Organic Gardening

Organic Gardening has become a popular method of gardening in the past decade.  Organic gardening involves working in cooperation with nature in feeding the soil to produce healthy plants, rather than the use of synthetic chemicals, including pesticides and fertilizers.  Organic gardeners focus on the entire system of nature, including the soil, water supply, insects, animals, and people.  The goals of organic gardening include maintaining balance and harmony within the natural systems and replenishment of resources consumed.

Many people are passionate about organic gardening for the environmental responsibility aspects.  It is also reassuring to know that the food we put in our body and the bodies of our loved ones, do not contain potentially dangerous chemicals.  In addition to these positive reasons for growing organically, the food produced is remarkably tasty and bountiful.

Soil is a major focus in organic gardening.  This makes sense because plants get their nutrition and water from the soil.  Different soils create different challenges for any gardener.  Clay soils tend to hold water more which can reduce air to the roots; however, clay contains many nutrients.  Sandy soil is well aerated due to its ability to drain well, but can benefit from additives to increase its nutritional components.  The organic gardener must add organic matter to the soil.  Organic matter includes lawn clippings, leaves, and vegetable scraps from the kitchen.  These things are some of the basic building blocks of compost.  Compost is essential in creating and maintaining healthy productive soil.   Adding compost not only improves the soil, it also attracts healthy soil organisms which can increase the nutrients.

When gardening organically, the choice of plants is also very important.  Choose plants that are best adapted to your particular climate to maximize your productivity and your plant’s health.  If you have a shady gardening spot, plant shade-loving plants, not those needing lots of sunshine.  Unhealthy plants may become stressed, which can make them more attractive to harmful pests.

Although organic gardening means not using synthetic pesticides, it doesn’t mean you have to live with pest ravaged produce and plants. Organic gardening means learning about harmful versus beneficial insects and wildlife.  Many insects and larger animals eat harmful pests.  Lady bugs and some types of wasps feast on aphids, a pest to many plants.  Attracting birds is a good idea because they eat pesky tomato worms and grubs.  Even lizards can be a benefit to your garden.  There are organic pesticides available, but first consider your particular situation.  Some organic controls target specific issues.  Most of us can live with a little damage, unsightly holes or blemishes.

Organic gardening involves diversity in your garden which can help with pest control.  Some plants repel bugs, such as marigolds.  In addition, barriers like foil collars around plant stem bases, sticky traps and floating row covers can reduce pests accessibility to your garden or one can use organic animal repellent.  Your best guide to maintaining a healthy garden is attention to your plants and the growing conditions.

Organic gardening is an evolving process that involves maintaining balance within the surrounding ecosystem through a working partnership with the environment.  It focuses on the use of natural products to promote healthy soil and plants.