tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82218969918133336302012-03-08T13:36:00.135-05:00A blog on organic and sustainable gardening, community supported agriculture, and other agriculture-related aspects of holistic living.Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.comBlogger2351100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-80640916147462246502012-03-08T13:36:00.000-05:002012-03-08T13:36:00.142-05:00

If you are interested in medicinal herbs and how to grow them yourself, have a look at the non-hybrid seed Medicine Pack from Heirloom Organics. This pack includes a good variety of popular and easy to grow herbal seeds to treat common ailments. All of Heirloom Organics' seeds are non hybrid, which means that the leftover seeds can be stored and planted in subsequent years and also the crop

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-56816804176494569972012-03-06T11:23:00.006-05:002012-03-06T11:23:00.430-05:00

Herbs are one of the best things to grow for new gardeners. Not only are most of them very easy to grow (most can be easily grow in pots on the windowsill, and some come back year after year with little encouragement), but they also have myriad uses both in cooking and around the home. One herb that is often forgotten, but can be very useful, and is easy to grow and with proper care may live many

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-14188715932647962992012-03-03T12:26:00.000-05:002012-03-03T12:26:00.417-05:00

Here is a quick video describing some herbs that are great for beginning organic gardeners to start with, as some of them will come back every year, they are easy to grow, and there are lots of great ways to use them. Check this out, and see how easy it is to get started with a fun and useful little herb garden! Herb Gardening For Beginners - Best Herbs For An Organic Garden Go to

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-50090133131810189512012-03-01T15:12:00.000-05:002012-03-01T15:12:00.419-05:00

Continuing on from Tuesday's post, here are some more considerations for starting your new garden. Image via WikipediaIf you buy seeds then plant them according to the directions. If picking plants, choose ones with green, healthy looking leaves and stems and healthy roots.  Put the smaller plants towards the front of the bed and larger ones in the back.  The key to a successful beginning in

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-66207735150010254762012-02-28T14:45:00.000-05:002012-02-28T14:45:00.723-05:00

The thing to remember when starting a garden for the first time is to start small.  A small plant bed, about 25 or 30 feet square is perfect, is just enough room for about 30 plants.  This will give you a chance to try out your green thumb and if you find that you enjoy your garden you can always expand and increase your plantings. Image via WikipediaThe next thing you will want to do is choose

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-84790099884787317102012-02-25T13:45:00.004-05:002012-02-25T13:45:00.229-05:00

Here is a short video with some helpful tips for indoor gardening, or planting a small window garden. From proper light conditions and sunlight exposure, to how to keep your garden from damaging your windowsills, this quick video shows some ways to establish your own little window garden easily - and even a bit of greenery is much appreciated at this time of year! Gardening Tips : How to Make

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-15972782334267591852012-02-23T09:39:00.002-05:002012-02-23T09:39:00.308-05:00

Cats and dogs love dirt, they dig in it, play in it and if a cat’s litter box isn’t clean they may find a back-up location in your potted plants. (Yuck!) Some pets will leave the dirt alone but are irresistibly drawn to the leaves, either to nibble on or bat at.  There is no fail-safe plant but there are some tips and tricks you can follow to make your pets leave the plants alone. Image via

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-1621281216934820132012-02-21T11:31:00.000-05:002012-02-21T11:31:00.321-05:00

You may have heard that it is hard to get shrubs or trees to blossom indoors. That’s because the right conditions are essential.  But if you have the patience and the correct amount of light you can be successful.  In addition to having the right conditions, you will also need to choose flowering plants that have a history of blooming in indoor gardens. Image via WikipediaIf you purchase a

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-72182744054692092962012-02-18T09:03:00.000-05:002012-02-18T09:03:00.180-05:00

Here is a video review of a few helpful organic gardening tips for getting your compost up and running well. As you can see, she has a lovely large pile that is getting going here, and she shares some ideas that you may find useful for building your own. And you can find some of the helpful composting tools she mentions listed below the video. Composting : Garden Composting Tips Composting

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-85275450396566947522012-02-16T09:41:00.002-05:002012-02-16T09:41:00.417-05:00

If you're wanting to have a successful compost, here are some helpful tried and tested tips that can help you keep your compost dynamic and growing, and avoid common composting problems: Image via Wikipedia1. Balance the ingredients Primarily, the basic thing you need to keep a compost heap active is the proper balance of ingredients. If you have too much of a single component, your compost may

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-8899500108154633622012-02-14T13:16:00.001-05:002012-02-14T13:16:00.348-05:00

We posted a few articles on here recently about the importance of choosing open-pollinated or Heirloom seeds for sustainable gardening, but few realize the scope of the problem we are facing. This photo offers a shocking view of just how much diversity we have lost in terms of seed varieties - and this is just up until 1983 - imagine how far we've "come" since then! Save your seeds, share your

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-71742361874580326872012-02-11T11:18:00.001-05:002012-02-12T16:10:43.587-05:00

This one isn't so much an instructional video, but it does show a couple of really neat little greenhouses constructed by hand from recycled materials. I really like the idea of the old tires filled with dirt for holding the heat - I had heard of using water barrels, but this technique was new to me - and gives you a great and functional way to hide those old unsightly tires at the same time.

