Why Choose Organic Gardening?
There are several reasons that you may choose organic gardening instead of using other methods in keeping and growing a garden. One of the biggest reasons might be the choice to not use synthetic chemicals in your garden. When you grow an organic garden, you are not using any synthetic chemicals and many people find that to be very appealing. This is a great consideration of the environment and your health. Eating foods which contain synthetic chemicals can cause disease and ill health.
When you choose to grow an organic garden, you are choosing to not use any synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers in your garden or landscape. This is in consideration of the ecosystem that is found locally in your garden and landscape. Organic gardening works in harmony with the natural systems and helps to minimize and replenish continually any of the resources the garden consumes. The organic gardener adheres to the principle of feeding the soil instead of feeding the plant. If the soil is well nourished, then the plant will be able to get what it needs from that source.
In creating a balanced and healthy soil, the ecosystem is restored. This will support many creatures which are soil dwelling such as beetles, grubs, worms, fungi and bacteria. An organic gardener will create this balance by adding organic matter to the soil. They will do this by using any locally available resources whenever and wherever it is possible to do so. This helps to create a habitat that is healthy and will support many different creatures that are found above the ground. These include creatures such as snakes, birds, insects and toads. The healthy habitat and the healthy soil will not only lead to plants which are productive and healthy, but will also lead to a healthier environment. The guiding principle of organic gardening is to do no harm.
Initially, the process of establishing an organic garden will probably be more expensive than not growing an organic garden. Your soils are probably depleted and will need to have their balances restored. However, in the long term, you will receive many benefits as you reduce the risk to your health and the environment. What are the reasons that you can think of to grow an organic garden?
Photo by: Dawn M. Turner
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I am a big fan of organic gardening! I have to disagree with one point.
I have found that organic gardening is actually less expensive than conventional gardening with chemical fertilizers and sprays. I get composted horse manure, chicken manure and my own compost for free. I am very frugal and look for inexpensive, natural solutions whenever possible. I just want to encourage those who are considering organic that it doesn’t have to be costly. ANd when you consider the savings over buying organic produce in the store, you really save $$!
Maria,
The cost of organic gardening really depends on where you live and what you are using. Not everyone has access to free manure and can compost. Many people opt to purchase organic fertilizers. There are also several people who will purchase organic chemicals to control pests. While it is true that it can be less expensive, it really isn’t always the case. Take corn gluten for instance. Many people use it to fertilize their lawns and to act as a natural herbicide. The cost of this product is currently rising dramatically due to the use of corn for biofuels.
I will agree however, that the produce that you get from your garden will save you quite a bit of $$. My food bill goes down during the summer and early fall as we eat the fresh vegetables from our garden. I also can and freeze those veggies for use in the winter. There is nothing that tastes better than the veggies from your own garden.