Planting a garden in the spring can be fun and healthy especially if you’re planting organic fruits and vegetables. Try to avoid chemicals to offset the benefits of organic gardening.

Lawns and gardens that have used chemicals for 2 years or more have a very unbalanced microbial population. In other words, beneficial microorganisms are eliminated from the microscopic ecosystem in the dirt. After 5 years, these chemical pesticides will sterilize your lawn or garden. These chemicals also seep into groundwater and can flow into lakes and rivers by runoff.

So how can you protect your plants?

First, raid your cupboard and reach for some simple soap- about 1 Tbsp soap to 1 quart water-to kill aphids, mealy bugs and mites. You can also make a solution of canola or soybean oil and water to keep pests from coming back. Also another alternative to Roundup is pouring vinegar over weeds.

The best fertilizer is your own compost, but if you need to wait until it matures, try spreading borders and flowers with grass clippings. Organic fertilizer will also give your space an extra boost without synthetic chemicals.

Another important rule of thumb is plant choice. Lavender bushes and nasturtiums are great options that not only deter bugs and keep deer away, but also thrives in poor soil.

Try to create a green space that takes care of itself and the surrounding environment thats good for you and the planet.

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