Where to Start - Define Your Needs
Organic gardening is a type of land care that uses no synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers in the landscape. It takes into account the local ecosystem working in harmony with natural systems to minimize and continually replenish any resources the garden consumes. Organic gardeners emphasize the concept "feeding the soil not feeding the plant". They aim to create a healthy, balanced soil, which supports many soil-dwelling creatures such as beetles, worms, grubs, bacteria, and fungi etc. They do this by adding organic matter to the soil, using locally available resources wherever possible. They work to create a habitat that supports many different creatures above ground such as snakes, toads, birds, and insects. The healthy soil together with the healthy habitat should not only lead to healthy, productive plants but a healthy environment as well.
Why choose organic gardening services?
If you have kids and pets you naturally have environmental concerns for their health. Does that mean putting up with those weeds and bugs? Well as it turns out there are lots of alternative organic gardening strategies and treatments. With the right tools and applications, organic gardens can be every bit as beautiful as their conventional counterparts.
An organic land care program will help you protect your family's health, improve the health of the landscape and protect the environment. The doctrine of the organic land care professional is ecological stewardship following the guiding principle of - do no harm.
Is organic gardening more expensive?
Your landscape will require careful analysis and an appropriate program will need to be implemented to bring it back into balance with the environment. Initially this process will be more expensive in the short term but in the long term you will benefit by reducing risk to your health and environment. Regular applications of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides will also be discontinued which will lessen the need for frequent mowing and maintenance. In the long run, organic land care actually costs less than conventional land care because routine applications of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are eliminated.
Finding An Organic Gardening Professional
We offer a free referral service on this website to assist you in finding professionals in your area. The listings on this site are from members of The Underground. If you see a professional that is doing good work in your neighborhood write down their phone number.
How to Select an Organic Gardening Professional
Can anyone provide organic gardening services?
Yes, there are many companies that claim to use organic materials but in fact they may not. In New England we recommend that you find a Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) accredited land care professional for all your organic gardening needs. You can then be assured that they will follow the organic standards as set forth by this organization.
The following basic practices should be part of your organic land care program and are the basic practices recommended by the NOFA Land Care Program.
- Regular soil tests
- Fertilizers, soil amendments and compost
- Right plant, right place
- Judicious use of water
- Limiting lawns.
- Pest management
Creating an organic landscape requires a mutual commitment and understanding between the property owner and the organic gardening professional. They will evaluate your property to determine what services are required and when. They may also ask you to sign an agreement indicating that you understand the practices of organic land care. Finally they will advise you on the best way to create a beautiful landscape that suits the needs of your site and your family and is also ecologically sound.
Are they insured?
Ask to see proof of "Business Liability Insurance" and "Workers’ Compensation Coverage". Protect yourself and your investment. Property owners can find themselves liable if an uninsured professional causes damage or an uninsured employee gets injured on your property.
Do they have professional credentials or affiliations?.
Have they received education or training from institutions, organizations or companies? Ask whether they have completed a certification program or have certified staff. In Massachusetts and other states, there are a many designations that are available. These designations are earned by individuals that can demonstrate a high level of knowledge and competency in their fields.
Get an estimate.
Estimates should be provided in written format and should be detailed as to what is and what is not included. It should have a detailed description of the services that will be provided and a start and stop date for the specified services.
How is their professionalism?
A professional arrives on time, has a neat appearance, asks questions and listens to your needs. Do they offer solutions to your problems? Do you feel comfortable with the individual that you will be working with?
What kinds of services do they offer?
Is the skill and experience level of the professional compatible with the type of work you are looking for? Are their services truly organic?
Final Considerations
Ask questions.
Ask the organic gardening professional to explain their methods and procedures to you. Select the professional with a good track record and experience with your type of project. Be wary of an exceptionally low price. You will save time and money in the long run by having the project completed the right way, the first time!
Ask for a list of references.
Take the time to contact these references. Ask if the landscape professional maintained effective communication throughout the project. Did they provide a safe and neat jobsite for your family members and pets? Did they clean up after themselves? Did they stand behind their work and respond promptly to service requests and questions? Don’t forget the age old question, “Would you hire this professional again?”
Check with consumer protection agencies.
See if any unresolved complaints have been made against the landscape professional. Verify they have the appropriate registrations with your municipality, if needed.
Get a contract.
A reputable firm provides you with a contract specifying estimated start and completion dates. It should include all the details of the job--the more detailed the better. It should include the amount of the deposit required, as well as any scheduled payments during the job and terms upon completion. The contract should include all warranties offered. What is covered and what isn't? What is the length of the warranty?
The Final Decision
You have done your due diligence. If you feel comfortable with the organic gardening professional you have selected, you should have a rewarding experience and a beautiful and healthy outdoor living space. Don’t forget to check our free referral service to find professional listings from members of The Underground. Good Luck!
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