More and more people are choosing organic gardening methods because they no longer want to use toxic pesticides and herbicides around their children and pets, and do not want to poison our environment. But there is another reason to go organic – it works! Organic gardening methods work in cooperation with the complex science of nature to enhance the growth of our plants. Organic gardening methods give our plants just what they need, reducing stress and increasing growth and production in our landscapes, gardens, and lawns.
The main principles behind organics are simple!
Follow these steps for a healthier, more beautiful landscape.
Have questions? Just ask us!
Start with the soil.
Wherever new soil needs to be added to a garden or a container, use only the best weed-free, compost-rich soil blend. Soil is the foundation of our plants’ life, and the quality of the soil determines the quality of our plants.
Maintain with compost.
Compost improves soil texture, drainage, and water-holding capacity. High quality compost also adds essential nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. These beneficial microbes make nutrients available to plants and help prevent disease. Lady Bug Revitalizer is a superior compost blend for all gardening situations or you may prefer All-American Turkey Compost or Farm Style .
Use only organic fertilizers, amendments, and supplements.
Recent studies conducted by Texas A&M University, on behalf of the City of Austin Grow Green Program, proved that organic fertilizers, including Lady Bug 8-2-4 Lawn & Garden fertilizer, outperformed others in producing better “color and density” on the plants tested. Furthermore, the study showed that organic fertilizers do not pollute our groundwater, as synthetic fertilizers do.
Mulch bare soil.
Mulching at least 3 inches deep wherever possible helps to prevent weeds, conserves moisture, regulates soil temperature and helps prevent disease. Using Lady Bug Sylvan Formula as a mulch provides all of these benefits, and much more. Sylvan Formula is a mulch, blended with compost, paramagnetic rock, greensand, molasses, corn meal, and all inoculated with compost tea.
Choose native and well-adapted plants.
Native plants are easier to maintain, use less water, and are less prone to disease and insect attack. Find out more by consulting the following resources.
Water carefully.
Using native plants and mulching properly greatly reduces the amount of water needed in the landscape. In general, it is better to water deeply and less frequently than shallowly and often.
Control weeds organically.
Most weeds grow best in poor soil. Improving soil texture and fertility and increasing soil microbial activity as described above can thwart weeds. Also, weeds can’t get a foothold if bare soil is mulched. However, when a natural weed killer is needed on weeds in the meantime, use 20% Vinegar natural herbicide. Sprayed undiluted on a sunny day, 20% Vinegar works immediately to kill unwanted plants.
Preserve beneficial organisms
Beneficial soil microorganisms, as well as visible critters like earthworms, support plant life and ward off diseases. Beneficial insects and other wildlife in the garden, such as ladybugs, lacewings, ground beetles, spiders, lizards, birds, wasps, and garden snakes, help to keep pest insect populations in check. Learn to identify garden allies and protect them. Do this by avoiding chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and using even organic pesticides sparingly, if at all. Identify pest species and consider attracting wildlife and beneficial insects with the help of the following resources.