How-to guides: The Organic Approach to Gardening

A series of informational articles designed to help you go organic. Organic gardening departs from traditional N-P-K soil treatment and means more than simply feeding your plants with organically produced fertilizers. The goal is to build a healthy soil ecosystem which in turn creates the nutrients your plants need. This is done by introducing and caring for soil microorganisms such as beneficial bacteria and fungi. These natural composters feed on the nutrients you provide and in turn create the natural nutrients your plants will thrive on. Traditional N-P-K treatment kills the soil's natural ecosystem, pollutes the environment via water runoff, and creates nutrient dependent plants which are weaker and more prone to disease. Creating a healthy organic soil will produce healthier, more vigourous plants which are more resistant to pests and disease. Vegetables will be bigger, tastier and healthier.
 
These articles are written by Sprainbrook Nursery's owner Alfred H. Krautter, graduate of Cornell University. Mr. Krautter is a horticulturalist and leader in organic growing techniques for gardening and landscaping. He has led Sprainbrook Nursery through their conversion from traditional N-P-K methods to an organic culture and has proved that a large commercial nursery can go organic and stay successful.
 
The Organic Approach to Gardening: Annuals
 
The Organic Approach to Gardening: Perennials
 
The Organic Approach to Gardening: Roses
 
The Organic Approach to Gardening: Vegetable Garden
 
The Organic Approach to Gardening: Evergreens, Trees and Shrubs
 
The Organic Approach to Gardening: Lawns
 
The Organic Approach to Gardening: Home Orchard