Organic Gardening

Guidelines
Garden Organic, Ryton Gardens,
Coventry, Warwickshire CV8 3LG
Tel: 024 7630 3517
Fax: 024 7663 9229
Email: enquiry@gardenorganic.org.uk
www.gardenorganic.org.uk
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Introducing the guidelines ................................................page 4
Organic acceptability ratings ...........................................page 7
Organic soil care................................................................page 8
Techniques
Crop rotation
Bulky organic materials
Organic fertilisers
Plant raising and growing in containers ........................page 17
Seeds and other planting material
Growing media
Plant raising and growing in containers
Liquid feeds
Garden and plant health .................................................page 22
Keeping the garden healthy
Cleaning structures and containers
Managing pests and diseases
Weeds ...............................................................................page 29
Techniques
Mulches for weed clearance and control
Water use .........................................................................page 32
Wood (timber) in the garden.........................................page 34
Energy use in the garden ................................................page 36
To find out more ..............................................................page 38
Contents
The Organic Gardening Guidelines are also available on the Garden Organic website
Designed and set by Cottier & Sidaway
1999 Garden Organic. Update & reprint 2010
Organic Gardening
Guidelines
Organic Gardening Guidelines
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Why organic gardening matters
Gardening and growing offers great benefits for us all benefits for the
environment, for peoples health and wellbeing, for food security and for
building stronger communities. Our outdoor growing space, be it the garden,
the allotment, the school or community garden or just a small space nearby, is a
place where we relax and recharge both spiritually and physically. It is also a
place where we can learn and reconnect with nature and the food we eat and
where we can take practical action to adopt sustainable lifestyles. Using the
organic approach to gardening and growing, which Garden Organic has been
promoting for over 50 years, will ensure that these benefits can be achieved and
enjoyed to their full potential.
Organic gardening methods harness the natural cycles and processes that
promote plant growth. These guidelines outline what organic gardening means
in practice. Following them will help you to care for the environment and to cut
your carbon footprint by reducing, reusing and recycling resources, while
creating a flourishing growing space.
All gardens and gardeners
Garden Organics guidelines cover every area of gardening from fruit and
vegetable growing to lawns and ornamentals, from herbs to hanging baskets,
from paths to pergolas. They are for use by all levels of gardener, from the raw
novice to the experienced professional. The methods are particularly relevant for
use by children, the gardeners of the future.
The word garden is used as a generic term to mean garden, allotment, balcony,
school or community plot or wherever else you may be growing.
A voluntary code
These Organic Gardening Guidelines are a voluntary code of practice, and
following, or signing up, to them does not permit the sale of produce labelled as
organic. The guidelines are based on the principles and practices of organic
agriculture, as defined by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture
Movements (IFOAM) and they have been interpreted and adapted by Garden
Organic to apply to garden scale growing.
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How the Guidelines work
These guidelines are divided into ten sections, each covering different aspects of
garden care. Each section starts with general principles, followed by detailed
lists of the practices, materials and products that can, or should not, be used in
an organic garden. These have been divided up into four categories, or ratings,
from Best organic practice to Never acceptable in an organic garden. See over
page for details.
Taking things further
These guidelines are not a gardening manual. They are designed to be used
alongside good gardening practice, which is the mainstay of all gardening.
Sources of further information are listed on page 38.
Garden Organic factsheets
Garden Organic produces factsheets on a wide range of organic gardening
topics. Those relevant to the subjects covered in these guidelines are listed under
the symbol throughout this booklet.
Factsheets can be viewed on our website, or send for a list to Gardening Advice,
Garden Organic, Ryton Gardens, Coventry CV8 3LG, 024 7630 3517
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Organic Gardening Guidelines
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Organic acceptability ratings
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These guidelines recognize that the level of organic gardening you undertake is
dependent on personal choice and circumstance hence the three levels of
organic acceptability. We have given each level a different smiley face, so that
the guidelines are easy to interpret at glance.
Best organic practice the first choice
Acceptable organic practice
Acceptable, but not for regular use
Never acceptable in an organic garden
In an ideal world, every garden would be run using only Best organic
practice but this is not realistic in this day and age. We hope that, as you gain
experience, and your garden develops organically, you will be able to move
more towards and away from .
The Never acceptable in an organic garden category is not a comprehensive
list. If practices or products in this category, or that do not fall into one of the
acceptable categories, is used, the garden would not be considered as organic
under these guidelines.
The issues
Organic gardening does not stop at the garden gate, and to create a sustainable
future we must also look to the wider environment. But these guidelines must
also be practical and manageable. The issues that have been considered when
deciding on which smiley face to allocate to a practice or product are outlined
in the table opposite.
It is not always easy to make a precise decision, and there are times when you
will need to make your own value judgements. Would you, for example,
consider an imported product with an organic symbol more acceptable than a
local product, not organically produced?
Taking all these issues into account, we have aimed to ensure that these Organic
Gardening Guidelines are practical.
