Why Organic Gardening?

You’ve probably noticed that organic foods are becoming very popular. This is because many individuals are learning the benefits of organic foods. At first, it seemed as if ‘organic’ was a word used to describe an exotic type of food, but it is anything but. Some individuals would even steer clear of the organic foods section in their local supermarket because of the fact that these foods were different. But now, organic food is something that is found all over the supermarket. There is a section in produce designated for organic, but you will find these foods scattered all throughout the supermarket.

But what is meant by ‘organic’?

Well, it all starts with the gardening. Organic gardening is different than most methods that are currently used. In other words, the methods are different than the methods that are used to grow the rest of the fruits and vegetables in the produce section.

The methods When you think about it, the methods that are used in organic gardening are the same as the methods used before there were pesticides and fertilizers. In other words, the soil is organic. It has no chemicals in it. There are also nothing but organic fertilizers used on the crops. This means that there are no manmade chemicals used in the growing of these crops. Everything that is used to help them grow is 100% natural. This means that there are no pesticides and other chemicals being carried into your body when you eat them.

Unfortunately, crops raised using non-organic fertilizers and chemicals have shown evidence of being ingested by people. It is believed that these chemicals cause cancer and other illnesses because they are not natural to the body.

The benefits The benefits of organic gardening are many. First of all, you are not taking in pesticides and fertilizers that may not have been washed off the vegetables. Second of all, organic farming is good for the earth. Without using non-organic fertilizers and pesticides, the ground is not being polluted with the chemicals.

Here are some other benefits you may find interesting: – Organic farming involves using insects against insects to keep the crops from being consumed by pests. If lady bugs are released in the early spring, they will get rid of aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, mealybugs, and so much more.

- Disease can easily be prevented by using other organic products. Eco Oil is one of those products because it prevents disease that can be caused by insects and also keeps insects away.

- Because studies have shown that pesticide intake by children can be harmful, organic foods keep this from happening. This can prevent a lot of health problems in the future.

As you can see, organic foods are much healthier for you and your family. That is why you need to look for a label that says ‘organic’ when you are shopping in your supermarket. You can now find organic noodles, juices, and so much more. So not only are your fruits and vegetables organic, but so are other foods because of the use of organic gardening supplies and ingredients.

It makes us wonder why it is we turned to other gardening means. Perhaps it is because organic gardening does require a higher degree of effort than the methods that are primarily used today. Although it takes more effort, it is the healthier choice for everyone. In a way, it gets us back to the roots of gardening in that there was a time in which the only way to garden was through organic means. The only thing missing at that time were the organic fertilizers and various other organic gardening tools. But it is about time that we do get back to our roots. Organic gardening allows that.

The Benefits of Starting an Organic Garden

The concepts of organic gardening consist of conservation and preservation of the soil by use of natural methods. They do not use chemical pesticides or fertilizers to condition the soil. Conservation of water and preserving the purity of the ground water is also part of organic gardening. Improving the soil without upseting the natural balance can also be done by use of all natural organic soil methods.

Organic gardening is a revised method that was used before commercial ferilizers, fungicides and insecticides became widely popular. Instead of chemicals that can be deadly to good and bad garden insects in organic gardening you make use of natural predators and let insects such as lady bugs, predatory wasps and praying mantis do the insect control for you. Composting of leaves, kitchen scraps and even grass clippings can be used to improve your soil without adding chemical fertilizers.

Organic gardening uses all natural fertilizers that can be made from a simple formula of eggshells kept in a gallon jug filled with water. You can water your houseplants or your garden with this simple mixture for great results. Another organic mix recommended is fish emulsion that you can buy all ready at full strength and bottled or you can make your own and dilute it as needed. You take the fish heads after cleaning fish and put then in a barrel or bucket with a tight fitting seal and fill wih water. As the fish breaks down you drain off the liquid and mix it with water and than water your plants with it. Warning it does have a very strong odor if you make it yourself.

Organic gardening also makes use of natural ways to combat insects. An entire host of ways exist that use everyday ingredients like garlic, cayenne ppeper, cinnamon and even lemon or orange peel to use against insects. Ladies bugs, praying mantis and predatory wasps are established organic garden methods of controlling insect pests.

Companion planting is also improtant when planning an organic garden. You need to understand that plants can cross polennate and that is not always a good thing. It is also important to use companion planting to plant certain vegetables or flowers near plants that may need the added protection against pests. Green peppers planted with tomatoes and potatoes can deter squash bugs, potatoe beetles and cut worms. Marigolds, herbs and certain other flowers can rid you of many natural insect pests while still adding beauty, color and drama to your garden without the necessity of chemicals. Mulching actually helps your organic garden by not only helping your soil to retain water but it helps control weeds and gives you a clean walking path for tending your plants. Becareful where you place mulch though because in some cases it can bring the pesty insect right to your stem or fruit of your plant. Mulching shuld be done to help shade the roots of your plants from strong sun that could burn the plants roots and help the plant retain water. An organic mulch is best because at the end of your growng season or in between crops it can be worked into the soil to help replace nutrients that were absorbed in other crops.