If you want to try your hand at growing your own organic flowers and vegetables but have no garden, don’t worry. Many people grow organic products successfully using a container. You can keep the container wherever is convenient or move it around if you need to.

A container describes any vessel which can hold soil. It might be natural, such as a clay or wooden container, or you can use an old wheelbarrow, plastic carton or bucket. As long as it is not going to fall to bits when watered, you can make use of it. It is important that your chosen container can drain because most plants dislike being over-watered. If the container does not have holes in it, you can make some with a drill or knitting needle, depending what the container is made out of. An inch or so of broken clay pots, gravel or pebbles in the bottom of the pot ensures good drainage, while a layer of leaf mold or ripped up paper on top of the clay or gravel can help to retain adequate moisture.

Living, organic soil is very important in organic container gardening. If you are using a garden, you can gradually add organic matter to the existing soil but if you plan to use a container, you need to begin with organic soil. You need organic soil, capable of holding water without drenching the plants’ roots too much because there is no subsoil in the container. Adding peat moss to the organic soil is a good way to do that. You can grow organic products in peat moss by itself without adding soil if you prefer.

Depending on the size of your chosen container, you can grow whatever you like in it. As long as the pot is big enough, you can choose from herbs, tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, lettuce and many other vegetables. Organic seeds and plants should be used for organic gardening to produce a true organic product, but as long as you don’t plan to sell the product, it is up to you. It can be fun to experiment!

Pest control is much easier in organic container gardening than in regular gardening. You can see the whole plant and pick off bugs such as hookworms. You can bring it to a faucet to wash the leaves and stem when the plant is in a pot instead of in the garden. You probably won’t see cutworms if you are using containers but you might find slugs. Simply sprinkle diatomaceous earth on the soil around your produce to get rid of them.

If aphids make a home on your plant, you can sort this problem out by buying a pack of ladybugs which will eat the aphids without destroying your produce.

Anyone can have a go at organic container gardening. It is easy and can be very satisfying to grow your own food. Organic food tastes so good too. If you can place your container in a sheltered area with natural light, it is possible to grow produce in it throughout the year.

Biodegradable waste is a type of compost that has elements which breakdown more easily. Bioplastics are plastics that come from plants sources like hemp and soy beans as well as corn starch, as opposed to traditional plastics which are derived from petroleum. Biodegradable waste is cheap and good for our environment. These types of plastics degrade when they’re exposed to oxygen or light however it is not a microbial degradation and this does not happen in a commercial compost bin or unit.

Bioplastics are seeing a lot of popularity in Europe. They have been reported as accounting for up to 60% of the market for biodegradable materials market. The most common end use market is for packaging which is a continually growing market segment and upon which many entrepreneurs have capitalized.

Synthetic fibers and green waste are two other forms of popular biodegradable waste. There s a large variety of synthetic fibers that are used in place of those natural fibers. These fibers, polypropylene and polyethylene, may be incorporated into paper as a way of imparting desirable physical properties. These elements usually come from living organisms such as animals and plants.

Green waste is waste which can biodegrade, it ’s usually made up of grass cuttings, old flowers, bushes or tree trimmings as well. Generally any type of cuttings from either a park or a garden. Green waste is often collected in municipal curbside collection schemes Biodegradable waste is good.

Nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus will be produced naturally by the feeding of microorganisms, so few if any soil amendments will need to be added. When we begin composting humus is our goal. The organic matter provided in compost provides food for microorganisms, which keeps the soil in a healthy, balanced condition Humus is our goal when we start composting.

When plant matter dies, what ever is left is consumed by microorganisms from the soil and eventually it is turned into humus. Natural decomposition occurs anywhere there are plants. Some organic materials are broken down more easily than others Decomposition occurs naturally.

If the area in a compost heap turns toxic to a particular type of decomposer, it will die, or become dormant, sometimes they shift to other parts of the compost heap. Decomposition occurs anywhere plants grow. The elements vital to a healthy compost heap need oxygen and water in order to decompose the material correctly. Plants are subject to natural decomposition. The changing conditions inside the compost bin create a consistently evolving environment inside the pile. Decomposition occurs naturally anywhere plants grow.

The greatest compost mix is produced by balancing green and brown materials. The greatest compost mix is produced from a balance of green materials like fruit and brown materials like paper. The best type of compost is made up of three parts fibrous loam, one part peat, one part leaf mold and one part coarse sand or grit. Compost that has great success rates is generally at the BOTTOM of the pile.