Organic acceptability ratings
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Organic
credentials
Best organic
practice the
first choice
Organically
grown or from
recognised
organic sources,
preferably with a
recognised
organic symbol
Acceptable
organic practice
From low input
and low impact
systems
Acceptable, but
not for regular
use
From non organic
sources, but
within certain
limits
Never
acceptable in an
organic garden
Not organic and
outside any
limits set
Ecological
impact in use
Enhancing and
harnessing
natural processes
No particular
environmental
benefit
Possible negative
impact
Ecologically
harmful
Toxicity None Low May kill
organisms other
than those
targeted
Unacceptably
toxic, and/or
persistent in the
environment
Sustainability Sustainable Sustainable May not be
sustainable in the
longer term
Unsustainable
Sources Garden/
allotment
Local/regional National/
imported
Imported
Materials Reused Recycled waste
product
New materials Highly processed
Energy use Little or no fossil
fuel energy
required in use or
manufacture
Fossil fuel energy
required in use or
manufacture
Fossil fuel energy
required in use or
manufacture
Unacceptable
fossil fuel energy
required in use or
manufacture
Packaging Loose/no
packaging
Environmentally
sound/minimal
packaging
Non recyclable
packaging
Excessive non-
recyclable
packaging
Disposal None required Disposal causes
little or no
environmental
hazard
Disposal may be
hazardous to the
environment
Disposal
hazardous to the
environment
and/or human
health
Organic soil care
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A healthy soil is the basis for growing healthy plants and healthy food. The soil
is full of life worms, fungi, bacteria and other microscopic creatures which
create its structure and fertility. When looking after your soil organically you
will be improving the diversity, and supporting the activity, of these vital
creatures. You will be avoiding activities and inputs that disrupt and harm the
soil ecosystem.
Techniques
Activities and practices for organic soil care
Best organic practice the first choice
Get to know the soil you are working with
Grow plants that suit the existing soil conditions. Where necessary, use
organic methods to improve the soil, but dont try to change soil
conditions too drastically
Keep the soil covered with growing plants, green manure cover crops,
or an organic mulch. This protects and improves the soil structure
Grow green manures to improve soil structure and to recycle, and add,
plant foods. This includes clover in lawns
Maintain soil humus levels, biological activity and fertility, where
necessary, by applying home made compost, or other bulky organic
materials in appropriate quantities and at the appropriate season (see
pages 8-11, and factsheets.)
Recycle organic kitchen and garden waste within the garden, by making
compost, or through other processes such as making leafmould
Use a crop rotation (see page 7)
No dig techniques
Acceptable organic practice
Minimal soil cultivation, as necessary
Acceptable, but not for regular use
Rotavating, to clear ground or turn in green manures
Digging between November and February, other than on clay soils to
leave ground exposed to frost
Organic soil care
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Never acceptable in an organic garden
Using excessive quantities of nutrient rich manures and fertilisers
Unnecessary digging, rotavating and other soil cultivations
Growing food on potentially contaminated soils, such as brownfield
sites, unless analysis shows that the levels of contamination are
acceptable (see )
Crop rotation
Crop rotation is an essential technique for managing soil fertility, and for pest
and disease control.
Briefly, crop rotation means not replanting the same type of plant, or another
of the same family, in the same site for a period of years. It is most often used
with annual vegetables, but the same principles can be applied to perennial
fruit crops and other plants.
An interval of at least 3 years, or more between plants of the same family,
or longer if necessary where a specific problem is identified
Include nitrogen fixing green manures in a vegetable crop rotation
In a greenhouse, where a 4 year rotation may not be possible, pay
particular attention to building and maintaining soil health
Alternate fertility building crops with those which take a lot from the soil
Alternate weed suppressing plants with those that compete poorly
with weeds
Garden Organic factsheets
Composts and manures in the organic garden
Contaminated soils, manures and plant wastes
Crop rotation
Green Manures
How to make compost
Know your soil
Managing your soil
Mulches for weed prevention and control
Using woody garden waste
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Organic soil care
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Bulky organic soil improvers
Bulky organic soil improvers are materials such as garden compost and strawy
manure; they are bulky, as compared with a bag of fertiliser, and their
ingredients are organic in that they are of living origin. In an ideal world they
would all contain only organically grown ingredients.
Bulky organic soil improvers are generally waste materials. Recycling plant
and animal wastes in the soil imitates the recycling of nutrients carried out in
nature, and is the mainstay of organic soil fertility.
Bulky organic materials are high in plant fibre, which is a vital food for the soil
life that builds and maintains the soil structure. They also contain plant foods, in
levels that will vary between different types of material, and how those
materials have been stored.
Waste materials from your kitchen and your growing plot should be your first
choice. Then try and source further materials as locally as possible. Manures,
straw or hay should be obtained only from organic, or low input systems.
When buying commercial products, choose those with an organic symbol, or
wording, from an approved organic certification organisation, where possible.
Storing and processing plant and animal wastes
Bulky plant materials and animal manures should be composted or left to rot
down before use. The composting process stabilises the material, reduces or
destroys pathogens and weed seeds, and makes the materials easier to handle
and apply. Keep the heap covered to reduce loss of plant foods (which can be
washed out by rain) and prevent weed seeds being blown onto the heap.
Materials from non-organic sources should be composted or stored for at least
6 months before use.
Rates of use
It is important not to overdose the soil with nutrient rich manures and
composts. This is wasteful of resources, can cause pollution, and can encourage
excessive growth that is more vulnerable to pest and disease attack. For
recommended rates of use see page 13.
