There is nothing mysterious or magical about organic gardening. It is simply a way of working with nature, rather than against it. The objective is to recycle organic matter back into the soil, to maintain soil structure, and to encourage natural methods of pest and disease control, rather than relying on chemicals. Make your entertainment center a gathering place free of pesticides and chemicals. Organic gardening is much more than just growing plants without chemical fertilizers and artificial sprays... It is a LIFESTYLE!
The organic gardener has a more constructive approach, based on the awareness that there is a balance in the natural world which allows all species to co-exist without any one gaining dominance. By growing a wide diversity of plants, the organic gardener will attract and build up a miniature ecosystem of pests and predators in their own backyard, so that the balance isn't upset by spraying chemicals.
Our soil is teaming up with millions of microorganisms, which in the course of their lives will release those nutrients required for healthy plant growth from organic matter. So, the organic method is to: Feed the soil with natural materials and allow the plants to draw on the humic reservoir of nutrients when they want them. Plants grown this way will be stronger, and more able to resist attacks by pests and diseases.
Products such as Dr. Earth, Pro-Biotic is built on this sound principle; it works and lasts for years, as it becomes a part of the living soil. As consumers, we need to put back into to the soil what is removed.
The purely chemical gardener uses their soil simply as a means of anchoring plant roots and of holding artificial fertilizers to provide plant nutrients. This approach seems to have good results, in the short term! In the long term, however, it has disastrous consequences. Because when organic matter is not replaced, the soil organisms die out. Without them, the soil structure breaks down; the soil becomes hard and airless.
When a plant is forced to grow with a chemical high in NPK fertilizer, it is weak. As plant cell walls are developing, they do not have enough time to produce two important compounds, cellulose and lignins. These substances give the cell wall its structural integrity. As cells are forced to duplicate and grow quickly, the amount of cellulose and lignin's are decreased, therefore making the plant tissues much softer and appealing for pests to attack. So, eventually, the problem gets worse. Stronger and more poisonous pesticides will be resorted to, and so it goes on. It is a vicious cycle, and once that cycle is started, it is difficult to break. Organic matter will help your plants gain control to deal with those insects naturally, without all those harmful side effects. Contact your local independent nursery to help keep our environment safe, pesticide free, and remember: THINK GREEN!!! Your entertainment center should be a center free of pesticide and harsh chemicals.
Patricia Williams Owner, Sweet Pea's Nursery Master Nursery Professional Certified Think Green!
