Choosing to Garden with Organic Methods

By J. A. Young

There is a growing amount of research that suggests that organically grown fruits and vegetables contain more nutrients than food grown by other methods. Many wonder whether organic gardening is simply a trend that is best displayed by the new alternative sections of grocery stores that sell us everything from organically grown produce to organic baby food. Gardeners who maintain organic gardens insist that their methods are safer than chemically maintained crops. Still more believe that food safety is more than a trend; it is a must that can only be insured going organic.

Choosing to garden organically is a good choice essentially because it is an old choice. Organic methods are those that were in practice before the farm industry became commercialized and looked for quick fixes to safeguard crops. Organic methods employ natural strategies to ensure a good harvest rather than potentially harmful chemicals. The following article discusses the benefits of gardening organically as well as a few factors to keep in mind when beginning your organic garden.

One of the first benefits of going organic is that you eliminate the risk of accidental poisoning from garden chemicals. Triple-washing produce is not required to wash away harmful pesticide residues or fertilizing chemicals. Maintaining your garden organically may not be the simplest way to produce an abundant bounty at harvest time, but most agree that it is the safest. Also, once you accept the challenge of growing organically, you will gain the added satisfaction of outwitting pests, weeds and disease.

Choosing to garden organically means working closely with nature to ensure the overall health of the garden. Careful planning, weeding, water delivery, disease and pest vigilance, and composting are a few of the main aspects of maintaining an organic garden. Learning safe gardening practices including nature’s biological controls will allow you to make the most of each subsequent garden season. Knowing everything that went into your soil and plants will also give you substantial peace of mind when sharing your produce with family and friends.

There are many resources available to assist novice organic gardeners, but a successful garden will employ the following methods:

• Feed your garden soil rather than individual plants. A well-balanced soil with good structure and organic matter will provide for the health and nourishment of plant life. Well-composted and healthy soil is not only important for plant nourishment, but it is also a way to prevent soil-borne disease. There are lots of ins and outs when it comes to composting, so learning the tricks of the trade should be high on the gardener’s list of priorities.
  
  
• Begin your garden with a well-organized plan. Choose plants that are best suited to your climate and garden conditions. Be aware of microclimates within your landscape as well. For best results, try to plant a combination of plants for shade, sun and protection from wind. Organize your time when it comes to garden tasks. Learn when to look for weeds as well as when to leave plants alone.
  
  
• Get buggy. Yes, learn to distinguish between harmful and beneficial garden insects. There are many natural methods to employ against various garden pests. Encouraging beneficial insects can often help control populations of harmful pests naturally.
  
  
• Finally, be prepared to immerse yourself in the life of the garden. Keeping a watchful eye will help you maintain the health of the garden. Each subsequent growing season will present its own challenges, but will also provide a wealth of gardening experience. The benefits of being outdoors and in the fresh air are in themselves benefits of organic gardening. While maintaining any garden means work, the extra mile you go for an organic garden will pay off in immeasurable ways.

Click here to purchase gardening supplies.

© Doityourself.com 2006