What exactly is Organic - Why is it Better ?
Basically, Organic farming is a way of producing crops without damaging our environment and without the need for synthetic chemicals.
Organic food comes from Organic farms that use traditional agriculture with modern techniques.
Instead of using synthetic, man made pesticides to kill pests and disease, Organic farmers prevent pests by planting a diverse range of crops, by rotating these crops and using environmentally friendly approaches.
Ultimately, this results in no artificial pesticides, herbicides, no hormones and no growth promotents.
Organic Farmers aim to prevent pests and disease by using natural means, instead of a REACTIVE pest and disease management system.
Organically grown and processed food and personal care products are allowed only minimal processing with a limited number of non-agricultural, but natural and traditional ingredients allowed. These processes allow Mother Nature to provide us with food the way it was meant to be.
Why choose Certified Organic ?
Organic Processes are Good for the soil.A modern and scientific understanding of ecology and soil science is required , while also depending on traditional methods of crop rotations to ensure fertility and weed and pest control.
Organic Processes are Good for people
Organic based ingredients have been shown in a number of research studies to possess more vitamins, nutrients and cancer-attacking antioxidants than non-organic ingredients.
Organic Processes promote No GMO's
Certified Organic products are required to be produced without GMOs, which are prohibited in the standards for organic food and farming.
Organic Processes are Good for the environment
Organic systems aim to reduce dependence on non-renewable resources. Organic production aims at all times towards sustainability whilst having best management of the environment and wildlife as a priority.
Organic Processes rely on No synthetic chemicals
Organic systems & processes prohibit the use of artificial chemicals, pesticides and fertilisers.
Organic Processes are Good for the soil.
A modern and scientific understanding of ecology and soil science is required , while also depending on traditional methods of crop rotations to ensure fertility and weed and pest control.
Organic Processes are Good for people
Organic based ingredients have been shown in a number of research studies to possess more vitamins, nutrients and cancer-attacking antioxidants than non-organic ingredients.
Organic Processes promote No GMO's
Certified Organic products are required to be produced without GMOs, which are prohibited in the standards for organic food and farming.
Organic Processes are Good for the environment
Organic systems aim to reduce dependence on non-renewable resources. Organic production aims at all times towards sustainability whilst having best management of the environment and wildlife as a priority.
Organic Processes rely on No synthetic chemicals
Organic systems & processes prohibit the use of artificial chemicals, pesticides and fertilisers.
My Family Has Worms
Vermiculture
We have worms. They wiggle and wriggle right through our system. They eat the waste we produce and we don't even blink an eyelid. You see we want them there. They are good for our environment and our garden is thriving on the rich Organic product they produce.I should explain, that the worms I am talking about are specially bred to eat their own body weight in compost every day. Worm Farming (or Vermiculture as it is known) has been used for decades to reduce our waste and produce super rich organic nutrients for our soil. The fine "castings" produced by these worms are called "Vermicast". The fine, saw dust like, grains can be used as an organic soil conditioner, fertilizer, top soil, potting mixture and a lot more.
Worm farms can be created in just about any old container such as a plastic drum or you can purchase a ready made worm farm from most local hardware stores or organic plant nurseries. The best worms to use are Reds, Blues & Tigers. These are generally considered best due to their rapid breeding rate and for the amount they eat each day.
The next time that you're planning on adding fertilizer to your gardens, trees, lawns, rose bushes or potted plants, why not leave it up to the worms or Worm castings. There is no need to worry too much when it comes to worm castings. They are the richest organic Fertilizer I have used. They even help to control insects and diseases organically. They aid in controlling plant pathogens and root-eating nematodes organically as well. Unlike most chemical fertilizers, natural worm castings won't burn tender young roots.
Organic Options For Fertilising Your Vegetable Garden
Organic Options
I have often been asked what is the best organic fertiliser to add to the soil of a vegetable garden. Its not the sort of question that has an easy answer, but its not a complicated solution either. There is really no exact answer to a "best" product when it comes to organic nutrients.Organic gardening is more about a system of gardening - Crop rotation, mulching, composting, vermicast, and companion planting all form a part of an Organic Gardening System.
The best place to start is to create 2 or 3 compost heaps in your backyard.
Whether you use a Compost Bin, Tumbler, Stack or Compost bays - the end result will still be the same - A nutrient rich soil conditioner and mulch ready to add to your vegetable garden. You should always ensure your compost heap receives sufficient heat in order to destroy seeds that may be present from lawn clippings and weeds.