Organic soil care
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Bulky organic soil improvers Plant wastes
Best organic practice the first choice
Home made compost, and worm compost, made from weeds and plant
residues; kitchen waste; low grade paper and card; other compostable
household waste
Autumn leaves and leafmould
Shredded woody prunings
Lawn mowings, comfrey leaves and other fresh green materials. These
make ideal compost activators
All the above should come from within the individual garden (or
allotment, field, growing plot)
Grow green manure cover crops
Acceptable organic practice
Autumn leaves from local parks, cemeteries and other traffic-free areas
Bought in composts made from green waste and other materials approved
in these guidelines. Ideally with a recognised organic symbol or
conforming to PAS 100 standard
Straw and hay, from organic sources
Shredded prunings from local sources
Chipped or shredded wood from wood not treated with preservatives
Composted bark, from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) forests,
preferably organically approved
Sawdust and wood shavings, preferably from local sources, from wood
not treated with preservatives
Other local waste plant materials, such as bracken and spent hops,
composted before use if not from a certified organic source
Mushroom compost from certified organic sources
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Acceptable, but not for regular use
Straw and hay from non-organic, non-intensive systems. Check with
supplier as to what herbicides have been used; some may harm plants
Mushroom compost from non-organic mushroom producers, stored
under cover, or composted, for six months before use
Never acceptable in an organic garden
Peat or coir as a soil conditioner
Leaves from busy roadsides and other polluted locations
Leaves and leafmould collected from woodlands
Any materials contaminated with excessive levels of potentially toxic
elements, (see ).
Organic soil care
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Bulky organic soil improvers Application rates
and timing
Material Timing and Maximum rate of application
Compost garden,
home made
Apply in spring, summer, or early autumn
Use up to 1 wheelbarrowful per 5 sq. metres per year
Compost green waste Apply at any time
Use up to 1 wheelbarrowful per 3 sq. metres per year
Compost worm Apply in spring, summer, or early autumn
Use up to 1 wheelbarrowful per 10 sq. metres per year
Leafmould Apply at any time, in a layer 2-3cm deep
Manure straw based
animal manures
(ex. poultry)
Apply when well rotted, in spring, summer or
early autumn
Use up to 1 wheelbarrowful per 10 sq. metres per year
Manure poultry, with
bedding material
Apply when well rotted, in spring, summer or
early autumn
Use up to 1 wheelbarrowful per 20 sq. metres per year
Topsoil
Acceptable, but not for regular use
Where the layer of topsoil is inadequate, or nonexistent, bought in topsoil
conforming to BSI standards, can be used, along with the materials listed
in this bulky organic soil improvers section.
Bulky organic soil improvers Animal wastes
Organic farms, apart from some poultry farms, must recycle manures on the
farm, so you are unlikely to be able to obtain certified organic manures. Try to
source manures from free range or low input farms/smallholdings. Do not use
manures from factory farming systems or where animals have been fed
genetically modified (GM) crops. The way in which these materials are stored, or
processed before use, and the rates and timing of application is vital to their
acceptability in organic growing (see pages 10 and 13).
Best organic practice the first choice
Well rotted manures and bedding from herbivorous pets, and any
livestock kept in the individual garden (or allotment, field, growing plot),
applied at appropriate rates and times
Acceptable organic practice
Straw-based horse, cattle, pig, sheep and goat manures, from organic
systems. It should be well rotted before use and applied at appropriate
rates and times
Acceptable, but not for regular use
Straw-based horse, cattle, pig, sheep and goat manures, from non
intensive systems. It must be well rotted before use
Wood shavings based horse manure. This must be very well rotted
before use
Poultry manures from non intensive egg and meat-producing systems.
Commercially available, composted, straw-based animal manures,
preferably with an organic symbol
Chicken manure pellets see Animal based fertilisers, page 15
Never acceptable in an organic garden
Manure applied in late autumn or winter months
Fresh manures
Manures, and processed animal by-products, from intensive farming
Materials polluted with heavy metals and other pollutants that exceed the
permitted levels, (see )
Products containing sewage
Compost activators containing artificial fertilisers
Manures from livestock fed on genetically modified crops
Organic soil care
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Organic soil care
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Organic fertilisers
Composted plant wastes and manures, and green manures (particularly nitrogen
fixing legumes), are the main ways of adding plant foods to the soil. Organic
fertilizers are only used where a soil or plant deficiency occurs which cannot be
remedied otherwise, or where you cannot make, or bring in, enough compost or
other bulky organic materials.
Fertilisers suitable for use in an organic garden are of plant, animal or mineral
origin. Most of them are waste products. The action of soil living creatures, or
the weather, makes the nutrients they contain available to plants, in a slow
release way. The mining and/or shipping of some of these products can have an
adverse environmental impact, so think carefully before use. Choose a product
with a recognised organic symbol as first choice.
Liquid feeds see page 20
Plant based fertilisers
Best organic practice the first choice
Home grown nettle, comfrey and other leaves used in a planting trench
or as a mulch
Acceptable organic practice
Wood ash, from wood not chemically treated after felling, recycled
through a compost heap.
