Organic gardening is the art and science of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs, and all plants in harmony with nature and without using synthetic chemicals.
Organic gardeners regard the soil as a living ecosystem that must be nourished and taken care of. The system starts with a focus on healthy soil, which supports healthy plants. When plants are strong, they are naturally disease and pest resistant. Rather than apply chemicals to cure disease and control pests as conventional growers must do, organic growers are oriented toward prevention through continuous soil improvements. It's a big difference in attitude: the chemical quick-fix vs. long-term soil building.
Organic horticulture (or organic gardening) is based on knowledge and techniques gathered over thousands of years. In general terms, organic horticulture involves natural processes, often taking place over extended periods of time, and a sustainable, holistic approach - while chemical-based horticulture focuses on immediate, isolated effects and reductionist strategies. Article on Wikipedia
Organic Gardening Practices
Organic gardening isn't only about not using chemicals. It's a system, a way of life that includes the following basic practices:
- Build the Soil: Keep the soil healthy by working with nature rather than fighting it. Compost garden and kitchen wastes to recycle back into the garden. Use organic fertilizes such as manure, compost and worm castings.
- Don't use any synthetic chemical fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides and you won't have to worry about children, pets, and wildlife coming in contact with any of these poisons. You and your family will have nutritious, pesticide-free, and additive-free food.
- Environmental Stewardship. Gardening organically means that the environment benefits from the reduction in contamination of the water supply and air pollution. It means that we provide a habitat for wildlife including beneficial insects and animals. Natural steps are taken to rid a garden of harmful insects and animals. For example, insects such as ladybugs that do not damage plants but who prey upon bugs that harm foilage are placed in the garden.
- Intensive planting. Plants are spaced closely together to conserve water and shield the soil from sunlight thus helping to prevent weed seeds from germinating and growing. Much more food can be grown in the same amount of space with less water.
- Companion Plants. Grow plants together that benefit each other.Tomatoes like carrots and basil. Marigolds repel all sorts of pests.
- Rotating Crops. Crop rotation assists in the control against soil-borne pests and diseases. Also different plants require different amounts and kinds of nutrients. Planting the same crop year after year in the same spot depletes the soil. Some plants such as legumes add nitrogen back to the soil. They can be followed by plants that require the nitrogen. Cover crops should also be planted and dug under to further build the soil.
- Mulch. Most organic gardens are covered with mulch to conserve water, keep down the weeds, and add organic matter back into the soil.
Benefits of Organic Gardening
“To cherish what remains of the Earth and to foster its renewal is our only legitimate hope of survival.” ~Wendell Berry
Organic gardeners work with the goal of nourishing and maintaining the soil for the long-term rather than using it for a quick, seasonal fix. Soil and water contamination is reduced significantly. Organic vegetables are free from toxic chemicals and healthier for us. Besides they taste better.