How to Start an Organic Garden - Easy Tips That Lead to the Garden of Your Dreams

It's almost funny how so many people tell me they're "organic" gardeners but after talking for 2 minutes it's obvious that they're not and they had no idea what it means in the first place!

Now I'm not saying that's you but I think it's important we start off on the same page! :)

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The Absolute *Only* Definition Of Organic Gardening You Should Ever Listen To

How to Start an Organic Garden - Easy Tips That Lead to the Garden of Your Dreams

Organic gardening means you don't use any chemical or synthetic fertilizers or pesticides in your garden. (Simple, right?!)

Of course, chemicals do make the job a bit easier but they come at a heavy price: your vegetables and plants will grow unnaturally and - this one's a biggie - your vegetables will *not* taste nearly as good!

There are great organic fertilizers made from vegetable or animal by-products and plenty of creative, natural ways to keep pests away from your garden!

Not Only Does The Food Taste *Way* Better But Organic Veggies Help Fight Cancer (!!!)

Here's the deal: Organic vegetables are much higher in essential vitamins and nutrients. These play a huge role in fighting disease and even cancers!

Plus, if you care at all about the environment we live in, compost usage (which is a really effective key to organic gardening) nourishes your soil instead of depleting it.

It really is "win-win" - you get better tasting, natural food and your garden gets healthier!

The Best Way To Plan Your Organic Garden

Here's the time to really let your creativity go wild. You just need to keep some things in mind if you really want your garden to thrive!

Fool Proof Way To Pick The *Best* Location Every Time

Pick a patch of ground you're interested in and then watch it for a couple days... look at where the sun hits it and how long it shines on that spot.

Sunlight plays a huge part in thriving plants... I know that sounds so 'common sense' these days but seriously, so few people ever do it right!

Decide What To Plant *Beforehand*

After you pick a nice, sunny spot for your garden do not run in and cultivate it... you have to know what you're planting first.

Why? Because different plants require different amounts of sun and even if you think that spot gets "great sun" it might not be right for what you really want to plant!

This is where people say to me: "OK, fine... so how do I find out the sunlight needs of plants?"

And my answer is always the same... "It says so on the seed packets, silly!"... :)

Seed packets will have 3 answers that indicate amount of sunlight: "sun", "shade" and "partial sun".

"sun" means the plant needs at least 8 hours sunlight every day. "shade" means less than 4 hours and "partial sun" means somewhere between 4 and 6 hours.

And Now For The Most *Important* Key To Organic Gardening

Healthy soil is the single most important key to a successful garden.

If you had everything else right - the best location, optimum sunlight and the correct plants but poor quality soil your garden would still suffer!

What Kind Of Plants You Should Choose

Native plants are great choices because they already know how to "live" (and thrive!) in your local climate.

Perennials are big time savers because they come back year after year... no need to replant!

Did You Know That Certain Neighboring Plants Can "Help" Each Other?

Companion planting is when 2 plant types do better when planted near each other....

Here's something you probably didn't know: For instance, when you plant carrots and onions near each other they will repel pests!

How To Attract The "Good" Bugs

Not all insects are bad -- some should actually be welcomed guests in your garden!

Lady beetles are a great example. (If you plant sunflowers and lupine you'll probably see them in your garden!)

You see, lady beetles eat aphids... if you've been gardening for any amount of time you'll know that aphids cause enormous headaches for your garden!

Honestly though, garden design can be as simple or complicated as you make it. You might be the "spontaneous" type of gardener who plants flowers and greenery at a whim and them decides how it looks. (Just don't say I didn't warn you!)

Others will get out a pencil and graph paper to plan out their garden and consider things like plant height, color combination, scent and even soil needs!

How to Start an Organic Garden - Easy Tips That Lead to the Garden of Your Dreams

Discover more shockingly easy organic garden tips including easy ways to keep your garden healthy and thriving at http://www.OrganicGardenTips.net

Organic Gardening - Tips You Should Know When Using Straw Mulch

There are many benefits in mulching your organic garden. Straw mulch is excellent for helping to retain moisture in soil by stopping the water from evaporating. It can be used to suppress weeds, but needs to be applied in a thick layer about four to six inches thick. Once the straw is applied it has to be soaked so that the wind wont blow it away when applied directly from a bale.

When using straw mulch fresh from a bale it is best used when shredded before applied to the garden and should be removed before tilling your soil. A thin layer of straw mulch will slow the spring time warming of the soil, removing the mulch and compost it after the growing season, then reapply new mulch after soil temperatures have warmed.