Acceptable, but not for regular use
Dried seaweed meal from sustainable sources
Fertilisers based on plant waste products and extracts, such as kali
vinasse, lucerne, comfrey, cocoa shells
Animal based fertilisers
Best organic practice the first choice
None
Acceptable organic practice
None
Acceptable, but not for regular use
Meat, blood,bone, hoof and horn meals, on areas where no livestock have
access, and in growing media
Chicken manure pellets, from organic sources only, with a recognised
organic symbol
Wool based products, not containing pesticide residues.
Mineral based fertilizers, and materials for raising pH (liming)
Acceptable, but not for regular use
Natural forms of calcium carbonate and calcium/magnesium carbonate,
including ground limestone, chalk, marl and magnesian limestone
(dolomite). Use for raising soil pH, and as sources of calcium and
magnesium.
Calcium sulphate (gypsum)
Ground rock phosphate
Aluminium calcium phosphate, where soil pH is over 7.5. (Cadmium
content must be less than 90mg cadmium per kg phosphate)
Rock dust (stone meal), if a by-product of quarrying
Never acceptable in an organic garden
Calcified seaweed
Slaked lime Soluble chemical fertilisers
Quicklime Guano, urea, Chilean nitrate
Materials to supply trace elements
Acceptable, but not for regular use
Rock dust and stone meals if by-products of the quarry industry
Seaweed meal and liquid seaweed extracts
Sulphur dust or chips
Calcium chloride solution, for treatment of bitter pit in apples
Manganese sulphate
Borax (for boron deficiency)
Epsom salts, for acute magnesium deficiency
Fertilisers and liquid feeds containing boron, copper, iron, molybdenum,
cobalt, selenium, zinc, sodium
Organic soil care
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Plant raising and growing in containers
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Seeds and other planting material
Start with good quality sowing and planting material to help ensure healthy
plants. Organic seeds, plants, tubers and other planting material are available,
but growing your own is ideal where possible.
Best organic practice the first choice
Home saved seed, from disease-free parent plants
Home-grown transplants, preferably bare root
Seeds, tubers, sets, bulbs, plants and transplants with an organic symbol
from an approved organic certification body
Acceptable organic practice
Seeds, tubers, sets and bulbs from non-organic sources, where not
available as organic. They must not have been treated with fungicides
after harvest
Container grown plants and transplants in peat-free growing media,
but without an accredited organic symbol
Natural hormone products, such as seaweed extract, to promote rooting
of cuttings
Acceptable, but not for regular use
Container grown plants and transplants in peat-based growing media,
but without an accredited organic symbol
Never acceptable in an organic garden
Plants taken from the wild
Genetically modified seeds and planting material, should they
become available
Seeds, bulbs, sets and tubers treated with fungicides after harvest
Synthetic hormone rooting powders
Cleaning structures and containers see page 24
Growing media
An organic growing medium seed, potting, or multipurpose compost has, as
its main ingredient, biologically active material, such as composted plant wastes.
Seed compost should be low in nutrients. Other mixes should provide plants
with nutrients for as long as possible, to limit the need for liquid feeding.
Best organic practice the first choice
Make your own growing media using home made garden compost and
other bulky organic ingredients from those listed in the Soil Care section
Acceptable organic practice
Loam from the garden as an ingredient in growing media, returned to the
garden after use
Organic fertilisers, including animal by-products, as ingredients of
growing media
Commercially available growing media, with an organic symbol, or
wording, from an approved organic certification organisation
Commercially available growing media containing materials listed in the
Soil Care section of these guidelines
Acceptable, but not for regular use
Coarse grade seaweed meal for moisture retention
Sulphur chips to lower pH (increase acidity)
Horticultural sand and grit
Vermiculite and perlite
Coir
Bought in loam (topsoil)
Never acceptable in an organic garden
Growing media containing materials not approved in these guidelines,
including non-organic fertilisers and peat
Peat, other than recycled/reclaimed peat
Garden Organic factsheets
Make your own potting compost
Hanging basket liners
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Plant raising and growing in containers
Plant raising and growing in containers
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Plant raising and growing in containers
The basis of organic growing is a healthy, biologically active, soil, which supplies
plants with all their needs. Plants growing in the restricted environment of a pot
will always be more reliant on additional feeding and watering, and be more
prone to pest and disease. Growing directly in the ground is recommended
where possible.
Best organic practice the first choice
Use an organic growing medium (see page 18)
Use the largest appropriate container size to reduce the need for
additional feeding, and the risk of drying out
Home made paper pots, wooden trays, foodstuff and other reused and
recycled containers
Hanging basket liners made from recycled, biodegradable materials
such as moss from your lawn, hay or a pure wool jumper.
Cleaning containers with steam, hot water, scrubbing and high
pressure hose
Acceptable organic practice
Reused plastic pots and trays; clay pots
Biodegradable hanging basket liners
Commercially available pots made from paper, plant wastes and other
biodegradable materials, excluding peat
Plant tonics and biostimulants as on page 23 of these guidelines
Composted organic materials and organic fertilisers for additional feeding
Organic liquid feeds
Acceptable, but not for regular use
Strong plastic pots and trays, preferably made from recycled plastic, that
can be reused many times
Never acceptable in an organic garden
Tyres as a container for growing food crops, unless lined first
Moss gathered from the wild for hanging basket liners
Hydroponic systems
Peat pots
Liquid feeds
Organic liquid feeds provide nutrients in a more readily available form than
composts and fertilisers, but do little to encourage soil flora and fauna. For this
reason, in organic gardening they are only used on plants growing in a restricted
environment such as a container seed tray, pot, growing bag, hanging basket
etc or in a greenhouse or polytunnel soil border. The major supply of nutrients
should always come from the compost or soil in which the plants are growing.
