Organic Soils
100% organic manure
Locally composted bulk pulverized soil
Our custom blended planting mix (black peat, sand, soil, composted pine bark)
Beats Peat- a new soil amendment that is made from renewable coir (coconut hull) and can replace the use of mined sphagnum peat moss
Organic Plant Remedies
New for us this year! Were offering the Pharm line of 100 % organic plant and landscape solutions. They're effective products pure enough to meet standards for organic growers.
For many years, we've recommended botanical based insecticides including pyrethrin and neem products, and continue to find these are effective for an array of plant insect problems.
Weed control has always been difficult to accomplish without resorting to chemicals. Two recent introductions have changed that. Corn gluten products, often used as natural fertilizer, have also been shown to prevent seed germination, inhibiting weed growth. We stock Bradfield Organics Fertilzer and Crabgrass Preventer through the season.
For existing weeds, a horticultural formulation of acetic acid (vinegar) is now available from Pharm. This has been observed to be just as effective as chemical non-selective herbicides, such as Round Up and Killzall, on weedy annuals.
Organic Lawn Care
Lawns fertilized with organic fertilizer tend to require less water, are less prone to thatch and disease problems, and withstand winter stresses better.
We've recommended Milorganite Organic Fertilizer, sold in Milwaukee since the 1930s, and at our garden center since 1989.
One of our favorite lawn products, and one which many regular customers now endorse is Natural Guard Soil Activator. It reduces thatch, builds organic matter in the soil (a good thing), and promotes deeper greening with less fertilizer. Try it on part of your yard and you'll see the difference within a month or two!
 Organic Plants
As the nursery growers industry changes, more and more plants are being grown in compost based soils rather than peat/perlite/vermiculite mixes, and natural fertilizers are replacing petroleum based ones. Plant containers are being recycled in increasing number and biodegradable pots made from sustainable materials are entering the market. There are many challenges to efficiently growing the quality of product that the market expects. We'll continue to support growers who can maintain high standards using sustainable approaches.
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