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...

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...