Gardening the Natural Way

By George Graine, Fairfax Master Gardener
“Alchemy — Medieval chemistry chiefly concerned with efforts to turn base metals into gold”
–Merriam-Webster’s Desk Dictionary

Readers, you are in for a genuine treat if you pick up a new book by the Garden Therapy blogger, Stephanie Rose. Her book, “Garden Alchemy” (Cool Springs Press, 2020), will help remove some of the myths and mysteries about what should be done in order to have a healthier garden. The sub-title of this book is “80 Recipes and Concoctions for Organic Fertilizers, Plant Elixirs, Potting Mixes, Pest Deterrents, and More.”

For many years, in fact going back to at least the 1960’s, a “prominent garden authority” posited that there were many household products that are the savior for whatever ails your garden problems. Here are just a few products that were expected to help you to become a better gardener: antiseptic mouthwash, baby shampoo, dishwashing liquid, corn syrup and molasses. Were these ever put through any kind of rigorous research testing or could a scientific source be found? If you are thinking this appears to be like a snake oil pitchman selling some whatever, you are probably correct. Was it true then? Is it true today?

Perhaps you may have heard about these cure-alls on radio or TV, or you purchased books about these wonder products for use in the garden. If so, no doubt you had hope of solving a plant problem caused by a pest or disease or something that was creating havoc in your garden. It is beyond time to put to rest that these “ingredients” will do miracles as advertised. Stephanie Rose clearly informs us about the natural way to garden. She takes a 180-degree turn from the absurd advice noted above.

“Garden Alchemy” is a no-nonsense book where you will learn how to minimize and manage plant pest and disease problems. You will also find many garden truths through the use of easy-to-follow helpful guides for the DIY gardener. The point of this book is to help you grow a healthy garden. Doing so will transform your existing property into an oasis without much drudgery and expense.

This book is a godsend for all gardeners especially for those who want to garden naturally and minimize the use of chemical applications. There is not a single way to have a successful garden. Go to a community garden and you will find many divergent answers on how to garden. Can they all be right? Are they all successful? If you were to search the gardening literature, most likely you would find conflicting studies. As an example, a frequent topic for containerized plants is, How does one deal with drainage? You may be surprised at the correct answer, yet many people do not follow the “rules.”

The first chapter in “Garden Alchemy” is all about soils and mulches. This is a superb starting point because you will learn through charts and photos what is the composition of your soil. Note that different parts of your property may have differing soil compositions. For sure, the soil beneath a lawn is probably different from that in a raised bed, or for shrubs. For $10, Virginia residents can have their soil tested by the Virginia Tech soils laboratory. Note that the laboratory can do a variety of soil tests; however, each test will cost an additional $10. Most public libraries and extension offices offer free soil test “kits” for this purpose. You collect the soil according to the directions and mail the kit to the Virginia Tech Soil Testing lab. The tests are primarily concerned with soil nutrients and pH. Separate tests can be performed for organic matter and soluble salts at an additional cost, but often this is not going to be your problem.

After reviewing the test results and explanations, turn to the first chapter in the book. Here you will find 13 different recipes for growing various plants or a lawn. As for mulches, the author provides an excellent chart that explains many different types of mulch including some that are available at no cost. She also notes which mulch is good and which ones to avoid.

Chapter 2 is all about propagation. Clearly, propagating plants from seeds, while at very low cost, is perhaps one of the most interesting garden activities. However, this can be a difficult and frustrating chore for growing plants. Help is on the way because many products are available to improve and speed up your rate of success. As an example, electric heat mats placed under a seed tray can be very effective. Again, the author provides many tips using text and photos to help the DIY gardener. Included in this chapter is information on how to create seed bombs, planting pots, seed tapes and even an interesting page on a natural rooting hormone that is quite novel.

The next two chapters take more of the mystery out of gardening. Clear explanations are provided on compost and fertilizers. In fact, at some full service garden centers you may see the name “Black Gold” on some bags. Note: This is not an endorsement. Gold …. Good grief, are we going back to alchemy? To quote the author, “… composting is one of the most important activities you can do. “Amen to that. The reason for composting is to help build a superior soil.

You already know that our red clayey soil has sufficient nutrients, but unfortunately it leaves much to be desired when it comes to good drainage. Once again the author makes it easy to understand these topics through the use of recipes, charts and additional explanations. After reading this chapter, you will then comprehend how your efforts will benefit the garden when using these products judiciously.

The last chapter is somewhat unique. It is about “Birds, Bees, and Bugs.” Like some of the other chapters, this one also contains recipes for encouraging beneficial wildlife. Also included are ways to trap pests and how to use baits and herbal deterrents.

In summary, “Garden Alchemy” is a go-to text on how to garden naturally. To find answers to specific questions, you will find this book is well-indexed. It will teach you and help you garden smarter and wiser. Taking the first step to a healthy garden will lead to healthy plants, which in turn will lead to a happier you.

For some more interesting ideas, click on the Stephanie Rose web site.