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-57014066788586969432012-02-09T10:53:00.000-05:002012-02-09T10:53:00.606-05:00

If you want to garden year-round, a greenhouse is a great idea, and doesn't need to be an overly expensive or time-consuming project. However, thorough planning and preparation is essential before starting your greenhouse project. Your greenhouse design will very much depend on your home’s architecture, space and plants that you want to grow, cost and available location. Make sure that your

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-52176551106087800222012-02-07T13:23:00.002-05:002012-02-12T16:09:09.357-05:00

Instead of looking out through your glass panes and sadly watching your not-so-long-ago attractive flower beds that are now frozen in the winter, you can easily transform your window into a little greenhouse where houseplants, herbs, seedlings and flowers will thrive. A window greenhouse is also a great project for plant lovers with limited space.  Also referred to as a window garden, even with

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-20989912590339106012012-02-04T11:44:00.000-05:002012-02-04T11:44:00.326-05:00

If you haven't heard of an aero garden, it is a method of gardening using a unique nutrient delivery system combined with special grow lights, which offers enhanced growth with less fuss and muss than a traditional indoor garden using soil. Keep in mind that in most cases aerogardening is NOT organic, as it does use some chemically enhanced sprouting and growth solutions. However, you may be able

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-71494226370961492392012-02-02T16:47:00.002-05:002012-02-02T16:47:01.014-05:00

It is most likely that your indoor plants will be safe from harm other than the odd garden pest.  But if you have young children or pets in the home, some plants can pose a danger to them. There are many plants that are not recommended for indoors (or outdoors for that matter) when children or pets are present.  Some plants are poisonous, even fatal, if ingested. Listed below are a few of the

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-37480712004651518912012-01-31T16:41:00.000-05:002012-01-31T16:41:00.160-05:00

What is a part-time indoor gardener? These are the ones (like me) that live in an area with cold winters – too cold for most of their outdoor plants to survive in. By transplanting or bringing the plants indoors, they can survive the colder months and add greenery inside the home. There are some considerations and preparations that should be made before you decide to become a part-time indoor

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-30786415463820420162012-01-28T12:00:00.001-05:002012-01-28T12:00:00.790-05:00

If you're interested in sustainable gardening (which you probably are if you're reading this blog!), you've probably heard of non-hybrid or open-pollinated seeds. Gardening sustainably means being able to sustain your gardening in a natural way, and for many people, that means saving your own seeds to plant the next year. With hybrid seeds, this really won't work that well. Some hybrid seeds are

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-77043986305468782112012-01-26T13:24:00.000-05:002012-01-26T13:24:00.297-05:00

More and more people are looking to grow their own vegetables to save money and to get the best possible organic produce. Now is the time to think about gardening again, as spring is on the way, and it is the perfect time to plan your spring and summer gardens. If you are thinking about buying seeds for the upcoming gardening season, you might want to know about the difference between hybrid and

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-70389390022687010592012-01-24T11:06:00.000-05:002012-01-24T11:06:00.436-05:00

If you've been wanting to try growing your own vegetables, now is the time to start planning! I know it's still dead winter in most parts of the country, but planning ahead can give you a great head-start, which is especially important if you are just starting out in your gardening adventure. Image by nutrilover via FlickrThe truth is that you can easily learn enough to be growing useful

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-87787907668726791582012-01-21T11:23:00.000-05:002012-01-21T11:23:00.258-05:00

Here is another great one from Patti, The Garden Girl. If you think of fruit trees as something you can't grow because you don't have enough space, think again! Patti shows how she plants dwarf fruit trees in containers on her patio. It may still take a few years for them to start fruiting, but you really can grow some nice fruit even in a small space. One thing that she doesn't cover in this

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-76733548381156124282012-01-19T14:12:00.001-05:002012-01-19T14:12:00.091-05:00

If you have just entered the tree growing world, you have no doubt heard the term “pruning” tossed around by the more veteran growers. If you're not quite sure what it is, here is a quick rundown on what, how, and why. Image via WikipediaPruning is the removal of dead or unneeded branches to encourage the growth of flowers (and fruit). Usually a tree will end up devoting energy to branches that

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-42486914862436902542012-01-17T13:04:00.000-05:002012-01-17T13:04:00.110-05:00

This week we are doing a short series on fruit trees. Spring is the time for planting trees, pruning, staking, and all those things that are required for establishing young trees in your garden, so if you've been considering growing some fruit trees, now is the time to start planning! When a tree is in the young stages, one of the most vital things you need to provide for it in addition to water

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-47644689499491048042012-01-14T08:24:00.002-05:002012-01-14T08:24:01.143-05:00

There are a number of different types of hydroponics systems available for indoor hydroponics gardening. This video shows a demonstration of one type, called a "Flood-and-Drain" system, and describes some of the different things you can grow successfully indoors using this type of setup. Have you tried hydroponics gardening? If so, we'd love to hear your comments and ideas below! Hobby

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-53379526027917966652012-01-12T13:05:00.000-05:002012-01-12T13:05:00.295-05:00

