Organic Gardening in Home Organic
Gardens
Home organic gardens have become increasingly popular over the last several
years. Whether we know it or not, many of us already practice forms of organic
gardening. We just don't give it any thought. We do it for our health, and
the health of the environment.
Organic gardening is the practice of growing vegetables, herbs and fruits
using only things found in nature. Absolutely no man-made chemicals are used.
Although we usually do not think of it, organic gardening concepts also apply
to the world of flowers, trees, shrubs, and even your lawn. It is gardening
without harmful and artificial chemicals, or other products not naturally
found in nature. Commonly today, potentially harmful chemicals and non-natural
products are used for fertilizing, and for control of insects, disease, and
weeds.
Did you Know? Organic food sales are over $10Billion annually! It's
no small cottage industry.
If you are not completely sold on organic gardening, you can still bring
some of it's benefits to yourself, your family, and the environment
by applying those organic concepts that work best for you and your crop.
Any organic methods that you employ will benefit you and the environment.
Certified Organic- In order to be qualified as "Certified Organic"
for the marketplace, produce must be grown under strict USDA guidelines.
Everything from the seed to fertilizers and soil must be organic, natural
ingredients. You must apply for the certification. Federal inspectors will
review your application and perform an inspection.
See the path of organic
produce takes to reach your dinner table.
Components of Organic Gardening:
Your organic gardening program consists of the following components:
In the News:
The USDA has standardized rules for Organic food.
The USDA States uniform standards provide:
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A single national standard replacing individual state and private standards
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Consistent and accurate labeling to alleviate consumer confusion
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Define uniform practices, methods and substances for for producing organic
crops.
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Prohibits the use of genetic engineering, irradiation and sewage sludge.
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Improve exports through a single standard that is more readily understood
in other countries.
For more information, see the USDA's pages on the
National Organic
Program
Organic Tips: |
** Place fruits like pumpkin and squash on a bed of sand. Snails
and slugs do not like sand and will not cross over it. You will not need
to use slug and snail poisons.
** Use Companion plants that repel insects. See
Companion
Plants |
The major benefits of organic gardening are many:
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Less harmful chemicals on the food you and your family may eat. This is reason
enough.
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Less harm to the environment
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Cost savings as alternate sources can save you money
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You will feel better knowing you are doing your part.
Ways we Practice Organic Gardening Today:
Organic Gardening takes many forms. It includes:
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Use compost for mulch and fertilizer.
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Use only plant matter for mulching.....no plastics. Leaves and straw work
great.
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Use manures for fertilizer in place of chemical fertilizer.
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Learning and applying proper techniques to grow healthy plants and avoid
plant disease.
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Acquiring natural insect enemies, such as Ladybugs for aphids and preying
mantis, to control insect problems.
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Using natural insecticides and deterrents such as garlic or soap sprays to
deter insects. No insecticides or pesticides.
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Use natural insect predators like Preying Mantis and Ladybugs. If they do
not exist in your area, companies sell them.
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Use a little extra muscle power to control weeds versus getting out the weed
killer.
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A willingness to give up a little portion of your crop to the bugs in order
to produce and consume healthier food for you and your family.
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Conserve and recycle. By using natural materials like manure, composted weeds
and kitchen scraps we are using organic materials and reducing what goes
into the waste stream.
More on Organic Gardening:
Buy Organic Seeds and Supplies - Seeds, Worm
castings, fertilizer, fish emulsion, repellents, and more.
The Envirocycle Compost/ Compost Tea maker is perfect for organic-minded
home gardeners, who want to make compost and collect compost tea.
Buy Composter/Compost Tea Maker now
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