Learn America's Gardening Tips

"What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Soil isn’t just dirt. It is alive; teeming with tons of organisms per acre. Earthworms come to mind first, but microorganisms comprise a greater weight per acre than worms! Without these microbes, life as we know it would not exist. Soil microbes control the flow of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur and other soil nutrients. Microbes flourish when the soil nutrients are in balance. Essentially, when we add fertilizer, we are feeding the microbes, which then release nutrients to, or "feed", plants. Some soil microbes even produce substances which help to control plant diseases.

What does it mean to garden organically? According to Rodale's Organic Gardening, "The simple answer is that organic gardeners don't use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides on their plants. But gardening organically is much more than what you don't do. When you garden organically, you think of your plants as part of a whole system within Nature that starts in the soil and includes the water supply, people, wildlife and even insects. An organic gardener strives to work in harmony with natural systems and to minimize and continually replenish any resources the garden consumes. Organic gardening, then, begins with attention to the soil. You regularly add organic matter to the soil, using locally available resources wherever possible. And everyone has access to the raw ingredients of organic matter, because your lawn, garden and kitchen produce them everyday. Decaying plant wastes, such as grass clippings, fall leaves and vegetable scraps from your kitchen, are the building blocks of compost, the ideal organic matter for your garden soil. If you add compost to your soil, you're already well on your way to raising a beautiful, healthy garden organically.

The other key to growing organically is to choose plants suited to the site. Plants adapted to your climate and conditions are better able to grow without a lot of attention or input; on the other hand, when you try to grow a plant that is not right for your site, you will probably have to boost its natural defenses to keep it healthy and productive."

"What does it mean to garden organically?The simple answer is that organic gardeners don't use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides on their plants. But gardening organically is much more than what you don't do. When you garden organically, you think of your plants as part of a whole system within Nature that starts in the soil and includes the water supply, people, wildlife and even insects. An organic gardener strives to work in harmony with natural systems and to minimize and continually replenish any resources the garden consumes. Organic gardening, then, begins with attention to the soil. You regularly add organic matter to the soil, using locally available resources wherever possible. And everyone has access to the raw ingredients of organic matter, because your lawn, garden and kitchen produce them everyday. Decaying plant wastes, such as grass clippings, fall leaves and vegetable scraps from your kitchen, are the building blocks of compost, the ideal organic matter for your garden soil. If you add compost to your soil, you're already well on your way to raising a beautiful, healthy garden organically.

The other key to growing organically is to choose plants suited to the site. Plants adapted to your climate and conditions are better able to grow without a lot of attention or input; on the other hand, when you try to grow a plant that is not right for your site, you will probably have to boost its natural defenses to keep it healthy and productive."

Brew a batch of compost tea to use on your containers and in your garden. Place 2 or 3 shovels of compost in a burlap bag, and tie the bag closed. Fill a 20-gallon trashcan with water. Let the bag soak in the can for a week or 10 days. Remove the bag from the trashcan and use the tea to water your plants. It supplies many nutrients and minerals to your plants.

In June fertilize your roses every 4-5 weeks. You can use a well-balanced liquid fertilizer made with seaweed and fish emulsion.

June is also a perfect time to divide your hostas. They need to be divided every 4-5 years. To divide, simply dig up each clump and slice it into a few pieces with your shovel. Replant in separate spots.

If you have some low land, be alert for any standing or stagnant water on your property. This is an ideal breeding location for mosquitoes. With the spread of the West Nile Virus these pests need to be kept in check. Use "Mosquito Dunks," a Bt formulation that works on mosquito larvae, in ponds that do not circulate freely. Change the water often, and clean your birdbaths on a regular basis.