Green Your Garden

Author:Radha Marcum

Thumb not green enough for organic gardening? Challenge that thought.

Not only is gardening without chemicals healthier for your family, your pets, and nearby ecosystems, but it isn't as complicated as it may seem, say the experts. It's all about smart preparation, says Vinnie Drzewucki, a horticulturist at Hick's Nurseries in Westbury, New York, and author of Flowerbeds and Borders in Deer Country (Brick Tower Press). "Your first job is to grow the healthiest plants possible. Learn how to do that, and you'll prevent a lot of problems down the line, such as insects, diseases, and poor yields," says Drzewucki. Here's how.

Know thy soil. Is it sandy, loamy, heavy with clay? And perhaps most important, what is your soil's pH level? Most vegetables and annuals prefer a pH level between six and seven. Anything above or below will limit the plant's ability to utilize nutrients, says Drzewucki. A good pH test kit costs about $15 at garden centers. After analyzing the soil's texture and testing for pH level, ask your local garden center to recommend the right organic soil amendments and incorporate these before planting. "Doing this can cut down on the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides later," says Drzewucki.

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