Organic gardening, or organic horticulture as it is oftentimes referred to, is the growing of flowers, fruits, ornamental plants, or vegetables using organic methods for pest management and soil building. The USDA regulations state that those who are involved in organic agriculture are prohibited from using genetically modified organisms (GMOs), irradiation, or sewage sludge, in organic production.
The important aspects of organic gardening (or the philosophies) are the following:
- The use of chemical or synthetic fertilizers and pesticides is prohibited.
- A systematic approach to organic gardening is required which means that a system needs to be implemented. This system will describe the methodologies about production, reaping, and sowing of plants.
- Records will be required that track the movement of the product until it is sold.
- Buffer zones need to be established so that there is no chance for contamination from adjacent farms that use the conventional growing methods.
People involved in organic growing realize that there is an interdependency that exists between crops, insects, pests, and soil. Organic gardening helps to care and nurture the soil that the crops are grown in, therefore providing the benefits that we get from organically grown fruits and vegetables, as well as flowers and other plants.
Being classified as organically grown products also means that they are minimally processed so they retain their inherent freshness and their nutritional value. At no time in the growing or processing stages are the products exposed to any chemicals or pesticides. Therefore, when the organically grown fruits and vegetables are consumed, there are no residues to harm those who consume the foodstuffs.
Consuming fruits and vegetables that are organically grown means that we are eating and living healthier. It also means that this needs to be passed on to our children so they benefit from it as well.