Suitable ingredients for your compost heap includes - old hay or straw, vegetable scraps, shredded paper, lawn clippings & animal manure. Avoid things like Orange peel, onion skins and meat scraps.
If you live in a unit or have a small backyard, you might have vegetables growing in pots. An ideal way to make compost in these situations is with a small worm farm. The worms create enough compost (called vermicast) to feed your potted vegetables throughout the year. All your household scraps and waste paper can be added to the worm farm.
This is an ideal start for creating an Organic Garden System.
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- Organic Skincare & Nutrition
- Organic food refers to food items that are produced, manufactured and handled using organic means defined by certifying bodies such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) under its Organic Food Products Act.
- Organic Truths
- Scientific evidence or not, if we go back thousands of years when man was still trying to understand his own place on earth, Nature took care of everything.
There were no synthetic chemicals, fertilizers or any of the thousands of chemicals known to man today. The World existed within its own massive permacultured environment. - Everything Organic
- It is a medically recognised fact that our body absorbs significant amounts of what we put on our skin. With Certified Organic food rapidly becoming the nutrition of choice by the health conscious amongst us, why would you accept any less for your skin? More and more men and women looking for organic skincare alternatives.
- Lifestyle Organics
- Organic food is now a widely accepted lifestyle choice and the trend toward organic skincare is growing. Every day, more people are increasingly moving towards organic skincare products in addition to food. What we put on our body is just as important as what we put into it.
- Lifestyle Advantage
- Australian Company, ONE Group (Organic and Natural Enterprise Group), has created the world's first extensive certified organic product range of skincare, haircare, bodycare, healthcare and cosmetic products. The range is independently tested by official international agencies to meet the highest International organic food standards.
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Organic Ingredients
Natural Manures
Animal manures are at the top of the list for adding nutrient to the soil in an Organic Garden. Manures are typically from Cattle, Horse and Sheep. Sheep manures are popular due to the small pelletised form but they tend to be lacking in nutrients when compared to Cattle manure. Chicken manure is also popular but should be well aged before adding to garden beds. Chicken manure, when fresh is high in Nitrogen and tends to burn young plants.Chicken Manure is an ideal additive to a compost heap. The high nitrogen content aids in the decomposition of the material and can lead to quicker compost being formed. It should be scattered periodically on compost in thin layers to avoid a thick "glug" of chicken manure in the middle of the compost heap. Fresh chicken manure may be applied to a lawn with a thick Flatweed growth. Flat weeds do not respond well to high nitrogenous fertilisers and will wilt. Most grasses will thrive on high nitrogen products.
Organic Manures can be bought from most garden centres and can also be collected direct from chicken farms, Cattle farms and the like. Some companies also produce pelletised forms of manures, which are suitable for many applications. If you don't mind the idea of collecting your own, contact farms in your area and ask them if they would mind you collecting a bag or 2 direct from the paddock. Most, if not all will be pleased to have you collect it.
Plants which respond well to manures in the garden include:
Tomatoes, Capsicum, Pumpkin & Zucchini Roses, Annual beds, Perennials and most flowering plants
Manures are not recommended for indoor plants due to typical smell that comes with all manure.
When applying to Leafy Vegetable plants - Lettuce, Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower it is best to mix the manure with water and apply with a watering can directly to the base of the plant. Especially if it is being added near plants that are ready to be harvested.
It is best to get your manure from farmers who use Organic Agricultural practices. If this is not possible and you are adding your manure to Vermiculture systems (Worm Farms) be sure the cattle have not been given any form of "worm prevention medication" at least a month prior to feeding the vermiculture system. If this is not possible, age the manure at least a month first.
Pea Straw
Pea Straw is the by-product from growing peas. Peas grow on vines which, when dry, create an excellent addition to all aspects of Organic Gardening. Ideally, Pea straw should be sought from farmers using organic gardening practices. Peas are from the Leguminaceae family. Legumes (as they are called) have small nodules on the root system which are high in Nitrogen.Pea Straw can be added to vegetable and flower garden beds as an alternative mulch.
Adding pea straw to your compost heap will help with aeration. It will also aid in adding nitrogen to the compost heap.
Pea Straw is great for Roses. Try shredding some pea straw and manure (cattle or horse) using a leaf shredder (these can be hired from most garden machinery stores). Add this around your roses in late winter and late summer.
