion planting is another interest.

Green for compost
by: Sandy

I have plenty of brown for my compost pile but need ideas on how to get more green. Our kitchen scraps aren't enough.

From Ohio
by: Helen

I have both decomposed manure & compost pile. Are these used inter changeably? If I put manure on my plants, do I also use compost & mulch?

organic
by: elaine

I'm happy to go along with what ever you choose to inform us about Thanks

mulching
by: Anonymous

we mulch all the time in the garden , in the flower garden at this time of the year the mulch is getting rather sparse if I mulch I will miss all the reseeders . Also how do I broadcast seed like larkspurs,california poppies etc?
Any way to get rid of persistent grass in the gardens originally made over grass using the newspaper mulch method?

Ants in the house
by: Anonymous

My DIL is always fighting ants in the house. With young children in the house, an organic deterrant would be safer. Help!

Compost
by: Bob

My compost takes a long time to become crumbly. I combine lawn clippings and kitchen waste, turn it over once or twice a week and it takes months to break down. I have a 4X4 bin and a 6' diameter pile. They both seem to take about the same length of time. Is this normal? Some articals indicate that the process can be achieved in weeks versus months but that is not happening for here in Massachusetts. I really would like to add more compost to my gardens so any advice about accelerating the process would be appreciated. I am also interested in organic bug control. Thank you for all the good advice.

What's the best organic way to control weeds?
by: Sandi A

I really want to go organic in my veggie garden but don't have lots of time to devote to hoeing. I dislike that black plastic, but is there any other way to discourage weeds? I tried a thick straw mulch between the rows, but the weeds just came right up through it.

Best for Roses
by: LCC1701H

How tdo you successfullly take care of roses organically? Fertilizer, blackspot problems, etc.

Patio Stone Walls
by: Rick

For those looking for a raised bed that is strong and will last forever, consider patio stones placed on their side. I have used this method for a few years now and greatly prefer it to wooden walls. The initial cost may be a little more than wood but I will never need to replace the walls. I also love the sturdy structure of the patio stones that allow me to sit on or walk on any part of the wall.

Diatomaceous Earth
by: Rick

I have been following Doug's advice and use diatomaceous earth to keep nasty bugs at bay organically. Do I need to be concerned that it may also kill worms?

Raised Beds
by: Jane

What is the rule of thumb for how high/deep a raised bed should be.

What is the cheapest way to build them. Wood is expensive and rots eventually.

Red Wiggler Worms
by: Jane

I have had the help of these little guys for years. They reduce the number of trips to the land fill and turn my kitchen waste and newspapers into a glorious non burning fertilizer.

Once you get the hang of their simple needs it is quite easy and not smelly or messy.

I dont find they eat as much as the books tell you they do so I would like to share knowledge with anyone out there who also raises them.

De-bugging the lawn
by: Sheila

Just came back from the UK to find a raccoon ( my guess) has de-turfed a section of the grass. I fear chinchbugs or the like are back again. I have gone "organic" for a few years, and wonder what can be done.

Those darn cut worms!
by: Frenchie

I have a major cut worm problem, moved in two years ago, the second summer I started a garden,and to my horror all my young plants that I lovingly started at home from seed have been cut at earths level! Anybody PLEASE..have a tried and true solution without chemicals...or no garden this year for me......

Organic gardening topics
by: Mon

Would love to have a simple organic spray program what to spray at what stage of growth - for pome fruits (apples/pears) and one for stone fruits (cherries, plums, peaches, apricots). Since they all don't flower at the same time it is challenging to get everything sprayed correctly between spring rains!

Did not see any comments about Surround for fruit trees on your site...what do you think about using it? What success rate is achieved with the red apple-like balls for apple maggot control?

Using sulfur verses lime-sulfur?

Thanks!

MG still learning
by: Anonymous

Zone 4-- getting compost cooked; freezes solid in winter; anything to add; organic ways to keep squirrels and. Hipmunks from eating bulbs; detering deer???? Aphids control???? Thanks!

from beautiful Allumette Island
by: Deborah

Compost: My compost doesn't seem to "cook" properly.
Pest control
Mulch?

Organic gardening
by: Anonymous

Compost - How long ( I assume years) does it take for compost to be truly organic? The kitchen scraps put into it likely have chemical residue if it was purchased at a store.

Compost - How long do you have to leave it before it's ready to use? We live in Zone 3, so our compost freezes solid in the winter and therefore doesn't "cook" as long as in other climates.

