Grow Your Own Organic Herbs and Veggies!
by Amanda Quraishi, Austin TX
GoingGreenResources.com
The health benefits of organic foods has been established in countless studies, but for the ultimate ‘green’ diet, you can grow your own organic herbs and veggies to supplement what you buy at the store! Even if you only have a small space like an apartment patio, you are going to be able to grow some produce. You'll use almost no energy, you can be sure it is 100% organic, and you'll have a real sense of satisfaction that comes from the ancient tradition of growing your own food.
• Seeds
The first thing you want to do is decide what you want to grow. There are several factors involved with this decision, including your geographic location, the time you have to spend taking care of your garden, and of course, your personal preferences about what you like to eat. Keep in mind that there are certain pairings of plants which work well together through companion planting. This technique boosts the plants' germination or helps control the insect population without the use of pesticides.
Once you've made your decision about what to plant, you can buy your seeds from the internet, from local nurseries, or you can harvest them yourself from the organic veggies you eat.
• Soil, Compost, and Fertilizer
Start with the highest quality soil you can find. If you need to, you always have the option to buy organic soil to get yourself started. Then, if you have the space, make your own compost; or you can buy organic compost to mix in to the soil. When it comes to fertilizing your plants, there are plenty of natural and organic options that you can purchase or even make yourself. Since soil is the building block of any green garden, don't skimp on these three things, because they are essential to a healthy, nutritious final product. There are literally thousands of resources online and off that can provide you with the necessary information to optimize your soil.
• Harvesting
When your veggies are ripe, it's time to enjoy! Share your crop with your friends and family. Make sure you freeze, can, or pickle items that you won't be able to consume right away. Even though your veggies are organic, wash them gently with a vegetable wash and inspect them for any damage or decomposition. Taste the tender greens, ripe tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers freshly cut and unseasoned to really experience the joy of an organic garden!
Natural Sprays for Insects
by Alison Kroulek
Almost everyone hates bugs. Even if you understand and appreciate their ecological function, you still don't want to share your house with them. However, conventional insect sprays are toxic, exposing you, your family, and the surrounding environment to harmful chemicals. Fortunately, going green does not mean having to put up with insects in the home. Resources are available that will help you control bugs safely and naturally.
Conventional pesticides can contaminate soil and groundwater. Like many synthetic chemicals, they break down slowly and can persist in the food chain. Most natural pesticides are made of either minerals or botanical extracts. Many natural pesticides can cause poisoning if handled improperly. However, they break down into nontoxic components very quickly, so they are a much better choice. Some natural insect sprays do not aim to kill insects but rather to repel them. Check the label-if you have a population that you need to kill rather than relocate, a repellent will not solve your problem. You can often make your own natural insect sprays, but some people are too busy. If you are going green but need to control pests, the resources below should help.
• Neem oil sprays: Neem oil is extracted from the neem trea, native to India. Neem repels many insects and also acts as growth regulator, keeping them from maturing and reproducing.
• Essential oil blends: There are many essential oils that are toxic to bugs. Green Light Organics uses clove, sesame and thyme oils in its "Bioganic" Home and Garden insect spray.
• Citrus-derived Ingredients- D-Limonene and linalool are citrus-derived ingredients that kill many insects, including ants. For more information on these products, see the Orange Guard website.
• Pyrethrum / Pyrethrins-These products kill a broad spectrum of insects using extracts from an African species of chrysanthemum.
If you are used to using conventional pesticides, going green can seem like a challenge. Many companies do offer effective natural resources for pest control. If your favorite store does not carry any natural pest control products, ask the manager if they will stock them for you. Or, you can order online.
TOP 10 TIPS
Here are 10 highly effective ways to go greener in the garden
1. Keep it real
You know what they say about Mother knowing best? Well, Mother Nature never needed to steal sips from a chemical cocktail of pesticides, weed killers, and chemical fertilizers to keep her act together. Nix the poisons and layer on some all-natural compost, instead. Call in beneficial insect reinforcements to wrestle pesky garden pests to the ground. Who needs to play Command & Conquer when you have battlefield drama unfolding before you in real time?
