Organic Gardening Grow it Natural

People grow their own food for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the superior nutritional benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables. A concern that many people have however, is the use of harmful pesticides and herbicides. This has led many to consider organic gardening, which takes a bit more time, but avoids using the chemicals that are designed to kill the ‘weeds’, insects and pests.

Gardening organically means more upkeep and maintenance, but the safety and well being that comes from knowing your food is pesticide-free is worth it.

Organic Gardening A Look To The Land

PCmaticMany years ago, of course, all gardening was done naturally.

The term “organic” refers to growing food and cultivating soil naturally with no chemicals involved. Organic gardening was first discussed in length by Sir Walter James, 4th Baron of Northbourne when he wrote his book “Look To The Land”. This was where the phrase “organic’ was first used in reference to farming without any artificial treatments.

What is important to remember in organic gardening is that there is no quick way to do it. It will require more time and cultivation of the soil manually. The reward however will be fruits and vegetables that are known to be pesticide and chemical free.

Grow Organic!

Growing food naturally is thought by many to be rich in the minerals and nutrients that are lacking in many of the regular store-bought fruit and vegetable products.

When something is “certified organic” by the government, it means that it has passed all criteria for being grown with no pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Since more time and trouble is gone into growing food this way, the prices in the stores are higher than for conventionally grown produce, which has led some to say that the whole thing is a scam. The conflicting information can lead to a lot of confusion, but what should be remembered is that the only gripe that people have is the price.

Learning how to do your own organic gardening will give you all the benefits of healthier food without having to pay the cost of the grocer.

 

Biodynamic Agriculture Organic Gardening Method

There are several different organic gardening systems to consider when planning to grow food naturally. One such system that is appropriate for those in commercial farming is biodynamic agriculture.

Biodynamic Agriculture follows under the assumption that each farm is an individual ecosystem. This type of farming has no external influences whatsoever, and relies solely on self-replenishing. Much of the commercially grown organic food that is labeled “Certified” by such government agencies as Demeter International has been grown on such farms.

Biodynamic Agriculture farming began in earnest after a series of lectures given in 1924 by a philosopher named Rudolf Steiner to an audience of horticulturalists from several countries. This led to further research, and today, biodynamic agriculture is utilized in over 50 countries.

French Intensive Or Small Plot Intensive Organic Gardening Method

In the early 1930’s, an organic gardening technique popularly used in France was introduced here by a man named Alan Chadwick who had been studying the French Intensive or Small Plot Intensive method. This is ideal for the everyday gardener to grow fruits and vegetables for personal consumption.

One of the most important aspects to this type of organic gardening is a “raised” bed. This is where the bed of soil is raised off the ground with the use of either untreated, natural timber or making a lower bed of soil for the raised mound to rest on. This can be done by double digging, or digging the soil manually and adding bits of organic compost to the loosened soil. A top layer is then added for the actual growing.

Planting the seedlings close together will encourage stronger growth patterns and provides natural shade for the soil to remain cool and moist.

No Till Organic Gardening Method

Some gardeners prefer the “no till” method, letting the garden basically replenish its own soil needs, while others manually double dig to keep the soil constantly rotated. Either method will work, although the no till method does take more time.

Organic Mulch Preparation

Preparing organic mulch for a garden can be done easily throughout the year by saving lawn clippings, branches, green tops from plants, and other biodegradable garden compost. Farmyard manure is also used for its organic properties, however cow manure is preferred since the cow’s stomach digests food better than other animals.

Manure should be left to stand several months in a dry place so it can break down and be mixed in with the other compost materials.

When mulch is prepared, it is best to put it on the top layer of the garden, as too much circulation through the soil will take nitrogen away temporarily (Natural Nitrogen Enrichment in Indoor Garden Soil). When left on the surface, the nutrients slowly work through the soil.

Cover crops (crops that are not harvested) can be planted and left to be re-used for later mulch.

Soil And Compost

The heart of organic gardening lies in the soil, which should be dark and loose, with plenty of earthworms to keep it replenished naturally. Making a compost pile to fertilize the garden with will increase the number of earthworms working the soil. A worm farm or worm composter has the advantage of providing you with a supply of live worms for your soil.

Compost can be made of garbage scraps that are biodegradable (such as coffee grounds), worm bits, seaweed, and cow manure. This compost will help keep the soil rich and the texture ideal for growing vegetation.

Many years ago, of course, all gardening was done naturally. But at the turn of the century farmers began applying poisons to their gardens to control pests that would otherwise destroy crops.

The use of chemical pesticides and herbicides and the dangers thereof have been the biggest reasons for the popularity of organic food and gardening.

Written by Angela Sangster, Copyright 2012 HousePlantsForYou.com