Organic Gardening Products Blog

We have a renaissance going on here in New Zealand - in the rural districts, anyway.  Kiwis are getting back to basics to grow their own vegetables and reduce their living costs.

Up in the North here, this renaissance is being driven by gardening guru and Northtec horticulture tutor Grant Steven.  Grant has introduced his raised-bed garden concept to schools, communities and marae - not just as a theory but by conducting over 20 workshops that show people how to develop raised beds by rolling up sleeves and actually doing it.  Shortly he is going to spread his wings to do similar work around Gisborne on the east coast of the North Island.

His focus is:

• Enjoying an all-year-round supply of super-fresh, highly nutritious food;
• Improving health;
• Saving money;
• Growing organically and tasking back control over what is in the food you eat;
• Making land more productive and attractive;
• Creating permanent mulch, no dig, no weeding gardens.

Now doesn’t that sound attractive - and just what we have been talking about.

To find out more about Grant and what he is doing, and what’s being done elsewhere in the world on similar lines, go to his very informative blog at  http://organoponico.com

I’ve put the link in our sidebar also - enjoy!

Patricia Howitt

Organic Gardening Community on Cagora
http://patriciahowitt.com

Technorati Tags: healthy food, organic, organoponico, saving money

Gardening Organically always raises issues of how to deal with malignant bugs and weeds without resorting to chemicals.

In my view, the more resources we know about to help us in this battle, the better.  If you know a number of different ways of dealing with weeds and crop-damaging insects, then you can mount a campaign with several different elements, and your success rates are going to mushroom.

So when I discovered the NCAP website I thought “Yay!”  NCAP is the Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides, and part of their site is a very comprehensive inventory of pesticide-free solutions for insects, weeds and more.

They have a substantial listing of pests AND weeds, with the option to read the factsheets for each bug or weed in either HTML or PDF form - so what more could you want.  I am not familiar with all the bugs in North America, or the names of all your weeds, but I wholeheartedly recommend this site to anyone who is looking for some real measures to help them in this area.

Patricia Howitt

Organic Gardening Community on Cagora
http://patriciahowitt.com

Technorati Tags: alternative methods, gardening, herbicides, organic, pesticides

by Adam Rees.  Adam has had an interest in organic gardening from the days when he helped his fellow students at University grow vegetables.  Afterwards, this interest continued and he was fortunate to find out about a lady who had a marvellous garden on her property - a perennial veggie patch,
250+ varieties of fruit trees, exotic herbs and vegetables - “all stunning to look at, yet naturally designed through an AMAZING use of space and resources that matched her climate”.

Adam soaked up everything this lady had to teach and by following her principles he developed a successful organic gardening style.

He outlines 10 steps in his book for creating a successful organic garden::
1. Create soil into black gold from what you already use around the house.
2. Obtain quality non-hybrid seed and plan right for your local area.
3. Set up micro climates that help all plants grow together.
4. Use borders and covers around your plants for nutrients and water-wise gardening
5. Keep pests at bay with clever natural organic methods.
6. Plant thickly and be harvesting earlier.
7. Find the most important animals on earth and what role they play in your garden.
8. How to maintain a continual supply throughout the seasons.
9. Create a magic garden bed that re-grows itself every season.
10. Collect and keep the seeds so your ready to start next season.

What You’ll Find in the Book
* The secrets to successfully growing an organic vegetable garden from scratch
* How to set up a garden that runs itself and provides your food with minimal time and effort from you
* Choosing the right seed varieties which are strong and resist disease
* What to do with the surplus produce you will have on hand
* How you can save up to $100 PER WEEK from your food bill
* How to grow more than you thought possible in less space you ever thought possible
* Never accept tasteless and lifeless food grown for supermarket appearance and shelf life
* Control pests organically using no chemicals in your garden or home. These formulas are all easy to make and use at home
* Companion planting secrets to increase yields and improve garden health
* Tips to attract more disease killing insects in your backyard
* 50+ ways to improve your soil the organic way
* How to plan right, how to plant more fruit trees and how things can grow together
* Find out how many varieties are available and develop your local knowledge about uses of different plants
* Start your “seed bank” and realize saving seeds for the future is not that hard.
* Not only save money, but discover ways to actually make money with your garden. I share my best ideas on this
* Watch your kids willingly eat more fruit and vegetables than you could ever force them to eat. They will also enjoy growing it with you!

