Consider starting with ornamental and native plants, which are easier to grow organically than fruit and vegetable plants.
Master gardener Paul James answers common questions about organic gardening:
Q: I want to maintain my lawn organically. Can I make the switch cold-turkey?
A: Yes. All you have to do is switch from using synthetic fertilizers--herbicides, fungicides and pesticides--and start using organic equivalents, which are made from all-natural products. Synthetic fertilizers destroy beneficial microorganisms in the soil, which have the ability to control insect pests and combat disease. Organic fertilizers feed the soil as well as its inhabitants, which in time results in fewer pests and disease problems. Organic fertilizers won't burn the grass; they release nutrients slowly, and they don't have to applied as often. They're made from recycled rather than manufactured materials, which means they're safe for the environment. Organic fertilizers (including sifted compost) produce healthier lawns, and in time, you will find that you don't have to water as often or spray for pests and diseases as often. Also, you will have fewer weeds.
Q: How do I control weeds organically?
A: Organic herbicides, which include both spray and granular products, are made from natural materials such as salts of fatty acids and corn byproducts. Overall, organic herbicides work great, although their effects may not be as immediate as those of synthetic herbicides.
The easiest way to control weeds doesn't require any herbicides: mow before established weeds have a chance to go to seed, and cut the grass high enough to prevent sunlight from reaching weed seeds and young seedlings. Plus, some weeds are actually good for the lawn, because they promote biodiversity, which is the key to organic gardening.
Q: Can I grow ornamentals organically as well?
A: Yes, you can. Gardening organically is easy, especially if you select plants that aren't prone to all sorts of pests and disease problems. If you love roses, but you're tired of dealing with black spot, rust and mildew on your hybrid teas, try to use more native plants, which have developed resistance to many diseases. Also, use all the compost you can. It produces healthier plants that are better prepared to combat diseases, and it has ingredients that reduce pest problems and diseases that attack plants. Compost is also nutritious and the more you use of it , the less fertilizer your plants will need. It's easy to find organic fertilizers for landscape plants. The same is true of organic insecticides, herbicides and fungicides.
Q: What about growing vegetables and fruits organically?
A: Growing vegetables and fruits organically is definitely more of a challenge, because so many pests and diseases prey on them, but the approach is essentially the same for them as it is for lawns and ornamentals: switch to all-natural products, use all the compost you can, release beneficial insects, and spray or dust for harmful pests only when they seriously threaten the health of your crops. By following these steps, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of pesticide-free produce.
Q: Do beneficial insects really work?
A: Absolutely. Releasing beneficial insects such as lady beetles will go a long way toward controlling pesky pests. An even better strategy is to encourage natural populations of predatory insects in your garden: cut back on spraying and dusting, add plants that attract beneficial insects and provide food, cover and nesting sites for all insects.
Q: What specific products do you use most to control pests and diseases?
A: By creating a natural balance of plants and wildlife, you'll rarely have any pests or diseases; however, two good products are highly-refined horticultural oil, which is both an insecticide and fungicide. Insecticidal soap is also good. The bacterial insecticide BT is good to use when caterpillars are a problem. Having fewer pests and disease problems is one of the great things about organic gardening, which means that you'll have time for other things.
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