The requirements for plants are the same whether you are growing a garden traditionally or with a hydroponics method.  In hydroponics, the nutrients the plant would get from the soil are replaced by a growing medium that can be purchased at gardening supply stores. The need for water and light is still just as important though.  Light can come from a natural source, an artificial source or a

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-1999408333658829892012-01-10T09:58:00.002-05:002012-01-10T09:58:00.564-05:00

Image via WikipediaIf you have heard of hydroponics or other methods of growing plants without soil and want to try it out at home, you can. Hydroponics systems are generally pretty easy to care for and set-up at home. There are materials you can buy or some you may even be able to find around the house. The dirt or soil that you use to grow plants in a traditional method is substituted with a

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-81717915163581289542012-01-07T11:29:00.000-05:002012-01-07T11:29:00.178-05:00

Here is a pretty cool video which demonstrates step-by-step how to build a biodome (which requires no further maintenance) to start seeds. This will help your plants get a good head-start for planting out later, or in some cases you may actually be able to keep the plant in here, but it depends on the type of plant you are trying to grow (for instance, tomatoes will need more space and soil to

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-78544652091864002862012-01-05T12:17:00.000-05:002012-01-05T12:17:00.406-05:00

Using hydroponics is an interesting and unique method of gardening. Since it is often done indoors, it works great for winter gardening (if you're not quite brave enough to try the outside kind - more on that coming soon!). Image via WikipediaHydroponics was derived from the Greek word hydro, which means "water" and ponos, which means "labor or water-working". Hydroponics gardening involves

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-27832954558118441412012-01-03T13:57:00.006-05:002012-01-03T13:57:00.171-05:00

Welcome back, and Happy New Year! I am looking forward to a great garden in 2012, and newly armed with several excellent gardening books which I received for Christmas, I am full of inspiration right now! Some of my new finds relate to growing vegetables in small spaces (intensive planting), and gardening year-round (winter gardening), so I'll be sharing some of my new findings with you soon.

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-14140330729681766652011-12-23T10:38:00.000-05:002011-12-23T10:38:00.624-05:00

I thought this video was pretty interesting - who knew the Whitehouse had a winter garden growing under simple hoop houses all winter? Watch them harvest all the greens and veggies that grew last winter even through all the snow and cold of D.C. - pretty awesome!  And stay tuned later this winter - we have an exciting new series on winter gardening coming up - if they can do it in D.C. - you

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-88948300009288851172011-12-22T13:23:00.000-05:002011-12-22T13:23:01.278-05:00

When it comes to gardening plants, there are too many to name.  Gardening plants can refer to flowers, shrubs, herbs, vegetables, fruits, and many more.  There are also gardening plants that are in season at different times of the year, some in fall and winter, others in spring and summer. Whatever type of gardening you decide is your forte; there are plenty of gardening plants available to suit

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-3674673578470919802011-12-20T12:58:00.000-05:002011-12-20T12:58:00.613-05:00

If you're looking for a last minute gift for the special gardener in your life, it's not to late to pick up some great gardening products. Because gardening has evolved into such a popular activity, gardening products are not hard to come by.  You can buy gardening products in various stores or nurseries, or you can order gardening products from catalogs, or even order them online.  Gardening

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-32928393031235284632011-12-17T10:06:00.001-05:002011-12-17T10:06:00.710-05:00

Here is a really quick video on why worm farming is important, and how you can get involved, whether for your large commercial business or small family home or apartment. Worm farming is a great way to get wonderful organic compost which can be used for gardening, or even sold commercially (or donated to schools and other organizations if desired). It keeps decomposable waste out of landfills,

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-64078019527499592192011-12-15T16:44:00.000-05:002011-12-15T16:44:00.715-05:00

It may come as a surprise to some that worm farming is beneficial to our environment.  After some research into the topic it may be shocking to learn how important these hidden crawlers really are.  There is more to them than just crawling through the garden. Image via WikipediaWorms have been around since the beginning.  All the way back to the age of the dinosaurs, worms ploughed through

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-32249407874772318192011-12-13T16:27:00.000-05:002011-12-13T16:27:00.102-05:00

We are now learning that surrounding ourselves with growing plants helps relieve stress, as well as providing many other benefits. By taking care of our green friends (the ones with leaves not Martians!) :-) we will discover new hidden sides of our personality and will also learn how to love and care for both others and ourselves. Image by wockerjabby via FlickrBy taking on the care of a plant

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-57160230020244987402011-12-10T12:21:00.000-05:002011-12-10T12:21:00.555-05:00

Here is a short video which will tell you a few great houseplants to green up your home, and how to care for them. If you're looking for beautiful plants you can grow indoors year-round, and you have trouble keeping plants alive, this is a great video to help you get started with some houseplants that will prosper and look lovely for years to come - even if you're new to growing indoors! Check

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-63523331556065560362011-12-08T09:09:00.000-05:002011-12-08T09:09:00.091-05:00

When you are choosing a house plant you need to go beyond the appearance of the plant although that is a good place to start.  If there is a certain kind of plant that you want to have, look into the care instructions first.  Some plants need more care and others are best left to an expert gardener as opposed to a novice one.  If you fall into the latter category of gardeners you will want plants

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-63733411175950144652011-12-06T08:04:00.001-05:002011-12-06T08:04:00.200-05:00