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Straw mulch can tie up nitrogen at the surface of soil during it's decomposition process. Due to this you should use straw around fruit trees and avoid using it around your annual plants or to avoid this from happening use already rotting straw. Leaving straw bales outdoors over the winter months will allow this rotting process to take place due to the wet and dry conditions of nature. This will also help to kill off any weed seeds that may be in the bales. Make sure when you apply straw you keep it fluffed up instead of it's compacted form that it comes in with a bale.

Organic Gardening - Tips You Should Know When Using Straw Mulch

Straw can be purchased at your local garden center. When purchasing straw make sure it is seed and weed free.

Organic Gardening - Tips You Should Know When Using Straw Mulch

A environment friendly and healthy way of gardening. Organic Gardening is away of gardening in harmony with nature. Growing a healthy and productive crop in a way that is healthier for both you and the environment.

John Yazo

[http://www.organicheirloomgardening.com]

Organic Food History and Current Trends

Farming practices used before the 1900's are classed as organic. It was only after this that added chemicals such as urea and DDT were brought into farming - previous to this, farmers didn't have the knowledge and simply put, were happy enough with things as they were; as most of us today would be. After all, home grown food is often the nicest, most tasty food we put on our plates.

For some reason, during the 1960's and 1970's the concept of organic food became a separate entity to the 'normal' food we were then buying. Consumers had been effectively duped into believing that what they were buying, was food as nature intended, it not appreciating that the chemicals which were added during growth of the 'normal stuff' were what actually made the food abnormal in the first place.

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Rachel Carson, a prominent writer, biologist and ecologist established public awareness of these issues via 'Silent Spring', a book she wrote which basically brought about major controversy on the use of agricultural chemicals and synthetic pesticides in particular. As a direct result of this book, and the growing concern over the use of farm chemicals which consumers were suddenly more aware of, chemical regulation procedures were put into place, and when the demand for organically grown food rose, so did the need for further regulatory procedures to cut down on the ecologically destructive and toxic chemicals.

Organic Food History and Current Trends

Today, organic food is finally reaching an all time high of acceptance from consumers, so its demand is increasing - more 'organically acceptable' agricultural procedures are gaining momentum, and it seems even though it is more expensive than chemically treated foodstuffs, it is healthier, and it is that health factor which is winning the battle against chemically treated consumables.

A creation of a whole new set of ideas about organic standards which first came into debate in 1990, took over ten years to refine to relative perfection, and they will still evolve as new practices come into force. It is by these standards now that, organic food and other products such as wool in the USA is grown/gathered.

All of this though begs the questions - why can't farmers just grow food without chemicals at all, why does it need regulation, and why were chemicals introduced into grown food and other consumables in the first place; I think you already know the answer though, and that's money.

In this modern technological age where farmers are in direct competition between each other to gain the bigger contracts of the supermarkets and other food retailers, they have to be cheap. They simply can't grow the vegetables (for example) as fast as the grocery store can sell them, so they have to resort to other methods to keep up, or did do at least until the consumers voice began to ring out strong and true.

Organic food is no longer a small niche in the food desires of Americans; it is becoming what everyone wants. Everyone now wants and feels the need to eat in a more healthy fashion with the onset of so many new medical conditions which prove costly as it is; a little more expense to eat something grown without strong use of chemicals (which could 'theoretically' make it worse) might mean a saving health-wise instead.

The organic food trend of today is growing ever-stronger, and not just for vegetables even though at one point organic purchases totalled over 40% of all organic buys. Meat and fish which is organically produced is still at the lowest of all food purchases, but is moving up the chain too. Dairy, bread and grain, beverages and snacks are all becoming more and more popular.

Today there are more Organic supermarkets popping up everywhere, sometimes in certain areas more than others - almost as though people in one state are more 'organic' than others but on the whole it is more of a blanket change than just a few people trying to eat in a healthier way, the amount of people eating organically is far more substantial than most realize. Suddenly people have more choice, and this is obviously because the demand is there. The world is finally going organic, and with any luck the bigger grocery store chains will have to meet this demand, rather than flood the market with low-cost chemically treated alternatives.

Organic Food History and Current Trends

Carl Copeland is motivated to bringing information and resources to others regarding Food Storage, Food Safety, and Food Preparation and its benefits for everyday life. Save money by having your food last longer. More Info at http://www.Food-Storage-Info.com

How To Make An Organic Moisturizer

Organic Skin Care must include moisturizers. Although it is handy to purchase these in a ready to use form, you may want to try some of the following homemade moisturizers for a luxurious change on occasion.

You will find that they leave your skin feeling like a million bucks. If cost is a concern, check prices online before choosing a certain recipe. Keep in mind that the more essential oil that the recipe calls for, the more expensive it is to make. In places that the essential oil is more for light fragrance than for necessity to the recipe, it is marked as 'optional.' Any essential oils marked this way can be omitted or changed to a scent that you prefer. For those not marked optional, you need them for the recipe to work like it should.

