Soils and fertilizers.....

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Composting
Keeping the soil rich in nutrients is key to successful organic gardening. Composting ordinary food scraps and landscape trimmings

Testing the Soil
You’ll also want to go to your local nursery or consult with a gardening expert to be sure you understand what your soil needs before you buy your first plants.

Aeration in Organic Gardening
Proper aeration is one of the critical components of good gardening. Roots need a steady supply not only of nutrients and water but of oxygen as well. Many gardeners provide plenty of nutrients and water but fail to think of aeration, yet without sufficient oxygen, even the hardiest of plants will dry up and die.

Nutrients in Organic Gardening
Plants, like animals and humans, are delicately balanced within their environments. Even a small change can be critical in disrupting that balance. If you were to deprive your body of water and essential nutrients, it would begin to break down. In a garden, the nutrients in the soil are especially critical to the health of the plants.

Organic Fertilizer
When it comes to organic fertilizer, there are organic-based solutions and 100 percent organic alternatives. The type of fertilizer you choose depends not only on the crops you're planting, but on the overall garden. Organic gardening is all about balance between the soil and its nutrients, the water, the air, and of course your plants.

Seaweed as Fertilizer
Seaweed extract is highly regarded as one of the best natural fertilizers. Different varieties of kelp have proven to be effective in seed germination, root development, and disease resistance. An all-natural fertilizer, seaweed is a great organic gardening additive.

The Benefits of Bat Guano Fertilizer
Bat guano, one of the richest natural fertilizers, has been used since ancient times to promote a good harvest. Many ancient civilizations knew of its superior properties and forbade citizens from discarding it. The U.S. government has subsidized land rich in bat guano and even offered land to those discovering the deposits.

Using Your Worm Castings
Worm castings are one of nature’s best fertilizers. They help perennials, potted plants, lawn grass, and vegetables grow strong root fibers and get plenty of oxygen by aerating the soil. Worm castings are abundant and environmentally friendly.

Rooting Hormone Stimulates Growth
Many gardeners use rooting hormone to propagate their plants. Cuttings are taken from a parent plant, called a “clonal,” and rooted in a growing medium.

Vermiculite
Vermiculite, mined in Australia, South Africa, and South America, as well as other areas, is made from laminar magnesium, aluminum, and iron silicate. It’s used in manufacturing as well as in agriculture. When heated, it gives off moisture as steam and exfoliates, giving it a wormlike appearance. When it absorbs moisture and expands, it resembles mica.

Organic Pest Controls
Some organic gardening enthusiasts believe that the use of pesticides conflicts with the principle of maintaining a harmonious ecosystem. Eliminating all insects could throw the delicate system out of balance. They advocate introducing natural predators such as birds and frogs into the garden to take care of the bugs

Growing Orchids
With over 20,000 different species, orchids are the most abundant of all the plant families in the world. Some species grow on trees (epiphytes) and others are called “air” plants. Some orchids are thimble-sized blooms while others, such as the renanthera storiei, grow 20 feet high. Many orchids release fragrances to attract insects for pollination. Odorless varieties rely on color or distinctive shape as a lure. Although they look fragile, orchids are extremely resilient. Like all plants, however, you do have to take proper care of them.

Using Compost Tumblers in Garden
Nutrients in Organic Gardening
Creating a Water-Conserving Garden
Selecting Grow Lights
Organic Pest and Animal Controls

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