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Organic gardening

Flowers that Attract Bees and other Pollinators

January 8, 2024

Flowers that Attract Bees and other Pollinators

There are many flowers that attract bees and other pollinators and other beneficial Insects. I prefer using native and popular perennials, as they don’t need to be replanted every year. They are likely to thrive for some years with proper care, such as adding compost annually and periodic division when they become oversized or overcrowded. The chart below is meant as a guide to help in your selection of the colors you want to incorporate into the garden, depending on the perennial and specific variety that you choose.
The blog provides insights into attracting bees and other pollinators to gardens, emphasizing the use of native and popular perennials that don’t require annual replanting. It also highlights the importance of flower diversity and timing to ensure continuous blooming throughout the year. Additionally, it discusses the significance of leaving certain vegetables behind to attract bees and the impact of pesticides on bee populations. The article aims to encourage readers to contribute to the preservation of pollinators by creating bee-friendly environments.

Maintenance, Organic gardening, Special techniques, Vegetables

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Garden the Organic Way Book!

November 28, 2023

Garden the Organic Way Book!

The book “Garden the Organic Way” is now available in softcover and would make a perfect holiday gift or reading material during the offseason gardening months. The book serves as a comprehensive guide to organic gardening, covering all stages from being an absolute beginner to harvesting delicious fruits and vegetables. It also emphasizes soil restoration and sustainable practices. It can help plan upcoming gardens, increase crop production, and enhance overall garden productivity. It’s available on Etsy via the link provided on the website.

Biological controls, Composting, Cool Weather Crops, Crop Rotation & Planting, Food For Thought, Garden planning, Insects and Diseases, Liquid Fertilizers, Maintenance, Making Compost Teas, Organic gardening, Planning the Garden, Raised Bed and Container Gardening, Soil Improvement, Special techniques, Vegetables, Warm Weather Crops

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Right time to Harvest

Right time to Harvest

Harvesting vegetables at their peak maturity is crucial for optimal taste, texture, and disease or insect resistance. Certain vegetables, like lettuce and mustard greens, become unpalatable if they are left to bolt or overheat. The author also warns about losing crops due to procrastination, as waiting too long can leave plants susceptible to pest infestations. Quick harvesting upon detecting such issues is necessary to prevent total crop loss.

Insects and Diseases, Maintenance, Organic gardening, Vegetables

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How To Build a Raised Bed

How To Build a Raised Bed

The video “Building a Raised Bed” demonstrates how to construct a raised bed for gardening. Raised beds are efficient, requiring fewer resources and producing larger yields, while preserving soil structure. They offer a fresh start with desired soil types and minimize organic matter addition. Using a raised bed also prevents soil compaction and improves aeration and root development, fostering healthier plants. The book “Garden the Organic Way” and my Udemy course on soils are recommended for deeper understanding.

Organic gardening, Raised Bed and Container Gardening, Special techniques

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Carrots are Not Germinating?

November 9, 2015

Carrots are Not Germinating?

Carrots have a slow germination rate, taking up to 30 days to germinate. It is recommended to use a fast-germinating companion plant like radishes or mark the seeding spot. More insights can be obtained from the book ‘Garden the Organic Way’ or the respective YouTube gardening videos.

Cool Weather Crops, Garden planning, Organic gardening, Special techniques, Vegetables

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The Loss of Farmland – The Diminishing Of Our Food part 3

September 29, 2015

The Loss of Farmland – The Diminishing Of Our Food part 3

The post emphasizes the importance of local food production due to the vulnerability of overseas dependency, especially amid increasing climate change. It states that unpredictable weather harms crops and reduces availability of local produce, increasing reliance on potentially unsafe and unregulated imports. The author urges consumers to buy from local growers, join sustainable agriculture initiatives, and learn to grow their own food organically to reduce carbon emissions, maintain food security, and create a healthier environment.

Food For Thought, Food Shortages, Misc, Organic gardening

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Growing Broccoli

September 8, 2015

Growing Broccoli

Growing broccoli, a nutrient-rich superfood from the cabbage family, requires special care. It thrives in full sun, cooler weather, and well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.5. Over-fertilizing or neglecting watering habits can hinder growth. Transplant indoors-grown broccoli outdoors once it has true leaves. Conversely, direct seed outdoors for fall harvest. Different varieties mature at different times, thus enabling a stretched harvest season. However, they face threats from pests like cabbageworms, flea beetles, and cutworms, so protective measures are necessary. Some recommend a three-year family rotation to prevent disease buildup.

