[PDF]Organic Gardening Nov-Jan 2008-9

here people and the land come together




MEW BULBS
fro PLANT NOW

Carefree & Tough



2




DROUGHT-PROOF
DESIGN HINTS




row Food
Inside



uild a Better
Composter

bst Your Yields

NOV-JAN 2008,09 PU40063752



BEST PLANTS FOR FALL COLOR





OfgimicGardoolnfi.com



Your family's health is precious. Keep it safe.

Take organic living one step further with USDA certified organic supplements.



WK\j CHoose Orgamcs?

• Going organic is about...

Purify— no pesticides or harmful chemicals
Sustainability and respect for the earth

Making better choices... for yourself, your family and the planet

• As exposure to environmental toxins continues to rise, Certified Organic products
provide a welcome peace of mind for your family's health and well being.

• Selecting Enzymatic Therapy® True Organics" helps you stay true to your
philosophy, deeply rooted in nature.

The Seal ITlaKes ft Real.

• Many products claim to be Organic or Made with Organic Ingredients,
but unless the package displays the USDA Certified Organic seal,
it's not as "real" as you would expect— possibly only 70% (or even less
of the product may actually be organic.

• Having the USDA seal on True Organics means 95% or more of each product has
been organically produced under tight regulations, without the use of pesticides
or harmful chemicals.

• We've made certain that each organic ingredient featured in True Organics helps
to nourish your health with the wholesome goodness intended by nature.





TO



Unistr WHatrfe True




Your family deserves less.



Less is more with True Organics"!

Help lessen your family's doily exposure to hidden toxins,
dangerous chemicals and pesticides by choosing True
Organics — the first line of USDA Certified Organic
supplements. Feel confident that you're doing the very best
for your family's health because the USDA seal makes True
Organics real Displaying the seal means 95% or more of
each product has been organically produced according to
the strictest standards. For the first time, it's good to expect
less from your daily supplements. Trust What's True".





organics.enzy.com / 800-225-9245







CEREALS & SNACKS



DELICIOUSLY ORGANIC



/or 77?ree Generations

www.naturespath.com




i



Gwe n Stephens*
Pioneering Organic
Fanner & Mother
of Nature's Path
Founder Arran.




Committed to an
organic future.



Nature's Path^ has always sought to minimize our impact upon the earth, while
maximizing our ability to deliver the earth's nutritional bounty to our customers.
Just like you, we produce delicious organic food without synthetic pesticides,
herbicides or fungicides; chemicals that find their way into the soil, water, air and
eventually our bodies. Imagine your organic garden on a global scale. It's a dream
we have actively pursued and invested in for three generations; one that grows
more fulfilling each year as we continually add more delicious organic products.



Nurturing People, Natttre & Spirit
www-naturespath.com

Visit our website for a full line of products* online shopping
or to find the store nearest you. You'll find us at select grocery
and natural food stores nationwide.




Both bcatiie and the btanet brofit from an orcanic lifestxlc.



Thi q On©




UYRJ-AXL-Y8E9







Life's

Simplest
Pleasures

Happen

Organically.





RGANIC 'ORGANIC



www.sa)juk:e.com • KS8-S69-6y9 1



<,ito*ri i
fmhity i iimririi

mi mi * | i iMItHIH




ORGANIC

An Organic Original



NOVEMBER/DECEMBER/JANUARY 2008-2009 VOL 56, NO. 1



CONTENTS




Brighter Bulbs



i season, ditch the dull
bdils and tulips and plant
ining native varieties
ead. By Carole Ottesen



Features

* - COVER STORIES



ON THE COVER Ofwons,
Ilka these from the Rodale
famity farm, tec you eat
from your garden when the
growing season over
Photograph by Chrtsta Neu



48



Onions for Keeps*

Grow storage varieties of the pungent
bulb and enjoy homegrown flavor all
winter. By Susan Brackncy



52 Desert Bloom*



An expert shares her secrets for creat-
ing a beautiful, low-maintenance
landscape that thrives in drought
conditions. By Therese Ciesinsld



ID



Tall or small, in colors from blue to
yellow, ornamental grasses arc care-
free, shine in autumn, and nurture
wildlife year-round. By Barbara Ellis

Organic GMO?

An argument for applying biotcch
tools to the goals of sustainable
agriculture* By Pamela C. Arnold
jnd Raoul W t Achmciuk



EXTRAS AT ORGANICQARDENING.COM

• Regional Reports: Our nationwide network of test gardeners share their results and secrets In a blog that's updated weekly.