The best compost is achieved using the anaerobic preparation instead of the aerobic preparation. The best type of compost is produced when the correct amount of air is present. The greatest compost mix is made In Tennessee. Compost that has great success rates is probably that which you make yourself. The local garden center produces compost simply by adding items to a compost heap when you feel like it. I produce compost in 21 days using the landfill method.

Anyway you do it, there is a complex process in play when biodegradation takes place.

The most important part of organic gardening is to nourish the soil. Your plants will take their nourishment from the soil, and will only be as healthy as the soil is. The healthier your plants, the fewer of them will fall victim to garden pests. The soil, therefore, is the most important part of organic farming or gardening. Feed the soil, and the soil will feed the plants. Fee the soil compost tea, and you will have healthy, productive plants.

Compost tea for organic farming or gardening is easily made. You won’t need a teapot or hot, boiling water, but you will need the best compost you can purchase or make.

Compost is organic material produced when bacteria in the soil cause garbage and biodegradable trash to decompose. It is an organic fertilizer. Making compost requires regular turning of the pile, mixing the materials in it, and exposing them to air. It is an ongoing process, and is a good way to recycle kitchen scraps and other vegetable matter.

Compost tea for organic farming or gardening will only be as good as the compost you use to make it.

Reasons for Making Compost Tea

There are a number of organic fertilizers you can use on your organic garden or farm. Why would you want to get involved in brewing, straining, and spraying compost tea? Why not just work fresh compost directly into the soil?

The main reason for making compost tea for organic farming or gardening is that it helps you increase compost ’s benefits. Compost tea can be sprayed on your plants’ leaves to reduce leaf disease. Sprayed compost tea can give your plants additional nutrients besides what they absorb through their roots.

Studies have shown that compost tea can increase the nutritional value of the vegetables that come to your table. It can also improve their flavor.

Compost Tea Recipe

Compost tea for organic farming or gardening can be mixed in large or small quantities, as needed. Our compost tea recipe is for a small quantity – about 2.5 gallons.

You will need these “aquarium” items from a pet store:

* 8 to 10 feet of air tubing
* 1 gang valve
* 3 bubblers, i.e. air stones
* 1 pump, large enough to run the 3 bubblers
* 2 5-gallon plastic buckets
* 1 stirring tool or stick
* 1 small bottle of organic unsulfured molasses
* 1 Tablespoon measure
* 1 old pillowcase or half of pantyhose for straining

Water: Well water may be used as is for compost tea, but water from a municipal supply contains chlorine, which will kill the beneficial organisms you need in your compost tea. Run the bubblers in municipal supply water for at least an hour before using it for compost tea.

Directions for Making Your Compost Tea

1. Hang the gang valve on the rim of one empty bucket.

2. Arrange the 3 bubblers on the bucket ’s bottom. Cut 3 lengths of air tubing long enough to connect the bubblers to the gang valve. Leave an inch extra on each so they will not be dislodged when adding compost. Connect one end of each tube to a bubbler, the other end to the gang valve.

3. Add compost loosely on top of the bubblers (don’t pack) until the bucket is about one half full.

4. Cut a piece of tubing long enough to go from the gang valve to your pump. Attach both ends.

5. Add water to the bucket of compost until it is between 2 and 4 inches from the top.

6. Turn on the pump, and watch to be sure the bubblers are all activated.

7. When all 3 bubblers are working, add 2 Tablespoons of the molasses, and stir quickly. The molasses will feed the organisms you want to grow. After stirring, reposition the bubblers to be sure they are spaced evenly and sitting on the bottom.

8. Stir your compost tea several times each day. After each stirring, check the bubblers to be sure they are spaced evenly and sitting on the bottom.

9. Your compost tea will be done in 3 days. Turn off the pump, and remove the bubblers, etc. If you cannot use your compost tea immediately, continue aerating, but add 2 more Tablespoons of molasses to keep good organisms active.

Let the finished compost tea stand until the compost is well settled to the bottom. This should require 15 to 25 minutes. Strain the compost tea into your second bucket. Pour into a sprayer and apply.

Organic fruit and vegetable boxes are gaining in popularity as consumers become increasingly alarmed by the dangers of pesticide residue. Organic fruit and vegetable boxes are not available in every place, but some places have wonderful programs that accept standing orders.

