You need to define what your own personal definition of what 'organic' means. If you are growing produce in order to sell to the public, and intend to label it as 'organic', you'll have to comply with some strict guidelines. Otherwise, the term has a very broad meaning.

For many of us, 'organic' simply means 'chemical pesticide free'. For others, it means that anything not labeled acceptable for organic growers is not permissible. That would include MiracleGro products, except those labeled as organic. Cow and other manures would be considered organic, but a purist would want to know the source.

Personally, I add compost to my soil and often use organics-based fertilizer products for the plants. I am not against using MiracleGro products, though, and always have some on hand for my container plantings.

I keep no harsh chemical pesticides on hand at all. The use of broad spectrum chemicals can often result in an increase in the pest population because the beneficials are killed, too.

Learning to identify, with some accuracy, most of the critters that visit your gardens is a very important step in pest management. There are a lot more helpers in your garden than pests.

You can begin that journey with a good insect handbook. For example, there are MANY different species of ladybugs, each with a different pattern and in a variety of colors. There are also some pest beetles out there that look somewhat like ladybugs.

'Organic' pesticides typically include such products as insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, Neem oil, Bacillus strains (Bt for caterpillars, for example), and even plain water. To help you in your endeavors to prevent and control pests, you should learn about row covers, too.

Do all that you can do to improve the quality of your soil by adding compost, mulch, and other improvements on a regular basis. A healthy soil system produces healthier plants. Such plants are much better able to withstand some pest pressure.