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Organic Gardening


It's easy to go organic!  Here at theGardenPages we have been organic for years. Not because we're on a crusade, because it is easier, safer and much less expensive.

You do not have to swear off all chemicals immediately to be an organic gardener.  We'd like to help you make the transition smoothly. Here are a few organic tips that have worked for us in the garden.


Organic Pest Control


Aphids; Sometimes the best way to get rid of them is to just spray them off with a hose.  Use a strong spray and blast them off.  Normally that is enough to decimate the population. 

Another aphid control option is ladybugs.  They can be found at nurseries and some home centers.  When you first release them, you need to convince them to stick around in your yard.  The trick to keeping them around is to lightly sprinkle the plants (so they have water) and release them in the evening. Ladybugs will be more likely to settle in for the night on your plants.  The moisture and food supply (aphids) should keep them from moving too far away the next day.


Snails;  Handpicking in the evening is a time tested technique.   Another trick is to put our shallow saucers of beer.  The slugs and snails slither in and don't slither out.

Eggshells; snails hate eggshells, something about slithering over small bits of shards bothers them.  But your shells must be CLEAN.  If you use shells from fresh eggs be sure to wash them off first! 

If you're using hard boiled eggs, make sure there is no egg left on them.  Otherwise you will be inviting bigger pests into your garden.

And yes, if you have eggshells from Easter eggs with edible vegetable dye, they should be safe in the garden.


Appetizers?  Your snails are descendants of snails brought over from France for escargot.  I had a neighbor who collected them, put them in sawdust for two weeks to detox them - and then he'd fire up the stove and melt butter!  If I discover a clamoring for a recipe I will dig up a link for you.









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