In London, organic fruit and vegetable boxes are delivered weekly. It ’s a great way to get nutritional organic fruit and vegetables without relying on a local market. A typical box delivered in May might contain fresh organic fruit and vegetables such as broad beans, carrots, cauliflower, celery, lettuce, loquats, onions, pears, potatoes, radishes, rhubarb, spinach, and tomatoes.

London organic fruit and vegetable boxes offer families a range of fresh organic fruit and vegetables. Box contents change from week to week, and from season to season. Organic fruit and vegetables that are at their peak locally are chosen. If certain produce cannot be grown locally, imported organic fruit such as bananas, for example, are included.

London organic fruit and vegetable boxes are sold according to family size. Small boxes of organic fruit and vegetables suit a couple; medium boxes feed 3 people; large boxes feed 4.

Customers simply go online and order the size of organic fruit and vegetable boxes they want. They may then add extra organic fruit and vegetables. They tell how many weeks they want to receive boxes, and give a name and address. The boxes are delivered automatically as many weeks as they wish.

Some organic fruit and vegetable box shippers in Great Britain include the option of organic items such as eggs, cheese, jam, and salmon.

After finding 7 London organic fruit and vegetable boxes, we found many more throughout England, Scotland, and Wales.

Other Organic Fruit and Vegetable Programs

The organic fruit and vegetable boxes of Great Britain are not alone in offering shipment of organic fruit and vegetables. Other companies are also providing fresh organic fruit and vegetables with the convenience of delivery. Many offer weekly or bi-weekly deliveries that you can start, stop, or hold at any time.

Organic fruit and vegetable boxes may contain a vegetable or organic fruit that you have never prepared. Most of these companies take that into consideration, and offer online recipes. Some organic fruit and vegetable box delivery companies also invite subscription to a regular newsletter.

Here are a few organic fruit and vegetable box shippers we found in other English-speaking countries. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list.

1. Australia: Organic fruit and vegetable boxes in Australia and New Zealand make it easier for customers in the country areas to have fresh organic produce, even if they themselves can’t engage in organic gardening. We found regular delivery of organic fruit and vegetable boxes in Perth and western Australia - in Melbourne and Victorian areas – and in the Sydney area.

2. Canada: from British Columbia eastward to Ontario and beyond, many Canadians also enjoy home delivery of organic fruit and vegetable boxes. We found a great place in Ontario that named their box sizes, small to large: Harvest, Family Harvest, and Super Harvest. Like others, their box contents change weekly due to seasonal changes, but you can visit their website to hear what ’s in your box ahead of time. If you don’t like an organic fruit or vegetable that ’s scheduled, you can make substitutions. Another great option offered by the same company is the opportunity at sign-up to indicate items you never want to receive!

3. New Zealand: Organic fruit and vegetable boxes from Auckland are delivered across New Zealand ’s North Island in a plan similar to those found in Great Britain and Australia. On New Zealand ’s South Island, customers can order organic fruit and vegetable boxes from shippers in Nelson and the Canterbury area. A 5-year old in the Nelson, New Zealand area summed up the fun of getting surprise organic fruit and vegetables in a box each week: “I like your veggies that come in the box. Thank you.” Lara.

4. United States: Organic fruit and vegetables from Texas are available online for shipment to various parts of the U.S. On most websites, you type in your zip code to see if delivery is available in your area. Organic fruit and vegetable boxes from Texas feature a wide variety of produce. Climate makes these boxes available year round. Organic fruit and vegetable boxes from California, Oregon, and Florida are also plentiful. You can find shippers that ship to all 48 contiguous states, usually with next-day delivery.

Suggestion

If you are a member of a group that would like to help a family in need, you could arrange weekly delivery of organic fruit and vegetable boxes to the home or office. To be truly helpful, do it anonymously.

One of the largest time consumers in the organic gardening arena is taking care of weeds. Most regular gardeners will go to the store and buy several containers of herbicides and pesticides and weedkiller in an attempt to thwart these evil intruders that will inevitably overtake your garden area and possibly kill off all of the plants that you are nurturing. If you decide to take the time every day to pull the weeds, depending upon the size of your garden area, this could take several hours a day. If you are a working person, this is probably not a good choice in that your time is limited but you do want your organic garden to grow and flourish. One of the easiest ways to combat weeds is with organic compost. Here are a few tips on how to use organic compost to help battle weeds that will pop up in your garden.

