I just got married and I've found out my husband doesn't understand organic methods. He thinks he can apply chemical fertilizers, bug sprays and weed killers to every place but the organic vegetable garden. I've tried to explain it to him from my own knowledge, but I need some "official" information, quick, to help him understand that what he does in the front yard can still affect the garden in the backyard.

Sounds like you have a long period of training ahead of you, housebreaking your hubby and all. You do, of course, have some excellent ammo on your side but let's not get down to that....

Wind drift
Pollinators
Soil-dwelling organisms.

Common sense perhaps but hey, to some people that concept is radical! If you wish to grow Edibles that are whole, no synthetics within 200' minimum. Tell him that YOU don't want to glow in the dark....and you would prefer to share healthy children with him.



This very website you are on right now is among the best resources to get him "educated", the Rodales pioneered Responsible Gardening.

John
http://www.ecologicalsgardens.com/

Are you planning on having a compost pile? Explain that all of the yard debris from the "other" part of the yard cannot be used in the compost that you plan to put on the organic garden. It may be that some gentle education is in order, if he doesn't understand how organic gardening works he won't see that what he is doing is potentially dangerous to the veggies. Also it may have to do with his personality. My husband hates yardwork and is a "quick fix" kind of guy. He was very prone to chemical type stuff when we first got married. Now I give him specific, non-chemical yard jobs to do (the more physical stuff that I may not be able to handle) and I do all of the other yard stuff. I love to putter in the garden and he just doesn't. He is very proud of "our" garden, and he loves to eat the fresh veggies! Work on his strengths in the garden arena and he may eventually come around.
Good Luck and much Patience-
Keli

Hi...I think the best thing you can do is check with a local organic farming organization (an ag. extension office near you should be able to help you locate one) and ask them SPECIFICALLY what the criteria are for them to raise organic fruits & veggies. Then you can tell your hubby that in order for it to be organic, this is what is necessary (as you relay exactly what is required for them to sell their produce as organic). That should be official enough I would think.

As far as pulling your husband over to the organic way of thinking, these things take time. I have found with my husband that if I can show him I can accomplish what he wants to accomplish through organic methods then he's more receptive than if I just complain about him using Round Up but don't have a viable alternative for him. I've made loads of progress getting him to 'see things my way'....so have patience and SHOW him there are better alternatives. A great place to go for organic lawn/yard care products is Gardens Alive. They have an organic answer for anything you could possibly need...plus great products and helpful staff. Give them a try...you won't be sorry! Best wishes for an earth-friendly lawn and garden!!
Janet

Yes, you get get a lot of information from a company "Gardens Alive", ask for their catalog, it reads like a magazine. It has a section on pests and diseases with pictures and info for the right product to use. I've been using their stuff for a few years now, it works! I live in a very challenging climate-S. Florida. Besides, if he uses the chemicals, they are not any more effective than organic, and it is 'poison', you don't want that stuff anywhere in your home or yard, there are alternatives. I converted my husband who didn't advocate for chemicals, but he, at one time thought "Roundup" wasn't real bad stuff. Go to www.GardensAlive.com, and you may turn him around!

I suggest reading "Prodigal Summer" by Barbara Kingsolver, with him. The book has three intertwining threads, all dealing with balance in nature. The thread that he might take the most from is called "Old Chestnuts," about an elderly farmer who learns about organic methods from his neighbor. It's a great book, and sexy! although a bit preachy. To your benefit, it explains the counterproductiveness of pesticide/herbicide applications as part of the enthralling story. Good luck!