Everywhere you turn nowadays, you see organic products being promoted. The grocery store is filled with organic items usually with a much higher price tag attached. Organic is marketed as being more environmentally safe. So naturally when planting a garden you want it to be more environmentally safe but there are also several traditional and commercial compounds that are safe and effective when used properly.

Manure provides is an excellent organic fertilizer. It provides a nitrogen rich additive to soil, which helps many vegetables grow. However, the odor can be very unpleasant not to mention that animal waste can carry diseases. Bird droppings and animal waste can contain viruses and parasites that are harmful to both humans and other animals. So be careful when using manure to fertilize your garden.

Another excellent organic additive to liven up the soil is compost. Compost can be made from leftover food, straw, grass and leaves. However, be aware that these compost piles also attract insects that feed off of decaying matter and some wildlife that might enjoy the leftover food scraps.

Another popular method used among organic gardeners is the biological control of insects. Insects and pests are kept under control by introducing predators that eat the harmful insects but not the vegetables. This tactic reduces the need for artificial chemicals. However finding out which critters work best to eat the bugs and leave the tomatoes alone can take some time and research on your part.

Another form of biological control is to plant trap crops to lure insects away from the vegetables to sacrificial’ plants. This type of biological control also reduces the need for artificial chemicals. But you have to make sure you have enough space in your garden for such plants. Not to mention that these plants will also take up your time, water, and fertilizer that could be used to grow more vegetables.

The argument can be made that chemical compounds used in many insecticides are somewhat natural in nature since they are obtained from natural sources. All chemicals produced artificially for gardening are derived from compounds found in the natural environment.

For example, pyrethrum is the base of one of the most popular insecticides used. It is used in wasp and other insect sprays. However, it is made from the blossoms of the pyrethrum flower. Nicotine is another natural organic chemical that is used in insecticides. However it is very ineffective in its use and toxic to humans, dogs and wild animals. Therefore it should be handled with the utmost care.

Natural, organic mulch is also a great soil protector. Leaves, wood chips, and other natural materials help retain moisture and ward off insect and weed invasions. The use of black plastic is also a good “artificial” mulch. It helps control weeds and won’t harm the environment because it doesn’t decay or give off toxins. It can even help with pest control by enhancing solar irradiation.

Natural, organic mulch is a very helpful soil protector. Leaves, wood chips and other materials from the environment can help retain moisture, or stave off insect and weed invasions. But using black plastic is another very popular (in this case, artificial) mulch. It is great for weed control. It doesn’t harm the local environment because it doesn’t decay or give off toxic fumes. It can even help with pest control by enhancing solar irradiation.

Everyone knows there are many benefits from having your own garden. Feeling a sense of pride as you watch the fruits (or vegetables, as the case may be) of your labor begin to flourish is just one of them. And your garden doesnt ever have to be boring or the same year after year. Discover five vegetable garden ideas that will give you something creative to try for your next planting.

Plant a pizza garden

Vegetable gardening with a theme can be great fun for all ages. A theme garden is the perfect way to get the kids outside enjoying nature. Involving them will provide a sense of responsibility as well as accomplishment as harvest time draws near. Plus, its a great way to get them to eat more veggies! For a pizza garden, plant foods such as tomatoes, green peppers, jalapenos, onions and a host of herbs and seasonings like basil, oregano and thyme. Other theme ideas to try are stir-fry or salsa gardens.

Ornamental vegetable gardening

Many people use vibrant flowers and shrubs to brighten and beautify their outdoor spaces. By using vegetables for this same purpose, youll not only have the curb appeal, youll reap the rewards of having your own supply of produce! Using a variety of delicious veggies, you can achieve colorful patterns and designs, line walkways and driveways and plant them just as you would flowers.

Rainbow garden

Vegetable gardening is also ideal for artistically expressing yourself in a unique way. If you have a favorite, signature color or perhaps even three or four, consider planting based on these colors. This is an easy way to try new things while creating an appealing garden retreat. Mix hues that you might never use when decorating indoors and experiment with an array of color combinations. Why grow ordinary green peppers when you can choose from crimsons, oranges, yellows or even violet? You may be surprised at the assortment of colors produced by some of the most common vegetables. Eggplant, tomatoes, beans, even beets all can be wonderful additions to your rainbow garden since they all can be grown in several shades and hues. Planting purple beans and white carrots surrounded by pink tomatoes create a lovely display thats as pleasing to the eye as it is the palate.

