Jean asks, “Are there any lawn treatments that are safe for birds?”

Pesticides – including weed killers, fungicides, and insecticides - can be highly toxic to birds, both by directly poisoning them and by altering the ecosystem they depend on for survival. Read on to find out how to keep your lawn safe for birds. Read in full.

Most general composting guidelines recommend against composting cooked foods. This may seem a little confusing – if something rots, it should be able to be composted, right? And it's true, there are people out there composting anything and everything. However, some items – including cooked foods – shouldn't be composted unless you take certain precautions. Read on for some tips to help you get started. Read in full.

Sherry asks, “When I read about organic gardening, I see a lot of references to neem oil. What is it, and how do I use it in my garden?”

Neem oil is made from the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) and is a popular choice for organic insect and disease control. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

Over by the fence, I've got a little compost pile, and this year I decided to challenge myself to compost everything I can. See, sometimes I get in a hurry, and before I realize it I've tossed the cutting board scraps into the trash. I try to remember, but I'm a person who likes systems, and this was a project in need of a system. Read on to find out my simple solution. Read in full.

Beth asks, “What can I put in my compost pile?"

If your compost pile is heating up properly and the items are chopped or shredded, you can put all kinds of things in there. Here's a list of compostable items, including a few that might surprise you. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

Instead of using synthetic or toxic chemicals, organic gardeners create a natural garden ecosystem that gives more to the earth than it takes away. More than anything else, organic gardening requires altering your mindset about gardening. Here are three basic concepts to get you started on your path to an organic garden. Read in full.

These days, we're all looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint and to contribute to a greener planet. But where does one begin? Going green doesn't need to be overwhelming – in fact, once you adopt a few eco-friendly habits, you'll find yourself naturally gravitating toward green choices. Read on for six easy resolutions toward a greener life for your yard and garden. Read in full.

Instead of sending your leaves to the landfill, consider recycling them to feed the plants in your garden. Leaves are a great, free source of nutrients and insulation for your garden if used correctly, and you can keep your lawn neat while still allowing nature to work its magic. Read on to find out how to recycle the leaves in your yard. Read in full.

Madison asks, “Why are many fertilizer bags labeled 'phosphorus free'? I thought phosphorus was one of the three important nutrients for plants?”

You're right that phosphorus is an important nutrient, but fertilizers containing phosphorus are a major source of groundwater contamination. Read more to find out when to use phosphorus in your garden. Read in full.