Organic gardening is much more than just avoiding the use of chemicals in your garden. For many people, it is a prospect of living using the laws of nature to grow fruits, vegetables and other plants naturally. This is generally a personal choice made in the light of much research done on the importance of diet in terms of our health and longevity.
Studies have shown that organically grown foods have higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals than those grown with chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Organically grown fruits and vegetables are not only better for health, but also prevent accidental exposure to these chemical agents that are used in large-scale commercial agriculture that is so common in today’s world.
Here are 10 main components that are a fundamental part of organic gardening.
1. Healthy soil – this is probably the most fundamental aspect of any organic garden. Healthy soil that is replenished naturally will produce healthy food year after year. Organic fertilizers such as manure and debris from the garden, yard and kitchen are easily recycled back to the land, creating nutrient-rich soil that will produce all types of healthy plants.
2. Avoid all chemical or synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. This will not only ensure that your soil remains naturally organic, but it also alleviates the worry of damage to your family and pets if they come in contact with these dangerous chemicals.
3. Sustainable gardening practices allow your garden to become self-sustaining. As nutrients are used by plants, they are replaced by the use of natural fertilizers and compost. Properly made organic gardens rely on natural organic cycles to stay healthy each year.
4. Environmental management – The natural environment benefits from organic gardening practices, as it reduces environmental contamination associated with chemical-dependent agricultural practices.
5. Creation of friendly habitats for beneficial wildlife. There are a wide variety of beneficial animals and insects that will be attracted to your garden. Protecting them from the dangers associated with dangerous chemicals is not only beneficial for them, but also for their gardening efforts, as they eat large amounts of destructive insects, controlling them in a natural way.
6. Use intensive planting practices to conserve water use and help slow the growth of unwanted weeds. Intensive planting is the simple spacing between plants. This helps to protect the soil from the sun, delaying the evaporation and germination of weed seeds.
7. Use the concept of plant biodiversity to ensure that changes in crop conditions or plant diseases do not lead to crop failure. Planting a variety of different plants will ensure that the loss of one plant does not damage the overall food supply for the garden.
8. Crop rotation – the control of pests and diseases transmitted by soil is the main reason for crop rotation each year and during the growing season. Crop rotation can keep any garden healthy and produce abundant crops.
9. Use good irrigation and weeding practices. Capture and store rainwater where possible to water the garden. Use immersion hoses, drip irrigation or water manually to minimize water loss. Handle weeds and avoid the use of harmful pesticides and herbicides. And be sure to add a thick layer of mulch to retain moisture and prevent weeds from sprouting.
10. Save the seeds of your best crops for future use. Imagine being able to create a self-sustaining garden that does not require outside help. From planting in the spring to the autumn harvest, an organic garden is really a part of the natural environment.