Every person has the ability to start their own mulch pile. Mulch is simply the result of your organic waste from your regular eating habits that you place into a pile with soil and other organic materials. Over time, this next year will begin to decompose as a natural process and will eventually lead to a dark brown material that you can place in your soil or on the topsoil as you are about to learn. Composting is the process that actually will create the organic compost that you will need. The mulch is actually the non-processed early configuration of your organic waste as it begins the decomposition process. Either one is fine to use as a way to cover your crop but you may decide on which is better for you based upon the amount of time that you have during the day.

If you are limited by time, one of the easiest ways to use organic compost to prevent weeds is to start a mulch pile several months before you are about to begin planting. Because it would be at the very least unsightly to throw your organic waste on top of your planted garden area, starting a mulch pile so that the composting process may begin, months later you will have, depending upon the size of your pile, enough mulch and compost to begin covering the topsoil in your garden.

There are various reasons that you would like to cover your crop. This could be due to weather or a need to retain water in your garden area, but for this particular purpose, you want to lay on a thick layer of compost on top of the soil on and around your plants in your garden area in order to stifle the growth of weeds.

Weeds are a very prolific plant which can grow in areas that most plants cannot. You might even see them growing out of the sides of walls or on the sides of buildings where it would not be logical for any kind of a plant to grow or have the ability to grow. Weeds, however, are not completely indestructible and do require the same basic needs that most plants require including sunlight, soil, air, and of course water.

By laying a very thick layer of compost on the topsoil of your garden, you will be eliminated in a very crucial element that is necessary for all weeds to grow and that is adequate sunlight. By removing their ability to quickly get to the sunlight, we needs will inevitably die because they cannot get above your thick organic compost layer.

In essence, not only will the mulch keep the weeds from the sunlight but at the same time we’ll provide protection for your crops as you grow them in the form of weather erosion protection and keeping the ground level at an even temperature so that the real crops can begin to grow. Likewise, essential nutrients in the ground that would be taken by the weeds will now be safe as the weeds again to die and only your organic plants begin to flourish.

Therefore, by taking the time to plan ahead and creating your own little system for taking your organic waste outside and placing it into a bin or a covered pile so that it can begin to decompose, you will create for yourself a natural and free layer of protection for your up and coming garden. You could also go to your local store and purchase humus or some kind of composting material in a bag which would also work in the same manner.

The bottom line is that either one will protect not only your plants that you are growing but also give you many more hours of free time that she would otherwise lose trying to protect your organic garden by stopping the inevitability of weed growth.

An organic herb farm can be rewarding financially, physically, and emotionally. Even a small organic herb farm can produce a good harvest. You can use the herbs yourself, or sell them for profit at a farmer ’s market. You will want to plan, of course. You will need to learn a number of things before getting started with an organic herb farm.

Organic Herb Farm Plans

Organic herb farm plans begin with determining how large a space you will allot to growing organic herbs. Herbs do not require as much space as many organic vegetables require. You can reap a good harvest in a small space.

You will want to plan, too, what types of herbs you will plant. There are three main categories.

1. Culinary ???‚¬??? herbs valued for their taste
2. Medicinal ???‚¬??? herbs valued for healing power
3. Scented ???‚¬??? herbs valued for their fragrance

Organic herb farm plans often use all three, but some limit the farm to one type. Some organic herb farms grow only one herb. Think about whether there are any organic herbs you consider “must-haves” and whether there are some you really do not want to grow.

Once you have decided on space and the type of organic herbs you will grow, you need to test your soil. Is it chalky, clay, loam, or sandy? The type of soil you have will play a part in your organic herb farm plans. Test it, or have it tested so that you know. Determine whether the soil is well drained. Is the location sunny, shady, or mixed sun and shade? Will parts of your organic herb farm be exposed to wind?

Organic Herb Farm Layout

Your organic herb farm plans will need to include a layout. Use graph paper, or a computer program with a graph. On your graph paper, mark north and south. Then draw in the basic shape of your planned farm. Use a key. For example, 1 square on the graph equals 1 square yard. Draw any buildings, walls, ponds, streams, trees, or other obstacles. Indicate how tall the trees are, since this will affect sunlight. Indicate areas that are especially damp or dry.

Use your farm layout to select seeds or healthy herb plants. You can buy bulk organic herb seeds, sometimes at wholesale prices. Consider your soil and climate in selecting plants or seeds. Most nurseries or farm suppliers can give you guidance in these matters.

You may want to arrange plants according to color, If soil, sun, shade, and wind conditions allow. Or you may group organic herbs that offer benefits to one another on the farm. Here are three examples of good groups.

