The word ‘organic’ has become a buzz word when referring to eating healthier. We want organic fruits and vegetables but what exactly does this mean and how do we achieve this in our home gardens? WHAT IS ORGANIC GARDENING? Simply put, organic gardeners don't use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides on their plants. Ideally, organic gardening seeks to work with nature through replenishing resources as it makes use of them like using waste for compost or rotating crops to replenish nutrients in the soil, organic gardening. HOW DO YOU CONTROL PESTS AND DISEASE ORGANICALLY? While having an organic garden doesn’t mean that you have to live with worms in your produce, it does dictate that your garden may not be 100% pest free or look magazine ready. ORGANIC GARDENING TAKES THOUGHTFULLNESS, PLANNING, AND PATIENCE To keep your garden organic start with following the following steps. 1.      Be Observant - Check your garden often and get to know y...

When I started killing flowers and having flowers kill themselves in my backyard I never for one moment thought that I’d learn so much about myself during the process and actually fall in love with gardening. Over the years I have learned so much, apart from now having something in common with my mom, these are my top five life lessons from the garden:   Visions, no matter how crazy, can become a reality I wanted lots of butterflies and pretty flowers. I wanted fruit trees and a potting bench with outdoor seating and a hammock for relaxing. Heck, I want a reading nook too! As the years progressed, I was able to check things I thought were impossible in my tiny yard off the list and it makes me feel accomplished because it’s my vision that’s becoming a reality. I am more than enough Through killing countless seedlings and plants, which is part of being a Rogue Gardener, I have learned I have the skill and the patience to make great things happen, after all, the bes...

If you are reading this blog and you are from Trinidad and Tobago, you know the struggles we faced with our parents and grandparents having a plant in almost every room, even if it was made of plastic! (Yeah, I see you!)  Today, that dedication to positioning plants on walls and in corners can come in handy when gardening indoors, especially if you live in an apartment. Although gardening in apartments restricts planting huge trees, it forces you to come up with creative ways to plant your favorite herbs and vegetables that maximize the space that you do have. Many varieties of salad greens can also thrive indoors with any type of pot that has adequate drainage. Did You Know- Filling your indoor space with plants creates a relaxing environment and helps purify the air. The most important thing in apartment gardening is knowing what your sunlight exposure is in the various areas of your home. If you have a spot that gets full sunlight, then full sun plants can be...

One thing I love about gardening is that you can make a meal, a side dish or a quick snack from your produce. Because I grow a lot of okra I have tried several recipes that have become household favorites as a snack or a healthy side.   OKRA BITES Fried okra may not be the healthiest way to consume okra but boy oh boy is it delicious. This recipe packs a really nice crunch that leads into the delicate and flavorful okra. Who can resist Okra dredged in seasoned cornmeal, then fried until golden? This recipe only takes 25 minutes with 4 servings and it's super versatile because you can change it up in so many different ways. Ingredients 10 pods okra sliced in 1/4 inch pieces 1 egg beaten OR Buttermilk 3/4 cup cornmeal flour  1/4 cup white flour 1 tablespoon garlic powder 2 tablespoons of all-purpose seasoning 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional if you are watching your salt intake)  1/4 teaspoon ground black pep...

It’s a great feeling being able to convert your trash into the usable and nutritious soil for close to nothing! In my last blog, Stop, Drop and Compost!  I talked about what materials are good for composting and what should be avoided. Today I want to share some DIY tips for creating an indoor compost and outdoor composting heap. It does not matter what size of garden you are working with or even if you are indoors, re-purposing your waste by composting is possible!   In my view, container composting is so much more convenient as you have the ability to relocate your compost should the need arise.  FOUR STEPS TO CREATE AND MAINTAIN YOUR CONTAINER COMPOST Step 1: Recycle or buy a plastic bin at least 24 inches tall with a tight-fitting lid (will keep the scent in, keep the soil moist and keep critters out). Step 2: Use a drill or knife to make 8 – 10 small holes in the bottom of the container as well as in the lid for drainage and aeration purpo...

So you have put in all the work to ensure your herbs grow healthy and strong and now it's time to harvest! Apart from watching the magic of seeing your crops grow and develop, my favorite part is harvesting them. The harvest period for herbs will vary from plant to plant but here is a tip, for most herbs, try not to harvest more than one-third of the entire aerial growth at the same time.  You want to make sure that there is enough healthy green foliage so that it can continue to grow after you harvest. WHEN TO HARVEST  Here are some of the most commonly grown herbs and their corresponding ages or times of year to begin harvesting: Basil – Once the plant reaches 6 – 8” in height. Chives – As soon as the leaves are thick enough to use. Cilantro – Once stems are 6 – 12” long. Lavender – Harvest at any time once stems have flowered. Oregano – Sprigs may be harvested once the plant reaches 3 – 4” tall.   Parsley – Anytime after mature lea...

