Instead of using weed killers, weeds are pulled. Instead of using chemical pesticides, gardeners use deterrents like ladybugs and praying mantises. As a result, the foods grown are more nutritious and the entire gardening experience is more beneficial for the earth.
Soil health is one of the most important focuses of organic gardening. Even though organic matter (made of partially decomposed organisms and vegetation) only makes up 5-10% of the soil, it is absolutely essential in maintaining soil health.
A gardening expert will tell you that organic matter is what binds together soil particles to allow the passage of air and water. Humus holds up to 90% of its weight in water, in addition to absorbing and storing key nutrients.
Other microorganisms that live within the soil feeds upon this organic matter, which is what keeps the ecosystem thriving. The best way to increase your organic matter is to add organic compost bought from the store and made in your own kitchen.
Pest control will be another concern for your garden. Believe it or not, marigolds are some of the best pest controls in organic gardening. Marigolds keep away aphids, earworms, leaf hoppers, Mexican bean leaf beetles, rabbits, squash bugs, thrips and tomato heartworms.
Aphids are also deterred by rue, dill, catnip, fennel, mint and chives. Other natural home vegetable gardening pest deterrents include basil, green beans, nasturtium, tomato, wormwood, anise, borage, sage, thyme, radish, garlic, onion, potato, turnip, oleander, hyssop, rosemary, lavender, pennyroyal, mint, tansy, coriander, cilantro, horseradish, geranium, butterfly sage, larkspur, cloves, petunia and parsley.
To read more Keeping Out Chemicals With Organic Gardening
