February 10, 2012 at 10:28 PM
Are there really problems with using manure and compost in your garden? I’ve listed seven main areas where problems occur, and a couple of dozen statements on the details. I.The nutrient value of manure/compost is unknown: A. Nutritional adequacy and balance in the original plants is unknown B. Much is lost before it reaches your […]
February 10, 2012 at 10:22 PM
What does “Natural” mean, and what does “Synthetic” mean? And exactly what makes commercially (synthetically?) produced fertilizers any worse for your garden than naturally produced ones? This is one area in which a lot of baloney gets thrown around – and regrettably too often believed by many good people. The simplest and most natural of […]
February 10, 2012 at 9:59 PM
Some have expressed concern about using chemicals to feed their plants, wanting to stay away from “synthetic” materials. Others don’t know how much to use. Let’s review some basics! Suppose you have a garden 20′ X 30′ and you want to have a good yield of healthy tomatoes. A common practice is to work 3-4″ […]
February 10, 2012 at 8:18 PM
Many have referred to the Mittleider Method as “better than organic” – – and even “the best of organic” because most of our gardens can qualify as organic, depending on criteria being used. The reasons gardens may be the best of organic are: 1) Because we leave nothing to chance, but apply small amounts of […]
February 10, 2012 at 8:07 PM
Square Foot Gardening – Planting Instructions: “Vegetables will be planted in each block according to their size at maturity. Artichokes, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower get one block each (1/sq ft). Corn, cilantro or leaf lettuce 4 to a block (4/sq ft). Beans Leeks, bulb onions, 9 to a block (9/sq ft). Carrots, green onions, or […]
February 10, 2012 at 7:23 PM
HYDROPONIC OR ORGANIC – What’s the difference? by Roger H. Thayer www.simplyhydro.com/hydvsorg.htm I’d like to have a dollar for each time I’ve been asked, “Is it organic?”, since I started in the hydroponics business in 1972, I’d be rich! Is hydroponics organic? Is it chemical? What are the similarities and the differences? These questions have […]
February 10, 2012 at 6:32 PM
My penny’s worth… I cannot remember a time over the past 8 years that I have NOT had a quick or otherwise reasonable reply from a wonderful moderator – and I would lose track of how many questions I’ve asked that required lengthy individual replies. Multiply my requests with a few thousand (Gardening Group) members […]
February 10, 2012 at 5:00 PM
Concerned about using “chemicals” on plants you plan on eating? Two typical areas of concern – contamination of food & the ground water. A natural concern of many people is the use of mineral nutrients from commercial sources in their vegetable gardens. They want to know if minerals would, or even could 1) contaminate the […]
February 10, 2012 at 4:48 PM
I do not generally recommend composting because of the equipment, time, space, and effort required, and because few people have the time, knowledge, or inclination to really do it right. In addition, even the best compost is a great unknown, so far as what actual nutrition it provides. And no one can tell you either, […]