1. Germander, lavender, rosemary, sage, and thyme
2. Cilantro, lemon balm, lemon verbena, oregano, parsley, and thyme
3. Basil, mint, oregano, and thyme

Organic herbs are among the most beneficial plants you can grow. The plants will attract insects to your organic herb farm. Count on the help of bees, birds, and butterflies to enhance pollination and increase harvest.

Your organic herb farm plans should take advantage of the fact that those who grow organic herbs create a beautiful landscape, teeming with wildlife.

On the face of it learning how to grow an organic garden is actually quite easy. The basic rule is to make sure you use 100% organic products. These are products that are chemical and pesticide free.

Most of us have tried growing a garden at one point or another and you’ve probably had mixed success. If it ’s not working out you many want to first test the soil to determine how healthy it is and what it ’s balance is. You should take a sample of the soil where you intend planting your organic garden. You’ll want to find the best soil possible to plant your organic garden.

Everyone has different reasons for growing a garden, especially an organic garden. Perhaps you want to supplement your family with food that you grow yourself because organic food from the store is quite expensive. Or, perhaps you live in a place that is remote and difficult to get access to good produce so it is easier for you to grow an organic garden. Or perhaps it ’s just for fun of it! It can be really satisfying to grow and eat your own organic vegetables.

Whatever your reason might be, an organic garden is the best way for you to go. But, you might be wondering, how do you grow an organic garden and get the best out of it? Of course the type of garden you choose to plant is entirely up to you, but you should plan for your garden just the same.

Making Your Organic Garden a Success

There are actually many ways to grow an organic garden. The only thing that makes it an organic garden is that absolutely no chemicals can be used when it comes to growing the food. You have to use only natural products and this includes fertilizers and bug repellent as well. With the growing popularity of organic produce, it ’s easy to find organic fertilizers and bug repellent at your local nursery or plant store.

One of the best things that you can before growing an organic garden is to make sure that you have done your research. First, you should determine the kind of environment that you live in and what things you are going to have to protect your garden against. Then, you will need to know what products you can use to grow an organic garden and the difference in the variety and availability of all-natural products. Finally you should find out what products grow best for your climate and especially in your soil. If you have poor soil, you can still grow good produce in planter boxes, where you have more control over the growing environment.

Time to Plant your Organic Garden

Once you have determined the things you need to be aware of and you’ve figured out what you can do to prevent your garden from having any problems, you are ready to begin. Simply choose the foods that you want to grow and be sure that you are planting them correctly. Follow all of the directions that came with the plant, including it ’s sunlight exposure, how deep it should be planted and how much space it needs to grow.

You should choose a place to plant where you have never used chemicals, as chemicals stay in the soil for a long time. It might be necessary for you to bring in top soil to use, especially in poor soil or clay soil areas.

Caring For Your Organic Garden

Regular maintenance is necessary for the best results. Following the directions for your plants and finding out how to look after them are good things to do. Learning how to care for an organic garden is very important. There are many resources available on the internet as well as your local store to help you.

You should weed your garden whenever weeds appear. This will keep the weed down, reduce, (or eliminate), the need for weed killer and help the plants to grow at their best. Regular watering is also needed and regular organic fertilization will help your plants grow big and strong.

Also you should protect the organic garden from run offs and from other chemicals that might be used nearby. Once you have done this, you can feel secure in the fact that you are doing your part to help not only the environment, but your health as well.

Learning how to grow an organic garden is easy, with a few tips your garden will blossom in no time!

With the daily buzz surrounding both global weather problems and the need for cheaper and better energy to heat and cool our homes, simple landscaping solutions can make your life easier.

Trying to keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer have been primary concerns and, in many cases, budget disasters, for average families everywhere. Several natural disasters throughout the world have forced everyone to deal with higher energy costs - every day, natural gas and oil prices seem to spiral upward and there doesn`t seem to be any relief in sight.

When beauty meets function, your landscaping can conserve energy in your home while providing wonderful views for your enjoyment. By effectively arranging your landscape to meet specific energy needs, you could save up to 30 per cent on the cost of your heating bills. Conversely, in the summer time, who wants a hot stuffy house with a fan constantly whirring away or, worse still, an even more `expensive to run` air conditioning system?

Using landscaping to conserve energy involves three separate but related considerations

1. The wind`s movement has to be focused in order to manage the effects of it blowing through your house

2. The sun`s heat needs to be redirected effectively throughout your property

3. Your inside temperature, whether warm or cool, needs to be maintained

Believe it or not, you do not have to become Mother Nature to accomplish this result. Simple changes and additions to your garden can accomplish miracles by reducing your energy costs dramatically and, of course, the `knock on` effect on our environment.

