Gardening

Developing then pursuing a well considered plan is the best approach for achieving a satisfactory outcome. Expectation needs matching against ability and opportunity, even for low key activities such as organic vegetable gardening. The first stage of planning considers each expectation commencing with the broadest brush. What can be achieved? The most restrictive expectations ...more

On account of their selective breeding, many vegetable varieties have an inherently low resistance and tolerance against insect pests and disease. As a consequnce, they can be challenging to raise according to strict organic principles. When discussing vegetable gardening in public, I’ll routinely advise beginners that they should expect to lose a certain percentage of their ...more

Towards the end of last summer, I harvested a bumper crop of organically grown peas. They were extraordinary in taste and quality. For several weeks I gathered them before dawn then packed them inside raw calico bags which stacked neatly inside the crisper section of my old twin door refrigerator. I offered them to relatives, friends, and neighbors. Apparently there was no ...more

When I commenced my apprenticeship, there was a strict emphasis on vegetables, fruit, and ornamental trees. Despite my early enthusiasm for flowers, shrubs, and lawns, I was advised to concentrate on the vegetables. I still recall the words of the Head Gardener at the time. “Learn to grow a decent vegetable and you’ll have earned the respect of your trade”. Very outdated ...more

I cannot sufficiently emphasise that the site chosen for growing organic vegetables is extremely important. A poorly structured site will drastically limit the potential for success, irrespective of any gardening competence or technical abilities which are subsequently applied. This can probably be attributed to their highly cultivated status. Even the most basic types of vegetable ...more

From historical times to present, writers and artists have always sought inspiration amidst the strength and majesty of living trees. They comfort the soul, and quietly offer their reassurance during difficult times. An American Indian proverb describes them as our silent brothers, sharing the sacred journey of life. Whether chosen for their flowers, fruit, or foliage, trees ...more

An organic philosophy encourages us to move beyond a narrowly hostile attitude toward plant species identified as weeds. In the first instance it is a vague category that tends to shift according to location, seasonal influence, established farming and other cultural practices. With a shift in any of these, one persons weed will become food or medicine for another. Interestingly, ...more

Many volumes have been written about the subject of garden pruning. It might be defined as an essentially creative form with practical applications, one that utilises a series of technical skills. There are many ways to approach a pruning task, the differing philosophies and techniques often become the source of heated debate amongst gardening enthusiasts. While I don’t recommend ...more

Growing in containers provides a great deal of flexibility and solves problems that might otherwise limit the creativity and enjoyment of organic gardening. Containers provide the essential platform in garden locations without soil such as patios, paved courtyards, and roof areas. They may offer the only means of gardening for individuals living in flats or apartments with ...more

Having access to good quality tools and equipment designed for the tasks you need to accomplish will make your time in the garden more efficient and pleasurable. While it is neither necessary nor practical to own every garden implement, there are at least several that you’ll find indispensable from the beginning. Later on, experience will help you determine which additional ...more