When you are an indoor gardener the same rules apply to your plants as they do to any other type of gardener.  Your plants will need water, food, and plenty of light as do the ones grown outside or in a green house.  Of course there are special considerations such as temperature and humidity control but they can be overcome with relatively minor adjustments.  With that being said, there are some

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-55752051678835762762011-12-03T13:33:00.001-05:002011-12-03T13:33:00.450-05:00

Here is a short video with some ideas for getting rid of bugs on your indoor garden or houseplants, without using harmful chemicals that can pollute your home. Check this out for some quick tips, and keep your indoor plants healthy and pest-free this winter! Indoor Gardening Tips : How Do I Kill Little Bugs on House Plants? House plants will likely attract all sorts of little bugs throughout

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-40745129506450673372011-12-01T15:26:00.001-05:002011-12-01T15:26:00.959-05:00

If you love an outdoor plant but it is too big to bring indoors for the winter you have the option of taking a cutting from that plant. Once you have taken a cutting, you can start a new plant that is smaller and more appropriate for an indoor garden. Depending on the type of plant you are taking a cutting from, there are a few methods you might want to try. Image via WikipediaTaking a cutting

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-60740475212431342032011-11-29T13:09:00.000-05:002011-11-29T13:09:00.384-05:00

Image via WikipediaPlants are a great addition to the home, that many people don't think about. Aside from the aesthetic value plants provide your home with, there are also health benefits - grade school science class tells us that plants cleanse the air through utilizing the carbon dioxide and producing more oxygen. Here is some important information on how to care for your indoor plants to gain

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-3943650923000028972011-11-26T09:24:00.002-05:002011-11-26T09:24:00.628-05:00

There is nothing nicer than receiving a gift relating to one's passion. If your loved one's passion is gardening, then show your thoughtfulness by giving a gift that will be truly appreciated. There are so many great gardening gifts that the only constraint is your own budget. If your budget is small... Go for things like gloves, kneepads or even a shady hat. A pretty pot (or a watering-can)

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-90432145756033146312011-11-21T13:17:00.000-05:002011-11-21T13:17:00.346-05:00

Well, we're getting into winter now in many areas of the country, so many of us gardening addicts are turning to our winter pastimes, such as container gardening! Check out this article for some great tips on starting a lovely container garden to sustain your green thumb through the winter. Image via WikipediaWe won't be posting on Thursday, as most of our readers will be busy spending time with

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-22830728546861327502011-11-19T13:03:00.001-05:002011-11-19T13:03:00.789-05:00

After a couple of months taking care of your compost pile, turning over the pile every now and then, warding off insects and pests, and keeping the pile damp, it is only natural to want to get the most out of your compost. And this means using the compost wisely and effectively. Image by Chiot's Run via FlickrYou will know the right time to harvest the compost when you no longer recognize the

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-27216238845959073022011-11-17T13:32:00.001-05:002011-11-17T13:32:00.422-05:00

Here is a video with step-by-step instructions for making a hot compost. If you don't have a lot of space, you can use a series of compost bins or tumblers as shown - these are smaller but easier to turn and don't take up as much room - in fact, you could easily fit several of these on a small patio. (Some examples of composting tumblers are shown below the video.)  (Note: If video does not

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-84269144403705573402011-11-15T12:56:00.002-05:002011-11-20T18:13:01.757-05:00

The heat that is generated from the active breaking down of organic matter into compost is known as hot composting.  There is also cold composting, it doesn’t take as much of a commitment from you to upkeep or manage but it does take quite a bit longer to yield results. Image via WikipediaHot (or active) composting uses microbes to breakdown the matter.  Some experts will recommend you inoculate

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-34815168153687450952011-11-12T08:05:00.002-05:002011-11-12T08:05:00.989-05:00

Patti The Garden Girl's videos are always fun, fast and entertaining, and we love that she focuses on sustainable gardening, even in an urban setting. This video shows you how you can create a delicious and useful herb garden in a jiffy, using a very nifty and super-easy gardening system, designed right here in Ohio! Check it out and see how easy it can be to have a great and growing herb garden

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-59061779407670587342011-11-10T10:51:00.001-05:002011-11-10T10:51:00.126-05:00

Herbs have been around since time immemorial and served different kinds of purposes. They have been used to treat illness and flavor dishes of every kind and cuisine; during some periods in history in some cultures they were even believed to have magical powers.  They are generally also pretty easy to grow, so they are a favorite of new gardeners and experienced green thumbs alike! Cover of

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-39331748777589433622011-11-08T07:44:00.016-05:002011-11-08T07:44:00.892-05:00

When creating a butterfly garden, the possibilities of what to include in your butterfly garden design are endless. Below are some suggestions to help get you started. They are designed to spark the creative process of your mind and get you started on your way to creating a lovely butterfly garden. Cover of Creating a Butterfly GardenBefore you even begin your butterfly garden, find out which

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-20383299424977166492011-11-03T12:52:00.001-04:002011-11-03T12:52:00.701-04:00

Ask anyone who has a green thumb about rose gardening, and you may need a tape recorder to remember all the advice you'll get!  Almost anyone who has an interest in gardening flowers and plants will eventually mosey into rose territory.  It's almost irresistible because of the beauty and scent of one of the most popular plants on earth. Cover of Rose GardeningA rose is like no other plant.  Rose