Redirecting The Wind

One of the primary contributors to lowering home temperatures is the wind that blows at your house. Even if you have all your windows tightly closed, the frigid winter wind cools your walls and foundations and reduces your inside temperature.

This winter wind often carries a much colder blast than the actual static outside temperatures. Your heating bills will reflect this `wind driven` assault.

You can ease some of this money drain by planting effective windbreaks that include evergreens or other trees native to your location. In fact, even fences placed in strategic locations can serve as windbreaks and can be decorative year round.

Keeping the Heat In

Shrubs and bushes that are planted close to the foundations and walls of the house create what is called a `dead air barrier`. This buffer along the foundation of the house helps the warm or cold air inside your house to avoid the natural, equalizing energy transfer that wastes your money.

Redirecting the Sunlight

The summer sun is one of the main culprits of increasing heat inside your home. When the sun`s rays hit your home directly, 90 per cent of this heat goes into heating up your walls and foundations. This directly increases the burden on your fans or air-conditioning system. In order to block the sun during the peak times, you need to locate trees in your garden either west or south of your house.

One of the key considerations in landscaping includes the various weather conditions that prevail in the area. This means taking into consideration where the sun shines and what path the sunlight takes. Pay attention to the sun`s path over your house during the summer and the winter. Go outside frequently and take notes so you can make educated decisions when you start planting.

By putting specific trees near to your house, you are effectively reducing temperatures inside the home in the summer. Huge shade trees in particular can reduce temperatures up to 10 degrees F. In the winter, dense, deciduous trees that shed foliage allow for sunlight to pass through the branches, providing some warmth to your walls, foundations and inside your home.

Now that you understand the three modifications you need to apply to your garden to naturally control your home`s temperature, let`s discuss how to do that.

Making Your Garden Energy Efficient

A pretty landscape can only go so far. As mentioned above, efficient landscaping that takes into consideration energy needs, may well save a family more then 30 per cent of their usual heat or cooling costs, either in the winter or summer.

So how do you make an energy efficient garden? There are various things that can be considered in both existing and `soon to be developed` landscapes.

One of the primary culprits in the wasting of energy is the warm or cool inside air that escapes through the home`s roof, windows and doors. In order to keep your heated or cool air inside the home, the obvious answer is to add some insulation to block this escape. Adding insulation, though, will not be the total answer.

You need outside protection all year. The best way to achieve this protection is by planting shrubbery around the home`s foundations. As mentioned above, this creates a `dead air barrier`, keeping the heat and cool inside the home where it matters. Experts suggest that not planting the shrubbery too close to the house`s foundation helps to give an increased area for the `dead air barrier`. How about that for natural insulation?

Landscaping is a `win win` situation. Beautifying your surroundings and reducing your heating and cooling costs will benefit everyone.

If you are a cook or a chef, or just simply enjoy tasty food that is seasoned with herbs, one of the best things you can do for yourself and your family is to begin to grow your own herbs. At the local supermarket, purchasing herbs on a regular basis, especially if you use them frequently, can be very expensive. However, with a simple plan of action, and a few solid tips, you can begin to grow your own organically grown herbs in the comfort of your home or outside if you have the space to do so. Here are three easy steps that you can take in order to begin growing organic herbs without all of the hassle and price when buying them at your local store.

First of all, you will need a few things in order to begin. You can purchase most of these things and use them for years without needing to invest again or at least for some time. Other things must be purchased on a regular basis and they are low cost, especially when compared against the yields that you will have from your organic herbs that will be grown in a natural and healthy way.

You will of course need some organic fertilizer. This can be purchased at your local nursery or if you are an avid gardener already, or someone that does worm composting on the side, you can use some of your freshly produced organic fertilizer for this process. In fact, it would be better if you make the fertilizer yourself as homegrown compost seems to work much better for most people.

If you do not have your own compost pile in your backyard, but you do not want to buy non organic fertilizer, you should probably begin this process well before the planting season begins. The process that I am talking about is creating a compost pile or buying a compost bin so that you can begin to utilize the natural chemical processes that will occur via the composting process or you can procure some red worms and place them in a bin specifically designed for vermicomposting in order for the worms to begin creating compost for you.

