Sometimes vegetable gardeners can be their own worst enemies.
Just ask Jane Shellenberger, author of the new book, (Fulcrum Publishing, 2012).
“We’re creating conditions for insects and plant disease to come into our gardens — and then we use chemicals to treat them,” she said.
Climate, soil and water issues all play a part in making it difficult to garden in the West, but the answer isn’t found in containers of herbicides, pesticides, or synthetic chemical fertilizers, according to Shellenberger.
“I’m a firm believer in not using chemicals in the garden,” she said. “I could never understand why people would want to put poison in their ground.”
As publisher and editor of the popular regional gardening newsmagazine, Shellenberger brings a unique perspective to her book. Not only does she rely on her own years of organic-gardening experience, she draws on the expertise of many other gardeners.
The book came about because she saw the need for a comprehensive gardening guide to address the difficult growing conditions in the West. Other gardening books didn’t explain the complexities of growing organic vegetable gardens here.
“Our soils are different, our climate is different, and water issues define the West,” Shellenberger said. “Certain kinds of crops will grow well here because of our cool nights, but it’s difficult to grow some warm-season crops. It’s tricky.”
Instead of writing a book focused solely on what to grow and how to grow it, “Organic Gardener’s Companion” explains why it’s important to grow organically. Shellenberger believes small-scale gardening has the potential to save the planet.
One of the book’s major themes is that it’s time for all gardeners to consider their landscapes as part of the bigger environmental picture and to create healthy soil and healthy gardens.
However, before getting to the nitty-gritty of growing dozens of vegetables and herbs, Shellenberger provides lessons in Western climate, geology and history. The sections on the Dust Bowl and the effects of climate change are especially relevant to gardeners in the West. She wanted those sections to help gardeners understand why their most important job is to feed and sustain soil life.
The book explains the simple steps gardeners can take to nurture the soil food web, the community of organisms that live in the soil and support plant life. Organic methods include amending the soil with organic material, using thick layers of mulch, adding organic fertilizers, and refraining from rototilling after the first year the garden is established.
Building healthy soil leads to healthier plants. Healthier plants reduce the need for toxic insecticides that can harm pollinators and other beneficial insects. The book includes a list of nontoxic controls for a number of and diseases like aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles, grasshoppers and powdery mildew.
Gardeners along the Front Range will be especially interested in the chapter on water. Shellenberger explains the intricacies of Western water laws and offers practical ways to conserve water in the garden, especially during a drought.
“Some gardeners water the heck out of their gardens, and they don’t need to,” she said. “The main thing is, don’t grow more than you need for your home garden. Space plants farther apart so they’re not competing for water and nutrients; use mulch like hay or straw; and water at the soil level with drip irrigation that’s on a timer.”
Gardeners with raised beds should insulate the outside of the beds with piles of leaves to prevent moisture from evaporating through the sides and drying out the soil.
“Organic Gardener’s Companion” is filled with beautiful images, many taken in Shellenberger’s own garden. Because she considers herself a writer first and a gardener second, her book comes alive with engaging stories about Peruvian potato harvests, the camel whisperers of the desert Southwest, and how she once blamed an innocent Boy Scout for a raccoon raid on her plum crop.
Jodi Torpey coordinates the local Plant a Row for the Hungry program. For information, contact her at Jodi@westerngardeners.com.
