Hey friends, I’m coming to St. Louis in May, and I would love to meet you. On May 5, I’ll be at a Flower Power Luncheon at Piper Palm House to benefit Tower Grove Park. And May 6, you can find me at Dillard’s Galleria, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., for a book signing and local launch of my new candle collection. Hope to see you!
As for gardening this time of year, it’s time to try organic gardening. It’s a great way to ensure that what you are eating is healthy and chemical-free, and it’s also a better practice for the environment. It may take a little more elbow grease to get your organic garden started, but the results will be endlessly satisfying—and Mother Nature will be there to help you along the way if you heed her advice.
soil
Soil is one of the most important elements in organic gardening. You must start with good, nutrient-rich soil to feed your plants, thus eliminating the need for commercial fertilizer. To boost the nutrients in your soil, amend it with organic materials such as composted manure or kitchen compost, which you can make using scraps from your refrigerator. Adding these organic materials to your soil will create a solid, healthy base that will allow your plants to absorb what they need to grow all season long.
weeds
Harsh weed killers have no place in an organic garden. Instead, practice prevention: Space plants close together to smother weeds, use mulch and pull weeds by hand.
fertilizer
Composting is essential for building a foundation of nutrient-rich soil, but sometimes your garden will need a little boost. There are many terrific organic fertilizers to try, plus standbys such as fish emulsion, blood meal, worm castings, or composted herbivore manure.
pest control
There are many ways to encourage natural pest control, like learning which plants repel the unwanted insects and which attract the helpful ones. Helpful critters like frogs, lizards and snakes balance your garden and minimize insect infestations. If all else fails, there are organic pesticides available. Whether you spray or not, always remember to wash your veggies twice before consuming.
crop rotation
Retain soil nutrients and cut down on disease by moving your crop’s location each season. Moving vegetables around the garden will retain valuable nutrients in the soil and prevent disease from spreading, since organisms that can infect one plant won’t necessarily bother a different one.
water
Water conservation is a major element in practicing good organic horticulture. Use methods like drip hoses, rain collection barrels and lots of mulch to help your crop retain moisture naturally. Water plants early in the morning to prevent evaporation.
P. Allen Smith, host of two public television programs, is an award-winning designer and gardening expert. He is the author of several books, including Seasonal Recipes from the Garden.
