FERTILIZERS

CONVENTIONAL: Synthetic fertilizers are made from highly soluble, and often acidic, chemicals that disperse quickly in the soil. What the plants can't absorb right away runs through the soil and pollutes water supplies. The excess nutrients cause eutrophication, algae blooms that suffocate aquatic life and can lead to great expanses of biologically dead zones, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico. In the garden, harsh chemical fertilizers can destroy soil life, including the microorganisms that break down organic matter and help plants digest nutrients.

ALTERNATIVE: Healthy soil is the cornerstone of an organic garden. Begin with a soil test - adding fertilizers when they aren't necessary can upset the soil balance. Use organic amendments such as alfalfa meal, rock phosphate, and greensand to provide nutrients that break down slowly so plants get more of them. A 1-inch-thick layer of compost or grass clippings added yearly can provide most of the nutrition your plants need. Supplement with bimonthly feedings of fish or seaweed fertilizers when plants are growing actively.

PEST CONTROL

CONVENTIONAL: Many garden pesticides are known or suspected carcinogens. Recent studies show that children whose parents use certain pesticides, such as Dursban, have high levels of these pesticides in their bodies. They come in contact with them through drift, food, and residues tracked into the home. Long term exposure may impair memory, coordination, and stamina in children and may increase the risk of Parkinson's disease in adults. Chemical pesticides are a poor choice for a home garden, too, - they kill ALL bugs, both good and bad, squelching your garden's natural defense system.

ALTERNATIVE: Attract beneficial insects to your garden by avoiding chemical pesticides and by planting nectar and pollen sources, such as alyssum, basil, and dill, for them, and they'll parasitize and prey on pest populations. use sticky traps for whiteflies and a strong spray of water to wash away aphids and mites. For serious infestations, turn to insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Bacillus thuringiensis, a form of a naturally occurring bacteria, is deadly to caterpillar pests but harmless to humans. Encircle plants with crushed eggshells to keep slugs at bay.

WEED CONTROL

CONVENTIONAL: Pesticides, especially weed killers, contaminate almost every stream and half of all wells in the United States. Research suggests that exposure to certain herbicides, such as those in many "weed and feed" products, may increase the risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Chemical herbicides are also toxic to earthworms and other soil dwellers, as well as to beneficial insects, birds, fish and mammals.

ALTERNATIVE: Hand-pull weeds or slice through them using a stirrup hoe or other tool designed to maneuver between plants. Suppress weeds with an organic mulch of straw, grass clippings, shredded leaves, or compost. Head off lawn problems in early spring by applying corn gluten meal, which both prevents weed seeds from germinating and fertilizes your lawn.

DISEASE CONTROL

CONVENTIONAL: Like other pesticides, many fungicides are highly toxic chemicals that have been found to increase the risk if cancer and birth defects. In the garden, they can inhibit the growth of some plants and reduce pollination. Fungicides kill beneficial insects and destroy earthworms and microbial life in the soil. As they filter into the environment, they become toxic to frogs, fish and other aquatic life.

ALTERNATIVE: Keep plants healthy by providing them with conditions they prefer. For instance, don't plant a shade lover in full sun. Prune and space plants to allow for air circulation to reduce the spread of fungi. Mulch with compost to fortify plants and to combat pathogens. /remove infected leaves and severely damaged plants. Plant disease-resistant varieties sand spray baking soda biweekly as needed.

POTTING MIX

CONVENTIONAL: Many mixes contain harsh synthetic fertilizers that make it easy to overfeed and damage plants especially young seedlings.

ALTERNATIVE: Look for soil mixes with compost. Compost provided plants with s well-balanced supply of nutrients and protects them from diseases. Alternatively, add 1 part compost to 4 parts regular soil mix.

SEEDS

CONVENTIONAL: Many seed companies treat their seeds with highly toxic chemical fungicides, such as Thiram, a known carcinogen. When you plant the seeds in your garden, you get the residue of these chemicals on your hands.

ALTERNATIVE: Purchase organic seeds when you can find them. If organic versions of our favorite varieties aren't available, be sure the seeds you buy are untreated.

POTS

CONVENTIONAL: Plastic pots are made of materials derived from petroleum, a nonrenewable resource, and are not biodegradable. Few nurseries will accept them for recycling.

ALTERNATIVE: Use biodegradable clay pots when possible. Start seedlings in peat or newspaper pots that will decompose in the soil, or use a block maker to avoid pots entirely.

TOOLS

CONVENTIONAL: Inexpensive tools with lightweight handles tend to vibrate when you use them, so you tire quickly. Tool heads made from thin steel and welded together tend to bend and break easily.

ALTERNATIVE: Cut down on waste by choosing quality tools that will last a lifetime. Look for tools with well-balanced hardwood handles and sturdy heads forged from a single piece of carbon steel.