Another possibility is that you can use what are called fish emulsions as an alternative to the composting process or purchasing compost outright. Fish emulsions are also a product that you can purchase from almost any horticulture resource or online store and have it sent to your home in no time at all.

You will also need some planting containers, a couple of watering cans that you can use to water your herbal crops, a soil scoop or gardeners hand fork, some mulch and of course the herb seed you are going to use in order to grow the organic herbs of your choice.

Before planting, also realize that some herbs are in dire need of sunlight on an almost full time basis whereas others prefer partial shade. Also, some herbs are suitable for growing in small pots that you can sit in your windowsill whereas others prefer to be planted in larger containers. Your other alternative is to plant them in the natural environment outside but that of course depends upon where you live and the climate that is best suited for each plant. So whether you are growing basil, chives, or parsley, make sure that the place that you will be growing them is best suited for their optimal growth.

The next thing you must do is mix your soil. By taking soil from the ground perhaps from an old garden area and placing it in the pots, you will now need to mix in your fertilizer in the form of compost from either your compost pile or the worm bin, or if you decided to purchase something else such as fish emulsion, simply mix that according to directions into water in order to get the proper mix for your herbal plants to grow. Most herbs prefer to be slightly undernourished than overfertilized.

Once done, plant each of your seeds and make sure that you label what each one is. Make sure that you place each pot or container in the appropriate area so that each herb receives the proper amounts of sunlight once it begins to grow as well as the correct seed germinating temperature. This process to prepare your herb garden should take just a few hours depending upon how many herbs you are deciding to grow and how long it takes you to mix your soil for each potting container. You should also check on the pH of the soil in order to determine if it has the proper balance. There are many pH testing tools that you can purchase on the cheap that will ensure that the acidic and base levels are at the proper level. Most herbs prefer a slightly acidic ph to grow in.

Finally, it is time to write your daily schedule in order to take care of your plants in the seedling stage. By creating a check list of the things you need to do such as checking pH levels, watering, making sure that they are in the proper areas and at the proper temperatures, this will ensure that your herbal crops will grow to completion in record time and you can begin enjoying the organic herbs that you love to eat in no time at all. Also, remember that herbs love to be pruned while they are growing. This will create bushier plants and more herbs to harvest in the long run.

There are as many definitions of organic as there are farmers in Iowa. So it is up to you to select your own level of purity and focus. You may choose to be absolutely chemical-free or to accept some level of commercial intervention. Much will depend upon your available time as well as your willingness to get down and dirty with the gross and smelly.

Any organic intervention in your life is better than none, so take the information that fits your needs and begin. Who knows? That first step into the world of independent gardening may free you enough to catapult you into full-fledge organic farming at its best.

Composting
What is considered one man??™s garbage is another man??™s treasure. For organic purists composting is almost canon, although not absolutely necessary for organic gardening. Because it is messy and aromatic, some may choose to purchase composted soil or products already composted rather than to learn this age-old method.

The process of composting is the science of decomposition in a controlled environment, such as a big garbage can, a 5 ft. x 5 ft. hole in the ground, or an expensive purchased drum that turns automatically. It provides a faster process of breaking down once-living matter into enriched soil and nutrients perfect for the health of your garden. The compost gardener does all possible to recycle appropriate wastes of any living matter, along with a healthy supply of bacteria (purchased or naturally available in the soil from hard work and time.)

To compost, use and accumulate all fruit, vegetable, and grain scraps throughout the year. Yes, this takes time and might not produce a parfum de toilet that tickles your nose, but you will reap the benefits by producing fruits and vegetables that are packed full of the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Recycling left-over food wastes, leaves, grasses and hay is at the core of organic gardening at its finest and well worth the effort.

Compost must be turned faithfully to oxygenate the matter. The oxygen is required to heat and decompose the food into nutrients and soil in a timely manner. Without the oxygen that is provided by turning, the material will have to take its natural time to change into soil. Although this is acceptable, many gardeners want to use the recycled wastes within the next six months and are willing to put in the biweekly labor of turning the compost. Some may roll the drum of ???brown gold??? around the yard while others may enjoy turning it by hand with a pitchfork.

Fertilizing
Without fertilizing additives (natural or chemical), plants will be stunted and unhealthy. Organic gardeners may use compost to augment the nutrients in the soil and to improve the texture and good bacteria, but most compost should not totally replace fertilizing additives. Cynthia Boruff, a gardener of fifty years, told us that she annually adds to her garden: compost, chicken manure, alfalfa tea (after the plants are at least six inches tall), and her special formula for fertilizer.