Organic gardening can be healthier as well as cheaper Avoiding the use of chemicals and commercially produced fertilizers and pesticides are a way to achieve better tasting vegetables. Without these unsavory additions, youll notice the freshness and enjoy food the way nature intended. Organic gardening isnt as difficult as some may think. In fact, its relatively simple to grow a healthy, bountiful crop. There are several reasonably priced products available today as well as a plethora of homemade concoctions to try without spending a fortune.

A garden of green

Perhaps colors and themes are of no interest to you, maybe its profiting from your garden thats more important. In that case, decide on what would thrive best based on the amount of space, soil, lighting and drainage conditions of your garden. You could offer the usual fare of vegetables or you could specialize in certain types, ones that may be harder to find in the grocery stores.

The size or type of your crop doesnt matter quite as much as the care and dedication it needs to make it plentiful. So, decide on a plan and use one of these ideas to liven up your outdoor space and make it truly your own.

Most of us think of planting in the Spring and harvesting in the Fall. And, for the majority of crops, that’s right. But species vary, climates vary and indoor container gardening often can be carried out year ’round.

For some crops it is helpful to plant in the fall because it helps enrich the soil for the following spring. And certain lettuce varieties can be planted late in the summer and still be harvested before the first frost.

When you should plant certain vegetables depends on the species and your climate zone. Get the best estimate possible on when to expect the first frost. Some good sources to find out information on possible frost are the 30-day weather forecasts and the Farmer’s Almanac.

Be sure to clear your area of any spring or summer crops before planting new seed or transplanting new vegetables. Leftovers decay, encouraging bacteria. Spread a couple of inches of new compost or mulch over the area. Turn the top layer of soil up and water well, then let it rest for a day. Since in most areas, you’ll receive more rain (and sometimes snow) in the Fall, be sure you have well draining soil.

There are many varieties that will thrive if you take these preliminary steps.

Beets do well if planted before the beginning of August. If you intend just to harvest the tops, the date can be extended to the beginning of September. Try some Winterkeeper.

You can transplant broccoli until about mid-August. It will continue to thrive in most climates until Thanksgiving, when it can be harvested for a great addition to the holiday meal. In some warmer zones it may even last as late as Christmas. Italian broccoli can be planted over Winter in areas with no snow and will produce shoots until Spring.

Fall cabbage planting is common in various climate zones. Jersey Wakefield cabbage is often seeded in the first couple of weeks of September and survives throughout the winter to be harvested in late spring.

Since carrots are a root vegetable and grow under the ground, it can withstand seasonal changes. If you plant carrots by mid-July or even in the fall, you can harvest them in the winter. It is important to keep in mind though that in very cold temperatures the ground freezes making digging nearly impossible

Endive does well if planted by mid-July. A light mulch will keep it protected from frost and it can be harvested in winter. Water drainage in the fall and winter months is much slower than in summer so it’s important to make sure the endive doesn’t get too wet.

Romaine can be sown in July, and then harvested in the fall. Since it’s low to the ground and very leafy, it’s important to keep it from being excessively wet. Fungal growth is still possible in fall, even though temperatures are cooler at night.

You can also plant some peas in early November and harvest them the following June. So with proper planning, you can enjoy fresh vegetables nearly year round.

Happy Gardening!

Spring is on its way and many people are looking forward to planning and planting their vegetable garden. There are so many options, it can be hard to know what to choose and from whom to purchase your seeds. Because there are so many online vegetable seed companies to pick from, the choices can be overwhelming. This article will help to point you in the right direction.

Buying vegetable seeds online can be a very good choice. Many companies do not package their seeds ahead of time, which helps the seeds stay fresh longer. Likewise, many stores will ship the next day so you are guaranteed quick delivery. You will also find a very large selection of seeds that you may not be able to find at your local store. Even greenhouses or nurseries cannot provide a comprehensive array of viable vegetable seed options. If you are looking for that rare organic tomato seed, chances are you can find it online.

Most online vegetable seed companies offer some type of warranty. Some say that if a seed does not produce within a certain time frame, they will refund your purchase price or replace the item. This is the most common type of warranty you will come across. Other guarantees say that they will refund your money if you are not satisfied for any reason. Regardless, make sure you understand the terms before you buy.

Prices are usually fairly comparable, but check a few things before you purchase them. See how much you are really getting. Some sites may be cheaper, but they may be selling a lighter weight. Also be aware of the quality of the seeds. For example, heirloom seeds produce the best tasting tomatoes. There are also a lot of different types of the same vegetable. Be sure you are comparing the exact same vegetable or you will not get an accurate picture.

Have an idea of the type of vegetables you would like to plant. Do you want an eclectic collection of classics and exotics. Are all organic vegetables your thing. Or do you just want an old fashioned vegetable garden with the staples of cooking in it. Whatever you choose, you can find a company that will cater to your preferences.