See also : Plant tonics, stimulants and microbial products, (page 23)
Best organic practice the first choice
None
Acceptable organic practice
Home made liquid feeds made from comfrey leaves, nettles and other
plant wastes
Liquid from worm composting systems
Liquid feeds made from manures from livestock kept in the garden
or allotment
Liquid feeds based on plant products approved in these guidelines,
preferably with an organic symbol, or wording, from an approved
organic certification organisation
Acceptable, but not for regular use
Liquid feeds made from brought in animal manures that are acceptable
under these Guidelines (see page 14)
Commercially available liquid feeds based on animal by-products
approved in these Guidelines, preferably with an organic symbol, or
wording, from an approved organic certification organisation
Products containing trace elements to correct deficiencies that cannot be
corrected in any other way (see page 16)
Never acceptable in an organic garden
Fish emulsion, unless based on waste products of organic fishing industry
Products containing artificially produced nutrients
Plant raising and growing in containers
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Garden and plant health
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The idea of a healthy garden, rather than simply pest and disease free plants, is
at the heart of organic growing. The first part of this section, Keeping the garden
healthy, looks at ways of maintaining a garden with a diverse, vigorous,
ecosystem that can, to a great extent, look after its own well-being.
More specific action is only taken as necessary against particular pests, diseases
or adverse environmental factors. This is covered in the section Managing pests
and diseases, (pages 25-28).
Keeping the garden healthy
Use the information in all sections of these organic guidelines, combined with
good horticultural practice, to help you create and maintain a diverse active
ecosystem in your garden, both below and above ground.
General gardening
Best organic practice the first choice
Create a fertile, biologically active soil. Add composted organic materials
to help reduce soil pests and diseases, and increase plant resistance.
Use a crop rotation, minimum four year, for annual vegetables
(see page 9)
Grow plants that suit the location and soil type
Start with healthy seeds, tubers, plants, fruit bushes, shrubs and other
planting material, certified disease free where possible
Grow varieties with some resistance to pest and disease
Choose sowing and planting dates to avoid specific pests and diseases
To reduce risk of diseases developing, prune trees and bushes, design
plantings, and keep greenhouses and other protective structures well
ventilated, to allow a good airflow
When watering, apply water to the soil rather than the plant foliage
Ensure plants have an appropriate supply of water
Garden and plant health
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Biodiversity
Best organic practice the first choice
Grow a diversity of plants to provide food, shelter and habitats for
predators, parasites, and other wildlife
Leave some relaxed areas, such as leaves under a hedge, weeds, or an
area of longer grass and for example, to feed and shelter wildlife
There will always be pests present, but they do not always create a
problem. They are also a necessary source of food for valuable predators
and parasites
Learn to recognise the many creatures, from hedgehogs to hoverflies,
which consume pests, and disease-causing organisms, as part of their diet
Where practical, grow a mix of types and varieties of plant to reduce risk
of pest and disease infestation and spread. This includes companion
planting
Plant tonics, stimulants and microbial products
Plant tonics and biostimulants may help to promote plant growth and boost a
plants natural defences against pests and diseases.
Home made compost teas
Liquid seaweed extract
Microbial products, including mycorhizzae
Garden and plant health
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Cleaning greenhouses and other structures, and pots,
tubs and other containers
Best organic practice the first choice
Pressure-washing
Hot water/steam and scrubbing
Acceptable, but not for regular use
Natural plant essences including citrus juices
Natural cleaning products such as vinegar, bicarbonate of soda
Garden Organic factsheets
Crop rotation
Companion or mixed planting
Organic pest and disease control
Various wildlife gardening factsheets
Water use in the garden
See also: Factsheets on page 9
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Garden and plant health
Managing pests, diseases and other causes of plant
ill health
Prevention is the key to success when dealing with plant problems. The section
Keeping the garden healthy (pages 21 23) covers ways in which this can
be done.
When a specific problem arises, it is important to identify the cause, so you can
decide if any action is needed (many plants can live quite happily with some
pest or disease infestation) and, if so, to plan an appropriate strategy for dealing
with it. Note that environmental factors such as waterlogging, frost, cold winds
and human factors such as strimmer damage or over-feeding, can also cause
plant symptoms.
Where problems are known to occur regularly, there are a range of plant
protection barriers and traps that can be used.
There are a few pesticide sprays that can be used in organic growing, but they
are not harmless, and you should keep their use to a minimum. If you find
yourself having to use pesticides regularly, despite using the other strategies
suggested, then perhaps you might consider growing something different.
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Biological and physical methods
Best organic practice the first choice
Encourage biodiversity
Learn to tell the difference between creatures that can harm plants and
those that will not
Check plants regularly, squashing or picking off pests and infected foliage
as they occur
Use other physical methods, such as shaking the plant or dislodging pests
with a sharp jet of water
Learn about the life cycle of pests and diseases to help develop strategies
to combat them
Use comfrey and other leaves as slug baits and barriers
Acceptable organic practice
None
Acceptable, but not for regular use
Biological control agents. These are natural predators and pathogens that
can be purchased for controlling specific pests.