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By packaging the moisturizers in small Mason jars, you leave yourself open to decorate and give as gifts in a pinch. Place a bit of colorful fabric over the flat lid to the jar, screw the ring on, wrap a color coordinated ribbon around the ring and add a personal tag and you have a ready to give, organic skin care gift from the heart. Just be sure that you are willing to share the recipe or they may drive you crazy wanting more!

How To Make An Organic Moisturizer

Quick and Simple Moisturizer:

Jojoba Oil is great for any skin type and absorbs easily. Apply a small amount to your freshly cleaned face before you dry it. The water on your face is very important to the use of this oil as a moisturizer. For added enjoyment, mix a drop of your favorite organic essential oil to the jojoba just before application. For anti-aging help, use one teaspoon of jojoba and a dab of active royal jelly (found in refrigerated in health food stores); keep your royal jelly refrigerated or it becomes inactive and no good to you.

Anti-aging Dry Skin Moisturizer

4 ounces shea butter

2 ounces organic olive oil

2 teaspoons organic vitamin E oil, 5000 IU

1 teaspoon active royal jelly (refrigerated section of health food stores)

6 drops organic lavender essential oil

Mix all ingredients on high until smooth and creamy. Store refrigerated in an airtight container. It is necessary to make small amounts of this at a time and keep refrigerated because of the active royal jelly. This is an awesome ingredient for its healing properties and well worth the effort.

Super Simple Moisturizer

With only 2 necessary ingredients, this one is a breeze. Mix 1/4 cup pure aloe vera gel (directly from plant) and 2 tablespoons organic vegetable glycerin. This amount is for use over the entire body. Use immediately because aloe vera gel begins to lose potency immediately. For added effects, you can add 3 or 4 drops of your favorite essential oil or you can add 1/2 teaspoon of active royal jelly for anti aging effects. Active royal jelly must be kept refrigerated to remain active and can be found in refrigerated sections of health food stores.

Dry Skin Moisturizing Cream

This moisturizer has the healing qualities of aloe vera, the anti-oxidant qualities of Vitamin E, and a variety of oils specifically chosen to infuse dry, tired skin with moisture and a renewed radiance.

1/3 cup aloe vera gel (taken directly from plant)

1/4 cup beeswax (liquefied)

1/3 cup coconut oil

3 drops grape seed extract

6 drops of organic lavender essential oil (optional)

3/4 cup organic olive oil

1/4 tsp vitamin E (5000 IU)

2/3 cup water (distilled)

Combine olive oil, coconut oil, and beeswax and melt in a large, microwave safe bowl then pour in blender and let cool until it is about as thick as a milkshake.

While the above is cooling, combine your water, aloe, essential oil, vitamin E, and grape seed extract in a large liquid measuring cup, pour this into blender when the other mixture has cooled enough. Blend until smooth and creamy.

If you are lucky enough to have a heavy duty kitchen mixer (the kind that is on its own stand with its own bowls), you may find that it works better for you because the mixture does become very heavy.
Store refrigerated in small Mason jars.

How To Make An Organic Moisturizer

Keep YOURSELF looking great with these great Skin Care secrets from http://www.NaturalElements.co.uk In seconds you can access over 36 beauty topics that will keep you looking younger and more radiant. Help your skin with a variety of Organic Skin Care products at Natural Elements

How to Make Your Own Organic Insecticidal Soap and Keep Your Garden Chemical Free

Many home plant pest problems can be easily solved by using a little insecticidal soap. It is easy and inexpensive to mix up your own organic insect killer at home. You will be saving money on pesticides and won't have to worry about dangerous chemicals on your food.

This recipe works best on soft-bodied pests like aphids, thrips, white flies and spider mites. These are among the most common garden pests. Insecticidal soaps kill insects by entering the pest's respiratory system and breaking down internal cell membranes. It is only effective when it is wet, so aim well. After it is dry it will not harm your beneficial insects. For heavy insect infestations, it is best to spray your plants again in a few days.

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Here's a really simple recipe for insecticidal soap.

How to Make Your Own Organic Insecticidal Soap and Keep Your Garden Chemical Free

1 tablespoon of soap

2 cups water 

Mix thoroughly and add to spray bottle. Spray directly onto the insects on your plants. 

Be sure to check the label on your soap first. The key to this recipe is to use regular dish soap, not detergent or anything anti-bacterial. You can also use pure liquid castile soap. 