2. Make compost from kitchen scraps
Compost like a champ by throwing in your vegetable waste, instead of allowing it to be trucked off to the landfill. Known as "gardener's gold," compost enriches soil fertility by giving it a shot of high-powered, plant-loving nutrients. Aside from stimulating healthy root development, the addition of rich and earthy compost also improves soil texture, aeration, and water retention. Why waste your hard-earned cash on commercial products when the real deal is free for the taking? Speed up the process with the help of earthworms or go wriggle-free (if you're the squeamish sort).
3. Buy recycled
If your delicate aesthetic sensibilities balk at the idea of reusing yogurt or takeout containers to house your hydrangeas, check out the myriad environmentally friendly planters and raised-garden kits now available. It takes less energy to recycle something than to mine virgin materials, so whether you choose recycled copper, plastic, or even rubber to anchor your tender shoots, it's all copacetic. Admire your handiwork and eco-smarts while lounging on recycled lawn furniture.
4. Grow your own food
Buying organic produce can admittedly get pricey, so how about growing your own food instead of painstakingly manicuring that lawn for the umpteenth time? An estimated 40 million acres of the 48 contiguous American states are covered in lawns, making turf grass the United States' largest irrigated crop. American homeowners apply a cringe-worthy tens of millions of pounds of fertilizers and pesticides to their lawns, often at many times the recommended levels. All that for little more than ornamentation. It's time to return to the use of gardens as food sources—you won't find fresher (or cheaper) eating anywhere else.
5. Join a community garden
Urban dwellers bereft of a yard shouldn't fret: You can still get in on the hoeing and growing action by signing up for a plot at your local community garden. Community gardens typically have a communal composting area, as well, so if you don't have room for one of those triple-duty rotating barrel composters in your home, here's your hookup.
6. Go native
Now that you've learned some of the merits of "de-lawning" your home, consider replacing the ol' putting green with native and indigenous plants, whether they're cactus gardens in Arizona or bottlebrush grasses in Northern Michigan. Already adapted to local conditions, native plants are easy to grow and maintain, generally requiring less fertilizer and water, as well as less effort to rein in pests.
7. Harvest rainwater
Adding a rain barrel is an inexpensive and effortless way to capture mineral- and chlorine-free water for watering lawns, yards, and gardens, as well as washing cars or rinsing windows. By harnessing what's literally raining from the sky, you'll not only notice a marked dip in water costs, but also a reduction in stormwater runoff, which in turn helps prevent erosion and flooding. Pop a screen on top of your barrel to keep out insects, debris, and bird missiles, and make frequent use of your water supply to keep it moving and aerated.
8. Water with care
While we're on the subject of water, adopting a few smart-watering habits will do much to stretch out your supply, especially during dry, hot spells in the summer. Adding mulch and compost to your soil will retain water and cut down evaporation. Plus, soaker hoses or drip irrigation only use 50 percent of the water used by sprinklers. Water early in the day so you can avoid evaporation and winds. And the best place to drench your plants? Directly on those thirsty roots.
9. Bring on the butterflies and bees
Provide a pesticide-free sanctuary for our pollinator pals, such as butterflies and bees, by growing a diverse variety of native flowers they're particularly drawn to, such as wild lilac, goldenrod, and lemon balm. (Gardens with 10 or more species of attractive plants have been found to entice the most bees.) If you haven't already heard, we're in the throes of a major bee-loss epidemic, which is causing beekeepers in North America and Europe much hand-wringing. Because pollinators affect 35 percent of the world's crop production—and increase the output of 87 of the leading food crops worldwide—extending a little hometown hospitality could go a long way.
