Organic Gardening
My objective however is to separate the fact from the fiction and to deliver workable ways for you to garden naturally and effectively.
As a background - I ran my nursery for over 20 years using organic systems. I did it before it became popular and trendy and before the research really starting hitting the mainstream press about the noxious chemicals that were changing our lives. Been there, done that.
Here's what I learned and resources to share:
Compost
Compost Bin - here are the two compost bins I use in my garden with video on putting together a free one and a high end drum composter
Compost Tea - here's a video where I show you and explain how to make compost tea
Organic Pest Control
Controlling Slugs Naturally. What else can I say?
Nicotine sulfate is an older insecticide that's no longer recommended.
Deer Control naturally. Several different options are explored Experience with my own personal herd of Bambi-wannabees
Deer Deterrent - here's a link to a simple homemade recipe that works for a short time and is far cheaper than similar commercial blends
Garlic Spray is good for pest control (avoidance) as well as certain fungal/bacterial problems.
Neem oil is considered to be an effective and safe way to control a broad variety of insects and plant disease problems.
Insecticidal soap with seaweed - here's why this is a great idea.
Castor Oil for controlling moles, voles and maybe even squirrels, raccoons, and skunks.
Rodent repellent A great many folks swear by products such as this to repel rodents and other small creatures. I have heard one gardener say the cats hate it too.
Natural Ant Control here are a few products and techniques for natural and safe ant control.
Organic Fungicides
Bordeaux Mix (a mix of copper-sulfate and hydrated lime) has been around for hundreds of years and is still - when used in combination - an excellent control Here's how to make your own.
Controlling Weeds
Here are the two organic sprays that work to strip away the leaf surfaces and burn plants. Organic but not to be messed with if you have tender skin.
Organic Weed Control using Corn Gluten: here's how to prevent weeds in lawns and flower gardens using this organic weed control material.
Gardening Materials
Organic Potting Soil. Here are the three essential things you should look for when buying organic potting soil
Got a Question About Organic Gardening
If you have a question about organic gardening, this is a good place to ask it.
While I can't promise to answer every question (I get hundreds on my sites every week) I do work at it.
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Other readers questions and comments about Organic Gardening
Click on the links below to see other gardeners comments on organic gardening
Ontario Pesticide Ban
Hi Doug,
I recently received a note from a local nursery that there is an Ontario Pecticide Ban coming into effect April 22, 2009 and that Roundup is ...
Aquarium waste water For years I've used my aquarium waste water on house plants or container plants, but it was for water conservation (rooftop garden with no rooftop tap,...
what to build my organic garden with I am creating an organic garden on concrete, and would like to know what is the best material to build it with in regards to ties. I understand jasper ...
Castor oil and voles The snow has gone and now I see that voles were living underneath it and eating my lawn. If I reseed this bit of lawn and in the fall use castor oil,...
Castor oil-best application method and cautions What is the best method for applying castor oil? I have a brand new hand pump style deck sprayer I intended to use in the garden (wasn't sure what for,...
