• Organic gardening begins with your soil. Healthy soil breeds healthy plants which can fend off weeds, pests and diseases without chemical treatment. Have your soil tested in early spring; home testing kits are also available at most garden supply centers. These tests will tell you where your soil is deficient and what organic ingredients your lawn needs.
• Use a shovel or hoe to turn over and break up soil. Digging is an important part of conditioning your soil:
• It allows roots to reach deep, unimpeded by stones and clumps of hard earth.
• It adds to good drainage and air circulation in the soil.
• It works compost and other organic material into the soil.
• Digging discourages harmful root feeding insects.
• Companion is the cornerstone of organic gardening. There are many plants that repel insects and provide natural protection for other plants that are susceptible.
• French marigolds repel certain insects that are attracted to tomatoes and potatoes. You should plant them throughout your garden.
• Interplant potatoes and collards to reduce flea beetle damage.
• Garlic repels the larvae of many harmful insects and can be planted with anything else except onions.
• Onions repel many species of insects and should be dispersed throughout the garden. But some plants are bad for each other too. Avoid planting broccoli and cauliflower close to each other as well as other varieties of plants that are closely related.

Reference and Resources

1. Most of the tips in this guide are published on Green Peace Green Guide
2. MSU Cares
3. National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service: organic farming, sustainable ag, publications, newsletters