I have become obsessed with composting. So much so, when I visit my mom I leave with her ‘garbage’ and I always complain if I found out that she threw away something that could have been composted. Composting is easy and there are several reasons why you should start your own compost today.  THE BENEFITS OF COMPOSTING  Whether you are an indoor or outdoor gardener, everyone has room for composting especially as composting can divert as much as 30% of household waste away from the garbage can (fewer trips to the garbage!). Composting offers a natural alternative to chemical fertilizers, s oil conditioners and bagged manure- saving you money! Compost enriches soil health, plants grown in healthy soil look better, produce better and have a much greater ability to fight off pests and diseases.  Compost also builds soil structure; improves drainage; creates more water-holding ability. Feeding your plants well will improve your own diet as plants grown in deple...

Wouldn’t you love to just walk outside or lean over to your kitchen window for some fresh herbs and seasonings? I know I’d love to. When Trinis think of kitchen gardening a few must-have crops come to mind; chive, thyme, and "shado beni".  Adding fresh herbs from your garden to your dishes is a great way to pump up the flavor in any recipe or make some good old Trini seasoning, just add vinegar. Herbs are some of the easiest plants you can grow both inside and outside in either pots, pans or in the ground. Here are some must-have herbs for a flavourful Trini Herb Garden!   Chives - Planting chives indoor is easy. Be sure to provide with lots of sun and humidity for a healthy crop, preferably near an open window.  Chadon Beni- Commonly known as culantro or bhandhania, it's one of my faves! It is easy very to grow, they love moist but well-drained soil, though they can grow in many soil conditions. Dill - Growing dill indoors is pretty easy and it grows fast!...

Whether watering my garden or doing maintenance I would always run into the cutest little ladybugs. While this isn’t surprising as Ladybugs reside where insect pest populations are high such as in crop fields, and gardens. There are nearly 5000 species of ladybugs worldwide. They come in all different colors; yellow, orange, grey, black, brown and even pink. I have been lucky enough to spot a couple colors in my backyard and even witnessed some ladybugs mating in full action!  One common myth is that the number of spots on the insect’s back indicates its age, this simply is not true. The major benefit of having and keeping ladybugs around lies in the fact that they are nature’s own ‘pest’ controllers and are more effective than using poisonous chemicals. Ladybugs are extremely beneficial to gardeners and their gardens as the adults and larvae will prey on aphids, spider mites and mealy bugs that feed on plants. The ladybug feeds on these pests as the adul...

Everything has a beginning, I mean even the chicken started with the egg, right? Your garden is no different, you need to start by sourcing seedlings or seeds. SEEDLINGS These seedlings can be affordably purchased at various plant shops throughout Trinidad and Tobago from as low as 50 ₵ ! So for example, a 50 ₵  investment in okra seedlings can earn you over $200 in crops when harvested. Selecting seedlings can make or break your garden so be sure that you: Check the foliage:  Leaves should be a consistent strong solid colour (usually     green). Avoid yellow leaves, it can mean that the seedling is lacking a nutrient.  Buds, not flowers:  Select flower seedlings or small potted plants that have more buds rather than already flowering – you’ll get to enjoy your flowers longer! Check for hitchhikers : Look carefully on the underside of leaves because common garden pests like whitefly, aphids, and mealybug like to hide out...

Like most things in my life, minus my ex, you need to know what you are doing; the same goes for gardening. The delectable crops and gorgeous flowers don’t arrange themselves, you need a plan! I call it ‘Strategic Gardening’ because this plan caters to both your short and long-term gardening needs and it sounds way fancier than ‘Garden Planning’. Here are some useful steps to help plan your garden no matter where you intend to start planting. This way you are more organized and are sure to get what you want out of your time and effort! Step 1- Identify Your Garden Space Determine where would be a great space for your garden. If it’s outdoors it must be located in an easily accessible area that is open to some sunlight. If you’re planting indoors identify the areas where you can easily accommodate flower pots for walls, floors or counters. For me, it’s my backyard. I have four cats so any plants placed indoors, even seedlings are left to the mercy of these savages! ...

  “You’re in the bush again?” I complained to my mother as I watched her labor in the yard sweating and digging in the dirt. When I was little I viewed plants as an inconvenience, another thing you would have to remember to keep alive. Well into my teenage years I felt this way and struggled to comprehend what was so great about gardening. That was until one day I stared into my blank backyard from my kitchen window and it dawned on me that it was a canvas for a gorgeous and peaceful retreat. Although at the time I knew nothing about gardening, I excitedly purchased and planted one sunflower and every time I washed the dishes over the five days that flower survived, I smiled. That was the beginning, during the next four years while I would be the cause of the demise of numerous flowers, I would discover the best 5 reasons why everyone should get down and dirty. #1: It’s peaceful AF! Yes, gardening provides a peaceful retreat away from life’s hectic demands. ...