Organic Gardening

Organic gardening for many harkens to the days when those who practiced this art were considered to be in "left field". However this view of organic gardening is rapidly changing as more and more people become aware of the effect of pesticides and fertilizers on our environment and food. Consider this once upon a time what we know today as organic gardening was the only type of gardening that was done. Decades ago the use of chemicals was unheard of in the family garden.

Why the change to chemical controls? With the growth of populations to big cities and the decrease of those willing to farm, farmers needed to increase the yield of their crops. Believing that chemical control was the way to increase yields farmers began using chemical pesticides and fertilizers. The use of these chemical controls then trickled down to use in the home garden.

Decades of using these chemical controls has netted concern over the effect they have on the environment , the food supply, as well as health concerns, thus prompting a return to organic gardening practices. Reinforcing this thought is a recent quote.

"Despite the use of over 1 billion pounds of pesticides applied in the U.S., about 37% of all potential crop production is destroyed by pests (insects, weeds, and diseases). Worldwide there are about 26 million human pesticide poisonings each year, with about 220,000 deaths. The total environmental costs of using pesticides is more than $9 billion each year."

- David Pimintel, Ph.D., CornellUniversity

Some people choose organic gardening because they don't like the idea of adding potentially unhealthy chemicals to the planet. Others prefer organic methods because they wish to protect children or pets from pesticides, or because they want the freedom of being able to safely eat produce straight from the garden.

What exactly is organic gardening? Organic gardening differs from "conventional" gardening mainly in the usage of fertilization and pest control. Organic gardening relies on plant-derived means to control pests and build the soil. Instead of using fertilizer with chemical additives, for example, someone interested in organic gardening would use compost or manure from organically raised animals to improve the condition of their soil.  While conventional gardeners use all manner of pesticides to control insects, grubs and other undesirables in the garden, organic gardeners use natural methods.

Organic gardening plant combinations can prevent pests for example radishes can be planted with leafy greens to attract leaf-eating insects away from the greens you want to eat. Organic gardening is a simple way to ensure that you are growing the highest-quality produce in a sustainable way that is healthy for the plants and the planet.

 Successful gardens are not accidental. They are the results of planning, constant care, and the will to make things grow. The benefits do outweigh the amount of work involved. Among the many things an organic garden may provide are fresh air, exercise, sunshine, knowledge, supplemental income, mental therapy, and fresh food, grown without the use of harmful chemicals.

I have enjoyed organic gardening since I was very little. My father refused to chemicals because his education in landscape maintenance had taught him the dangers. I want to share with you my love and passion for growing a beautiful organic garden.

Ready. Set. Plant. Let's start your organic garden now!