Interesting facts and information about organic gardening
What is an organic garden?
An organic garden is grown and maintained using only natural fertilizers, fungicides, and pesticides. No chemicals are used at all. Organic gardening also considers the land and the environment. One must strive to replenish and nourish the soil.
What are the benefits of planting an organic garden?
* food is fresher and tastes better
* is better for the environment
* it is healthy and does not contain harmful chemicals
* it is cheaper than buying organic products from your local market
What is compost tea and how does it benefit my organic garden?
* Compost tea is an organic plant food.
* It is made from aged compost soaked in water
* Fights a number of plant diseases, including molds, wilts and pests.
* It is an excellent way to control the infiltration of insects.
* Creates a healthier plant environment by helping to grow beneficial bacteria in the soil
* Diluted compost tea can be used as a foliar spray. If you plan to buy compost, make sure it’s not too new. If the compost is too fresh, it can burn the plants.
What are some great recipes for natural pesticides and fungicides?
* Garlic and Onions: Crush the garlic and onion and mix with vegetable oil. It works very well as a fungicide and kills soft-bodied insects. *Hot Peppers – Mixed with the garlic spray, it does a great job of keeping rabbits away. It also kills soft-bodied insects with the strength of the acidity.
* Canola or Vegetable Oil: Pesticide must be diluted heavily with water or it will burn plants (3/4 cup/gallon H2O)
* Alcohol – Pesticide must be drastically diluted with water (1-3 Tbls/gal H2O)
* Apple Cider Vinegar – works as a mild fungicide and fertilizer (1-2 Tbls/gal H20)
* Cornmeal – works as an antifungal when put into compost tea
* Compost teas – mild fungicide and helps control diseases
* Cloves: works as a repellent for flying insects (4-5 tablespoons of ground cloves/gal H2O)
* Mild dish soap: can paralyze insects on direct contact. Associates with compost teas creating a sticky surface (1-2 cups/gal H2O
Some facts about organic gardening that you may find beneficial:
* Organic farming involves the use of insects to keep other insects and pests out. Ladybugs in early spring, for example, will help you get rid of spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, whiteflies, etc.
* Plant diseases can also be easily eliminated if you use organic products like Eco oil, this will help you keep insects at bay and get rid of those pesky critters.
* Studies have also shown that pesticides can be very harmful to young children and can cause long-term health problems in both children and adults.