Be More Organic and Save Money

It is possible to be more organic and save money, plus not have to give up your favorite plants.

Consider capturing the rain - in barrels or even better a rainwater tank. In addition store grey water and recycle it into the garden.

You can collect approximately 675 gallons of rain off your roof from a single rain storm. Stored rain water supplies much needed moisture to your gardens during extreme dry spells where rationing is necessary.

Sure, it is more work and cost to set it up - but in the longer term you will be purchasing less water. If you are handy at DIY, then costs will be considerably less as labor is always the higher part of costs.

The obvious pathway to take is, of course, getting rid of all the chemicals and synthetic sprays etc from the garden shed.

Using naturally occurring pest controls such as neem oil and pyrethrum based controls are not only just as effective, but safer for the environment.

Using good compost and mulching is also basic good organic practice. Encouraging the 'good' bugs such as ladybugs is also handy, but difficult if you kill them off with sprays.

Nature has provided most plants, at least those that are appropriate for your region (natives), with strong immune systems so the less they are dependent on external aids the better those systems will work.

Being organic is not just about the plants and veggie patches of course. It is the whole environment of your yard.

Consider creating a habitat that encourages birds and frogs. Get a worm farm - good for the soil and you also get great fertilizer!

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The Benefits of Worm Farming - Organic Farmers

Organic Gardening and Farming have a synonymous connection with Composting and Worm Farming. Organic gardeners have known the benefits of compost since times when domestic gardening first made an appearance. The benefits worms have to the soil have been known in some circles for centuries though some have written they felt worms would eat a plants roots and should therefore be eliminated from a garden environment. This logic proved false. Worms now hold a place in all garden environments. In fact, a large amount of worms in a test area would be a sign of an active healthy soil with ample organic matter to please both plant and worm.

Organic Farmers are in an excellent position to use worm farming for the natural feed source for their crops and pasture with an abundant supply of greenery, manures, hay, straw and of course household scraps.

Organic farmers are in an excellent position to use worm farming as a supplemental income stream to their regular farming income. Organic Farmers who venture into worm farming as an income stream will typically offer vermicast (worm castings) and breeding or composting worms for sale, though organic farmers could easily participate in all aspects of worm farming for profit.

As a general rule, Organic Farmers will use worms for 2 purposes.
To compost left over plant material and other farm based waste products.To create a growing medium and fertiliser for propagating seedlings and for conditioning and fertilising before and during a crops growth cycle.

Containing Options for Large Scale Worm Farming

Organic farmers are able to use many things at their immediate disposal for holding their worm farms. Simple things like old bath tubs have been used for smaller scale farms while 200Litre drums split in half have been used on others. Old crates used to hold and transport bread make excellent containers as these can be stacked allowing worms to move up each level as they have completed working each crate. This allows for easy separation of worms and castings - when worms have migrated to the top container it can be moved to become the bottom crate for the next batch. Castings in the bottom crates can be harvested and bagged or used as required.

Pasture worms

Worms in pasture are excellent for soil aeration and transporting nutrients to various parts of the topsoil. There are various figures used to estimate the required number of worms per metre of pasture but a good measure is to aim for at least 1000 worms per metre of pasture.

Breeding worms allows you to increase the number of worms per metre. You could add worms directly to the soil but many prefer to add capsules to the soil allowing them to hatch and populate themselves. Casting worms would also be a good secondary measure to increase immediate populations.

Certified Organic Farmers will need to ensure the supplementary food given to their worms was derived from within the property or it was purchased from Certified Organic growers to ensure compliance with strict and worthwhile testing criteria.

? Eric J. Smith.

Eric J. Smith writes about his interest in many areas of Environmental concern including the Health impact of Toxic Chemicals in our Community. As an experienced Horticulturist, Eric has a passion for Organic Gardening and Permaculture with an emphasis on the sustainable use of environmental systems. Becoming a representative for ONE Groups Certified Organic Miessence range of Skin, Body, Health, Oral and Home care products was a natural follow on from his interest in Organics and The Environment. Miessence Representative enquiries are welcome by visiting http://www.lifestyle-advantage.com/ or for product enquiries visit http://www.buy-organic-products.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_J_Smith

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Organic Rose Gardening for Beginners

Growing roses is always beneficial to their owners, but the use of pesticides can poison your soil and take over the great benefits of growing roses at home. Organic rose gardening is the best way to raise roses and without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, you will notice you can still receive the same results. Everything is the same when it comes to organic and chemical rose gardening; the only difference is a healthier and more sustainable plant with the use of organics.

You are probably asking yourself why you should use organic products. Many people are under the assumption that in order to conduct organic rose gardening you must put in twice as much effort. This is untrue. There are a lot of benefits to organic rose gardening as well. You can use your rose petals for potpourri, teas, and even making your own fragrances. If you were to make teas from roses grown by chemical pesticides, you can actually risk your health. By growing with chemical fertilizers and pesticides you can actually risk the health of family and friends that you share your grown roses with.

There are many insects and pests that can affect the growth of your roses. Always be sure to know just what insects and pests threaten roses in your area. There is never a more sad sight than that of a dead or dying rose bush in someone's lawn. The insects you need to watch for when growing your rose bushes are the same whether you use organic rose gardening or chemical methods. These pests include: Japanese beetles, caterpillars, rose chafers, rose midge larva, rose slugs, scale insects, and stem girders.

If you have any of these harmful pests, purchase an organic pesticide rather than a chemical one. Organic pesticides will not harm your roses, only the pests that reside in them. Many organic pesticides are specifically designed to kill specific species of pests. You can insure that you are ridding your rose garden of not only the pest, but any eggs they may have laid. Always be sure to spray on top and below your leaves. Insects and pests have a habit of coming back, but by spraying thoroughly the first time you will not have to worry about them returning.

Another way to avoid using chemical pesticides is to plant your roses alongside other plants that can help eliminate insects and pests as well as attract insects that promote the health of your organic rose garden. Not only will these types of companion plants assist in your pest problem, but they will create an overall aesthetic appeal to your garden. Some of the best plants to grow alongside your roses are garlic and onions. Their pungent smells will typically diminish the pest problem right away. The only drawback to using onions or garlic next to your rose bushes is that they cannot be nice to look at. Especially when they are planted alongside gorgeous roses.

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