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“Earth laughs in flowers.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

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The Basics of Organic Gardening

April 13th, 2012

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Organic gardening is basically using a method of gardening that’s free from chemical fertilizers and pesticides. It’s working with Mother Nature to ensure that you get the best crop of plants and flowers by using the natural eco-system.

The soil is extremely important when considering an organic garden. You’ll be nurturing the soil with organic matter consisting of decayed plant and animal waste. It doesn’t matter what type of soil you have to begin your organic gardening adventure, feeding it with organic matter will strengthen and improve it.

The first thing most people want to know when they’re just starting out in organic gardening is how can they keep their garden from being overrun by pests and diseases if they don’t use chemical compounds.

There are organic pesticides, but an occasional bug in your garden doesn’t mean you have to immediately rush to get rid of it. It depends on the type and severity of the problem as to how aggressively you treat it.

One thing that’s good to do when planting an organic garden is to diversify the plants. Don’t plant row after row of one type – instead, vary the plantings. Harmful insects are usually attracted to a large amount of the same plants in one place, so placing them randomly and with other plants will help ward them off.

If you do need to use an organic or natural pesticide, be sure to choose one that targets your specific problem. Some organic pesticides are used to get rid of bacteria and others kill harmful pests. Look online to get the information you need about your particular type of problem or check with a nursery.

Using the least intrusive method of controlling pests and diseases in your organic garden is the best way to go. For example, an invasion of aphids can usually be taken care of by spraying them off the plants with a water hose. Caterpillars and other harmful insects can simply be plucked off your plants.

One myth about organic gardening is that you’ll just have to accept the fact that the produce and flowers from your garden won’t be as “pretty” and will be bug-ridden. That’s just not true. If you carefully inspect your garden periodically, you should be able to produce gorgeous and bug-free vegetables, plants and flowers.

Let your organic gardening experience be a great one by not obsessing too much about bugs, fungus and bacteria. Just be observant and take preventative measures to ensure your garden is the best and most productive it can be.

Bluebonnets in Spring!

March 22nd, 2012

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Well it’s official. It’s Spring!

Nothing is more exciting than when we get our first glimpse of the familiar flowers of the spring season and for Texans this means the state flower – Bluebonnets.

A friend took this lovely bluebonnet and bee picture and sent it to me this morning, (with her cell phone no less).

It made me want to investigate a bit more about this beautiful flower.

I’ve decided to post links with more info on this site.

http://www.texasbluebonnetwinetrail.com

http://texaslesstraveled.com/bluebonnet.htm

Enjoy!

Organic Gardening Supplies for Beginners

February 13th, 2012

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If you’re a beginning organic gardener, you’ll want to know which supplies you’ll need to invest in to get the most from your garden. Organic gardens aren’t too different from other types of gardens, except that organic gardening supplies such as fertilizers and preventative measures should be chemical and synthetics free.

Online organic gardening sites contain a plethora of information and all the supplies you’ll need to become an enthusiastic and successful organic gardener. Here are some examples of supplies you might be looking for:

Soil conditioners – Preparing the soil for organic gardening is the most important task you can do to ensure a beautiful and prolific organic garden. Products such as biostimulants can boost the soil and increase flower, vegetable, herb and fruit production. They’ll also reduce the stress that can harm some plants during planting.

Propagation supplies – These organic gardening supplies are necessary if you plan to start your own seeds. You can find flats, domes, rooting gels and powders, plant labels and other supplies that will make your organic gardening experience a positive one.

Tools and accessories – Gardening tools necessary to any type of garden include soil testing, weed control, pruning tools, stakes, ties and plant supports and soaker hoses. You might already have some of these items on hand.

Container gardening supplies – Many begin their organic gardening adventure by starting out with several “organic” containers for planting. That’s a great way to start if you’re not sure about the process and don’t want to invest a lot of money at first. You can find hydroponic supplies, organic potting mix and more online.

Pest and Disease Control – For organic gardeners, your pest and disease control supplies are especially important to reap a successful garden. Items such as organic insect sprays, repellents, traps and disease control products can help set your mind at ease about your garden being safe from pests.

Composter – True organic gardening requires compost material, and it’s much easier if you have the proper equipment. A compost crock that sits in your kitchen and holds food waste can be purchased online for under $25. Larger, compost tumblers cost more, but if you decide you’re really serious about organic gardening, it’s a clean and convenient way to recycle.

You can find all the organic gardening supplies you’ll need online – from greenhouses and hydroponic growing materials to organic sprays and fertilizers. Your efforts to maintain an organic garden can help create a sustainable environment that will help you and the earth.