PLANTS REQUIRE CERTAIN NUTRIENTS TO BE HEALTHY AND PRODUCTIVE
Plants, whether they be acres of peanuts or two tomato plants growing in the back yard, require certain nutrients to be healthy and productive.

Plants take in nutrients through their root systems and sometimes their leaves. These nutrients come from a variety of sources, including soil, fertilizer or manure added to the soil, compost added to the soil, and residues left on the soil. Plants need nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in large quantities, and other nutrients in small quantities.

Nitrogen is a critical part of proteins, which control the metabolic processes required for plant growth. It also plays a key role in photosynthesis. An adequate supply of nitrogen is associated with vigorous vegetative growth and dark-green color of the plant.

Too much nitrogen delays and reduces flowering and fruiting of many plants. Excessive surface nitrogen found in surface water or groundwaters is considered an environmental pollutant.

Phosphorus plays a vital role in plant reproduction. Considered essential to seed formation, this mineral is often found in large quantities in seed and fruit. Adequate phosphorus is characterized by improved crop quality, increased root growth, better flowering and fruit set and earlier crop maturity.

Potassium plays a role in many physiological processes vital to plant growth, from protein synthesis to maintenance of plant water balance. Potassium also helps protect plants from drought and diseases.

Garlic for organic gardening pest control, natural pesticide and insect repellant spray

1. Grind 3 large onions, 1 bunch of garlic and 3 hot peppers. Mix with water and leave overnight in a covered container. In the morning, strain through fine strainer or cheesecloth and add sufficient water to produce approximately one gallon (16 cups) of pesticide. Soak 10-15 diced garlic cloves in a pint (2 cups) of mineral oil for 24 hours. Strain and add to a spray bottle.

2. Soak 3 to 4 ounces of chopped garlic bulbs in 2 tablespoons of mineral oil for one day. Dissolve 1 tsp of fish emulsion in a pint of water and add it to your solution. Stir. Strain liquid and store in a glass container - not metal! Dilute 1 part solution to every 20 parts of water. Kills aphids, mosquitoes, and onion flies. Also I boarder my garden with marigolds and onions to keep away pests and worms.

There are a number of plants that can protect other plants from pests and disease and improve the flavour of certain food plants. Some examples include:

• Basil planted near tomatoes improves flavor and protects against a variety of pests.
• Oregano planted near cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber or grape vine repels pests that attack these plants
• Garlic helps prevent disease in rose canes and raspberry
• Borage repels pests that attack tomatoes and attracts pollinators to squash, tomatoes and strawberries.
• Horseradish planted at the corners of a potato patch with beans also planted nearby repels potato beetles
• Chives planted near apples help to control apple scab.
• Chives planted near roses reduce the risk of “black spot” and repel aphids.
• Chives planted near tomatoes and carrots repel pests and improve the flavor of the vegetables
• Petunias repel pests that attack beans