Make sure that you patronize a reputable vegetable seed company. If you are unsure about where to start, ask some of your friends where they purchase their seeds. If you know someone in the neighborhood who has a great garden, ask them where they get their seeds or if they have any recommendations. Another way to get tips is to join an online gardeners chat group. Gardeners are always willing to help someone who is looking for advice.

Starting a vegetable garden can be an immensely rewarding experience. Have fun with your vegetable garden, but dont forget the things we talked about. They can save you time and frustration later on. Buying your seeds from a reputable online company is a convenient and economical way to get your garden started.

Most people tend to picture vegetable gardens as sprawling plots of land with rows stretching 15 feet or more. Growing vegetables in a container or limited space seems foreign to many.

It’s not only possible, however, it can be highly rewarding as well. You can do all kinds of things - grow tomatoes in pots on the patio, beans on a trellis on an apartment balcony, or watermelons along the side of your driveway, for example.

A space the size of a card table can provide an ample supply of vegetables. The trick is creating a garden that has the right conditions to thrive, and choosing seeds that are suited to being grown in a smaller area.

Many seed companies have started offering miniature, compact plants to meet the needs of people with limited space. You’ll often find them in their catalogs or on their websites under categories like space miser, midgets or space savers.

Producing vegetables on a reduced scale, however, is basically a different proposition from other kinds of gardening. Small gardens devoted to woody ornamentals like dwarf conifers, rhododendrons or heathers or to miniature bulbs or alpines are arranged and managed largely for appearance: they exist to be decorative, to please the eye.

Vegetables are most often grown to reward not the eye but the palate. So while corn stalks and bean bushes can make the mouth water they rarely make the eye pop, and they are not likely to be found gracing a well designed border, although creative horticulturists have combined a few of the handsomest vegetables with flowering plants to good effect.

One of the challenges with a small vegetable garden is practicality. While some vegetables, such as lettuce, will be fine with only 4 hours of sunlight a day, most others require a full 8 hours.

A proper soil mix is also important, along with the right fertilizer. It can be too much for some dwarf plants, however and can make them grow beyond the space they’re given. Plus, you need to turn the soil in your vegetable garden annually. This kind of tilling can’t be done in some small spaces.

Growing small vegetables is a worthwhile challenge, however. You’ll need to decide whether you want the fruit to be miniature as well, or only the plant that produces it. Miniature vegetables are a cute novelty, but they’re really not that practical. However there are some that are widely accepted, such as cherry tomatoes and radishes.

A vegetable garden doesn’t have to be huge and hold tons of plants. Not everyone has the space for a garden like that, but they can grow thriving plants in a small area as long as there’s access to sunlight.

Gardens have been grown in many places - from a small patch of ground outside of a home to planter pots placed outside the front door. The size of your garden doesn’t matter because it’s the quality of your gardening skills that will provide you with thriving plants. Your small garden can outmatch any large one if you put forth your best effort to make it successful.

Make sure that you plan out the garden you’re creating to make sure you use all of the space available. Take a bit of time to do some research on the various plants you plan on growing in the garden as well. Figure out which ones are going to need special care, if some of them need more sunlight than others, and if there are some of your plants that won’t grow well next to other types of plants.

This will help you plan the placement of your garden, whether you plant in a small patch of land or in planters. Next, you’ll need to find out when each plant should be planted. Some need to be planted ahead of others, so plan accordingly.

Now you’re ready to purchase the plants or seeds, whichever you choose to grow in your garden. Make sure you have the right size planters for your garden if you go with gardening pots. The plants need some space to grow, so don’t overcrowd them.

Quality potting soil is also important. Providing your plants with the right nutrients will help them to grow wonderfully to provide you with a great garden. Take a trip to a gardening center in your area to figure out which soil is going to work the best for your needs.

Even if you have a garden that is small, you may end up having a problem with insects on your plants. You have several options that will help you to take care of this problem.

Start by encouraging insect predators into your garden, such as lizards, ladybugs, frogs and birds. These creatures can be attracted to your garden by keeping a source of water nearby, such as a pond, and by growing plants that attract them. There are also some household items that fight against insects, such as hot peppers and garlic, as well as insecticidal soaps.

Some fertilizing soil has ingredients mixed in that will help repel some pests, so check them out as well. If you feel you must use pesticides, use them sparingly. Most of these harmful chemicals can affect the plants as well as animals and children, so use only what’s absolutely necessary for your garden.

