Organic Vegetable Gardening
Why Buy When You Can Grow Your Own Veggies
Organic vegetable gardening is the answer to the question of whether to buy local, organic, or conventional. It is how our grandparents used to do it. It’s by no means a new concept—not a “new-fangled” fad. It’s nothing more than vegetable gardening done the “old-fashioned” way.
Have you been struggling with this question? Are you concerned with the health risks posed by pesticides, but can't afford organic? Then, read on...
Chemical gardening has become so commonplace that the term organic has been coined to refer to planting a garden without the use of chemical-laden
pesticide,
weed control and fertilizer. These chemicals are toxic to humans and animals. They contaminate yards, crops, soil, and ground water.
The “old-fashioned” way is Mother Nature‘s way, without chemicals.
In the old days—especially before WWI—farmers and gardeners had to understand about healthy soil and the interaction of beneficial organisms and the wellbeing of their plants and gardens. They could not—much to their advantage—rely on man-made, synthetic and unhealthy “solutions.”
Luckily—and thanks to key people and their findings—we have come full circle and back to the knowledge that Nature knows best!
Organic Growing Is the Only Healthy Alternative
Organic vegetable gardening without chemicals is better for the land, your pets, your children, and you.
There are countless studies and findings to support moving away from a chemical-based approach to gardening. It’s taken a long time, but now we have the facts. And the fact is that there are healthy and effective alternatives.
Enough preaching...Let’s dig in!
Basic Rules and Objectives
• Buy organic vegetable seeds
• Eliminate all chemical and synthetic pesticides, weed killer and fertilizers
• Promote and encourage beneficial organisms
• Use only natural or earth-based substances for soil or plant care
• Conserve resources, use them wisely!
• Use organic matter to nourish plants (ie.
compost
)
• Mulch to cut down on watering and weeding
• Plant pest-resistant, native or suitable varieties to your location
• Use preventive methods for pests control understanding that total annihilation is not necessary
Reap the Rewards
Sound complicated? Retraining or breaking bad habits can seem overwhelming, but it’s usually well worth it. In the long run, you will save money, effort, and your health.
It is important to understand that the changeover to organic vegetable gardening can be much like a junkie going through withdrawal. If you are starting a brand new garden it will be much easier.
If you have been subjecting your plants to chemicals for years they will need time to adjust. The soil will have to be rebuilt and the plants learn to survive without the “drugs.”
One way to get around the poor condition of your soil, such as nutrient-deficient or highly-compacted soil is to start with a
raised bed garden
. This allows you to have better control over the nutrient content and quality of the soil.
If you are seriously—or not—thinking about making the conversion to organic vegetable gardening, get yourself a good book from your local library. There are literally hundreds of resources for learning how-to. Read about it, mull it over—wrestle with your conscious.
Or, ask
Geefrank
, the garden gnome, about the benefits of organic vegetable gardening. Then dig in.
On a Personal Note
When I was in college some…ah…ahem…years ago, my neighbors in campus housing had asked the landlord for permission and started a vegetable garden behind the parking lot. They invited us to share the plot, but I couldn’t for the life of me, imagine all that work just to grow some veggies I could buy at the store.
They were the “bohemian” type—I was the “city dweller type.” How silly and ignorant I was.
Anyways, they had lettuce and tomatoes and who knows what else. Delicious treats. They knew then what I’ve only recently realized. Growing your own veggies is good all the way around.
Organic vegetable gardening is good for your pocketbook, for the environment and your health. And yummy!
No Yard? No Worry!
“But I live in an apartment,” you say.
You can still have your veggies and eat them, too!
You can grow vegetables indoors in containers, on your windowsill, on your countertop, in your balcony, patio or courtyard.
Where there is a will, there is a way.
Stay tuned for:
| Note: Many towns or municipalities offer classes or workshops on organic alternatives in home gardening through community outreach programs. The Agricultural Extension Office may also offer such programs in your area. Check with your city’s Parks and Recreation Department. | |
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