Compost - If a person uses compost that may not be quite ready, will it burn or damage annuals, perennials, or vegetables?

Compost - How much and how often?

Pest Control - Is Trounce a good product to use, and what other than aphids is it good for?

Pest control - Do chives deter any bugs? I think they'd look fine in a flower garden if they were useful. Other than marigolds, do certain flowers keep "bad bugs" away?

topics I would love to see covered
by: Maid Marion of the Midwest

-recipes for homemade fertilizers, compost, tea, etc.
-tips on where to buy the above when I can't make them.
-the difference between summer and winter mulch and can one mulch be left on all year?
-If corn gluten is only effective on pre-emergent weeds, what can be used post emergence?

Pest Control and Fertilizer
by: Dorothy

I need to know what to use for aphids, japanese beetles, ants in the house, and also what to use for fertilizer, or is compost enough?

Pest Control
by: Anonymous

Spider mites-how do I get rid of them and discourage them from coming back each year.

Squirrels!!!!!
by: Belle

They're digging up my bulbs, chewing down my hostas, and nibbling on my gerberas. How do I stop them? I can't buy that much red pepper.

organic pest control
by: LAURIE ANN

My yard was eaten alive by Japanese beatles last year. We live in the Midwest. Also so many slugs on the Hostas. Rabbits are a huge problem even with fencing. Any organic ideas for my problems?

compost & bears
by: Anonymous

how do you keep bears from getting into your compost? my mother says keep the meat/bones/fish waste in the freezer and just throw it out at the dump, but that doesn't seem very 'organic' to me! haven't we been putting fish & bonemeal on plants for years to garden organically?

thanks.

More duplicate questions
by: Shanon

1. When to stop adding to compost pile and start another one.
2. In clay soil, compost isn't enough all by itself to break up soil, or I don't have enough(does anyone ever have enough compost?) and can't afford to buy compost, what else do I add, plants are growing very slowly.
3. Need spider mite and scale control help.
Thanks Doug, I appreciate the hard work you do for this site, it rocks!

Organic Gardening topics
by: Sunshine

1. some definitions would be good; e.g. sustainable vs. organic
2. when does organic become non-organic? e.g. certainly NaCl, ordinary table salt, is found in nature (naturally) yet it is most definitely a chemical. I use it to kill the weeds between the cracks in the pavement; would this be a no-no in a truly organic gardener's lexicon?
3. Does N,P,K fertilizing matter in organic gardening?
4. Will enhanced fungus and bacteria activity from compost/compost tea take the place of N,P,K fertilizer?
5. If compost is dark, crumbly and sweet smelling is it suitable for making tea?
6. Is total compost a suitable growing medium?
7. What are the criteria for labeling garden products "organic"?

Organic Solutions
by: Cathy

organic insect control that is also safe around animals, birds and people

Votes for seminar topics
by: Vanda

1. Cheap and easy organic gardening.
2. Organic way to dissuade voles/moles making tunnels and holes in lawns.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge in a straighforward, funny and honest way.

Organic Gardening Seminar
by: Sheree

I'm not really sure what organic gardening entails. Is it just for vegetables. i only garden flowers, shrubs, and bulbs. Having lots of squirrel problems; they are digging up the bulbs and eating flower heads. Terrible little rodents! I'm not into composting; don't have the room...
Thanks

Fish Fertilizer
by: Nancy

Can I use fish fertilizer often and on any plant or shrub?

Filling Raised Beds
by: Anonymous

What do I use to fill raised beds? Can I use all compost?

Compost question
by: Chris

Q-How and when to use the compost while still creating more.
I have two compost piles; one in a square black container, one on the ground about 5 feet in diameter. We've been piling leaves and kitchen scraps on the ground, stirring regularly, etc. and it's looking almost ready to use. At what point do we stop adding to that pile and devote another 5 feet to starting a new one? Can we use "almost" ready stuff if it still has identifiable scraps in it? If it's taking the container stuff too long to get done (compared to the ground pile) should we dump it out to start a new pile?

Q-What organic sprays/insecticides are really effective against Japanese beetles, slugs, grubs and tomato worms?

Q-How do we dispose of chemicals already purchased (in a pique of desperation!)?

Q-Is using compost as effective as fertilizer for flowers and veggies?

Thanks for all the info, Doug. My gardening attempts have become more and more productive, in great part because of all I've learned here.

