What is organic gardening?

Growing plants and food with miniminal or no use of chemicals.

Organic fertilizer

Advantages:

• organic fertilizers are slow-release and mobilize existing soil nutrients
• increases soil health and structure
• prevents runoff of soluble nitrogen and phosphorous, which can damage the watershed and marine line.

Disadvantages: 

• requires more time commitment and application (as they biodegrade more easily)
• composition may also be more variable than an inorganic product

Sources:

• Fish Emulsion: Fish emulsion is produced from the fluid remains of fish processed for fish oil and fish meal industrially. A source of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, it is diluted with water and applied directly on plant leaves or soil. 

Organic pest control

Advantages: 

• Little or no use of chemicals makes for safe food growing for you

Disadvantages: 

• organic pesticides require more time commitment and application
  

According to this helpful website, organic pest control mixtures start with

• Smell: Garlic, tobacco, rhubarb, fish and other strong smelling substances that are used to repel pests.
• Gases and odor molecules: Many plants give off natural odors or have volatile oils which some bugs find unpleasant. Often these odors or oils are a warning to bugs that the plant contains its own built in insecticide. Concoctions made from these plants will deter pests.
• Heat or fumes: Chilies, kerosene, methylated spirits, salt etc, will burn, harm or kill pests.
• Oil: Mineral oil, vegetable oils and proprietary oils, such as those made with cottonseed oil, will suffocate soft-bodied pests.
• Soap: Natural vegetable based soaps or detergents are added to sprays in small amounts to make them stick to plants. Many insects dislike and are harmed by soap also.

Check out this website for a full recipe for a sure-fire organic spray. apply selectively (mind the lady beetles and bees!).