Top 5 Tips for Organic Gardening

My cat, Mini, loves
stomping around in my garden!

Since the pesticide ban in Ontario, we've all had to learn how to garden organically. I have to say that there are days when I feel like Elmer Fudd - "I'll get you, you scwewy slug!" Or cat, as the case may be.

I think the trick is to not expect perfection and to plan ahead. That being said, here are my top 5 organic gardening tips.

1. Mulch - mulching keeps weeds at bay and helps to keep moisture in the ground.
2. Don't leave bare spaces - weeds always seem to find that bare patch of garden.  Plant something or mulch.
3. Location, location, location - choose a spot with suitable light, whether full sun, partial sun or shade.
4. Companion plant - different combinations of plants help each other. Companion planting can  attract beneficial insects and deter harmful pests. In fact, you can mix flowers with your vegetables!
5. Good soil - soil with lots of organic matter is best. 

Feel free to share your organic gardening tip in the comment area.

Flowers as organic pest control

Did you know companion planting flowers with your vegetables can help to naturally control insect pests? In my quest to organically deter various garden interlopers, I've discovered that planting certain flowers with my vegetables will aid in controlling various insects. This year I put a couple of marigolds and planted nasturtium seeds in my vegetable garden.

Marigolds
I've read that marigolds are great near tomatoes as well as asparagus, cabbage and beans. They will send these pests packing:

• Beetles
• Worms
• Flies

Nasturtiums

The nasturtiums serve two purposes. They will, apparently, hold at bay:

• Moths
• Beetles
• Squash bugs
• Aphids

These lovely blooms are good companion plants to squash, pumpkins, beans and flowers.
Their second purpose: they're edible! They look fabulous in a salad or as a garnish.