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-68613610965464119142011-11-01T13:43:00.000-04:002011-11-01T13:43:00.159-04:00

A great way to spice up your garden is to add a water feature. These can be both soothing and aesthetically appealing. Many find that there’s nothing more relaxing than sitting on a bench next to a garden and listening to a fountain while you read a good book or do some studying. Putting in a water feature is fairly easy and relatively inexpensive, and will add immensely to the pleasantness of

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-49876122029191469732011-10-29T10:22:00.000-04:002011-10-29T10:22:00.607-04:00

More and more schools are incorporating gardening into their curriculum for the kids. This short video shows the garden/learning center at a school in Dallas. Using gardening to teach kids about science is such a great way to get them outdoors and involved in their environment in an easy, fun, and meaningful ways. In the video, they also quickly touch upon what you could do to possible get a

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-86182491546156920382011-10-27T16:00:00.000-04:002011-10-27T16:00:00.306-04:00

If you take a look around, you may notice how nature is treated these days.  It is a sad thing to know that people do not pay all that much attention to environmental problems, which basically means we are slowly but surely destroying this beautiful planet we live on. What can we do about this? Image by woodleywonderworks via FlickrOne of the best ways to make lasting change is to start with

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-31644698308022441382011-10-25T15:56:00.000-04:002011-10-25T15:56:00.473-04:00

Here is a very cool "infographic" shared by one of our kind readers. It is pretty neat - check it out below for some of the many ways that gardening can benefit you and the world! Source by Loch Ness Water Gardens

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-72399626783462395232011-10-22T08:06:00.001-04:002011-10-22T08:06:00.868-04:00

Here is a quick video on successfully growing fruit in high-density plantings. If you wish to grow fruit but are working with limited space, this is an interesting idea that can yield you some great fruit that is easily harvested as well. If anyone has tried this, we'd love to hear about your experience below! High Density Fruit Tree Growing A visit to the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center's fruit

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-10577451990319889632011-10-20T10:54:00.001-04:002011-10-20T10:54:00.209-04:00

Back with another article on fruit trees! Fall is the ideal time to plant new trees, as they will have the winter to establish their root system, before they need to put their energy into making new leaves, dealing with a hot dry summer, and other challenges. Image by wallygrom (back home!) via FlickrWhen you have decided on which kind of fruit tree you would like, and where you would like it,

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-33705769422522008102011-10-18T09:49:00.001-04:002011-10-18T09:49:00.335-04:00

A great way to decorate your garden is the use of vines. They are very low maintenance and look good on almost anything. If you’ve got a fence or separator that really stands out in the field of green that is your garden, then growing a vine over it can be a quick and aesthetically pleasing solution. However, there are many types of vines for different situations, whether you are trying to grow

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-3777644924126901592011-10-15T13:59:00.000-04:002011-10-15T13:59:00.931-04:00

Here is another great interview with our friend Scott Meyer, of Organic Gardening Magazine. Here he shows how simple composting can be. And if you don't want to build your own pile, or you live in an urban area or apartment, you can find some suggestions for composting containers below. Check out this quick video for some great composting tips, and also how to use your compost once it is

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-5842265666496630922011-10-13T15:42:00.000-04:002011-10-13T15:42:00.618-04:00

We don't talk about trees on here that much, but a lovely tree can be a great addition to your garden, if you have enough space. Not only can many trees add attractive foliage and pleasing shapes to your garden, but they can also provide delicious fresh fruit for you and your family. Some maintenance is of course required, but the same is true for all garden plants. One of the most common types

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-76765158943207045162011-10-11T15:31:00.000-04:002011-10-11T15:31:00.331-04:00

If you are still find it hard to understand the nature of composting, it can actually be simplified. It can easily be compared to recycling. Instead of throwing out all your waste and garbage, or at least what you consider as garbage, you can sort that out. In recycling, you need to pick the things that can still be transformed into other materials so that you can use them for different purposes.

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-39590309215274049402011-10-08T09:04:00.000-04:002011-10-08T09:04:00.922-04:00

Here is a really quick video on when and how to bring potted plants inside for the winter (despite the title, it really doesn't tell you WHAT plants, other than tropical ones), with a few tips on getting them ready to come in, proper placement, etc. May be helpful for some folks who have a lot of pots out on the patio - now is the time! Preparing Your Garden For Winter : What Plants to Bring

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-69047536321606936992011-10-06T16:39:00.000-04:002011-10-06T16:39:00.199-04:00

Here are 3 great tips for winterizing your organic garden.Taking care of your garden, even when it is dormant for the winter, is a great way to ensure an even better growing season next year. Image via Wikipedia1. Never leave your garden bare over the winter, because it will lose organic matter through oxidation. Plant oats at the end of the harvest and let them die over the winter, or cover the

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-17271611064701922802011-10-04T16:45:00.000-04:002011-10-04T16:45:00.686-04:00

Well, here we are again - frosty nights are already settling over some areas, and sadly enough for us gardeners, winter is on the way. But wait, don't put away those tools just yet! There is still some important work to be done to properly put your garden to rest for the year. Image by slack12 via FlickrSome people believe that when the weather starts getting colder and the leaves start to fall,