Cool Weather Crops, Insects and Diseases, Organic gardening, Vegetables

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How To Grow Sweet Potatoes

How To Grow Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes, native to South America, are diverse; some resemble yams, and others, “Jerseys”, which cater to northern climates. They thrive in warm conditions, are drought-resistant and require well-drained soil. Plant slips derived from stored sweet potatoes in fertile soil and maintain adequate lighting and temperature for growth. These vegetables need periodic fertilization but refrain from pruning. During dry summers, water them thoroughly and reduce water prior to harvest to prevent rot. The whole plant is edible and can be harvested around 85 days post-planting. Ideally, sweet potatoes should be cured for 4-8 days before storage.

Organic gardening, Raised Bed and Container Gardening, Vegetables, Warm Weather Crops

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Growing peppers

Growing peppers

Peppers, originating from Latin America around 7500 BC, come in a wide variety of types and heat intensities, determined by the concentration of capsaicinoids. Growing peppers requires sunlight, well-drained soil, and ample space, and the plants may be susceptible to aphids and diseases like the cucumber mosaic virus. Harvest time varies from fifty to ninety days, usually depending on the pepper variety. Extreme heat peppers, reaching up to 2.2 million heat units, are even consumed by certain interest groups.

Organic gardening, Vegetables, Warm Weather Crops

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Growing Great Tomatoes

Growing Great Tomatoes

Growing great tomatoes is a rewarding endeavor, especially when done organically. Tomatoes, part of the nightshade family, are easy to grow and offer various types, sizes, and flavors. Understanding their growing requirements, such as warm temperatures, sunlight, and well-drained soil, is essential. Additionally, factors like staking, bloom length, disease resistance, and proper watering contribute to a successful harvest. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a bountiful crop of delicious, pesticide-free tomatoes.

Garden planning, Organic gardening, Vegetables, Warm Weather Crops

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Spring Tasks

Spring Tasks

Here in the Northeast gardening is in full swing in early spring. Some spring tasks are important to do early in the season, whether you are a beginner or a well-seasoned gardener. Soil Fertility: Here are the steps Want to increase your soil’s microbe population …

Cool Weather Crops, Garden planning, Liquid Fertilizers, Organic gardening, Soil Improvement, Vegetables

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Voles in The Garden

Voles in The Garden

Voles, resembling small hamsters, can quickly infest gardens, posing a threat to plants and vegetables. With a diverse diet including leaves, seeds, and bulbs, they can cause significant damage. These rodents live underground, creating extensive tunnel systems and storing food. To control their population, attracting natural predators like snakes, owls, and hawks can be effective. Additionally, implementing measures such as clearing garden debris, using mesh barriers, and turning compost regularly can help manage vole infestations.

Composting, Maintenance, Organic gardening, Special techniques

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Companion Planting

Companion Planting

Traditional research is mostly focused on chemicals, growth hormones, GMO’s, and an array of company-funded projects but not on companion planting. Few researchers are venturing out and doing innovative work that benefits the small individual gardener or small organic farm. But times are changing, and …

Biological controls, Garden planning, Organic gardening, Planning the Garden, Special techniques, Vegetables

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Growing Kohlrabi

Growing Kohlrabi

The provided information about growing kohlrabi is a comprehensive guide that covers various aspects of planting, maintenance, harvesting, and pest control. It includes details on the plant’s characteristics, ideal growing conditions, and practical tips for successful cultivation.
By following these guidelines, both novice and experienced gardeners can effectively grow kohlrabi and enjoy its nutritious bulbs and leaves.

Cool Weather Crops, Organic gardening, Vegetables

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Easiest Vegetables to Grow in Spring

February 14, 2015

Easiest Vegetables to Grow in Spring

The easiest vegetables to grow in spring are many. There are many vegetables that are truly easy to grow and, if you take the time to learn about each vegetable and a little patience, they are all easy. Having said that, there are some vegetables …

Cool Weather Crops, Organic gardening, Vegetables

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