What is Organic Gardening?
Organic gardening for the homesteader is an excellent choice for those who want to grow a healthy and sustainable garden. Organic gardening avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which can harm our gut biome. Instead it relies on natural methods to improve soil health and control pests.
Soil Health
One key aspect of organic gardening is soil health. By using compost and other organic amendments, you can enrich your soil and provide essential nutrients to your plants. This not only helps plants grow more robustly but also promotes beneficial microorganisms in the soil, which can improve resistance to disease and pests.
There are many natural fertilizers to boost your garden goods growth and nutrients. To add nitrogen, use grass clippings and/or manure. Manure from cows, horses, chickens and more, give high amounts of nitrogen and other nutrients. Be sure to compost them before using so you don’t burn your plants. Compost from kitchen scraps (eggshells, bananas, coffee grounds) help with moisture retention as well as nutrient density.
Biodiversity
Another benefit of organic gardening is that it promotes biodiversity. By avoiding chemical pesticides, you encourage the presence of beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that keep harmful pests in check. This can help create a more balanced ecosystem in your garden.
Organic is Healthier
When vegetables are grown using organic farming methods, they are not treated with synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides that can be harmful to human health. Pesticides often contain toxic chemicals that can accumulate in the body over time, and even low levels of exposure can have negative effects on our health.
Organic vegetables are also often grown using sustainable farming practices. They are typically fresher and more flavorful than their conventionally grown counterparts. They are usually harvested at peak ripeness, giving them a great taste. Since they are not treated with preservatives, they tend to have a shorter shelf life. This means that they may need to be consumed more quickly, but they are often more nutritious and better tasting than vegetables that have been stored for longer periods of time.
Overall, organic gardening for the homesteader offers many benefits. By supporting sustainable farming practices and avoiding harmful chemicals, you can enjoy fresh, delicious produce that is good for you.
Ashley
I love organic gardening! It is so fun fit my kids and it encourages them to eat raw veggies when they are involved in the process!
thebehhome
So glad to hear you enjoy organic gardening with your kids. I find it like cooking, if you involve the kids in the process they enjoy the meal even more!
Gordon Beh
We have gardened for years and love doing it. It is my peaceful place in a sometimes stressful world.
thebehhome
Love all your organic gardening and food prep skills. We have learned a lot from you and we are so grateful Pop! I agree, it can be therapeutic.