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-7265298720072829222011-10-01T14:00:00.001-04:002011-10-01T14:00:00.347-04:00

Garlic is just about as universal an "herb" as you can get. Used in cuisine from Mexican to Thai, and of course let's not forget - Italian - garlic is pretty much an necessity in any cook's kitchen. However, many people don't think of growing garlic in the garden, even though it is quite easy. Even I - Italian that I am - am somewhat embarrassed to admit I've never tried it, but I will now! This

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-3766635214889106462011-09-29T15:44:00.003-04:002011-09-29T15:44:00.461-04:00

Basil is one of the most common herbs grown in kitchen gardens - mainly because it is fast-growing, so it can be prolific even in a cooler climate, but it is also very easy to grow right from seed, dries well, and has many uses. There are several different varieties of basil, from Italian to Thai, and even flavored basils such as Lemon Basil, or colorful purple or red varieties. But the most

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-83633052059060910672011-09-27T15:32:00.000-04:002011-09-27T15:32:00.895-04:00

If you’re not the type of person that wants to spend their time managing an elaborate fruit or vegetable garden, you might consider planting and maintaining an herb garden. While the product might not seem as significant, you’ll still enjoy the constant availability of fresh, delicious herbs to flavor your meals with - and they are much easier to grow than many other garden plants. Image via

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-75997319389942038902011-09-24T11:24:00.000-04:002011-09-24T11:24:00.883-04:00

There are some rules to learn and follow about what you can put into your compost bin in order to keep your pile healthy and working properly.  The most common organic material that you will add to your compost will be kitchen scraps.  Kitchen scraps are considered "Green" food as they contain nitrogen – an essential element to the process. (See Thursday's post for more on Green and Brown

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-47677263134513325682011-09-22T13:14:00.000-04:002011-09-22T13:14:00.149-04:00

Imagine yourself as a chef of a fancy restaurant. To cook a delicious meal, you carefully measure the ingredients and combine them to create wonderful dishes. The same can be said when creating compost. This time, however, instead of the people in the restaurant as your customers, you will be answering the needs of your plants. And just like cooking, you are given the task of putting together in

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-50139278021419500492011-09-20T16:40:00.000-04:002011-09-20T16:40:00.222-04:00

I know this may seem like a simplistic question, but some people really don't understand what organic gardening truly means, so here is a quick overview - if you already know, this may give you a good answer for those who may ask you at some point! Image by Nick Saltmarsh via FlickrThe simple answer is that organic gardeners don't use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides on their plants. But

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-45296459464730546872011-09-17T10:08:00.001-04:002011-09-17T10:08:00.406-04:00

Here is a quick and helpful video which shows some organic alternatives to toxic chemical pesticides. Choose these instead of the banned chemicals listed in the video, and be sure to always use caution and apply carefully, even when using organic pest control options in your garden. Classic Paul James - Organic Alternatives - @ gardenerguy.com Do you remember which lawn and garden chemicals the

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-66821704399524671492011-09-15T13:50:00.001-04:002011-09-15T13:50:00.487-04:00

Expanding a bit more on Tuesday's post, here is a bit more in-depth chemical info on how chemical fertilizers can rob plants of valuable nutrients. (Don't worry - we'll try to keep it pretty simple!) Image via WikipediaTo start off, the colloidal humus particles are the convoys that transfer most of the minerals from the soil solution to the root hairs. Each humus particle is negatively charged

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-2524203431572118262011-09-13T13:36:00.003-04:002011-09-13T13:36:00.184-04:00

We have chemicals in our everyday lives everywhere. Shampoo, toothpaste, many foods, even our clothing all contain or are manufactured with the use of chemicals. Besides polluting the environment, the use of chemicals can be much more threatening. (For more on this, see http://www.newholisticliving.com/toxicload.html, or our Green Living/Toxic Load blog at http://

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-54407893347573688142011-09-10T09:11:00.000-04:002011-09-10T09:11:00.728-04:00

Here is a quick and interesting video on the rising popularity of community gardening here in the United States. Community gardens have been a growing trend in many other countries such as Canada and Australia for some time. The concept is really starting to take hold in the US in the past few years, and this short video gives some good examples. Obviously as I shared on Thursday, even in my

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-81095163205478007102011-09-08T12:38:00.000-04:002011-09-08T12:38:00.343-04:00

Organic vegetable gardening doesn't have to be hard. But to help you, here are some tips you should know. Image via Wikipedia1. The most important thing to do is to decide what you want to grow. There are so many vegetables to choose from, but keep in mind that certain vegetables may not grow well in your climate so be sure to take that into consideration. You will want to choose those plants

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-15633615510046570292011-09-06T13:52:00.000-04:002011-09-06T13:52:00.740-04:00

This week I had a very exciting surprise....I came home a little early from work, and decided to take a walk - which I haven't done since I don't know when. Across the street is a small elementary school, and one of my favorite walk circuits takes me around the block and behind the school. It's a nice walk through a nice neighborhood, and takes about 15 minutes, so it's one of my old favorites.