You can super-charge your organic insecticidal soap to make it stick to hard-bodied pests like fleas. It also damages the protective waxy coating on insects. Add either one tablespoon of mineral oil or a vegetable oil to your mixture. Sunflower or olive oil will work well, any vegetable-based oil will break down faster in your soil. Oil will help the mixture stay on these pests so the soap has a chance to begin working. But it will also stick to your ladybug beetles so be careful where you are aiming. 

Some plants (especially ferns) are sensitive to soaps. Do not use a soap mixture on ferns. New growth on plants may be too tender for soap, so apply sparingly art first. Plants under stress may have a bad reaction to any insecticide. Plants that are under stress from drought should be soaked with water the day before you treat them. You should always test your mixture first on just one leaf on your plant. If it is fine the next day, your solution should be OK to use. It is better not to spray your plants in the middle of the day. Full sun (especially on hairy plants) can turn the water droplets into little magnifying glasses which can burn the leaves.  

Many garden pests like to hide underneath the leaves of plants. For best results aim upwards and get under that foliage. Aim directly at those bugs. You may need to spray your organic pesticide again in a few days if you have a heavy infestation of pests.

Making your own insecticidal soap is a great way to save money on your landscaping budget and keep your vegetable garden organic at the same time. 

How to Make Your Own Organic Insecticidal Soap and Keep Your Garden Chemical Free

Laura Zinkan is a writer in California. She cultivates a gardening site at http://www.theGardenPages.com with plant profiles, growing tips about succulents and native plants. She also cooks up http://www.MomsRetro.com where you can find retro art and kitchen tips for busy cooks. 2009 by Laura Zinkan. Article may be reprinted if author credit is given with a website link. All rights reserved.

How to Start a Vegetable Garden From Scratch!

1. Plot out your garden area. Decide on what you want to plant and how much room you will need to grow those plants. Also, the amount of sunlight is very important in picking out the proper placement of your garden. You will want an area that gets direct sunlight most for the day. Something else to take into account is the drainage of the land. You will not want your garden in a depressed area of land because water will tend to flood those areas and won't drain properly. I prefer using a slightly sloped piece of land or a flat piece of land that retains and drains water properly. Once you have chosen the location and size of you garden you will want to mark the boundaries of the garden with stakes or flags.

2. Next is the part of the job that will likely take the most time, preparing the soil. Preparing the soil means two things to me:

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A. Cutting and removing the sod. You have several options when deciding how you want to get rid of the grass and get down to the soil. If you have a very large garden you may want to hire somebody or rent the equipment (bobcat) to tear up the grass. If you own a rototiller (you can rent one), you can use this to remove the sod. There a two main types of tillers, front tine or rear tine. Rear tine tillers have the blades in the back of the machine and typically are a bit easier to use due to the fact that you (as the operator) get more weight/leverage over top the blades. Front tine tillers have the blades in the front and can be a bit harder to use on hard sod or compacted soil since there is not as much weight/leverage over top the blades to make them bite in as well as a rear tine tiller. If you have a very small garden area then you may also choose to use a shovel to tear up the sod. Personally, my brother and I used a tiller to tear up a rather large patch of land for our garden. We would run the tiller over the grass to break it up then rake the grass clumps into one large pile in the corner of our garden, which eventually decomposed to plain dirt. We had to run the tiller over the garden area several times and rake clumps of grass each time before we had a workable dirt area. This can be a back breaking task so make sure to take your time and rest occasionally.

How to Start a Vegetable Garden From Scratch!

B. Getting the soil ready to plant in. Plants will produce their best when they have a healthy, somewhat loose, soil to grow in. This means that you want a nutrient rich soil that retains just the right amount of moisture. You can take soil samples into many garden centers to get a test done. A soil test will tell you what you need to add or balance out in your soil. The three key nutrients in soil that you will need to worry about are: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Any and all of these nutrients can easily be added using organic or non-organic methods. Ask your garden center what you should use for your soil. I was fortunate with my garden because the land we put our garden on used to be old farm land and was great soil. We simply tilled the soil several times to loosen it up before we created rows.

3. Next you will want to create your rows and plant your seeds or seedlings. To do this, follow the directions for row and seed spacing on the back of your seed packages (you can also find all your planting information at the website listed in the resource box below). Many plants require 24" to 36" between rows. Make sure to leave adequate room between your rows to allow you to walk and/or till between them. I like to mark where my rows will be, by driving stakes into the ground on each end of the row and tying twine between the stakes (I use a tape measure to mark the distance between my stakes).

How to Start a Vegetable Garden From Scratch!

Steve Gunther is passionate about vegetable gardening. Though only introduced to gardening himself a couple of years ago, he has immersed himself in the gardening community. Steve is currently starting a website dedicated to vegetable gardening [http://getready2garden.com/] and a blog: http://getready2garden.blogspot.com/