What is organic anyway?

Organic foods are basically foods that are grown without any chemicals or pesticides added, and that are grown only with substances found in nature. Public interest in organic food has grown in recent years, going from the shelves at GNC to the shelves of many public supermarkets — and now, to your garden.

Why grow organic?

The interest in buying organic food has increased for health reasons - those eating organic don't need to worry about pesticide buildup or odd additives in their food that could cause health problems. So, your health, and the health of your family are an important reason to eat organic.

You also get exposed to pesticides when you spray your plants, which one reason why many people garden using organics, even for plants that won't be eaten.

Now that we've covered pesticides, what about fertilizers, soil amendments, and so forth? Critics of organic gardening have rightly noted that a plant doesn't much care where its minerals come from, as long as it get them (potassium is potassium). However, when you use organic fertilizers and amendments, you aren't just feeding your plants - you are also feeding your soil. As your soil becomes healthier, so do your plants. Healthier soil will attract beneficial organisms that will help keep your soil, and your plants, healthy.

Interested in your own organic garden? Here are a few basics to get you started (we'll go into details in subsequent newsletters):

• For eventual use as fertilizer and mulch, make your own compost pile for recycling dead plant material, including that from your kitchen.
• Use natural fertilizers instead of ones made of manufactured chemicals. These fertilizers add beneficial microorganisms as well as the nutrients your plants need.
• Instead of using chemicals to defend your plants, use other gardening techniques to prevent your plant from getting diseases or pests. Ask us for organic tips to keep your plants growing healthy.
• Instead of using weed killer, use a weed-pulling tool to pull the weeds. Use thick organic mulch to help keep weeds down.

We have an extensive line of organic products to help you. Come and see us!