Gardening In The Grove
by Bill Valuch

Going Organic

Last week I participated in a panel discussion on organic gardening sponsored by Sustainable P.G. Panel members were introduced as experts in organic gardening, and that’s when I raised my red flag disclaimer. As I have stated many times in this column, I am an expert on nothing, especially organic gardening. What I am is a semi-experienced hobbyist, having planted my own vegetable gardens for many years now. This adds up to something, but surely not expert status. The discussion was fun and very enlightening.

For many of us, organic gardening might seem difficult, time consuming, expensive and downright unattainable. I know that the concept can seem overwhelming. Well, guess what -- it’s a whole lot easier that we think! For me there are three components for an organic garden. First is the soil, the foundation from which our vegetables and plants will germinate, root and grow. Next is the food or fertilizer we give to the soil, and last is how we control pests that want those vegetables as much as we do.

Organic Soil, It’s Alive
When you take a shovel of soil from your garden is it dry, lacking texture, moisture and richness? If so, I call that “dirt.” Good organic soil is full of composted natural materials and will look, feel and smell rich. We can improve our soil by adding our own compost or purchasing a good compost or organic soil mix at any nursery or garden center. Organic soil is alive with microbes, bacteria and biological activity. Composted material is broken down by this interaction, producing nutrients for the roots to absorb. The result is a strong, vibrant root system that produces a likewise healthy, more drought tolerant, disease resistant plant. A healthy plant rewards the root system with more sugars and a wonderful symbiotic relationship thrives.

Organic Fertilizers
We are all concerned with the foods that we put into our mouths and likewise should be concerned about what we feed our plants and vegetables. Regular additions of composted materials to the garden will continue to feed the soil without the use of chemically produced fertilizers and foods. When composting is not available, purchasing a quality organic food is an equally viable solution.

Many of the fertilizer and plant food products are not organic and will contain chemicals that we can’t pronounce. One of our panelists said, “If you can’t say it, don’t use it,” and I have to agree. There are so many organic products available now that are just as effective and much safer for the consumer and the environment that it just makes sense to go in that direction. These organic foods contain the essential microbes, are very easy to use and are comparable cost-wise to non-organic fertilizers on the market.

Controlling Pests
Your organic soil is the first defense for the possibility of disease and pest infestation because your plants will be stronger and better equipped to ward off invaders. Once again, it all starts with the soil, a strong root system and a healthy plant. That’s not to say that insects won’t find your plants, but the effects will be minimized. Tried and true
methods of removing insects by hand or using a strong water spray can work well, though they not always eff ective
due to time and possible plant damage. There are many homemade sprays that are easy to assemble and can be found
in various publications and websites. I refer to “Trowel and Error,” a book full of clever home solutions for a variety of
gardening problems.

Organic gardening does not have to be difficult and there are so many products now on the market that can make it a fun and enjoyable experience. We can all do our part to improve the quality of our lives through what we eat and likewise improve our environment by how we manage our gardens.

We have a wide variety of organic soils, foods, plants and seeds in our shop and would love to help you get started.

As always, I encourage you to share your ideas, tips and experiences by emailing us at misstrawicks@sbcglobal.net or visiting us at 664 Lighthouse Avenue in Pacific Grove and on the web at www.misstrawicks.com.