The mantra of organic farmers and gardeners is “feed the soil”. This is because, plant stress, diseases, and pest tolerance are tied to organic management of the soil. The soil in good condition for plant growth is composed of about 43-47% mineral solids (sand, silt & clay), about 3-7% organic matter and porous space containing 25% air and 25% water. […]

Plant diseases occur in well-managed organic gardens just as they do in any other crop production system. Vigorous plants growing in healthy soil may be less compromised by infections in some instances than stressed or injured plants, but developing and carrying out plant disease management plans is a key step in successful organic gardening. Understanding the life cycle of plant […]

Like people on relationships, certain plants like or dislike each other, but there are certain plants that are just loved by everyone and can benefit the entire plant community. All-around beneficial influence: Plants and characteristics Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) creates a beneficial atmosphere around itself and attracts bees. Marjoram (Origanum majorana) has a “beneficial effect on the surrounding plants.” Oregano […]