Tips on organic gardening
By Roger Larson | 11th June 2008
Over the last couple years, I have continued to hear more interest in “organics.” Some are concerned with their health, while some the environment. Whatever one’s focus of concern, there are ways in which you can garden “organically”, at home. David Robson, Extension Horticulture Educator, shares some principles for those interested in gardening “organically.”
“Organic gardening (without the use of chemicals to control weeds, diseases and insects) grows more popular with many home gardeners each year. You can increase your chances of success with organic gardening if you follow some established gardening practices.
As a starter, choose varieties that can be grown with little or no danger of damage from disease or insect pests. Radishes, lettuce, onions, leeks, chives, beets, chard, mustard, Chinese cabbage, parsnips, salsify, peas, spinach, sweet potatoes, turnips and most herbs fill this bill and can be grown with great success.
If you’re interested in using biological methods to control insects, such as a spray of Bacillus thuringiensis (a bacteria insecticide to control caterpillars), you may add green beans, cabbage, kale, collards, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower to your garden’s roster.
You can grow tomatoes—the most popular garden item with home gardeners—if you handpick tomato hornworms and snip off shoots harboring aphids. Stake, cage or mulch the plants to keep the fruit from coming in contact with the ground.
Sweet corn can also be grown successfully in Illinois without the aid of chemicals if you pay attention to timing. Corn planted between May 7 and May 30 will generally silk after June 15 and before mid-July—a period during which there is little risk of serious earworm infestation.
Most organic gardeners will run into trouble if they attempt to grow vine crops such as cucumber, muskmelon, pumpkin, squash and eggplant. These crops are attacked by insects that can be controlled only by chemicals.
Follow these important steps to further assure success for your gardening efforts:
· Interplant varieties, but maintain adequate spacing for good air movement.
· Avoid spreading diseases. If a plant does become diseased, remove the infected leaves or entire plant immediately. Diseases do spread quickly.
· Don’t water in the evening or walk through the garden when it’s damp.
· Use fresh, commercial seed that is grown under disease-free conditions.
· Keep weeds and grass out by shallow hoeing or mulching. Weeds compete for fertility, water and space and harbor insects and diseases. Straw, grass clippings and sawdust make good mulches.
· To avoid soil compaction, don’t work the soil when it’s wet.
· Use compost, manure, steamed bone meal, rock phosphate and muriate of potash or wood ashes to provide adequate nutrients for your garden’s plants.
· Plant at the proper time.
· Use stakes, cages or other training methods to support plants whenever feasible.
· A plant that’s growing in good soil, with proper water and fertilizer, can withstand insect and disease problems. Maintain proper moisture levels throughout the growing season.”
If you have other questions, call the Peoria County Extension Office. The number is 309-685-3140 or www.extension.uiuc.edu/peoria.