10. The power of 4
Get hip to four "R"s of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's GreenScapes program: Reduce, recycle, reuse and rebuy. You want to reduce your output of waste to ensure you're using materials efficiently. Reusing compost and tree clippings for mulch, or rainwater for watering take up little time and energy, but offer plenty of environmental bang for your buck. Recycling saves resources, while rebuying means seeking products that meet your needs, but are more environmentally friendly than your usual purchases—take, for instance, solar outdoor lighting versus electric-powered fixtures
Grow Your Own Organic Herbs and Veggies!
by Amanda Quraishi, Austin TX
GoingGreenResources.com
The health benefits of organic foods has been established in countless studies, but for the ultimate ‘green’ diet, you can grow your own organic herbs and veggies to supplement what you buy at the store! Even if you only have a small space like an apartment patio, you are going to be able to grow some produce. You'll use almost no energy, you can be sure it is 100% organic, and you'll have a real sense of satisfaction that comes from the ancient tradition of growing your own food.
• Seeds
The first thing you want to do is decide what you want to grow. There are several factors involved with this decision, including your geographic location, the time you have to spend taking care of your garden, and of course, your personal preferences about what you like to eat. Keep in mind that there are certain pairings of plants which work well together through companion planting. This technique boosts the plants' germination or helps control the insect population without the use of pesticides.
Once you've made your decision about what to plant, you can buy your seeds from the internet, from local nurseries, or you can harvest them yourself from the organic veggies you eat.
• Soil, Compost, and Fertilizer
Start with the highest quality soil you can find. If you need to, you always have the option to buy organic soil to get yourself started. Then, if you have the space, make your own compost; or you can buy organic compost to mix in to the soil. When it comes to fertilizing your plants, there are plenty of natural and organic options that you can purchase or even make yourself. Since soil is the building block of any green garden, don't skimp on these three things, because they are essential to a healthy, nutritious final product. There are literally thousands of resources online and off that can provide you with the necessary information to optimize your soil.
• Harvesting
When your veggies are ripe, it's time to enjoy! Share your crop with your friends and family. Make sure you freeze, can, or pickle items that you won't be able to consume right away. Even though your veggies are organic, wash them gently with a vegetable wash and inspect them for any damage or decomposition. Taste the tender greens, ripe tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers freshly cut and unseasoned to really experience the joy of an organic garden!
Natural Sprays for Insects
by Alison Kroulek
Almost everyone hates bugs. Even if you understand and appreciate their ecological function, you still don't want to share your house with them. However, conventional insect sprays are toxic, exposing you, your family, and the surrounding environment to harmful chemicals. Fortunately, going green does not mean having to put up with insects in the home. Resources are available that will help you control bugs safely and naturally.
Conventional pesticides can contaminate soil and groundwater. Like many synthetic chemicals, they break down slowly and can persist in the food chain. Most natural pesticides are made of either minerals or botanical extracts. Many natural pesticides can cause poisoning if handled improperly. However, they break down into nontoxic components very quickly, so they are a much better choice. Some natural insect sprays do not aim to kill insects but rather to repel them. Check the label-if you have a population that you need to kill rather than relocate, a repellent will not solve your problem. You can often make your own natural insect sprays, but some people are too busy. If you are going green but need to control pests, the resources below should help.
• Neem oil sprays: Neem oil is extracted from the neem trea, native to India. Neem repels many insects and also acts as growth regulator, keeping them from maturing and reproducing.
• Essential oil blends: There are many essential oils that are toxic to bugs. Green Light Organics uses clove, sesame and thyme oils in its "Bioganic" Home and Garden insect spray.
• Citrus-derived Ingredients- D-Limonene and linalool are citrus-derived ingredients that kill many insects, including ants. For more information on these products, see the Orange Guard website.
• Pyrethrum / Pyrethrins-These products kill a broad spectrum of insects using extracts from an African species of chrysanthemum.
If you are used to using conventional pesticides, going green can seem like a challenge. Many companies do offer effective natural resources for pest control. If your favorite store does not carry any natural pest control products, ask the manager if they will stock them for you. Or, you can order online.
TOP 10 TIPS
Here are 10 highly effective ways to go greener in the garden
1. Keep it real
You know what they say about Mother knowing best? Well, Mother Nature never needed to steal sips from a chemical cocktail of pesticides, weed killers, and chemical fertilizers to keep her act together. Nix the poisons and layer on some all-natural compost, instead. Call in beneficial insect reinforcements to wrestle pesky garden pests to the ground. Who needs to play Command & Conquer when you have battlefield drama unfolding before you in real time?
