A few organic gardening tips from the pros

Here's a few tips on creating a healthy organic garden:

Achieving balanced soil
The soil is where your plants get their nutrients, so the key to having a healthy, strong garden is a well-balanced, well-draining soil. Using compost in your garden does a lot to solve all of these soil challenges.

Controlling those pests
One of the main problems with organic gardening is controlling the pests who are just as excited about eating your veggies as you are. The best way to prevent pests from harming your garden is through companion planting, natural chemicals, and by visiting your garden often.

* Companion planting: Planting certain crops near each other create a benefit for both sets of plants, and is called companion planting. Corn and beans and tomato and peppers are common companion plants. Also, plants like onions and basil are naturally deterrent to many pesky bugs.

* Natural chemicals: A non-toxic soapy water mixture of 1 part soap and 3 parts water is a natural deterrent for many bugs looking to nibble on your crops.

* Visit your garden: The easiest thing you can do to prevent disease and outbreaks of harmful insects in your garden is to visit it often, remove insect larvae and eggs, and weeds.

With a little time and effort in your soil now, and some proactive pest control throughout the summer, you'll be eating your very own organic harvest in no time.