What is Organic Gardening?

Gardening organically means that you are taking a wider view. You are looking at your organic garden as part of the whole ecology of the planet and making your contribution to working in harmony with nature and conserving natural resources. Gardening organically means looking at the whole system not just the plants, you have consider the soil, the water supply and the wildlife which inhabits your garden.

Gardening organically means that you look to find natural ways to replenish what you take from the system. For example, as you grow plants they are taking nourishment from the soil. You need to find a natural way of replenishing the soil and that can be done quite simply by adding organic matter. We all have access to organic matter and an ideal way for Town and City gardeners to create organic matter is to compost. Composting does not have to be hard work. You have a lawn ? Include the grass clippings in your compost. Inside the home collect vegetable peelings, egg shells and the like and add those to your compost too! Gardening organically does not have to be hard work and the results of working with rather than against nature can be extremely rewarding. Have a look at our organic gardening products and get started working with nature

Organic Container Gardening

If you do not have a large plot of land in your town garden you can still follow the principles of organic gardening. Most vegetables and herbs can grow well in containers, especially if you pay attention to companion planting. Be sure to use high quality organic soil with lots of compost in your new raised beds.You will also need to build up the soil each year with fresh organic matter from your compost heap.

Companion Planting

Companion planting can combine beauty and purpose to give you an enjoyable, healthy environment. By using companion planting, many gardeners find that they can discourage harmful pests without losing the beneficial allies. Companion plants not only deter pests but can also be used to add benefits to the soil (for example Peas help fix nitrogen in the soil) or by providing shade and shelter to more tender plants. There are many varieties of herbs, flowers, etc. that can be used for companion plants. Be open to experimenting and find what works for you. Some possibilities would be using certain plants as a border, backdrop or inter planting in your flower or vegetable beds where you have specific needs. Use plants that are native to your area so the insects you want to attract already know what to look for! Plants with open cup shaped flowers are the most popular with beneficial insects. Listed below are some examples of companion plants and the benefits they can bring to your garden

Have a look at our wonderful selection of wildflower mixes

Companion Plants and Purpose

• Garlic: Plant near roses to repel aphids. Accumulates sulfur: a naturally occurring fungicide which will help in the garden with disease prevention
• French Marigold: Has roots that exude a substance which spreads in their immediate vicinity killing nematodes. For nematode control you want to plant dense areas of them. There have been some studies done that proved this nematode killing effect lasted for several years after the plants.
• Nasturtium: Deters Cucumber Beetles, Squash Bugs,Aphids, and more. And, they are edible!
• Sage, salvias - benefits brassicas and carrots because its smell confuses pests
• Thyme: Deters cabbage worm