Organic Gardening
Definition
“Organic gardening avoids the use of manufactured pesticides, herbicides, and mineral or synthetic fertilizers. The soil is kept healthy, rich with nutrients and, most important, it is kept alive with a high content of microorganisms. The essence of all organic techniques is to work with nature, not against it. All refused products in the kitchen and garden is recycled back into the soil. Organic gardening is a sustainable activity: the soil is fed by the gardeners; the soil feeds the plant; the plants feed the gardeners.”
(Organic Gardening for the 21st Century, by John Fedor)
Reasons to be Organic
1. Reduce the toxic load: keep chemicals out of the air, water, soil and our bodies
2. Reduce if not eliminate farm-produced pollution
3. Protect future generations
4. Build healthy soil
5. Enjoy better and truer flavor
6. Support family farmers
7. Avoid hasty and poor science in your food
8. Eat with a sense of place
9. Promote biodiversity
10. Celebrate the culture of Agriculture
Benefits of Growing Your Own Vegetables at Home
*http://www.organic.org/articles/showarticle/article-206
- Lowers the cost of providing your family with healthy, organic vegetables
- Reduces the environmental impact of transporting and warehousing food
- Makes your meals more personal, interesting
- Connects your family to the natural cycles of weather, growth and renewal
- Provides wholesome activity and lasting memories for your children
