Page 39 - Organic Gardening 3 Part Series

Pulling and hoeing are often sufficient to control weeds. Using mulch as a barrier

will discourage their growth, and growing cover crops like rye and buckwheat will
out-compete most weed populations.

Pest and Disease Control

Controlling pests in an organic garden isn't impossible. Obviously, it isn't as easy
as picking up a bottle of chemicals at your local nursery, but it can be done and
doesn't have to be difficult.

Choosing cultivars which are designed to resist the pests and diseases that plague
your garden is easier than ever.

Plant breeders have
developed a wide variety of
plants able to defend

themselves against specific
diseases and insects.

Find out what conditions
can potentially be a
problem and look for
resistant plants in seed
catalogs and nurseries.

Keeping your garden in
peak condition will ensure
that your plants are healthy

and able to withstand pest
attacks.

Test your soil every 3 to 5
years, and use the results to ensure that you maintain the right balance of
nutrients in your garden's soil. Monitor weekly rainfall and soil moisture to ensure
that your plants are getting enough - but not too much - water.

Sanitation is absolutely essential. Make sure that you only buy healthy plants.
They should be green, vibrant, and showing new growth. If isolated pest or