• Recipe Exchange: Click on Discussions to share your favorite garden-fresh dishes or to find new ways to enjoy your harvest.

• Wildlife Management: Learn more about the birds and critters that visit your backyard and how to make them feel at home.



Maiepnan. 3amwtueHHbiu aeropcKUM npasoM




DISCOVER THE BEAUTY

■H OF

nature +
science

This exclusive natural oatmeal



formula goos beyond 24 hour

moisture -

scientists

have proven

lhat it actually

improves shin's

hour*

health In one day with significant
improvement in just 2 weeks.






MM

before r day 2 wMM

It's this powerful combination of
the best of nature and the proof
of science that we call ACTIVE
WATIJRAI fta Onlv fmm thp hmnri



CONTENTS





In Every Issue



* = COVER STORIES



8



16 ASK OG

Protect your tools, conserve
water, and handle waste
with care.



A cool way to control pests,
plains that build fertility,
and why composting is hot.



How to make and use
your own ultra-efficient
composting system*



Bringing the woodland
closer to your backyard,
simple design principles,
and a fresh face for a
familiar plant.

34. FOOD

Plant garlic now, grow
a tasty crop of Brussels
sprouts, and discover what's
to love about lovagc.



A scientist transforms a
brownficld into a meadow
and an OG reader shows
how to make natural
birdhouses,

42 GREENHOUSE

The green way to go, the
impact of your food choices,
and the value of gardens.

IB CLOSER LOOK*

Want to eat fresh-picked
food all year, in any
climated Grow delicious
and nutritious sprouts.



T*T*M* WaiH/JA C*rtA*i*l !



a» >*=m*i:.tw . raj'
4QMO EC* fcj±$CAM IA5fE9M2£Q fi CAftA^, ttr-J^c a rase I 9

ft

o



Maxepnan, aauiMuiGMMbift aaiopcKUM npat





SKIN




Aveeno

ACTIVC NATURALS



Daily Moisturizing

LOTION



nTtapnan, samwmeMHbiR as



THE EDITOR'S ALMANAC



SEASON



Looking Forward



he organic approach is as old as dirt (literally), but it is not mired in the
past. Our methods are built on the wisdom farmers and gardeners have
gleaned from centuries of experience observing nature and using their
resources efficiently. Researchers, however, continually uncover the scientific
basis for how and why the organic approach works. And organic farmers and
gardeners are benefiting from new tools and technologies char help us build healthy soil
and protect plants from destructive pests without disrupting the balance of nature.

Critics of organic farming — really, defenders of industrial agriculture — claim that we
arc antiscience and antiprogress, that we trust only in folklore and mystical woo-woo*
Yet the Rodale Institute's research, and other sources, consistently show that organic
methods arc the only way to build a sustainable food system that can feed the world.

As you read each issue of Organic (jardemng 9 notice that nearly every article is built with
input from scientists. We don't rely solely on personal anecdotes — they can be interesting
and useful, but also flawed and misleading. You also will see in this issue an excerpt from
a provocative new book written by a scientist and an organic farmer, who assert that the
tools of biotechnology could be useful to sustainable agriculture. This premise may be
viewed as heresy by many in the organic movement. But when I read the book* I was
reminded of the words of our visionary editor, Robert Rodale, from our January 1989
issue. "Biotech will have to be a part of that environmental solution * Rodale stated,
"And it will have to blend into a whole landscape of farm and garden methods that will be
asked to regenerate instead of degrade the environment. What I call the tricky biotech of
today — the search for ways to fool plants and animals into doing more — will evolve into
a much more sensible and high-quality way to improve plants in the more distant future."

The vast majority of genetically engineered plants so far fall into the category of
degrading the environment — particularly crops that survive dousing with herbicides.
And organic farmers already produce high yields and ward off pests without GE varieties.

So why give these advocates for genetic engineering a chance to scare their case in
the pages of OCt Because a scientific B^HHH
approach demands reasoned, informed ^
debate, not dogmatic rejection. Because if
our organic principles are sound, they can
hold up to debate. You don't stand up for
centuries if you don't have sturdy legs,
1 expect many will disagree with this
position, so I'm inviting alt of you to join
me for an online discussion about the
topic (see page 71 for the date and time),
i ll meet you there in a few weeks and
right here when the 2009 growing season
is starting up again-






3 Things
I Learned
from This
Issue

Young Sprouts

Brussels sprouts,
unlike wine and
gardeners, do not
Improve with age. Eat
them soon after har-
vesting for the sweet-
est flavor. They're at
their best In recipes
like those on page 35.