Whatever size a garden is, loving care is extremely important. Maintain control of weeds, keep the soil aerated and water your plants regularly. A garden won’t do well unless the gardener looks after the plants correctly. Don’t leave your plants to the tender mercies of the elements!

To sum up, vegetable gardening in small spaces is a distinct possibility and you can produce beautiful plants just as a big garden can. Optimize the area that you have and look after your plants so that they do well. Knowledgeable care and attention will do wonders for your garden.

Tomatoes are a wonderful addition to any vegetable garden. They add zing and a variety of healthy ingredients to any meal. But growing them can be a little tricky in some areas. Here are some tips about how to maximize your crop and minimize your problems producing them.

Tomato plants are categorized in two broad categories-plants that form a flower cluster at an end point and plants that grow in height indefinitely. Those that grow in height are called indeterminate and typically mature late in the season. Because of this there is a threat of frost damage.

Tomatoes thrive in dry air and soil, very hot temperatures, and direct sunlight. When tomatoes are subject to these conditions they grow large and plump with healthy leaves. Cold temperatures kill tomatoes quickly.

There are various techniques used to deal with the threat of frost. There are small, portable greenhouses that are used to cover the plants when cold temperatures are expected. Another option is to plant and harvest your crop before cold temperatures are a threat. This, of course, depends on your location and specific growing season.

The opposite problem can occur, however with other varieties - sunburning. These so-called first early varieties are well suited to northern climates since they are often ready to harvest in 60 days or less. The cooler climates are perfect for these medium sized species.

Tomatoes are also threatened by pests, soil issues, and common diseases.

Large brown spots that appear at the bottom of the tomato, known as blossom end rot, are caused by calcium deficiency. Uneven watering practices can be the cause of this deficiency, as water transports calcium into the plant through the roots. There is also a soft spot that appears as the tomato ripens.

The only solution is to pick the affected tomatoes off to give the others the best chance to thrive. But preventative methods are preferable. Water deeply to encourage deep root growth. Mulch around the plants to help the topsoil retain moisture during dry spells. Keep the pH around 6.5.

A common irritant to all tomato growers are tomato hornworms. These four-inch larvae have a black spot on the tail and a large false eyespot. They typically blend into the green stems of the tomato plant, but are seen because they have long white stripes down their sides.

The adults are large brown moths that may achieve wingspans of up to five inches. Marigolds, basil and other trap crops can help keep them off the tomato plants where they lay their eggs that develop into larvae.

Aphids are another common problem for tomatoes, as they are with many plants. They are tiny (1/10 inch across), soft-bodied bugs that appear yellowish, green or white. They can be temporarily washed off with a hose but will return.

Planting companion crops such as petunias, anise or coriander can help control them. But there are also many insecticide soaps that eliminate the problem without harming the tomatoes or you when you eat them.

Though there is care required, adding tomatoes to your garden is well worth the effort required. Having healthy vegetables on hand is an abundant reward.

There are many advantages to growing vegetables in containers. It is easier to maintain the soil. There are also more possibilities for dealing with light and temperature variants. It is also easier to control pests. Container gardening can be done inside a house, on the porch, or in a greenhouse.

Other than vegetables that take up large amounts of space, such as pumpkins and cucumber, most vegetables will do well in containers. Peas, peppers, carrots, and tomatoes will do just as well, if not better, when grown in a container.

Be sure to select a container that is large enough to accommodate the full grown plant at harvesting time. Use weed free soil and add the right amount of fertilizer even before you plant. Synthetic soil-like media are an option. Mixtures of peat moss, perlite, wood chips and others can be a good choice for a variety of species.

Be sure to prepare the soil before planting, or use a synthetic medium. This makes water control easier. It is important to balance adequate drainage and good retention of moisture to keep container-grown plants healthy. Place some marbles at the bottom of the container to keep holes from clogging and to ensure proper drainage. Mix in commercial soil prep to break up clay particles.

Even when the soil or medium is well prepared, water with care. When containers are near a window, soil can easily dry out. It’s easy to introduce root rot by over watering or to forget whether watering chores were completed, so keep a soil moisture tester nearby.

In most cases it is easier to buy professionally prepared soil for container gardening. Soil straight from the outdoors is usually not a good choice for growing in containers. Nature has a way of draining water from very clay-like outdoor soils. When used in a container, clay’s water retention is exaggerated and can lead to root rot.

Most vegetables need plenty of sunlight. You can anticipate a great crop of tomatoes if you place them in a south-facing windowsill that receives several hours of sunlight each day. Tomato plants also thrive in the heat, so there’s a low-risk of burning them. There are other vegetables, like lettuce, that prefer less direct sunlight. Place these in partial shade. When you are container gardening, it’s easy to move your plants in varied weather.

