What is organic gardening?
​Organic gardening is fundamentally different from traditional methods. Organics nurture the soil and help it absorb and retain moisture longer. So over time, it will reduce the need for water and fertilization, which will save you money! ​ Compared to traditional methods that attempt to force plants to grow, the goal of organic gardening is to create a healthy, well-balanced eco-system. Organics actively take advantage of nature to control pests and diseases. Chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides disrupt nature’s processes by killing off beneficial organisms along with the harmful ones, so you actually lose valuable allies in the war against pests. The first thing to do, then, is stop using chemicals and come to Marshall Grain for the organic alternative!
What are the benefits of organic gardening?
No synthetic fertilizers and harsh pesticides that can harm you, your children, and your pets
Going organic helps reduce your family’s exposure to toxins, so you’ll be healthier.
Eliminating harmful chemicals from your garden reduces the amount of pollution released, so you’ll actually be helping save the planet!
You’ll enjoy your own home-grown vegetables that much more knowing they are chemical free.
Your garden will provide needed habitat for essential pollinators and insect-eaters like birds, bees, bats, butterflies, lizards, and geckos.
Enjoy all the health living and money-saving benefits of gardening the organic way! Here are 10 easy steps to get you on your way.
1. Mulch bare soil.
Retain moisture, prevent weeds from sprouting, and keep soil loose. Good mulch choices include:
Pecan
2. Use only organic fertilizers.
Release nutrients into the soil by using natural ingredients that won’t burn plants and will stimulate beneficial microorganisms. Try these:
3. Water wisely.
Grass should be watered early in the morning, to a depth of one inch approximately every five days. Don't forget to include rainfall. In summer, you may need to water more often. For more efficient watering, use:
Soaker Hoses
Hand Watering
Ollas (Low-Fired Clay Pots)
4. Aerate lawns.
For a healthier lawn, aerate occasionally using:
Spiked Aerator Shoes
Mechanical Aerator
5. Control Weeds naturally.
Weeds are unsightly and use up essential nutrients and water. Stop them with natural weed controls:
6. Select native or adapted plants.
Choose plants and grasses that are native or well-adapted to your area. Recommended grasses for North Central Texas include:
St. Augustine
Bermuda Grass
Fescue Grass
Ryegrass
Plant Guides:
Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center
Native Plant Society of Texas
7. Apply high-quality organic compost.
Decomposed organic material is essential for conditioning the soil by adding nutrients and improving moisture and nutrient retention. Try these compost products:
Compost Bins
Compost Starter
8. Control insects naturally.
Use these natural insect controls to keep bad bugs at bay without using toxic pesticides:
Pyrethrin
Nolo Bait
9. Promote wildlife.
Organic lawn and garden methods invite and encourage wildlife that feed on pesky insects. Attract wildlife with:
Wild Bird Seed
Native Plants
Bird Houses
Bat Houses
Purple Martin Houses
10. Be informed.
Try these sources for more information on organic gardening:
Rodale’s Ultimate Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening
Organic Gardening Magazine