“Unemployment is capitalism’s way of getting you to plant a garden”

Orson Scott Card

By Barry Sohn

In our green area of the country, how to garden organically is very important.

In these uncertain economic times more and more people are experimenting with vegetable gardens.

Being organic is simply a matter of good, healthy living.

Simply put, organic gardening means no pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers.

Organic gardens are designed to replenish resources as they use them.

You can help this by keeping soil healthy and allowing the natural process of plant feeding by living organisms in the soil.

You can assist this natural process by adding organic matter/compost like grass clippings, leaves, and vegetable scraps.

There are also organic soil supplements available at local nurseries.

You can also be successful by choosing plants and vegetables adapted to our local climate.

These native plants will not be dependent on fertilizer or consistent watering to thrive.

A good website to learn about native plants is www.green.kingcounty.gov/gonative/plant.

If you’re in to color, the red-osier dogwood is a good choice because it has beautiful colors all year round.

In terms of pest control, safe methods like crop rotation, companion planting, and introducing beneficial insects (ladybugs are especially popular) are effective.

Once again your local nursery can help with organic products designed to assist with pest control.

You will see that organic gardening is fun, better for your garden, the environment, and most of all your family and pets.