I'm both anal and ambivalent about my growing methods. I don't subscribe to just one method of growing or nurturing my plants. I use manure and compost for the most part, but I don't have issue with using certain brands of fertilizers either. While I don't spray pesticides willy nilly, I won't let my plants (flowers, fruits or vegetables) go to rot/wilt/worms/bugs either. I try natural, organic, and harmless methods first, but if they don't work, I'm not concerned with upping the ante.
I hate slugs. I really do. And tomato worms. Both make me shudder, and I'm simply not willing to share my plants with either of them. Beetles and bugs are no fun, but I get a modicum of pleasure in thwacking them off my plants.
Weeding is not my favorite pastime which means I use a lot of mulch. I'm probably one of the few people who mulches a vegetable garden. Hey, it keeps the mud down, the plants happy, and the weeds to a minimum. What's not to like? Not to mention, I always buy the cheapest shredded mulch (in other words, untreated with colorant) which makes a great soil enhancer each fall when I till it all in.
I'm a fan of bottom watering and use massive lengths of soaker hoses. It's cheaper than in-ground watering systems, and reduces wilt and stress on the plants from overhead watering.
Basically I just try to be flexible. Try something this way, and if it doesn't work, I'll try it that way. I'll move this or add that. There are some things on which I've given up. There are other things for which I don't have the patience. I take advice and give it. I'm not an expert, but I'm not to shy to admit that I have a sense for this. Bottom line is it's all about what I find enjoyable and worth the effort and most importantly, what works.