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-51829279333003421022011-09-03T15:03:00.000-04:002011-09-03T15:03:00.839-04:00

Wrapping up our week on great gardening resources, here are some good ones to bookmark in your browser (besides this blog, of course)! Cover via AmazonCheck out these links to find organic gardening tips and ideas, sources of organic seeds, new organic and sustainable gardening products, and much more. And if you haven't already, be sure to check out our main sustainable gardening web page for

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-32907107812984154282011-09-01T14:31:00.000-04:002011-09-01T14:31:00.651-04:00

If you're an avid gardener, a gardening magazine can be your best friend. There are many gardening magazines available, on just about any topic you can imagine, ranging from the most basic beginner gardening info, to advance strategies for experience gardeners. But would you like to know which stands out from the rest? Here are a selection of gardening magazines that anyone in love with his or

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-74306252757027085182011-08-30T14:16:00.000-04:002011-08-30T14:16:00.552-04:00

Here are the major reasons why one should consider getting a pair of trusty gardening gloves: Gloves protect your hands from blisters, thorns and cuts while doing rough work like digging or pruning in the garden. Investing in one or more pairs of quality gloves is a good decision if you intend to garden on any scale. A couple of my favorite pairs. Here are some tips on how to choose the

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-35162715927435184702011-08-27T09:01:00.000-04:002011-08-27T09:01:00.804-04:00

Here is a neat little video from a late summer garden. He is very knowledgeable, and gives some neat ideas for planting things together, or over-planting, including a cool and pretty suggestion for planting over my tulip bed during the summer - one thing I've always been looking for something to cover. Enjoy! Strolling Through A Late Summer Garden Walk with Brent through his garden and take a

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-81760255370084162852011-08-25T12:46:00.001-04:002011-09-03T18:12:13.242-04:00

If you live in a desert community or in an area that often experiences seasons of drought or extremely dry times during the year then it is quite likely that you would be best served by considering a summer garden that requires a little less water than the average summer garden by avoiding the lush greens and big 'drinking' plants that many people prefer to keep in their gardens in favor of

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-84210410869505549082011-08-23T13:38:00.001-04:002011-08-23T13:38:00.906-04:00

Well, my potato plants are dying down, and I'm seeing some yellow leaves in my garden. Although I don't want to admit it, I know in the back of my mind that unfortunately summer is already drawing to a close.... But this doesn't have to be quite the end of your summer garden! Whether our gardens are meant to produce colorful blooms and fragrant flowers that delight the senses or plenty of

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-11675400063919161892011-08-20T16:10:00.001-04:002011-08-20T16:10:00.288-04:00

Here is a totally awesome video that is so inspirational and hopeful! The first farm featured is also using the CSA model (which many farmers are discovering is quite a successful way to go), and also sell through farmer's markets. They DON'T sell to grocery stores at all, but they are very successful and support a huge number of people with their produce - they just sell direct to consumers who

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-20306546716080263842011-08-18T15:46:00.001-04:002011-08-18T15:46:00.540-04:00

Besides a free and nutrient rich fertilizer for your soil and plants there are many other benefits to starting a compost in your yard - some of which you may never have thought of.  A few of the benefits of composting are listed below. Image via Wikipedia You can reduce or eliminate weeds in your garden by using compost as it prevents weed seeds from sprouting and prospering.  This is a natural

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-35137088626536533422011-08-16T07:45:00.000-04:002011-08-16T07:45:00.793-04:00

Check out this truly excellent article that I found. It's a great story, and also offers hope for a sustainable future. This is from a series of articles (which hopefully will become a book - I'll let you know if and when it comes out!) by Nathan Winters, and it is definitely worth a read (as is the rest of the series). I will share more of his articles at a later date. Check this one out, and

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-11965907788535540772011-08-13T08:41:00.000-04:002011-08-13T08:41:00.893-04:00

If you are like many other individuals, there is a good chance that you have heard that organic foods are healthier to eat.  This may have caught your attention.  If you are uncertain about making the switch to organic foods, you may be looking for reasons why you should.  One of the most common questions asked is why organic foods are better?  For a number of answers to that question, please

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-89041738966827502842011-08-11T08:49:00.002-04:002011-08-11T08:49:00.515-04:00

Here is a great little video which describes what to expect when you join a CSA program for the first time. A few different members of various CSAs share what they liked best, as well as some tips for choosing a good CSA for you. The CSA model has really taken off in the US in the past few years, so in many areas, you may have multiple options to choose from. This video will give you some good

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-66490717799911865032011-08-09T09:45:00.032-04:002011-08-09T09:45:04.243-04:00

A recent comment on Facebook got me to thinking, and inspired me to write this post....  A friend had posted some comments after watching the documentary, Food, Inc. (If you haven't watched this one, it is a must-see if you are at all concerned about the food you eat and staying healthy.) I shared with her some info on CSAs and findingImage via Wikipedia clean, healthy, locally grown food - which

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-63299134209781923242011-08-06T13:25:00.000-04:002011-08-06T13:25:00.525-04:00

As promised, here are links to some natural insecticide recipes you can make yourself, at home, to control pests in your garden without using harmful chemicals. The first one offers two good recipes, and you may also wish to watch the video - the guy is a little goofy, but if you watch the whole thing (it's only about 6 minutes), it really does give you some interesting food for thought.... BEST