Food Choices

What you eat has a
bigger Impact on the
environment than
where you shop for
your food. Seethe
numbers on page 43.

Farewell, Tulips

Bulbs native to our
continent can give you
the same jolt of spring
color as fancy hybrids
from Holland, but the
natives on pages 58
through 61 come beck
every spring even in
tough condlttons.



WINTER 2008-2009



3auU1LUGMHblft aBTOpCKHM fipaBOM



NEW: In the Olive Oil Section!




HEART
SHAPE

A FINE CULINARY
FINISHING OIL
ANI> DRESSING



Pour



tk



on we




FLAX OIL




****




COLD- PRESS ED
g 4 5 f|o*-(250 mL;




He alth



HEART SHAPE .«



FLAX OIL



3



TM



#



1 in Omega-3 ALA



Heart Shape Flax Oil is natures richest source
plant-based omega-3 ALA. Just use Heart Shapt
Flax Oil and Flax Oil Blends where you'd
normally use olive, sunflower or canola oil.
Its the easiest way to add omega-3 to your diet!



100% Pure • 100% Natural

Look for Heart Shape Flax Oil and Blends



in the Olive Oil section.



shopeOfoods



Get recipes and health information at ShapeFoods.com






PI



d r^




DISCOVER THE

of ACTIV
NATURALS

)0!hmq feve



Soothing feverfew, the powerful
yet Qfintfe Ingredient in this exclusive
formula, helps manage sensitive,
irritated skin so it looks and feels
healthier In f i i i clinical study,




ORGANIC I ■

Gardening



EDITOR Scott Mover PUBLISHER Christopher Lambiase. 212-803-0298



EDITORIAL AHO DESIGN

ART DIRECTOR Gavin Robineon
SENIOR EDITOR Thort«o Ciestrtski
PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR Chrtsta Neu
WEST COAST CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Willi Evans Geaowev
EDITORIAL PRODUCTION MANAGER Nancy Rutmen
RESEARCH EDfTOR/TEST GARDEN MANAGER Pamela Ruch

DESIGNER Tare Long
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Beth Huvta

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER. ORGAN i'CGAKDEWH&COkt

Abiflsll Poutone
ADMINISTRATE ASSISTANT ftngtr Horstord
BRAND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Ellis Preja/it

00 TEST GAROfiNERS

Don Bookelhetoe, Chorion*. NC; Ann V* Ceffo v .
Weleenburg. CO; Andrea Ray Cwmr. QWh*. KSi Undo
Crago. WollandporL ON. Canada: Leslie Ooyle. Us VagM,
NV; Leslie Heleck Delia*. TX Debate Loun*. CWi- WA
CoU» Meichior. Perrvvllle. MO: Bli raunea, Sustme. CA;
Jacfcle Smith. Ball* Ptaine. MN; Nan Stermerv Endnttaa. CA:
Stephanie Van Pvvi. Decatur. OA: Mlohalla ZetteL ChaJUa. ID



ROOALE GARDEN STAFF

LANDSCAPE COORDINATORS

Josh Brurvwir, Uaa GaDory, April Johnson



Organic Q&fTf*f>lngi* avsitaote si a discount to retail
sties outlet*. Contact DV*ct Sale* *( BOO-fl4&-aOSa



option 2* and ask for Andrea D«Fa* t i



Ou^nvc Gartfanttig Ooes not accept advertising
for chomicel-besed peettcxie* or fortiiteere.
tt la print ad on locally sourced paoer from
f areata that ora maintained according to strict
BuatatnabtiltY standards. Printed In tha USA




SALES AND MARKETING

NATIONAL ADVERTISING OIRECTOR Jeff Tkach. 610-967-6583

MARKETING MANAGER Tammv Hobar 6*0-967-7943

ADVERTISING BUSINESS MANAGER Susan a Snyder

UiOWEST REPRESENTATIVE Charyt Kogut.
312-»M9 1 9. e*t- 306

WEST COAST REPRESENTATIVES Nlcholaa Praadman.
7Q7-77S-3378 Qevtd tacAobJe,

ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE Aahley McEwen, Madia People