2. Make compost from kitchen scraps
Compost like a champ by throwing in your vegetable waste, instead of allowing it to be trucked off to the landfill. Known as "gardener's gold," compost enriches soil fertility by giving it a shot of high-powered, plant-loving nutrients. Aside from stimulating healthy root development, the addition of rich and earthy compost also improves soil texture, aeration, and water retention. Why waste your hard-earned cash on commercial products when the real deal is free for the taking? Speed up the process with the help of earthworms or go wriggle-free (if you're the squeamish sort).
3. Buy recycled
If your delicate aesthetic sensibilities balk at the idea of reusing yogurt or takeout containers to house your hydrangeas, check out the myriad environmentally friendly planters and raised-garden kits now available. It takes less energy to recycle something than to mine virgin materials, so whether you choose recycled copper, plastic, or even rubber to anchor your tender shoots, it's all copacetic. Admire your handiwork and eco-smarts while lounging on recycled lawn furniture.
4. Grow your own food
Buying organic produce can admittedly get pricey, so how about growing your own food instead of painstakingly manicuring that lawn for the umpteenth time? An estimated 40 million acres of the 48 contiguous American states are covered in lawns, making turf grass the United States' largest irrigated crop. American homeowners apply a cringe-worthy tens of millions of pounds of fertilizers and pesticides to their lawns, often at many times the recommended levels. All that for little more than ornamentation. It's time to return to the use of gardens as food sources—you won't find fresher (or cheaper) eating anywhere else.
5. Join a community garden
Urban dwellers bereft of a yard shouldn't fret: You can still get in on the hoeing and growing action by signing up for a plot at your local community garden. Community gardens typically have a communal composting area, as well, so if you don't have room for one of those triple-duty rotating barrel composters in your home, here's your hookup.
6. Go native
Now that you've learned some of the merits of "de-lawning" your home, consider replacing the ol' putting green with native and indigenous plants, whether they're cactus gardens in Arizona or bottlebrush grasses in Northern Michigan. Already adapted to local conditions, native plants are easy to grow and maintain, generally requiring less fertilizer and water, as well as less effort to rein in pests.
7. Harvest rainwater
Adding a rain barrel is an inexpensive and effortless way to capture mineral- and chlorine-free water for watering lawns, yards, and gardens, as well as washing cars or rinsing windows. By harnessing what's literally raining from the sky, you'll not only notice a marked dip in water costs, but also a reduction in stormwater runoff, which in turn helps prevent erosion and flooding. Pop a screen on top of your barrel to keep out insects, debris, and bird missiles, and make frequent use of your water supply to keep it moving and aerated.
8. Water with care
While we're on the subject of water, adopting a few smart-watering habits will do much to stretch out your supply, especially during dry, hot spells in the summer. Adding mulch and compost to your soil will retain water and cut down evaporation. Plus, soaker hoses or drip irrigation only use 50 percent of the water used by sprinklers. Water early in the day so you can avoid evaporation and winds. And the best place to drench your plants? Directly on those thirsty roots.
9. Bring on the butterflies and bees
Provide a pesticide-free sanctuary for our pollinator pals, such as butterflies and bees, by growing a diverse variety of native flowers they're particularly drawn to, such as wild lilac, goldenrod, and lemon balm. (Gardens with 10 or more species of attractive plants have been found to entice the most bees.) If you haven't already heard, we're in the throes of a major bee-loss epidemic, which is causing beekeepers in North America and Europe much hand-wringing. Because pollinators affect 35 percent of the world's crop production—and increase the output of 87 of the leading food crops worldwide—extending a little hometown hospitality could go a long way.
10. The power of 4
Get hip to four "R"s of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's GreenScapes program: Reduce, recycle, reuse and rebuy. You want to reduce your output of waste to ensure you're using materials efficiently. Reusing compost and tree clippings for mulch, or rainwater for watering take up little time and energy, but offer plenty of environmental bang for your buck. Recycling saves resources, while rebuying means seeking products that meet your needs, but are more environmentally friendly than your usual purchases—take, for instance, solar outdoor lighting versus electric-powered fixtures