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Organic gardening just got easier
Landscaping a greener earth
4:00 am Jul 15 - by Annie Goold – buzz Photography and Image Editor
Have you ever gone to the grocery store, walked about the produce aisles and compared the prices between organic and non-organic fruits and veggies? It’s normally a painful act, stricken with a harsh battle of guilt and the need to scrimp to keep a budget in check. The mind races with questions like “Should I buy the organic apples for 4.99 a pound or ditch them for those other apples at 2.69 a pound?” or “Yeeesh! I want to eat organic. But with money the way it is these days, my bank account will be housing cobwebs, and those don’t exactly pay for my lease.” Then, thoughts of “do-it-myself” gardening begin mounding, but where to begin?
“I’d have absolutely no idea how to start gardening, let alone organically,” said Shawna Stitch, a U of I Senior undergraduate.
Not surprising since living organic on a budget can seem quite daunting. Fortunately, the people at 217 Earth Scaping have found a solution and are willing to help the residents of CU with anything green and ready to grow.
Tim Cole, owner and creator of 217 Earth Scaping, provided an extensive amount of insight on a very special program he and his cohorts have put into action all throughout the community. The 217 Earth Scaping crew, for a reasonable fee of $600, will come to your residence, install and maintain an organic garden for you.
“The fee goes toward the upkeep of the garden,” said Cole. “Eventually, the garden pays for itself.”
Along with the deal of actually building and sustaining the garden, residents are required to give a portion of the fruits, vegetables and herbs back to the community.
This program was inspired by a simple phrase known to many around the green scene: Buy Local.
“And, that got me thinking,” said Cole. “If we buy local, why not eat local? From there, I started working on ideas for the business and involving the community somehow.”
As Cole explained, 217 Earth Scaping has a list of various plants from which the customers may choose to make their gardens unique, productive and all-around gorgeous. Should a customer also have certain materials already on their property and welcome to use, the crew will incorporate them accordingly into the garden.
“If a person has extra bricks or fencing lying around, we’ll definitely use it (provided permission is given),” said Cole. “It’s just one more way the program can be personalized and the gardens can be individually sustainable. We’re invested in making organic foods affordable and will answer any sort of gardening and landscaping questions or problems people may have.”
Now, should a $600 deposit be a bit too steep for your budget, but you nevertheless enjoy working with plants and other green thumbs, 217 Earth Scaping is more than willing to use extra hands in volunteering efforts. This beautifies the community in the process of uniting it, a prime example of a win-win situation.
Of course, there is still the option of organic gardening solo. Kody Alexander, a senior in Political Science at the U of I and an employee of Illini FS Farmtown Store, had a great deal of answers pertaining to the subject and all were realistic for people on tight budgets.
“An easy and effect method of pesticide is a mixture of liquid soap and water,” said Alexander. “Just sprits the mix on to the leaves whenever you find an abnormal number of bugs in your gardens.”
As many residents have come to recognize, the rabbits and squirrels about the area are insidious, merciless and not dropping in number any time soon. Fortunately, Alexander had an answer for these pests as well.
“Pour beer around the perimeter of the gardens,” said Alexander. “And, if you’re looking for a natural fertilizer, manure is always recommended, especially sheep manure.”
Finally, don’t fret, apartment-leasers! Alexander had a few suggestions for those who were considering organic indoor gardening, as well, recommending herbs whole-heartedly.
“Herbs are hearty plants for the most part,” said Alexander. “It’s always great to have fresh oregano around while you’re cooking.”
However, there is one vital rule that must be followed.
“If you’re going to keep plants inside, give them at least 2 hours of full sunlight everyday,” said Alexander. “It’s essential they get adequate light. Try finding a well-lit window in your place if you really want the plants to thrive.”
Whatever the budget or the abode, organic eating and gardening is attainable here in CU. Merely ask for the assistance of Tim Cole at 217 Earth Scaping or Kody Alexander at Illini FS Farmtown Store. They’re certain to set you straight on your path to cleaner and greener living.
Sound Off
Last post: Jul. 18, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Timbo (unregistered user) said on Jul. 18, 2010 at 3:54 pm:
The headline must have gotten accidentally chopped in the editing process. It should have read: "Organic gardening just got easier, and much more expensive".
Organic gardening is not nearly as difficult (or as expensive) as anyone makes it out to be. Go to prairie gardens and ask somebody what the best varieties of seeds/starts are for this area. Pick hardy. Go home, rip shit up, mix in a $1.79 bag or two of organic compost from Lowe's and plant those bastards. Water every other day if its not raining like crazy. Thats it. Bugs will eat some, so will the birds, but they deserve as much. Growing in IL soil is really pretty fool proof.
Frank C. (unregistered user) said on Jul. 16, 2010 at 2:21 pm:
What a great idea-feeding yourself and your family healthier while helping those who need the nourishmen. Good job. kind of like pay it forward.