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-89525339981873740162011-08-04T16:03:00.000-04:002011-08-04T16:03:01.837-04:00

Have you decided to go all natural?  All-natural diet, all-natural pet food, all-natural medicines, natural insect control, and all-natural gardening have become the wave of the present and future.  Many people think something is new just because it hasn't been in the spotlight.  But natural alternatives have been around for years.  They just didn't receive much press because in our whirlwind

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-90156067070599815972011-08-02T15:54:00.001-04:002011-08-02T15:54:00.442-04:00

Some say that a natural insecticide cannot, by its nature, be as effective as a synthetic one.  Chemical insecticides are used often by large farms, in order to quickly control insects in a large section of plants.  So, why should you choose to use a natural insecticide? Image via WikipediaFirst, there is an abundance of plants that can be used for their insecticidal properties.  Over 1500 are

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-18550335705555623152011-07-30T07:53:00.000-04:002011-07-30T07:53:00.413-04:00

Here is a cool video that shows some BEAUTIFUL produce, and discusses why organic and sustainable garden is so much healthier for you, the soil and plants, and the planet as a whole. Enjoy this short video, and for more info, check out the book below. Organic Gardening Tips plc3demo.com I want to share with you not only the joy of producing fresh, delicious food for your family, but also the

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-21857619026627971052011-07-28T13:17:00.000-04:002011-07-28T13:17:00.526-04:00

Herbs are a fun addition to the garden, and not only are they tasty in all kinds of dishes, but many also have medicinal properties that can be very helpful for all kinds of ailments. When you hear about someone who grows herbs for medicine, perhaps you picture a big garden or farm, and someone who has nothing to do all day but work in the garden. While that is a picturesque and perhaps enviable

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-47174907366713057362011-07-26T07:31:00.000-04:002011-07-26T07:31:00.956-04:00

This week we are talking about gardening and health. Most people think of gardening as a fun hobby, or a way to have a few extra fresh veggies on hand, but actually gardening offers a number of other benefits. It is a way to grow and harvest your own food - true. It can also create a nice landscape for your yard. It’s also a pleasant and low stress way to spend some time outside. But you might be

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-15601156978658729602011-07-23T16:08:00.001-04:002011-07-23T16:08:00.956-04:00

Here is a short video explaining the benefits and use of rain barrels. If you're already familiar with using a rain barrel system, this may not tell you anything new, but if you are pretty new to the concept, it's worth a couple of minutes to watch. And if you're already ready to get your own rain barrel, or this video convinces you why you should, stay tuned, as next week we will share a video

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-80111361591769490682011-07-21T15:44:00.000-04:002011-07-21T15:44:00.538-04:00

If you’re a gardener that has an unlimited supply of water, consider yourself lucky. There are many who live in drought zones where the garden and lawn watering rules are very constrictive to the healthy growth of gardens and plants. Many people just give up when they find out how few gallons of water they are permitted to use, but some have just found ways to cope with less water. There are many

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-39748038658622265062011-07-19T15:35:00.000-04:002011-07-19T15:35:00.538-04:00

Here is a great website I stumbled across today. If you live in Ohio, Fresh Connect is an awesome resource for finding sustainable, locally grown food. From CSA and farmer's market Image via Wikipedialistings, to pick-your-own-produce farms and community gardens, to restaurants and grocers offering locally-raised fare, there is a ton of great information here. Check it out for more ways to find

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-91620936453626310832011-07-16T08:48:00.000-04:002011-07-16T08:48:00.449-04:00

Here is a pretty good video interview with the editor of Organic Gardening magazine, detailing a number of different options for keeping pests from destroying your organic garden. I may have to try a few of these, but the problem is knowing which one....right now I am stumped.... Something is eating just about every plant in my garden (around the edges of the leaves), but I can't see the culprit!

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-74051587707831582972011-07-14T12:31:00.000-04:002011-07-14T12:31:00.889-04:00

This time of year, organic gardeners are enjoying their vibrantly growing gardens, and maybe not so much enjoying seeing their beautiful plants being eaten by pests! Many natural insecticides are now available on the market, but there are a few things to consider before using them. Image by Jason A. Samfield via FlickrThe word natural sounds safe and welcoming.  It indicates that something is

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-81016371842395248192011-07-12T13:23:00.000-04:002011-07-12T13:23:00.250-04:00

In addition to the acceptable food scraps you may have heard you can use for your compost, there are many different organic items you can add too.  Some of the items on the list may surprise you, while others will be ones you have heard of before.  Just remember, by composting these items you are reducing the amount of waste that your home produces - which is beneficial to everyone. Image via

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221896991813333630.post-75061313367241658282011-07-09T08:04:00.000-04:002011-07-09T08:04:00.251-04:00

Here is a longer video on the method I mentioned on Thursday. This video gives you a bit more details on the system, and how and why it works. This minimal-work method is great for a small space, or even in a larger space, and helps you utilize empty spaces in your garden that typically get filled with weeds. He describes a very interesting method for keeping weeds out - it is very natural and

Rose H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14421357226077988509noreply@blogger.com0