Whether your plants sit outside or are kept indoors, pests are able to find them. Be on the watch for insects as you would in an outdoor garden. Larvae can develop in the soil of container plants if the eggs were laid in the soil before planting. When used according to specification, insecticide soaps and other commercial mixtures are safe for treating plants, and safe for you when you eat the plants.

Vegetable gardening in containers requires some effort. But the rewards are great. Having fresh vegetables on hand provides a tasty and healthy component to a good diet.

If you’re looking for an effective way to grow juicy vegetables in your own backyard this year, look no further than a raised vegetable garden. While this type of garden can be a bit more work and expense at the beginning, the benefits will far outweigh those costs over the long run.

A raised vegetable garden can produce bumper crops without the worry of pests or poor soil conditions getting in the way of a successful growing season. There are many other benefits of this style of gardening as well, which we will cover further in this article.

Great Soil Means You’ll Get Great Crops

Take a look at the dirt that you have in your back yard. More than likely your soil is either too sandy, has too many rocks, or perhaps too much clay. Without some amendments, time and labor, it just may not offer a great way to grow your vegetables.

However, with a raised vegetable garden, you can control exactly what substances go into your soil, greatly increasing your chances for healthy plants and reducing the incidence of weeds and pests. While it may be a bit more effort in the short term, you will reap the rewards of less weeding and work in the long run.

Keeping it Contained

Going with a raised vegetable garden makes it a lot easier for you to contain your garden as well. There are many crops that can really work on taking over the garden once they get started. Some plants that tend to spread include mint, strawberries, and horseradish. However, by having walls around your garden, you will be able to keep it all contained.

Easy on Your Back

One of the main benefits of going with raised vegetable gardens is that they are much easier on your back. Many people love going out to work in the garden, but they are not thrilled with dealing with a sore back after working in the garden. However, when you have a raised garden, you won’t have to deal with this anymore. You’ll be able to get to your plants and take care of them without having to bend over to the ground.

This is also a great choice for people who have handicaps and find it hard to deal with regular gardens.

Taking everything into account, raised bed vegetable gardens are a great option for people who want an easy way to eat their own produce all season long. Look into raised beds today so that you can start gardening tomorrow!

Vigilance is required to keep your vegetable garden free from disease. Using a broad-based effort that combines various methods makes this chore easier.

Begin with good soil preparation and proper seed selection. If you transplant, picking healthy plants will keep disease from being introduced and spread. Remove any diseased plant before it can infect others nearby.

Watering early in the day is usually the most appropriate time. Leaves then have time to dry before overnight temperatures settle in. The spread of disease can be influenced by your watering practices. If water splashes off one diseased plant onto another plant, then the disease plant may infect the healthy plant. Rainfall can produce the similar situation. Be sure to space your plants out.

Viruses are spread by other forms of contact, too. Insects may carry them from one to the next. So, keeping the insect population under control provides benefits beyond preventing them from eating your plants. But animals and gardeners can spread them, as well. Tobacco mosaic virus may be spread from the gardener’s glove and on the legs of rabbits, for example.

Weeding your garden can also lower chances of disease. Many organisms thrive on weeds and will then enjoy your vegetables. These organisms can be transported by water movement, wind, and other vehicles.

Controlling various disease can be helped if you are able to identify the signs of these diseases.

When the out edges of lettuce touch the ground, lettuce mold can appear as a wet rot. The Sclerotinia mold is white and Botrytis mold is gray. The problem can be contained by removing the mold by extracting infected sections, or an entire plant.

Leafy vegetables commonly encounter spinach mosaic virus as well. In this case, leaves become mottled, and may later turn yellow. The plant appears wilted and stunted. Choosing resistant varieties can eliminate this problem altogether.

Fusarium can cause asparagus to wilt or rot. The spears look spindly and shoots may become yellow. The roots may rot and become discolored. Eliminate the infected plants by thinning the crop. Another common problem with asparagus is rust, cause by Puccinia fungus. Red spots appear on the shoots of spears. This fungus may survive through the winter. Prevent rust by avoiding excessive watering.

Other conditions that affect tomatoes are leaf spots and blight. If the summer has been cool, these will usually appear by mid-August. There are also fungi in the soil that can affect tomatoes. The roots of walnut trees can carry a harmful toxin to tomato plants. Dark concentric rings will appear on leaves with this condition. Allowing the leaves to dry before sunset will help you prevent these problems.

Recognizing the signs and treating them early will optimize your chances of a healthy crop.