Plastic bottle cloches, home-made from used bottles
Crop covers including horticultural fleece and fine mesh materials
Netting, plastic and wire; gauge appropriate to size of pest
Electric fencing
Fruit tree grease and grease bands
Yellow sticky traps, without added pesticides. For use in greenhouse or
conservatory only, unless for monitoring pest presence
Cabbage root fly mats, preferably home made
Copper tape
Granules, and other similar commercially available physical barriers,
against slugs
Pheromone baited sticky traps, not containing pesticides for monitoring
pest presence only
Slug traps baited with beer or other attractants, not containing pesticides
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Barriers and crop covers
Barriers and crop covers can be very effective, and harmless to wildlife. The
reason they are in this category is because of concerns over the energy used to
make them, their lifespan, and how they are disposed of. Try to recycle waste
materials, and avoid single use of new materials.
Garden Organic factsheets
Detailed factsheets on a whole range of pests and diseases are available. They
can be found on www.gardenorganic.org.uk, or contact Garden Organic for a
full list.
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Pest and disease control sprays
Although less harmful than many pesticides, the products listed here can still
disrupt the natural ecosystem, and may harm other creatures. Avoid their use
where possible, and concentrate on using all the other available organic
methods. Use only those products containing the active ingredients listed
below. Always follow the instructions for use on the product label.
For pest control
Acceptable, but not for regular use
Plant oils and other plant based products with a physical mode of action
Starch based products with a physical mode of action
Natural pyrethrum products (pyrethrins extracted from Chrysanthemum
cinerariaefolium)
Fatty acid potassium salt soaps
Iron phosphate (Iron (III) orthophosphate) slug pellets
Microbes and microbal extracts such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) note
that products containing Bt are only available to professional growers
For disease control
Acceptable, but not for regular use
Potassium bicarbonate (>99.0% w/w Potassium Hydrogen
Carbonate (Bicarbonate))
Sulphur
For rodent control
Acceptable, but not for regular use
Mouse traps
Rodenticides, approved by the Pesticide Safety Directorate, used in
tamper-proof bait stations
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Never acceptable in an organic garden
Copper based fungicides. These guidelines recognise the environmental
hazards of these products, and no longer recommend their use in organic
growing
Any active ingredient/product not registered as a pesticide with the
Pesticide Safety Directorate; this includes homemade pesticide sprays,
washing up liquid, or any other household products
Any other pesticide not included in the Garden Organic Guidelines
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Weeds
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Clearance, management and control
A weed is an opportunist plant that will rapidly appear in bare soil and can
become a nuisance to gardeners, completing for light, water, nutrients and space
with desired plants.
They may be wild plants, or cultivated plants that have spread too far. Weeds
also bring biodiversity to a garden and some can be vital in to the survival of
butterflies and other wildlife.
Where necessary, weeds can be managed using the range of methods outlined
below. Prevention is the key and cuts down on the work in the long run.
There are no organic herbicides for clearing weedy ground of perennial weeds,
but there are other methods that can be used. It is worth allowing sufficient time
(which could be months or even a year or more) to clear perennial weeds
completely, before planting up with perennial plants such as fruit bushes,
shrubs or herbaceous flowers.
Clearing weedy ground
Best organic practice the first choice
Cover the ground with a mulch (Guidelines rating will depend on
material used)
Cultivate by hand (digging etc)
Use livestock, such as pigs, chickens, geese
Mow/ cut to clear certain weeds
Acceptable organic practice
Cultivate with a rotavator or other mechanical cultivator
Maintenance
Best organic practice the first choice
Grow ground cover plants, including green manures
Use close spacing (where appropriate), vigorous varieties, intercropping
and undersowing to inhibit weed germination and growth
Clear perennial weeds thoroughly before planting perennial plants
Hand weeding, hoe, dig out
Cut problem weeds, such as docks and thistles, to prevent them seeding
Weeds
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Cover the ground with a mulch (Guidelines rating will depend on
material used)
Design the garden to limit areas where weeds can become a problem
Keep soil disturbance to a minimum to avoid bringing dormant weeds to
the surface
Crop rotation (see page 9)
Stale seedbed before sowing
Paths, drives and other hard surfaces
Best organic practice the first choice
Reduce shade from plants to discourage algae and moss
Pressure wash, or clean with a stiff brush
Construct paths, driveways and other hard surfaces well, to prevent
weeds growing through from below, or taking hold on the surface
Use regularly surfaces not used regularly are more likely to grow weeds
Hoe gravel
Acceptable, but not for regular use
Use a thermal/flame weeder
Weed killing sprays containing fatty acids, such as pelargonic acid, as the
active ingredient; for hard landscaping only
Biodiversity
Best organic practice the first choice
Recognise that weeds can bring something positive to your garden
Allow some weeds to flourish where they are not going to compete with
your chosen plants
Lawns
Best organic practice the first choice
Accept a certain level of weeds in a lawn, and recognise their benefits
Amend soil pH, drainage and fertility as appropriate to encourage
vigorous growth
Choose appropriate varieties of grass seeds for location and use
Dont cut grass too short, particularly in dry weather
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Mulches for weed clearance and control
See also: Bulky organic soil improvers plant wastes (page 11)
Best organic practice the first choice
Recycled plant materials from garden or allotment.
