What is organic gardening?

Organic gardening isn't just a lack of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Organic gardening requires you to consider your garden as part of nature as a whole, not an entity separate from hungry rabbits, aphids, or sweltering summers. Organic gardeners work in harmony with the natural environment, and have a responsibility to create and maintain healthy soil--replenishing what is lacking and nourishing it with organic matter. Organic gardening is a not a new practice, it is a paradigm shift that will change your approach to the environment.

In Tull's terms, focusing on soil yields greater results in your garden and in your personal awareness of how you impact the environment. As in any relationship, both parties give and take. Gardening is no different. Healthy soil produces healthy plants. "By focusing on soil, I get something far more rewarding than just food:  a long-term relationship with the plot of dirt I'm working on and a garden that will sustain itself long-term, becoming even richer and healthier over time....On the other hand, if my focus is on "growing the most plants and biggest plants I can, as quickly as I can", I might be prone to use pesticides and Miracle Grow or plant inappropriately.  I will simply be gardening from a misinformed premise and will miss out on the great opportunity to become intimate with the earth." 

"Start with one bed and tend it well."  Alan Chadwick

Test your soil.  Urban soil always runs the risk if being contaminated. If you desire a healthy garden, begin by getting acquainted with your dirt. Your soil may be completely healthy, but it helps to know exactly what you're working with to avoid confusion and disappointment later.   Visit the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service to locate soil testing in your area.

Find a sunny spot in your yard and design your garden beds.  Break the bondage of  spatial limitations! Using your imagination you can grow on hillsides, in tires, and perhaps an old lunch tin. As a coach, Deborah has helped many a wanna-be gardener bring life to an awkward space by considering unique containers, and both horizontal and vertical options.

Gather your compost. If you haven't begun to compost, begin now! Your soil needs to be nourished regularly with fresh, decaying, organic matter.  Purchasing a bag of organic compost will buy you some time.

Set up an efficient watering system.  Add a watering can and hose with an adjustable watering attachment to your gardening tool box." I prefer hand-watering to irrigation (or along with irrigation) if your garden is small enough to manage, so that you can pay better attention to how much water gets used."

Learn What Climate Zone You Are In. Knowing what growing climate you are in can help you determine your gardening possibilities and limitations. "For instance, someone gardening in Los Angeles, Zone 10, is able to grow different crops than someone gardening in the Sierra foothills." You can determine what zone you are in at http://www.garden.org/zipzone/.

Begin Attracting Beneficial Insects Deborah encourages attracting hungry, helpful insects to minimize your pest issues. Ladybugs, lacewings, and nematodes are examples of natural pest controllers. Practical tips on attracting these garden hands can be found here.

Once you have completed these tasks, you are well on your way to learning and implementing the four cornerstones of organic gardening: conserving water, properly caring for soil, building good soil, and integrated pest management.

This is a wonderful organic gardening resource: Gardens Alive

Read Part II of "The Tao of Organic Gardening"

Want hands on information? Attend one of Deborah Eden Tull's workshops.

ORGANIC BACKYARD GARDENING WORKSHOPS - held in Eagle Rock/Glassell Park at a private home, 1:30-4:30 pm, unless otherwise specified.
Saturday, March 13
Saturday, April 10th
Saturday, May 15th
Cost: $40, or $35 early bird special

BEYOND GREEN: Sustainability, Self-Reliance, and Mindful Living - March 6- March 27: 4-week course

We will meet every Saturday from 10:00am -12:30pm (3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27)
Cost: $120 (for the full series)
Topics include:
• organic gardening
• permaculture design
• composting/creative reuse
• the green kitchen and food sustainability
• personal lifestyle sustainability/saving money living green
• and mindful living

We will meet from 10:00am -12:30pm in Silverlake/Los Feliz Every Saturday in March (3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27)

Cost: $120 (for the full series)