Testimonial Excerpts

“My wife and I believe organics is the way to go, but one of the hindrances to us going completely organic is that we just can’t afford it….until now. I am excited about the possibility of growing ALL of our produce instead of buying it. With the tools and information that you give in your book, I now believe we will be where we want to be soon. Thanks!”  - Jonathan Pickett

“The results have been fantastic so far and make me want to grow everything. I’m starting to plan and establish my second area where I can do that. And all this from someone who has not been able to grow a thing all their life. “  -  Dale Warren

Cost, Bonuses and Guarantee

The ebook currently costs $17 and Adam offers an 8 weeks’ money-back guarantee.  It comes with 6 bonuses:
Chef’s Organic Garden Recipes
Your Own Organic Skin Care
Simple Seed Saving Methods and Tips
50 Ways to Improve Your Soil
Money-Making Ideas from your Garden
Juicing Recipes and Ideas

Patricia Howitt
Organic Gardening Community on Cagora
http://patriciahowitt.com

Technorati Tags: economy, food, fruit, garden, organic, plants, seeds, vegetables

by Laura Fox, organic gardener

On her sales page, Laura explains the dangers of using pesticides and chemical fetilizers - what they do to the soil and garden fauna, and what they do to the food produced.  She pomises hat her book will show you how to start gardening organically, even if you have never planted anything in your life

What You’ll Find in the Book

• What Organic Gardening is and how to get started!
• The Do’s (and Don’ts!) of Making your Own Compost!
• What you should never add to your compost or risk poisoning yourself and your family!
• The Secrets of Crop Rotation and Companion Planting!
• A Simple Yet Hardly Used Trick to Bring Your Fall Tomato Plants Indoors!
• Why You Should Consider Raising Your Own Transplants
• How To Build Healthy Soil (Even If it’s Very Unhealthy Soil To Begin With)
• Why soil pH is important, and how to correct it!
• How to Recognize Your Friends and Your Enemies When It Comes To Insects!
• Grow More Vegetables in Less Space Than You Thought Possible
• Why Pesticide Use Became Prevalent In The First Place!
• Simple Steps to Grow Your Own Organic Lettuce for yummy healthy salads!
• What is Green Manure and Should You Use It?
• Are There Any Benefits Of Using Pesticides At All?
• The Magic Mulch That Kills Diseases and Stops Weeds!
• The Four Important Aspects Of Organic Gardening According to the USDA
• Grow Organically Indoors!

Testimonial Excerpts

You laid out everything in easy to follow steps so I could learn exactly what changes I needed to make. Now I have the best garden in the neighborhood, and am actually giving away produce.

You’ve got a lot to teach and I’m glad you’re sharing this with anyone who wants to learn - so great job and well done!”  - David Rowe

Cost and Bonuses

The book costs $27 and comes with 2 bonus books:
“Vegetarian Cooking”
“Organic Food”

Patricia Howitt
Organic Gardening Community on Cagora
http://patriciahowitt.com

Technorati Tags: eBooks, food production, fruit, garden, grow, how to, organic, soil fertility

Jeff Serland’s other name isame is “Green thumb Jeff” and he has been producing my own 100% organic foods for 17 years.

He has a passion for growing organic vegetables because of the health benefits derived  from being in control of your own supply.  He cites especially freedom from toxic chemicals, an always available fresh food source, and the enironmental benefits for our planet.

He ponts out that this is the freshest food you will ever get,  it’s right on your doorstep and it’s a great money saver. In addition, it’s a grat education for your kids, and the health bneits for your whole family include a boost for your immune system and energy levels.

