Another item to always buy organic: raisins. Up to 26 pesticides have been found in independent studies on conventional grapes. Fresh grapes are often plucked and dried to make raisins, but it's up for debate how well-washed the grapes are before drying. And since grapes are thin-skinned, whatever is sprayed on them is often absorbed into the grape. Choosing organic means they haven't been treated with chemical pesticides and will be cleaner and safer for everyone to enjoy.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Another reason to avoid artificial fragrances: They can confuse bees. Bees are vital to the natural world for the important work they do to pollinate flowers. They are naturally attracted to the sweet scent from flowers, but they are also attracted to artificial scents found in body washes, perfumes, shampoo, air fresheners and scented candles. This confusion can lead to less pollination of flowers. One way to help is to choose fragrance-free options whenever possible, since even trace amounts of artificial scent can be transferred outdoors.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Do you enjoy oysters when you dine out? Take the shells home with you to give your garden a nutritional boost. Oyster shells are made from calcium carbonate, which is the same material found in chalk. It's incredibly high in calcium, and plants love it. You can mix the shells into the soil whole or crush them up and rake into your garden. The shells can help aerate your soil to prevent compaction as well. If you want to compost them, crush them up so they'll break down quickly.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION