Disappearing Fountains

We all have to live on this earth sharing the same air, soil and water, so doesn't it make sense to use the most earth-friendly options available to us when working with our plants? 

Organic gardening uses natural products and techniques. To be involved in gardening with earth-friendly solutions, the gardener must be open to constantly learning more. New research and product development is always challenging the earth-friendly gardener to stay informed.

Given that we are now in the heart of the fall season, its appropriate to share some of the more important important earth friendly products for the garden.  

Fertilizers/Soil Amendments:

• Bone/Blood Meal- Blood meal is a good source of nitrogen. The combination bone/blood meal fertilizers are good.
  
• Fish Emulsion and Seaweed/Kelp Extracts- Good water-soluble source of nitrogen.
  
• Manure, Earthworm Castings & Compost- Nutritional value and quality vary greatly in packaged products, but all composted products improve the soil structure as well as offering some nutrition.

Insecticides:

• Insecticidal Soap- Very effective against soft-bodied insects.
• Horticultural Oil- Works well on many insects including difficult problems such as scale and spider mites.
• Bacillus thuringiensus (Bt)- Several strains available that target chewing insects, fungus gnats, mosquitoes and Colorado potato beetles.
• Pyrethrin- Broad-spectrum contact insecticide derived from plants. Various forms (natural and synthetic) and sold in combination with other insecticides because it makes both work better.
• Neem- Works as a repellent, a contact and residual insecticide and interrupts the life cycle of the insects.
  

Beneficial Insects:

• Lady Bugs- Dormant adults sold for release to help with aphid control.
• Beneficial Nematodes- Specific strains of nematodes that infest grubs and such in the soil.

When it comes to earth friendly gardening, there are a greater number of options every season.  By understanding and considering the many products and their uses, we stand a better chance to gain a harvest of blooms, edibles and beauty to enhance our lives. 

 

Cheers to Your Garden

Steve McShane