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The concept of organic means of controlling pests in gardens is not a new idea, it’s actually as venerable as agriculture. The problem is that since World War II organic pest control has been replaced in civilized countries with man-made pesticides that are detrimental to both the environment and to the people who consume the plants on which the products are sprayed. The return to organic gardening pest control and choosing to reject or restrict made-made pesticides is very popular with people today. There are varying beliefs on the use of these products, with some people opposing their use only on food crops, whereas others simply try to reduce their use as much as possible.

Many different reasons make logical sense for utilize organic gardening pest control methods. One of the most important things about this is that because of the absence of pesticides when the insect pests are left alone genetically they are not in a position to become resistant “super bugs”. Organic methods tend to be less polluting and blend into the ecosystem around it instead of disrupting it. In addition, because many of the pesticides that are available are derivatives of petrochemicals, their costs are higher, thus making alternatives more attractive. Whatever the reasons may be for avoiding their use, the organic gardener has to be prepared to work in order to make up for the loss of those chemical products that he chooses to abstain from using.

Organic gardeners have several effective, non-chemical methods that they can utilize to control garden pests. Using a method known as varietal selection, where pest and disease resistant seeds are used, is one of the easiest ways to avoid pest problems. The cultural control method of organic gardening pest control involves changing your gardening methods in order to reduce the hospitality that your garden offers to pests. This may mean removing or burning diseased plant material and destroying weeds and plan debris that provide hiding places for insects. Using stakes to keep fruits off the ground as well as pruning to remove diseased limbs, removing sickly plants, proper building of the soil, and making sure the plants are in raised areas in rainy seasons also help control diseases and pests. Crop rotation can also help in the prevention of disease and in pest control.

Although it takes longer to eradicate pests with these methods, in the long run they are safer and even prevent pests from attacking other crops in the area as well. Although organic gardening pest control may present a longer and more strenuous process, it is well worth the time and effort.

Slopes can be made into a lovely garden spot. Instead of weeds, there could be a beautiful flower garden. Or a garden of yummy vegetables could be planted there. The rugged terrain can become a lovely planted area, turning a liability into an asset.

Some Terraces Make A Difference

Terracing a slope can make a beautiful area in your landscape. It also broadens the options for what can be grown since it provides a level area for planting. Having a level area makes it a lot easier to walk and work there. Making terraces, however, is unquestionably a lot of work. It can also be expensive depending on the materials used.

At one time, railroad ties were considered a good source of material for making retaining walls for terraces. They’ve fallen out of favor these days, and especially aren’t recommended for organic gardens. The reason is the creosote used to preserve the wood. Considering creosote is a toxic substance,contact with it can irritate the skin. If you breath in the fumes from creosote, they can irritate the respiratory tract.

Bottom line, it’s toxic stuff. Besides the problem of direct contact, there’s also the fact it can leach into the water and soil. Plants absorb nutrients from the soil, and if creosote is in the soil, they can absorb that also. If it’s vegetable plants, then you eat whatever they’ve absorbed. So creosote treated lumber for your terracing isn’t a good idea.

Wall Materials And Placement

The new landscaping boards such as those found at Gardens Alive! that are made out of recycled plastics are an option when leveling out a small slope. When the slope is steeper, use concrete blocks, bricks, stone or modular retaining wall blocks. The various masonry options require varying levels of expertise, so be sure you know how to build walls with the materials you opt to use.

Since terracing makes level beds, the height of the walls will be dictated by the steepness of the slope. The higher walls, the better they should be anchored. They obviously should also be much sturdier. There should be proper drainage for large terraces, and they should be anchored well into the sides of the slope at each end.

The walls of the terraces must bear all the weight of the soil behind them, which will increase even more after a rain. If walls are not built properly, they will bow outwards or even collapse.

It’s a big task to build terraces, and if you feel it’s too much to handle, there are landscaping contractors that can do the work for you. This is a more expensive option, of course, since you’ll not only have to pay for the materials, but the labor expenses as well.

Good Soil Equals Good Plants.

A slope often has poor soil due to erosion, so it’s a good idea to enrich the soil before planting. Some compost, rich loam, well-rotted cow manure, peat or other soil amendments can be worked into the soil will make it a better growing medium. If you want to grow plants like do well in poor soil, you won’t want to enrich the soil too much then.

Once the soil is ready, choose your plants, whether vegetables or flowers (DirectGardening.com – Offers quality plants at great prices). You could plant vines along the top edge of the walls, using either vegetables that vine, or flowering or foliage type vines, depending on what type of plants you’ve decided to raise in the terraced beds.

Terraces Are Long Term Investments.

Making terraces on a slope is a lot of work, and in some cases a lot of expense, but it’s a great way to eradicate an eyesore, improve your land, and provide another place for an organic garden full of flowers or vegetables.

And more plants are always a good thing.