What You’ll Find in the Book

Jeff lists just a few of the topics covered in the book:

• Getting started and preparing your soil - This is a very important and without this information your garden may never grow at all! (Page 4)
• Using fertilizers - Learn what organic fertilizers you should use on your garden while keeping away from the chemicals. (Page 26)
• Dangers - What to look out for and how to avoid them. (Very important - Page 32)
• Kill or keep those annoying weeds? - Learn the truth here! (Page 45)
• Raising your plants from seeds - There is much to learn (Page 71)

Testimonial Excerpts

“I just finished reading your book and I am very impressed. There is much I didn’t know about organic gardening and this is going to help me a lot.”  - Amanda F.

“Thanks for the wonderful book. I searched for hours on the internet but I never learn’t the type of stuff you are teaching.”  -  Mrs. V. Popple.

“I learnt quite a lot of really interesting facts and I have just started my very own organic garden. It was really easy to setup! I will be cooking with some high quality vegetables in no time at all.”  - Adam Turner.

Cost

The book costs $39.97.

Patricia Howitt

Organic Gardening Community on Cagora
http://patriciahowitt.com

Technorati Tags: eBooks, food production, fruit, garden, grow, how to, organic, soil fertility, vegetable

This ebook is written by Julie Villani, and it contains information that can be applied to making a success of organic food gardening worldwide.

After some initial gardening failures, Julie decided to go ahead and study horticulture at TAFE.  She completed certificate III in Horticulture.

Then she became the co-owner of an edible plants nursery for several years.

Her book shares the joys and health benefits of growing organic food.

What You’ll Find in the Book

The ebook contains information gathered from Julie’s own experience and from many different resources over the past 20 years.  Topics that Julie covers in the book include:

*      How to start your own organic food garden simply
*      How to provide the freshest, nutritious, most delicious foods for your family
*      The basic tools you’ll need to get started.
*      How easy it is to convert your current gardening practices to organic
*      How to eliminate the use of chemical pesticides
*      Your very best area to grow your veggies (pgs 6-8)
*      How to build up healthy, fertile soil without costing a fortune (pgs 14-19)
*      How to feed your soil - the organic ways
*      How to create an easy, ‘no-dig’ veggie plot (pgs 32-35)
*      Massive savings by learning how to grow food from seeds (15 page bonus)
*      9 Essential tips to successfully transplanting your seedlings  (pgs 38-40)
*      WARNING: avoid killing your established plants when moving them
*      Tips for the most effective watering (pgs 43-44)
*      Why mulching is a must in every organic garden (pg45 reveals all)
*      5 easy ways to keep your garden weed free (pg 48)
*      How to slash your food bill in half, feeling healthy and energised
*      The 7 crucial ingredients to making great compost (pgs 23-25)
*      What never to put into your compost - don’t end up with a sticky, stinky mess
*      How to make your own organic liquid fertilizers, saving $$’s (pg 50-51)
*      Natural ways to protect your plants from pests and disease (pgs 52-56)
*      Top 10 easiest veggies to grow (pgs 57-64)
*      Secrets to growing lush, healthy herbs (pgs 65-68)
*      Why to include perennial vegetables (pg 69-71)
*      What you must do to grow your food if space is limited (pg 77)
*      How much to plant for your family’s needs (pgs 72-76)

Testimonial Excerpts

“The Organic Food Gardening Beginners Manual contains stacks of information for the professional and non-professional alike.     While Julie writes with professional authority, her books exude love and passion for horticulture and growing healthy food. “  - Professional landscape gardener.

“This book has been such a blessing to me, much of what is found in it follows the techniques my father used and some new insights as well. My husband complimented me today on how amazed he was with what I had done. Much of the credit goes to what I learned from the Organic Food Gardening Beginner’s Manual.”  - Margie

“This should be called ‘Organic Gardening in a Nutshell!’ It has all the essential points in an easy to read format and encouraging, conversational writing style. Highly recommended!”  - Bev

Cost, Bonuses and Guarantee

The ebook currently costs $24 and Julie offers a 2 months’ money-back guarantee.  It

comes with 4 bonuses:
My Garden Diary
Seed Saving Tips and Techniques
Bonus Coupon for Email Consultation
$ Year Plot Rotation Plan

Patricia Howitt

Organic Gardening Community on Cagora

http://patriciahowitt.com

Technorati Tags: eBooks, food production, fruit, garden, grow, how to, organic, soil fetility, vegetable

I’m starting my exploration of organic gardening resources in the eBooks department, because I for one need to absorb some information before i do anything else - and you may well be the same.

