On this site you will find articles and links covering all topics about composting and organic gardening.
Composting for KidsThis slide show tells in words and pictures how to set up compost areas, what to put in them, and how to use the compost in the garden. Bin, trench, and pocket composting are included. Designed for children but a good basic guide for anyone starting a compost heap.
Cornell CompostingThis site features technical information on composting for the large-scale or commercial composter or the home gardener who wishes to pursue the subject in-depth. Sections include the chemistry and physics of composting, invertebrates and microbes, moisture content, carbon content, experiments for student research, spreadsheets for mixture calculations, odor management, and water quality protection
Provides links to the Cooperative Extension websites for each state.
GardenWebThis site is a searchable directory of gardens and garden clubs. It also contains a database called HortiPlex, with a lot of useful plant information.
Nutrition in the GardenThis site has basic nutrition information, a section on the benefits of school gardens and how to set them up, and garden ideas and activities aimed at children working independently. There are also sections for parents and teachers.
Japanese Garden DatabaseThis site has a list of historical gardens of Japan with location, designer, and date constructed. Selected examples have more detailed descriptions, history, photographs, and bibliographies. There is a glossary of terms; a list of common plants in the gardens, with details, photographs, and links to related sites for some; a timeline of Japanese culture; a directory of links to additional gardens (several in America); and extensive bibliographies focusing on Japanese texts on classic gardens and on constructing a garden. You can search for Japanese-style gardens, suppliers and designers within a 10 to 1000 mile radius of your zip code. Finally, there is a bulletin board for posting questions.
The Old Farmer's AlmanacThis site is the print version online. Links to more advanced areas of the site require a registration. But you can access a variety of handy information like weather, gardening, outdoors, etc.
PLANTfacts Horticulture & Crop ScienceThis site from The Ohio State University is designed to serve as a knowledge bank and interactive learning center on the care, cultivation, and utilization of plants from a commercial, consumer, and academic perspective.
Rebecca's GardenThis website is for gardening buffs who can plan their gardens according to geographical location, trade tips with other gardeners and engage in chat sessions with Rebecca Kolls, who has a gardening show on HGTV.
URI GreenshareThe University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension's GreenShare Program provides scientifically accurate and environmentally sound information on management of suburban and urban landscapes.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone MapThis interactive document from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows 10 different minimum temperature zones in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, "each of which represents an area of winter hardiness for the plants of agriculture and our natural landscape. It also introduces zone 11 to represent areas ... that are ... essentially frost free." Also includes information about the creation of the map, and indicator plant examples for selected woody plants.
Here are some tips to make your garden especially butterfly-friendly.
Hummingbirds!This website is a source for information on attracting, watching, feeding, and studying North American hummingbirds.
The National Wildlife FederationThis site will help you create a thriving habitat for wildlife and certify it as an official Backyard Wildlife Habitat site!
RI Natural History SurveyRhode Island Natural History Survey is a clearinghouse for ecological information in Rhode Island, providing sound scientific data to scientists, naturalists, educators, land managers, decision makers, and the public. Provides information for conservation land stewardship.
Wildflowers of Rhode IslandThis website provides photographs, resources, and links to information about Rhode Island wildflowers.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower CenterThe goal of the center, formerly the National Wildflower Research Center, is to educate people about "the environmental necessity, economic value, and natural beauty of native plants." The site provides information about the center, information about native plant events by region or state, including internships and conferences throughout the nation, and links to native plant organizations, gardens with displays with regionally native plants, and other useful native plant links. There is also a searchable (by keyword or state) native plant database.
Beyond Pesticides began in 1981 as the National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides, a non-profit membership organization that was formed to serve as a national network committed to pesticide safety and the adoption of alternative pest management strategies. The site features fact sheets about pesticides and alternatives to pesticides, information about what to do in a pesticide emergency, news, and links for each state.
Biological Control: A Guide to Natural Enemies in North America"Photographs and descriptions of major biological control (or biocontrol) agents of major insect, disease, and weed pests in North America. ... Also a tutorial on the concept and practice of biological control and integrated pest management (IPM)." Browse four sections on natural enemies: parasitoids, predators, pathogens, and weed feeders. Searchable. Includes glossary. Links to Spanish translation of the site. From the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University.
EXTOXNETVarious types of pesticide toxicology and environmental chemistry information are available from the WWW server at Oregon State University. These include: discussions of toxicological issues of concern (TICs); toxicology newsletters; other resources for toxicology information; toxicology fact sheets; Pesticide Information Profiles (PIPs); and Toxicology Information Briefs (TIBs).
National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC)NPIC maintains a toll-free telephone service that provides pesticide information, and this searchable and browsable directory of "objective, science-based information about a wide variety of pesticide-related subjects." Includes links to resources on pesticide use and safety, toxicology and health data, laws and regulations, pest control, emergency resources, and other pesticide topics. From Oregon State University and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
This directory of links to online seed and plant merchants in the U.S. divides its list into general suppliers and specialty dealers. Compiled by the Cooperative Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
The Garden Watchdog Guide to Gardening by MailThe site lists and ranks over 3,000 vendors that sell gardening products by mail and on the Web. Site is searchable by company name, product category, or geographical region. Results may be sorted by rank, name, or region. Users provide ratings and comments; directory does not receive payment for listings. Registration (free) required for entering feedback on vendors.
Includes membership information, a calendar of events and volunteer opportunities for the RI Orchid Society
Rhode Island Rose SocietyInformation and news about growing rosed in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Wild Plant SocietyRIWPS is a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of Rhode Island's native plants and their habitats.
American Horticultural SocietyThe AHS is one of the oldest national gardening organizations in the country. At AHS you’ll get connected -- to great gardens around the world, gardening education for all levels of skill, sources of information on any garden subject imaginable, a community of gardeners eager to share their experiences, great gardening events and activities.
iloveplants.comThis directory of "6,266 links in over 100 categories of plant and garden related items" has ten main categories: plants/seeds; products; general garden information (including such things as farmer's markets, mulching, and where to by beneficial bugs); events calendars; community gardens; catalogs; arboretums, botanical, and historical gardens; extension offices; master gardener programs; and associations and societies. On the home page, facts and growing tips about different fruits and vegetables are featured. Garden Zone gives plant hardiness information for the U.S. and Canada. Gardeners may share their thoughts in the Gardener's Journal. Free subscription to The Inside Dirt, a monthly e-mail newsletter, is available.
National Gardening AssociationThe NGA’s website is where gardeners and educators find information, inspiration, and community. Combined, they feature 2,000 articles, 30,000 FAQs, how-to projects, online courses, seed swaps, a school garden registry, and much more. Visitors can sign up for free e-newsletters.
