A free guide covering organic gardening basics, including soil, compost, weeds, planting, and pest management.
From the Ground is a freely distributed guide that introduces new gardeners to organic vegetable, flower, and herb gardening. It explains the essential concepts, such as what organic means, why garden organically, and how to plan and maintain a garden.
The guide includes practical sections on soil health, composting, fertilizer use, weed control, pest management, and seasonal planting schedules, with tips for both cool‑season and warm‑season crops.
Organic refers to food production that follows the USDA National Organic Program rules, using approved substances and practices rather than synthetic chemicals.
Gardening organically reduces exposure to synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, helps protect soil health, and lessens environmental impact.
The guide lists 14 steps, including choosing crops you like, planning cool‑season and warm‑season crops, acquiring seeds or transplants, preparing soil, adding organic fertilizer, and regular watering and weeding.