And I’m starting with eBooks because they are quick delivery for those who can’t wait to get started - and you don’t have shipping and handling costs either.

I don’t own any of these eBooks yet, and what I’m doing here is summarising the information on the sales pages so you - and I - can easily get our heads around what’s out there - without having to wade through long sales pages.

So here goes!

Patricia Howitt

Organic Gardening Community on Cagora

http://patriciahowitt.com

Technorati Tags: eBooks, gardening, organics, vegetables

For those who haven’t gardened much before, the prospect of producing vegetables for the family table can be a bit daunting.  Add to that the thought of gardening organically, and for some the learning curve looks like getting a bit steep.

Well, take heart.  I’m in that category too.  My “garden” is 10 acres and I’ve never before grown vegetables on it.  But for me, now is definitely the time.  I’ve made up my mind I’m going to find out how to do this, and I’m going to share what I find with you - so your learning curve will hopefully not be as steep as mine.

In this blog, I shall be writing up some of the resources that are available to help you get started with gardening organically.  These will not be full-blown reviews, just short wrire-ups on what’s out there, so that people coming to this blog can easily find what’s available. by way of online ebooks, advice and products.

Here also is the link to the Organic Gardening Community on Cagora, where I am the Community Partner, and where I and the other community members will be adding help and advice.  It’s free to join - do come along and participate!

Patricia Howitt

Organic Gardening Community on Cagora

http://patriciahowitt.com

Technorati Tags:
organic, garden, food production, vegetable, fruit, nutrition, soil fertility, ecosystem

Technorati Tags: beginner, vegetables

Now Is The Time …   If ever there was a time to dust off your gardening gloves and do something about vegetable gardening, it’s now.  With the wolves of economic recession howling at everyone’s door, times are tough in the business sector, and all of a sudden no-one can be quite sure that they have job security.

If you’ve already felt the bite, then doing something practical to ease your financial situation will not only help make ends meet - it will raise your spirits.  If on the other hand you’re still in a job, then it’s time to get proactive and make some positive changes before you have change thrust upon you.

Growing your own vegetables - especially if you grow them organically - has at least 3 great benefits:

1. You reduce your food bills. Vegetables are not cheap to buy these days - now, wouldn’t it be cool to trim vegetable costs out of your food bill?
2. If you have plenty of veggies available for your family to eat, you’ll be less reliant on fast-food fillers, and expensive meat and fish.  Financial and health benefits there!
3. You improve the quality of what you eat.  Obviously, if you are growing your vegetables organically and eating them straight from the garden, they will offer your body more nutrition than store-bought veggies grown in any old soil and covered in poisonous spray residues.  Not to mention the losses in transportation and storage.

More people are learning that over the last 100 years, our farming practices and chemical fertilizers have drastically impoverished the fertility of soils we rely on to put essential nutrients into our bodies. This isn’t pie-in-the-sky. It was proved and is on record in the minutes and the associated soil testing results of two International Soil Science Symposiums.  Have you noticed how all those ‘wonder juices’ come from untouched-by-man environments where the soils are still nutrient-rich?

The purpose of organic farming and organic gardening is to return to the soil as many as possible of those elements that we have stripped away. To make soil the living  ecosystem it once was.  Gardening and farming organically has got to be good for our planet, and it’s got to be good for us.

Stay tuned for more …

Technorati Tags:
organic, garden, food production, vegetable, fruit, nutrition, soil fertility, ecosystem

Technorati Tags: economy, nutrition, organic, vegetable