
News & Articles
Ask OGS: Garlic Planting
Ask OGS: Learn how and when to plant garlic, plus tips on soil prep, fall planting, harvesting, and choosing varieties like softneck, hardneck, and elephant garlic.
Ask OGS: Fall Gardening in WNC
Learn how to plan and grow a thriving fall garden in Western North Carolina — tips on crops, planting times, soil prep, frost protection & organic pest control from OGS.
Springhouse Farm: A Story of Recovery and Resilience
When Hurricane Helene tore through WNC last year, Springhouse Farm in Vilas lost crops, soil, and infrastructure. Yet out of devastation came resilience. With the support of neighbors, students, and fellow farmers, Springhouse rebuilt stronger and more connected than before. This is their story of recovery and community.
Ask OGS: Japanese Beetles
Organic Growers School answers your questions about Japanese beetle control. Learn organic, non-chemical strategies—handpicking, milky spore, traps, neem oil, row covers, beneficial insects, and more—for protecting your garden from Japanese beetles.
Meet Thatchmore Farm: A Preview of Their CRAFT Tour on Resilient Mountain Farming
Ahead of their CRAFT Farm Tour on June 8, we interviewed Liz and Tom Elmore to talk about their unique farming model, their use of renewable energy systems, and their commitment to building a future where small farms play a big role.
Ask OGS: Tackling Tomato Blight
Discover how to prevent and manage early and late blight in organic tomatoes, including expert tips on mulching, copper fungicides, drip irrigation, and disease-resistant varieties, for growers in Western North Carolina.
Ask OGS: Growing Potatoes Organically
Grow healthier potatoes by rotating crops, selecting disease-resistant varieties, and using companion plants like dill and alyssum to attract beneficial insects. Prevent common potato pests and blight with smart spacing and soil care.
Ask OGS: Planning Your Small Garden & Local Eating
Maximize your garden’s potential by growing what you eat most, choosing seasonal crops, and making the most of small spaces. Smart garden planning supports a more sustainable, local food lifestyle.
Late Spring Freeze: How to Protect Your Summer Plants (for the backyard grower)
Worried about a late spring freeze? Learn how to protect summer plants from late spring freezes with simple tips and tricks for backyard growers—covers, timing, and more to keep your garden thriving.
Late Winter Pruning Guide: When and How to Prune Shade and Fruit Trees
Learn the best practices for late winter pruning in Western North Carolina with this comprehensive guide. Discover when and how to prune apple trees, shade trees, and bleeder trees to promote healthy growth and maximize fruit production. Get expert tips on pruning after winter storms, shaping overgrown shrubs, and repurposing discarded limbs.
Ask OGS: Repairing a Snow-Damaged Greenhouse
Discover effective strategies to prevent polyhouse failures caused by wind, rain, and snow. Learn practical repair tips, design improvements like switching to Gothic structures, and climate-adaptive solutions to make your greenhouses more resilient and long-lasting.
Ask OGS: Preparing Soil for a Spring Garden
Maximize your vegetable garden's success by choosing sunny spots with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight. Learn shade-tolerant crops, soil preparation techniques, and the best methods for raised beds, in-ground gardens, and composting. Optimize soil health with amendments and cover crops for a bountiful harvest. Discover expert tips for gardening in any space!
