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• Whats Organic and Why Does It Matter



• Compost-The Best Ever Dirty Little Secret



• Less Buggy Disease and Pest Control



• Getting Real With Growing



• Helpful People and Places

So, you're ready, you've got great soil from composting, you've brushed up on good gardening techniques and you've made a list of exactly what you want in your salad this year. The next thing you need to do is think realistically about how much space you have, and how much time you want to spend gardening and possibly storing your bounty this year. Don't decide you're going to plant 8 kinds of squash in 3 feet of space. Along the same lines, do you really want to grow enough to rival the local farmers market just because your place sits on 5 acres? Drive-by squash drops are not usually looked on favorably by the neighbors. The good news is, anyone can have a garden, from a pot full of herbs, to a raised garden, to a traditional bed. They all work. Next find out what zone you live in so you know what plants do well and when to start them. The USDA has a handy map to enlighten you. Now do your research on the plants you want to try, and plan it out on paper. You're not writing this in stone, just pencil will be fine.

Now you have a decision to make. Two actually, plants or seeds, and GMO or not. I'm a seed girl myself, but you have to have some place to start the little buggers. And either way, you can still garden organically is you use a reliable source. Once you've decided on that, Your next decision is GMO or non-GMO. GMO stands for genetically modified. It means that the natural state of the seed has been modified in a lab; usually to add a pesticide or dna from another plant or animal in the hopes of making the plant hardier or a better producer. The jury is still out on this one. While tha US currently allows these products and doesn't require labeling of GMO foods, many, myself included, are concerned about the future health and environmental consequences GMO plants might lead to. Many countries have banned them outright. The choice is yours, but if you want to go the non-GMO route, there's still lots of organic sellers of seeds and plants. Looking for that heirloom Grandmom always had? May I recommend Landreth Seed Company?They're the oldest seed house in America and my absolute favorites. They seriously have it all. And think about purchasing one of their catalogs if you want a catalog that qualifies as art and education. There's ton's of great places out there, but if you have the chance to shop local, please do. If you're lucky enough to live in or visit Virginia Beach, Stoney's Produce is a fantastic place to go. From plants to produce they've got it. If you happen to live a little too far to make it to Stoneys, check out your local farm markets and produce shops. The people that run these are a great resource to help you with local information including pests, plants and local soil conditions. I know they'll love to see you.