Inc.. 2!2-779-717Z ext. 232

DETROIT REPRESENTATIVE Susan Hunyor, 246-637-1367
MARKETING INTERN Morgan Emu

PRODUCTION

MAGAZINE PRODUCTION MANAGER Karen J. Stmnar
ADVERTISING PRODUCTION SPECIALIST Lynn Laudanalagar

CIRCULATION

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT. CONSUMER MARKETING
iohnPhaian

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PRODUCT MARKETING
Katrlna Cwltkowltl

SUBSCRIPTION DIRECTOR Lort Beneyton
SENIOR CONSUMER MARKETING MANAGER Ktmberly Drevee
CONSUMER MARKETING MANAGER Suranne Smith
ASSISTANT CONSUMER MARKETING MANAGER Joan Moy*r
SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES MANAGER Jovca Smith

SUBSCRIPTIONS

For questions about your subscription, vis* Organic
QAtxforung^cam and click on Customer Service; e-mail
QQOcustservgro deJ i.oom: oall 800-666-2206: or write to
Organic Garden*!* PO Box 7320. Red Oak, EA 51591.

READER PREFERENCE SERVICE

We occasionally meto subscribers' names avaJlabat
to compa n ies whose products or services may be of
Interest to Organic Qoafoning reader*. If you'd prefer
not to be included, you may request that your name
f be removed from promotion lists. Write to Orgitnfc
Oaroerhrig. 33 E. Minor St.. Emmaus. PA 16096.



RODALE



J.l. Rodale

Founder, 1942-1971

Maria Rorfate

Chairman of the Board



ova voue wuols ties

Robert Rodale

Chairman of the Board and CEO. 1971-1990

Ardath Rodale

Chief Inspiration Officer

Steven Pleshette Murphy

President and Ch*f Executive Officer



MaryAnn Bekkedahl
Gregg Michaehon
Michael Bruno
Karen Rinaldi
Eric deCavalgnai
Jim Berra
Mia Carbon c II
Howard Weill
Thomas A. Pogash
Kenneth Citron
Robin Shallow



EVP. Gioup Publisher

EVP, Customer Marketing

EVP. Chief Administrative Officer

5VR General Manager and Publishing Director, Rodale &ooks

SVP. Finance and Strategy Planning

SVR General Manager, Rodale Online

5 VP, Corporate Communications

SVP, Finance and Operatons

5 VP. Chief Accounting Officer

5 VP, Chief Technology Officer

V?. Brand Communications and Public Relations



We inspire and enable people lo improve
their lives and the world around them.

Rodale Inc. 33 E Minor St. Emmaus. PA 1809B 610-967*5171 rodale.tom



Maieprian, 3awritueHHbitf aBTOpCKHM npaeoM





■



9

I

5



i






Aveeno

ACTIVE NATURA15*

Ultra-Calming

DAILY MOISTURIZER



3PF IB



lamnmoNHbitfl aa




FROM OUR READERS




ORGANIC



GOWI



II




n i ■



Patience Pays Off

I was very glad to see the directions for
tomato-leaf spray [News, June/July],
which stated that "the alkaloids found
in tomato leaves arc toxic to soft-bodied
pests such as aphids." Wc followed the
directions precisely to make the spray
because my hetiopsis plant was overrun
with aphids. Unfortunately, the spray had
absolutely no effect. In fact, the aphids
seem to be thriving. I am very close to
buying over-the-counter aphid spray to
rescue my plant,

MelanicBonnevie

Cumberland, Maine

Please disregard my prior letter
regarding the ineffectiveness of the
tomato-leaf spray on my aphids. I
am happy to say that the aphids have
now almost completely gone from my
hcliopsis plant* I guess it just took some
time before seeing results, especially
compared to the almost instant results
from nonorganic poisons, which is what
I expected from this spray.

Mclanic Bonnevie

Cumberland, Maine



Personal Pepper Pick

I enjoyed Willi Evans Galloway's excellent article about
sweet peppers [August/September/October] and found
useful tips even though I have been growing peppers for
30 years. But I want to put in a plug for my favorite sweet
pepper not listed in the article: 'Gypsy'. In my garden,
'Gypsy' grows more vigorously and ripens faster than
any other. It also produces more and larger peppers than
'Lipstick', and tastes great. I do not understand why it
is not more popular. In the last few years, I have had to
>>>