Fertilizers: Chemical versus Organic
A natural fertilizer is one that consists of some natural earth product which may be processed mechanically, but is not treated with acids or substances to increase its solubility.
Phospate rock, finely pulverized, is a natural fertilizer.
An artificial, chemical fertilzer is a combination of some earth product and a strong acid. Super phosphate, which is made by treating phosphate rock with sulfuric acid, is an example.
A hundred pound bag of superphosphate includes 50 pounds of phosphate rock and …
Green Manure
Green manure is a term used for grasses and legumes grown and then tilled under. It is very cheap and easy to use, and in most cases is faster-acting than home-made compost.
In severe winter areas, a green manure crop can protect the soil and give the added benefit of nutrients and organic material to the soil in spring. The best plant to add nutrients to the soil are grasses …
When and Where to Use Liquid Organic Fertilizer
While often the fertilizer focus in organic gardening is on compost, manure, cover crops, or the addition of certain minerals, there are also times when liquid organic fertilizers have a place in the yard and garden. Some of these products can be purchased, and some of them can be concocted by the gardener from items on hand.
There are a number of liquid fertilizers on the market that are approved for organic use. However, as in …
Acid-loving Plants
Acid-loving plants are not plants on drugs; they are plants growing in acidic soil. Whether a soil is
considered “acidic” or “basic” is entirely dependent on the pH of the soil. (Don’t get the pH of the soil confused with adding “humic acid” to your soil, though humic acid is derived by …
More isn’t Better: Organic Fertilizer Myths Busted
With the rabid interest in organic vegetable gardening reaching a fever pitch, questions about the amount and timing of fertilizer applications are bound to appear. Wait – I sound like I’m writing a really bland paper to be delivered at a government conference. Let’s start over.
Don’t you love that show Myth Busters? I do. They save me from trying out all …
Using Organic Fertilizers
Sometimes, your garden needs a quick boost of nutrients, but you don’t want to resort to using synthetic fertilizers, and your compost still needs time to cook. There are good organic fertilizer options out there to jump start your garden. To find and use the best organic fertilizer for your garden, you first need to understand the different types of fertilizers available. Here are some common organic fertilizer types that you …
Organic Lawn Care Bits for Spring
If you are thinking about transitioning to organic lawn care this spring, now is the time to start lining up your plan. It is possible to use organic techniques when maintaining your lawn. Organic lawn care solutions are not as quick as conventional methods, but they will keep your lawn, and your surrounding environment healthier in the long run.
Organic Weed Control
You can start anywhere, …
Should I Turn to Organic Gardening? Pros and Cons
You are likely reading this because you wish to know more about becoming an organic gardener, and have this burning question: How much time will this take? Or, how the heck can I keep my flowers alive in a pesticide-free yard without insects and disease destroying them? These are excellent questions, and many of the answers aren’t clear-cut. So, let’s start with the #1 basic difference …
The Basics of Organic Lawn Care
Anyone interested in organic gardening surely is interested in an organic lawn care regimen. Lawn care free of chemical fertilizers and herbicides isn’t difficult nor is it any more expensive than traditional lawn care. It turns out that our lawns have a major impact on our environment.
Did you know that 30% of water on the east coast, and 60% of water on …
Organic Versus Conventional Gardening – Comparing Fertilizer
We all know that organic gardening is better for your health and better for the environment, yet people new to organic gardening have way too much confusing information thrown at them. Worse, they may turn to organic gardening with the mind-set of a conventional gardener. Many conventional gardeners who go cold turkey and switch to organic fertilizer will …