Cardboard and newspaper
Loose mulches, commercially available, with an organic symbol, or
wording, from an approved organic certification organisation
Loose mulches, commercially available, made from recycled plant
materials. Products from local sources, and those not packaged are
preferable
Acceptable, but not for regular use
Biodegradable mulch fabrics made from paper, wool, hemp and other
natural materials; also biodegradable, non-GM, starch based materials.
Bagged biodegradable mulches from non organic sources
Inert materials such as gravel, slate waste, recycled glass preferably from
recycled and/or local sources. Consider environmental impact
Permeable synthetic materials [polypropylene, polyethylene or other
polycarbonates only] for ground clearance, long-term plantings and under
paths, driveways etc.
Impermeable synthetic materials, such as black polythene for ground
clearance only
Never acceptable in an organic garden
Any materials from unsustainable sources
Carpet as a mulch
Garden Organic factsheets
Chemical-free plot clearing
Mulches for weed prevention and control
Organic Weed Management website
For more detailed information on organic weed control, particularly for farmers
and growers, but also of interest to gardeners, go to www.organicweeds.org.uk
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Water Use
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The aim in an organic garden is to minimise the need for watering, and to collect
rainwater as possible for use in the garden. Where watering is necessary, water
should be applied in ways that make best use of it.
Gardens act as valuable soakaways for rainwater an increasingly important
function with the increase in heavy downpours. Do not pave or tarmac a whole
garden. Even areas used for parking can incorporate some soakaway areas.
Best organic practice the first choice
Where soil is light and free draining, grow drought tolerant plants
Maximise water holding capacity of soil by adding organic matter
(see pages 10 14)
Mulch the soil to reduce water loss (see page 31)
Keep soil cultivations to a minimum
Dont cut lawn grass shorter than 2.5cm; leave it slightly longer in
drought conditions
Allow weeds such as clover and yarrow to grow in a lawn; they will help
to keep it green in dry weather
Ensure pond liners dont leak, reducing the need for topping up
Try to sow or transplant just before rain is forecast, rather than just before
a spell of dry weather
Protect young plants from sun and drying winds
Collect as much rain water as you can
Think before you water; water mainly to establish plants; many,
particularly shrubs, trees and perennials rarely need watering
Acceptable organic practice
Make effective use of water by only watering at key points in a plants
lifecycle, and then only if necessary
Give the ground around plants a good soaking so that the water
penetrates the soil, rather than just moistening the surface
Apply water to the soil rather than foliage. A hand held hose or watering
can will direct the water where it is needed
If using an irrigation system, chose a drip system rather than sprinklers
To minimise losses through evaporation, water in the evening, or at night,
rather than in the heat of the day
Acceptable, but not for regular use
Use grey water, from baths, sinks and showers, to water non-food plants
Water Use
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Never acceptable in an organic garden
Ineffective and wasteful use of water
Garden Organic factsheets
Water in the organic garden factsheet
Mulches
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Wood (timber) in the garden
Wood has many uses in the garden, including fencing, compost bins, support
structures, bed edging and garden furniture. In an organic garden it is important
to consider the source of the wood, to minimise the need for wood preservatives,
and to use the least damaging preservative treatments if essential.
The degree of protection that wood requires differs with the type of wood, and
the situation it is being used in. Rotting is most likely in situations where the
wood is in contact with both moisture and air, such as at the base of fence posts.
Where timber is being used for structural purposes, such as decking, then safety
takes precedence and it would be wise to use pre-treated wood. If wood is used
for bed edging, or a compost box, it can be left untreated; it can last for years
without any preservatives.
Best organic practice the first choice
Coppice products, from your own garden or allotment for plant support
structures, bed edging, furniture and other appropriate uses
Choose species of wood more resistant to rotting. Species vary
considerably in durability
Accept that the wood will rot eventually, and replace it as necessary
Acceptable organic practice
Coppice products bought in from sustainable sources, preferably local
for plant support structures, bed edging, furniture and other appropriate
uses
New timber from sustainable sources, with an accredited mark to prove it.
Look for accreditation, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC),
Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) or the Soil
Association (SA) woodmark. UK or European produced timber is
preferable
Second-hand/reclaimed timber, though it can be difficult to know if it has
been treated with preservatives
Organically grown timber only used for furniture at present
Railway sleepers, not treated with creosote or other preservative
treatment
Builders scaffolding boards. Usually untreated, but always check
before purchase
Linseed oil wood treatment
Wood (timber) in the garden
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Acceptable, but not for regular use
Synthetic wood alternatives, made from recycled materials such as
plastics
Never acceptable in an organic garden
Wood from unsustainable forests, particularly from tropical regions
Wood treated with creosote, including old railway sleepers
New and second hand wood treated with Copper Chrome Arsenic
pressure treatment
There are no approved wood preservative treatments for use in an organic
garden, but for health and safety issues, there may be times when use of
preservative treated wood is essential. For more information see our Using
wood in the garden factsheet.
