Organic Gardening in Home 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 the practice
of 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
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 for produce in the marketplace to have
this certification, the crops must be grown under strict USDA guidelines.
Everything from the seed to fertilizers and soil must be natural ingredients.
Federal inspectors review certification applications and perform inspections.
See the path of organic
produce takes to reach your dinner table.
Components of Organic Gardening:
Learn how to grow organically. 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 producing crops organically.
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Prohibits the use of genetic engineering, irradiation and sewage sludge.
-
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
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:
-
Less harmful chemicals on the food you and your family may eat. This is reason
enough.
-
Less harm to the environment
-
Cost savings as alternate sources can save you money
-
You will feel better knowing you are doing your part.
Ways we Practice Organic Gardening Today:
Organic Gardening takes many forms. It includes:
-
Use compost for mulch and fertilizer in your garden.
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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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Learn and apply 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.
-
Use natural insect predators like Preying Mantis and Ladybugs. If they do
not exist in your area, companies sell them.
-
Use a little extra muscle power to control weeds, versus using 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.
-
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.
Related Topics:
About the USDA
Buy Organic Seeds and Supplies - Seeds, worm
composters, fertilizer, fish emulsion, repellents, and more.
Make your own fertilizer. The Compact ComposTumbler converts kitchen
and yard waste into rich, organic compost. It's the "Go Green" movement.
Buy a Composter now
More
on Composters
|
|
Shop For:
Gardening:
Annual Seeds
Perennials Seeds
Vegetable Seeds
Heirloom Seeds
Herb Seeds
Organic Seed/Supply
Flower Bulbs
Coldframes
Composters
Fertilizers
Greenhouses
Houseplants
Planters
Raised Beds
Supplies
Tools
Yard & Deck:
Grills
Hammocks
Hose Carts/Reels
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Halloween
Thanksgiving
Carving Stuff
Decorations
Foggers, Misters
Gory, Scary Props
House Flags
Jello Molds
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Costume/Makeup
Other:
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