Does the term "organic gardening" sound like it means a lot of extra work to you? Not to worry! We'll have you growing really green in 10 simple steps.
1. Getting Started
Improve your soil, let plants and mulch crowd out the weeds, practice good garden sanitation and grow a diversity of plants.
2. Mulch, Mulch, Mulch!
You'll reduce weeds, save water and nourish the soil.
3. Choose the Right Plants
Pick hardy varieties that can stand up to disease, pests and dry weather. Choose many types of plants because too many of the same kind makes your garden vulnerable to pests and disease.
4. Don't Panic at the First Sign of a Pest
Just because you see aphids doesn't mean you have to grab a bottle of bug spray. If the damage is only minor, there's no need to act. Sometimes natural predators or a weather change will fix the problem for you.
5. Skip the Pesticides
Broad-spectrum or nonselective pesticides kill almost any critter they touch, including the good bugs that prey on the bad bugs. Don't use fungicide, either, unless you know for sure what's wrong with an ailing plant.
6. Let Good Critters Get Rid of the Bad
Birds, ladybugs, spiders, dragonflies, damselflies, wasps, parasitic nematodes, praying mantis and worms eat harmful insects. Snakes, cats and dogs will help rid your garden of rodents and nocturnal pests like raccoons.
7. Accept That Weeds Happen
It's nearly impossible to get your lawn completely weed-free, so quit trying. Besides, weeds aren't all bad; some attract beneficial insects.
8. Use Natural Fertilizers
Synthetic fertilizers kill the soil microorganisms that help fight pests and disease. And no product on the shelf is as good and cheap as fertilizer you can make yourself with yard waste and kitchen scraps.
9. Use Water Wisely
Save water by knowing how and when to water your plants.
10. Go Native
Pick plants that are adapted to your climate and soil. Native plants resist pests and disease and won't need much help from you to thrive.
Beethoven's Veranda now carries an extensive line of organic soils, fertilizers and organic pesticides including Dr. Earth and Fox Farm. Please call 201-945-9333 or stop in either location today for additional information.
Beethoven's Veranda now carries an extensive line of organic soils, fertilizers and organic pesticides including Dr. Earth and Fox Farm. Please call 201-945-9333 or stop in either location today for additional information. 
