Organic and Sustainable

Learn the basic principles and practices.

compost-10-practices-feature 10 Essential Practices for Organic and Sustainable Gardeners

Fill a garden with a wide variety of plants, including flowers and herbs, to attract many beneficial insects. Work compost into soil to increase soil’s ability to retain water and nutrients. Compost also supports beneficial soil microbes that help spur … Continue reading →

partner-with-nature-feature Partner with Nature

Most organic gardeners don’t try to eliminate pests entirely, but instead aim to keep pest populations below damaging levels. By doing this, they’re able to attract natural predators, which help kill pests. Predators include: spiders beneficial insects, such as ladybug, … Continue reading →

prevent-problems-feature How to Prevent and Solve Problems Organically

Because organic gardeners usually want to avoid using pesticides of any type, they grow plants in ways that help prevent pests and diseases from gaining a foothold. These techniques work in any garden—organic or not. Right plant, right place. Give … Continue reading →

feed-soil-feature Feeding the Soil Feeds Your Plants

Organic gardening is dynamic, with few hard and fast rules. But one “rule” in organic practice is to feed soil. Soil is the basis of everything you grow in your garden. If the soil isn’t healthy, the plants won’t be, … Continue reading →

organic-101-feature Organic and Sustainable Gardening 101

Most people think organic gardening is about growing plants without using synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. That’s just one aspect of it. Organic gardening is about trying to work in harmony with nature to cultivate an ecosystem where beneficial insects, natural … Continue reading →

Ground beetle How to Create Habitat for Beneficial Insects

Beneficial insects can be more than a happy accident in your yard. By taking active steps to create an insect-friendly habitat, you can encourage beneficials to take up residence in your landscape. When you cultivate a garden that supports and … Continue reading →

get-to-know-beneficials-feature Get to Know Common Beneficial Insects

Visit your garden at any hour, and you’re sure to encounter insects. Some buzz, others crawl, and still others scurry along. When you find an insect on one of your vegetables, it’s tough not to panic, especially if it’s clearly … Continue reading →