The first step in weed control without chemicals is to properly prepare the garden plot. Laying a good foundation is critical.

Disinfect pruning shears with bleach wipes. It saves having to mix bleach and water and you won't get bleach all over your clothes!

Weeding may not be your most popular garden activity, but it's important to get rid of the weeds to keep your vegetable plants healthy.

To solarize vegetables plots: Water deeply area & slowly; cover w/clear plastic, anchor the edges to contain moisture. Leave for 4 weeks.

Avoid frequent shallow waterings. That encourages roots to remain near surface instead of reaching deep into the soil.

Spreading some sort of mulch such as wood chips, will help reduce weed growth, maintain soil moisture & stabilize soil temperature.

Compost loosens soil and help it retain water. Adding compost also improves soil fertility & stimulates healthy root development in plants.

It's best to make a single watering of your vegetables that penetrates deeply rather than frequent shallow applications.

If using a raised bed for your garden, use only organic soil & compost. This will increase nutrients in native soil & create better drainage

Sharpen your spades and hoes. It’s time to start preparing for planting for the fall/winter growing season.

In addition to being healthier, organically grown vegetables just taste much better.

Decaying organic matter is how plants are fed in nature. Unfortunately, we tend to remove any dead plant material that falls into our lawns.

Indoor herb gardens should get between 5 and 6 hours of natural sunlight per day or 14 to 16 hours of artificial (fluorescent) light.

Your tools will be in frequent use throughout the growing season, so buy quality tools. Cheap tools tend to break or dull easily.

Few beginning gardeners fully realize the importance of good soil. But soil is literally the foundation for your garden.

Although most vegetable plants love the heat and the it is important to water early in the morning.