In general, it will always pay to add lots of organic matter to your soil on a regular basis. This is one of the best ways to condition your soil and feed your plants, making them stronger and healthier. Remember, when it comes to resisting pests and diseases, a healthy plant is better equipped than an unhealthy one!

With this in mind, if you spend time examining the needs of your plants and providing them with the very best growing conditions, you're well on your way to being a successful organic gardener.

Stop and have a good look at your plants regularly. That way, you can identify when something is not right and pounce on the problem before it gets out of hand. If you see something chewing your plants, grab it! Similarly, diseased leaves can be collected in a plastic bag and thrown in the bin! It's an easy and safe way to manage pests and diseases without spraying anything!

It's a good idea to keep records of when different pests and diseases occur in your garden. That will help you to be prepared with your particular pest control strategies. If it's a vegetable you're growing, you may choose a different time of year to grow it or even look out for another variety that is less susceptible to the problem.