During winter, put a thick layer of Pea Straw over your vegetable garden to limit weed growth and help towards next season organic matter. If you live in an area with heavy snow, put the pea straw down extra thick (about 2 or 3 feet) at least a month before the snow is due to fall.
Shred some pea straw and soak in a large drum or bucket for 2 or 3 days. Use the "Tea" to water your indoor plants and outdoor plants. Add the wet pea straw to your compost heap.
Pea Straw around Tomatoes, Potatoes, Capsicum, Lettuce, Brassicas and other Root & Leaf Vegetables and Fruit will help limit weed growth and will add much needed organic matter to the soil.
Pea Straw is one of the best ingredients an Organic Gardener can use for maintaining strong health plants. It can be used in a variety of ways around your home Garden. Contact your local nursery or garden centre to find out where you can get it near you.
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Organic Pest Control
Naturally Speaking
Pest control on farms and in home gardens used to be Organic. There wereb etter methods for pest control when we began spreading pesticides over our crops. This method of pest control was supposed to save us time, save our crops, and help produce more food, but as luck would have it this method is known to be dangerous. The pesticides can be toxic to more than just the bugs. They can harm people and our planet. It should come as no surprise to most people that Organic garden pest control has been around for centuries. In fact the first crops ever placed on a farm had organic pest control.Some methods of organic garden pest control on the small or large scale include introducing bugs that eat bugs. The ladybug is one good bug to have around your home garden or farm. The ladybug preys on aphids and other insects while it does no damage to the crops. The praying mantis is another insect that feeds on other insects large or small that can damage crops.
Damaging bugs can be grasshoppers or whiteflies. There are bugs that will eat the eggs of pests and parasites that will kill the pests. These methods are natural and non toxic. While you have to monitor the introduction of these natural pest control methods you will find there are great benefits to using the Organic garden pest control methods.
Safety
First of all your children and family will be safe from toxic pesticides. Second the planet will no longer be affected by the toxicity of the pesticides and will be able to produce better quality products. Even if you have a home garden that you use organic garden pest control on you will realize how wonderful your vegetables or fruits taste when they are not pumped full of toxins.
Organic garden pest control can be done on a large farm that feeds the masses or your own backyard. It may be a little more time consuming than spraying pesticides, but the safety factor as well as the increase of health in foods you eat will more than make up for the time spent in protecting your garden.
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Organic Lawn Care
Environmental Alternatives
Lawns, like gardens, require regular upkeep to maintain health and vigour. High nitrogen based synthetic fertilizers are commonly used to maintain strong growth and eliminate flatweed growth. Organic alternatives to these synthetic fertilizers include aged chicken manure and some commercially produced products such as Dynamic Lifter (Pelletised chicken manure).Organic Fertilizers should be added in Early Autumn
When adding high nitrogen based organic fertilizers it is recommended to wait until after a heavy rain, spread while ground is wet and water in heavily to avoid burning the grass.
Coring and dethatching is also recommended prior to adding any organic fertilizer. This will allow nutrients to enter the soil more readily and allows air to circulate.
Lawns require ample water supply of water during summer months. This maintains the growth & health of the lawn and also prevents soil compaction and cracking.
Water restrictions have limited the amount of water we can apply to our lawns in many parts of the world. One option is to use a low phosphate detergent when washing your clothes and redirect this waste "grey water" over the lawn.
Grey water can be stored in a tank or directed strait onto the lawn.
When using organic lawn care practices:
- Raise the height of your mowers blades.
- Be prepared to have a few flat weeds or remove them by hand if required
- Occasionally leave your clippings on the lawn (Don't use a catcher) I don't recommend using this method ALL the time as it can cause heavy matting and slow water filtration through the soil.
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Thanks for leaving your thoughts...
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Yvonnesantra
The lens is good and I totally agree with you as the organic content is always good for the soil and it also increases the fertility of the soil.Thanks for the info. Posted September 08, 2008 |
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richgerman
i give 5 stars to this lens i love it! keep on posting! good luck! Posted June 16, 2008 |
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frances
Really nice overview. Well done! Posted June 10, 2008 |
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KimGiancaterino
Lots of good tips here. I'm growing an organic vegetable garden this summer. Our regular gardens are powered by llama manure that we get from friends! I wish more people followed these guidelines. Posted May 28, 2008 |
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grassosalvato86
What a good way of producing crops. I like this lens. 5 stars! Posted May 27, 2008 |
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