Garden Organic factsheets
Using wood in the garden
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Energy use in the garden
Energy use in manufacture, processing, packaging, transportation, and final
use has been taken into account in every sector of these guidelines. The aim is,
of course, to cut it to a minimum. But it makes sense to think energy in all
gardening activities including garden design and storage of garden produce.
Your garden might also be used to harvest green energy.
Best organic practice the first choice
Build soil fertility by growing nitrogen fixing plants
Buy second hand, or sturdy, long lasting tools and recycle and repair tools
were possible
Use manual, rather than powered, tools e.g. push lawnmower, shears,
lawn rake
Use solar energy for lighting garden paths and sheds, running water
pumps, and greenhouse ventilation
Use non-electric automatic vents to ventilate a greenhouse.
Use wood from the garden for stakes and supports, or firewood
Use a lean-to green greenhouse where the back wall will store solar heat.
Water filled tanks and bottles also store heat
Grow seasonally to reduce requirement for heating
Insulate greenhouses
Use manure based hot beds to provide low level heat for raising seedlings
Use cold storage, clamps or other traditional preserving methods
Acceptable organic practice
Heated bench for additional greenhouse heating
Use fleece to protect plants in greenhouse or cold frame from frost
When store garden produce in a fridge or freezer, use A++ appliances, set
to the minimum temperature necessary
Where engine or lubricant oils are needed, use plant-based oils (bio-diesel,
bio-lubricant) as they are fully biodegradable
Use the garden to harvest energy, such as ground source heating systems
or solar hot water panels mounted on a pergola or a garden shed
Energy use in the garden
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Acceptable, but not for regular use
Petrol and electricity driven tools until they can be replaced by
alternatives
Gas, electricity and other fuels from non-renewable sources to heat
greenhouses, where essential and with care to minimise losses
Never acceptable in an organic garden
Inefficient and wasteful use of fossil fuel derived energy
Fossil fuel fired patio heaters
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These guidelines cover every aspect of gardening organically, but they are not a
gardening manual. Garden Organic also offers practical gardening advice, tips
and training from the following sources:
Garden Organic website: monthly updates on what to do in the garden,
factsheets, growing advice, news, books, and more. www.gardenorganic.org.uk
Garden Organic e-news: a monthly round-up of the best seasonal gardening
advice, updates on our charitable work, plus offers, products, prizes and more.
Sign up through our website or phone the number below.
Gardening advice service: free email, phone and letter advice to Garden
Organic members.
Gardens to visit: you can see organic gardening in action at Garden Organics,
Ryton Garden and, in partnership with English Heritage, at Audley End organic
kitchen garden.
Training courses: Garden Organic runs a range of courses throughout the year
at our Warwickshire headquarters. Visit our website or call us for listings of all
of our courses. You can also take the City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Organic
Gardening, devised by Garden Organic in association with NPTC at a number of
colleges across the UK. The course is aimed at amateur gardeners who would
like to gain the knowledge and skills for growing vegetables organically. This is
an introductory course suitable for those new to vegetable growing. Contact
Garden Organic for a list of colleges running this course.
Books and booklets: view the list on our website, or send for a list of our
publications.
The Organic Gardening Catalogue: the one-stop shop for all your organic
gardening needs, including seeds, composts, books and other sundries.
www.organiccatalogue.com 0845 130 1304.
Garden Organic
Garden Organic is the national charity dedicated to researching and
promoting sustainable growing, and has been at the forefront of
organic horticulture for over 50 years.
We are an influential, dynamic and committed organisation and believe passionately in
an organic approach to a sustainable future for people and the planet.
We actively engage with a variety of individuals and groups as part of our work,
including over 6000 UK schools, inspiring and educating all generations on the benefits
of organic growing.
Help support a sustainable future
Join Garden Organic
Our members are vital in supporting our work, enabling us to continue to research,
demonstrate and promote sustainable growing methods. Members are kept up to date
about our work, and provided with organic gardening hints and tips, through our
magazine The Organic Way (the UKs only dedicated organic gardening magazine),
as well as receiving discounts on all purchases from The Organic Gardening Catalogue,
and free access to our gardens and library of organic factsheets.
To find out more, or to become a member of Garden Organic, please call 02476 308
210, or visit www.gardenorganic.org.uk/join.php
Make a donation
As a charity Garden Organic relies on donations from like-minded individuals who
kindly support our work both in the UK and around the globe.
If you can afford to make any donation, no matter how small or large, please call
02476 308 210, or go to www.gardenorganic.org.uk/donate
About
Garden Organic, Ryton Gardens, Coventry, CV8 3LG
024 7630 3517 www.gardenorganic.org.uk
Garden Organic is the UKs leading
organic growing charity, and is dedicated
to researching and promoting organic
gardening, farming and food. We are
driven by an enduring passion and belief,
founded on over 50 years of research
and practice, that organic methods
provide a healthy, sustainable life for us all.
Registered charity no 298104. Garden Organic is the working name of the Henry Doubleday Research Association.
Garden Organic, Ryton Gardens,
Coventry, Warwickshire CV8 3LG
Tel: 024 7630 3517
Fax: 024 7663 9229
Email: enquiry@gardenorganic.org.uk
www.gardenorganic.org.uk