Topics
by: Todlake

Pest Control - I have a huge issue with what I think are spider mites attacking a black spruce that is not near a water hose - dormant oil isn't proving to be very effective

Controlling fleas

How long until you see a difference in your overall yard health.

Controlling clover and creeping charlie - I am trying not to break down and use an herbicide - but they are incredibly persistant. I don't mind some, but not an entire area taken over.

Is Corn Gluten really necessary, or is the key to regularly fertilize and seed to produce a full/strong lawn

Controlling "pill bugs" in garden soil

I'm sure I could think of more . . . :-) Thanks for all you do!!!

Organic Compost
by: Maureen

How often do I apply compost to my lawn and flowers. Once in the spring and once in the fall?

Filling Raised Beds
by: Anonymous

Since there is so much interest in raised beds now, what do you use to fill yours? I dont want to use store products more than necessary-but how do you build dirt?
I dont believe beds can be 100% compost-but what mix?
My beds are 22 1/2" x 4'x16'

Why is it better?
by: RIchard Kucejko

Why is organic gardening better than "regular gardening". Also, what are the main differences?

Why is it better?
by: Anonymous

Why is organic gardening better than "regular gardening". Also, what are the main differences?

Costly organic?
by: Emily :)

What are the best products that are safe, effective AND affordable? Where can you get these?

organic gardening
by: diane

best remedies for insects and critters- ie: aphids on roses, slugs, groundhogs, etc.

If you take seeds from commercially grown vegetables and grow them organically, how long does it take for them to be truly organic?

organic gardening
by: Janet

Organic rose care-- especially black spot prevention;
Weed management: I've ordered a weed torch, but that seems so EXTREME! I have a six-foot deep rocky verge across the front of the house that is already filling with weeds despite last year's (*gasp*) Roundup.
Speeding up compost-- mine in black composting bins is taking FOREVER! I aerate, add leaves, what more?

Thanks.

Organic Gardening Seminar Topics
by: Linda

Why is organic better (should be obvious but some people still don't get it)

How long does it take for results to show when going from manufactured chemicals to organic

If it is labeled organic, does that mean it is completely safe and non-toxic

What about companion planting; is that effective?

If I have pets and want to control fleas, what I can use so I don't have to spray chemicals.

What about my neighbor - he spays everything with chemicals and puts down all that fertilizer. How much will what he does in his yard affect what I'm doing in mine.

How do I get rid of all the chemicals I have stockpiled for fighting bugs and plant disease. I don't want to use them but don't want to put them in the garbage or down the drain.

What about Miracle Gro or some of the other products I use to fertilize my house plants. Is that okay to use? If not, what do I substitute.

These are questions we get in our Master Gardener classes when we get into organics; thought you might find them helpful as you work on topics for your seminar.

Thanks so much for doing what you do - and doing it so well. I send people to your website, even though we are across the continent from you (Texas). You make it sound so easy.

Organic pest control
by: Frank

I have a Koi farm, can you use koi manure directly on the garden?
What combination of plants work for companion gardening to keep pest in control

Organic vs. Sustainable
by: rebecca

What is the difference between Organically Grown and Sustainabley Grown.
Can you offer some ideas on companion planting for pest and disease control?

organic gardening
by: Anonymous

Hi the first thing i would like to know is what types of homemade organic products can I brew to take care of pests and diseases.

ex baking soda fungicide recipe

Number two I would like to know once you attract benefical insects like ladybugs how do you get them to stay without aphids around.

number three how do you manage birds I don't want to net plants becuse the insects won't get eaten but I don't want bird dammage on my tomatoes.

number four weeds how to cull the population before Iput mulch down without killing myself

number five home made sprys again

Organic Gardening
by: pearls

(1) What goes into the soil before planting.
(2) What do you use to keep pest away
3. Can organic garding be done in containers.
4. Why are oganic procucts so expensive is it more work to get them grown.

Proposed topics
by: Misty

-Organic pest control
-Best organic fertilizers and where to get them
-What specifically each of these fertilizers are supposed to do and what combinations are allowable/should be avoided for vegetables, flowers, shrubs, trees respectively.
-Inexpensive and lazy organic gardening tips!

Compost vs. Fertilizer
by: Susan

If I'm using compost on my flower and vegetable gardens Spring and Fall, do I need any other kind of fertilizer?

Composting
by: Anonymous

I really need to know the basics of composting...what to compost, what not to, how long it takes before you can start using it, etc. I'm really new at all this stuff.

Click here to add your own comments

Doug Green