???Since I do not rely on commercial chemical fertilizers, I vary my organic methods to insure a broader spectrum of nutrients,??? states Cynthia. ???My formula that replaces purchased fertilizer is a combination of blood meal, bone meal, and dolomite (or agriculture lime) in equal proportions. I mix it into the soil at the time of setting the young seedlings or planting the seed. It has never failed me yet! My corn is the biggest in the county and my vegetables are award-winning.???

Gardeners who don??™t use chemical fertilizers practice crop rotation??”a common technique to lessen the amount of fertilizer needed. This will help to prevent depletion of nutrients specific to individual species of plants by rotating vegetable beds or rows. As an example, organic gardeners will plant carrots in a specific row one year and plant a different vegetable in that spot the next season. Since different plants require different amounts of key nutrients, the soil will not be depleted and less organic fertilizer is needed.

Seed Selection
Depending on your definition of ???organic,??? you may choose to purchase seeds from a universal standard seed catalog or from an organic seed farm. The differences vary from multi-generational hybrids and genetically engineered plants/seeds on one end of the spectrum to heritage or heirloom seeds on the other.

Purists on the organic side religiously purchase only heirloom seeds because these seeds have had little change over decades, sometimes even centuries. Pure high-protein bean seeds used by the Anazasi have managed to survive in tact these past centuries and have been handed down generation to generation for hundreds of years. Heritage farms have kept the purity of the bean and offer the seeds by catalog purchase. The same is true of a bean variety that the Pilgrims brought over on the Mayflower. The catalogs usually boast seventy-five to one hundred different plant seeds, sometimes with very interesting histories.

Heirloom seed catalogs are available via the internet, but it is more fun to collect the seeds or catalogs from other organic gardeners or heritage seed club members. Once seed has been acquired, it is necessary to learn how to harvest and store the seed properly to maintain quality control for the next season and to protect the purity of the heirloom seed. While it is interesting to think of an entire garden of only heirloom plants, gardeners may find themselves disappointed with the final product. Without the science of hybridizing, some historic products may be small or not as tasty.

Winifred Meidinger, a 90-year old gardener, collects her heirloom seeds each year for the following season??™s planting. She especially loves her tomatoes and zucchini that have been handed down generation to generation for the last one hundred years. Ms. Meidinger enjoys the taste and texture of her produce and has a sense of pride in knowing she is one of the few gardeners holding to the heirloom philosophy. Many find it fascinating to keep in touch with the past by using the same seeds the pioneers used??”unadulterated by modern science.

Heirloom seeds are absolutely organic, but not all organic seeds are ???heirloom.??? Organic seeds are not genetically engineered and are not chemically treated prior to purchase. Most organic farmers purchase mainly from organic seed catalogs. But they will also buy seed from standard catalogs if it is the best way to get the desired taste or texture of a particular fruit.

Standard seeds, from the store and most catalogs, are frequently powdered with chemicals to prevent mold or fungus growth and to ward off deterioration in the soil before germination. While there are organic methods to do the same precautionary measures without chemicals, few gardeners know the techniques to protect the seeds. These methods should be researched in organic farming books and magazines. Such approaches include planting in paper towels, or how to properly collect and dry seeds.

Bruised Knuckles
The benefits of organic gardening far out-weigh the work load. But the amount of time down in the dirt is far greater than standard chemical gardening. It requires time picking bugs off of plants, time placing jars of natural attractants and boards on moist ground to trick insects into captivity, time working manure and teas into the soil??”all of this instead of the easy chemical fix. The advantage is health from chemical-free produce for you and your family, as well as physical and spiritual balance from the daily physical exercise required to nurture your garden.

In years past the knowledge of organic gardening was handed down from generation to generation, as well as a basketful of tricks to make the job easier. Today, it is a risk for good produce the first season or two if you are a beginning organic farmer — unless a mentor is nearby to offer helpful hints. However, there are hundreds of books, articles, and internet resources to help the new gardener become successful. Even that takes time, though.

Organic farming is a noble pursuit that requires perseverance. This resolve will remind you of your ancestors and your past each time you pick up a handful of composted soil or preserve an heirloom seed. It will keep you looking to the future — jumping over and around your present day problems — to the seeds that you will purchase, the produce that will be picked, the new recipes and uses you will concoct. For that you won??™t mind a few scrapes, an aching back, or bruised knuckles. It will all be worth it because philosophically, it is where you want to be.