Organic produce is within your reach

Author

Lisa
May 14, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Good morning,

Ever seen a caterpillar that looks like it hit the gym a little too hard? That might be a tomato hornworm, a hefty green monster with a taste for your tomatoes. Don't worry, though - you can fight back! Handpick these unwelcome guests or use an organic BT spray to send them packing without harming your precious plants.

CHERRY PICKED - JUST FOR YOU

Can You Actually Afford Organic? The Budget-Friendly Gardener's Guide to Fresh Produce

Organic products are typically more expensive than their synthetic counterparts. Their supply is scarcer, production requires more labor, and handling costs more, among other factors that shoot the price 50% to 200% more!

If you want to prioritize your family’s health without breaking the bank, you just need to get a little creative.

NATURE’S CALLING

There are 20 days left until National Gardening Week

BRANCHING OUT

Composting for Apartment Dwellers: Solutions for Limited Space

Composting is a great way to sustainably get rid of waste and obtain black gold for your garden, but many apartment dwellers get intimidated by the idea due to the smell and the small area. Well, you can still compost in a limited space if you learn the basics of composting and get the right compost bins for apartments.

9 Incredible Plants That Repel Flies (No Need for Chemicals)

Having flies buzzing around your head can be endlessly annoying, and it can be any time of year when they decide to make themselves at home too.

So, why not put your houseplants to work? Choose some that are known to repel flies and send them right back outside!

Gardening Myth or Miracle? Exploring the Feasibility of Compost-Only Planting

Most of us already know about the benefits of compost for our gardens, but has the thought of compost-only planting ever crossed your mind? Find out whether or not more of a good thing is better when it comes to gardening with compost.

DAILY DOSE OF DIRT

Spring is in full swing, and many warm-season vegetables and herbs are ready to be transplanted outdoors! This week's challenge is all about giving your seedlings a happy home in the garden.

The Challenge:

Prepare Your Garden Bed: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil (if your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with compost or raised beds). Loosen the top few inches of soil and remove any weeds.

Harden Off Your Seedlings: If you've been starting seeds indoors, it's crucial to harden them off before transplanting. Gradually expose them to outdoor conditions for a few hours each day, increasing the duration over a week.

Planting Power: Follow the recommended spacing guidelines for your chosen vegetables and herbs. Dig holes slightly larger than the root ball and gently transplant your seedlings, making sure the soil level is at the same point on the stem as it was in the pot. Water thoroughly.

Bonus! Companion Planting Power: Research companion planting for your chosen vegetables and herbs. This practice involves planting specific beneficial plants together to deter pests, attract pollinators, and even improve flavor!

This challenge gets your seedlings settled in their new home and sets the stage for a bountiful harvest.

MORE TO GROW ON

7 Potent Indoor Plants that Ants Can't Stand

Ants are such tiny creatures, but when you see an ant mound in your garden, they don’t look quite so small! If you want a natural way to protect your home and garden from these insects, grow one or more of these impressive ant-repellent plants.

3 Smart Ways to Make Your Old Garden Soil Useful Again

If your plants don’t seem to be doing as well as they used to, it might be the soil. Before ripping it out and starting fresh, give one of these revitalization methods a try!

NEVER STOP GROWING

Want even more gardening tips to transform your thumb from brown to green? Browse all past newsletters to unearth some hidden gems you might have missed the first time around. Completely free and available 24/7!

UNTIL NEXT BLOOM…

As always, thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to read this newsletter! Question or comments - just reply.

Happy planting!