The main problem many have with going organic in their garden is what to use in place of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. There are many options and with organic gardening gaining in popularity, alternatives to chemicals are becoming widely available. Before a trip to the garden store, think about what you may already have on hand. You can use compost, leaves, grass clippings and manure as organic, chemical-free alternatives for your garden.

If you don’t have these available, you have many choices from at the garden center. Alfalfa meal is perfect for growing roses, Epsom salt is good for alkaline soil, kelp meal encourages flowers to grow and bone meal will speed the growth of transplanted flowers. Regardless of whether you choose to go completely organic and eliminate all chemical fertilizers or you choose to just substitute one chemical fertilizer for an organic alternative, you will be making a healthier choice for your garden.