Showing posts with label Organic food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Organic food. Show all posts
Organic Gardening Benefits Our Health & The Planet
Did you know that interest in gardening is increasing at a rapid rate? The increase is due to the under 35 set who is said to have a greater interest in the environment and going green. The primary field of gardening interest of Generation Y is organic gardening.
There has been a lot written about organic gardening in the mainstream media and it has become a very popular topic with many people around the world, not just youth. With so many more health and environmentally conscious people around today, organic gardening has become quite popular. With its explosive growth in the past decade, organic gardening has gained acceptance in mainstream society. No longer the realm of hippies and health fanatics, organic produce is now consumed by the general public and readily available in large chain grocery stores.
Organic produce has become a featured item at many large-chain grocery stores so it is no wonder people want to know more about organic gardening. Some would even grow their own organic produce if they only knew how or had the time or had the space for it.
But do we really know what organic gardening is.
My definition might differ from yours, but to me, organic gardening means raising vegetables, flowers and plants without harmful artificial chemical herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers. I don't think it is possible to be one hundred percent organic and I certainly don't think the average hobby gardener should worry about meeting whatever the commercial gardening standards are in their particular area. But I do truly believe that people can enjoy a healthier life by including more organic gardening in their lives and more organic produce on their tables.
So how do we go about creating an organic gardening project that will actually result in healthy harvests of pure healthy foods? How do we nurture a sick planet back to health and assure a brighter future for ourselves and for future generations to come? Well, one way is to stop using so many chemical poisons in general and in our food in particular. It has been said that our food can contain up to 450 different added unnecessary and even dangerous chemicals.
By simply removing artificial chemicals from the gardening equation, we can improve our health. We can be successful at organic gardening without the use of chemicals through building the soil and mimicking nature's ways to do the rest. This doesn't mean that we don't adapt them, but in general, if we follow nature's lead and use the wisdom that the environment has accumulated over the course of Earth's history, we can be very successful in our organic gardening efforts.
Nature is diverse and resilient. It will always fight back to reclaim its rightful place in our ecosystem. Our agriculture will be so much more robust with organic gardening. Poly-culture and lack of pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers make organic gardening the only sane choice for our own health and the health of the planet. Try organic gardening today.
Organic Gardening Articles: http://www.organicgardenarticles.com/
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Easy Vegetable Gardening
Gardening DVD on turning your backyard into a your own organic produce department, step-by-step from soil prep, planting, pest control, harvesting and storage of your bounty
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Organic Gardening Tips for Flowers and Herbs
A good homemade pest deterrent to use in organic gardening is:
In a jar, combine 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid and 1 cup vegetable oil. Shake vigorously. In an empty spray bottle, combine 2 teaspoons of this mixture and 1 cup water. Use at ten-day intervals (or more often if needed) to rid plants of whiteflies, mites, aphids, scales, and other pests.
Following a few organic gardening tips, you will produce fruits, vegetables and herbs that are healthy, taste wonderful, are less expensive than buying produce at the grocery store and give you the peace of mind knowing exactly how they were grown and what was used on them. Aphids are annoying little insects that often cause a lot of damage in your garden. If you plant marigolds near your vegetable garden, the aphids will quit bothering your plants. If you already have an aphid problem, spray the infected plants with diluted soapy water and then spray them again with clear water. Organic gardening tips you should try are; instead of buying compost for your garden, which could contain chemicals, make your own while you cut down on garbage at the same time. Using your garden and kitchen waste is an excellent and very easy way to make your own compost. In your compost pile use peelings from carrots, potatoes and other vegetables, dead weeds, coffee grounds, egg shells and even the pruning from roses and other plants. The different textures help break down the compost quickly. Compost improves the soil texture, structure and aeration while enriching the soil, which stimulates root development. When choosing plants for your organic garden, make sure you choose ones that are well adapted for your area.
Here are a couple of great organic gardening tips that not only help keep your garden free of weeds but also keep the soil from drying out too quickly. Grass clippings and pine needles mixed or old newspapers make very good mulch, which keeps your garden weed free and the soil moist. Organic gardening tips help you grow healthy organic fruits and vegetable that you, your family and friends will love.
Most important of all, is to enjoy your organic garden and the fruits of your labor. Not only will you have the satisfaction of growing vegetables and herbs organically but you it will also inspire you in your culinary tasks.
Here's to a great organic garden and fabulous, healthy meals.
Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.
This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/organic-gardening-tips-for-flowers-and-herbs-114630.html
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Organic Gardening: Frequently Asked Questions
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Why should I consider organic gardening?
Organic gardening is for the individual that would like to control food quality. You should consider it if you are concerned about high food prices, low quality of commercially grown food, and if it is at all even healthy for you.
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How hard is it to do?
Organic gardening is very simple. With the proper instructions and guidance, you will soon learn that it almost takes care of itself. Preparations are simple and will last for seasons with minimal care.
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How much space is needed?
All you need is enough space for a pot and a plant to get started. Expand as you go. You will be amazed at the amount you can grow in very limited space with potted vegetables.
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What should I grow and when?
You decide what you would like to grow and eat 1st. this will dictate the when. There are guidebooks available that contain planting and harvest times dealing with all organic situations of growing, whether in an apartment or in your yard.
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Can I sell if I over-produce?
Selling organic vegetables by road side stands and farmers markets may require you to look into the local ordinances. Most communities are favorable as those who have been engaged in organic gardening have gone before to make a way for proper selling out of the gardens.
Questions concerning the how to’s of organic gardening will find the information abundant on the internet. To learn more about organic gardening, please visit us at: http://organicfoodgardens.blogspot.com/
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7 Organic Gardening Benefits
The one thing I always get asked about Organic Gardening is, what's the difference between Organic Gardening and Regular Gardening?
Organic Gardening is growing Fruits, Vegetables and Flowers without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
So what are the benefits?
1. No pesticide, herbicide, fungicide residues on food.
As I said earlier organic gardening does not use chemical fertilizers or pesticides. This leads to foods that are much healthier.
Although we are told that when used according to the manufactures suggested directions chemical fertilizers and pesticides are safe. It has been proven that these chemicals can cause cancer and other diseases.
2. Less chlorine chemistry into our environment.
When chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used it is also a hazard to our environment. These chemicals run off and get into our drinking water.
This is also transferred into the animals that we eat and so it is always much better to buy organic meats also.
3. No synthetic fertilizer residuals built into plants
Organic Fruits and Vegetables do not have synthetic fertilizers instead organic farmers use compost and other trace minerals in there soils.
These trace minerals are then transferred into the fruits and vegetables making them healthier for your body.
It has been reported that non-organic produce can contain enough poison chemicals to be dangerous for small children.
4. No genetically engineered organisms or varieties.
Organic gardening is 100% natural no organisms or varieties are added to the soil.
5. Intense, realistic flavors.
Organic fruits and Vegetables simply taste better. They are juicer, colorful and again healthier. Usually traditionally grown fruits and vegetables are dry and flavorless because they lack the trace minerals that are added to the soils in organic gardens. Many times dyes and food colorings are
added to make these vegetables look better.
6. Higher vitamin content
7. Higher mineral content and greater mineral variety.
Because the soil in an organic garden has a greater variety of living organisms and trace minerals the foods are naturally higher in vitamins and minerals.
I just revealed to you all this great information about
Organic Gardening. Go ahead and apply my tips, Start your
own organic garden today, it’s for your personal success.
Glen Barnhardt is the worlds #1 organic gardening consultant. Get FREE insider access to his opt-in list, private blog and members only forum to learn how to grow your own organic garden.
http://www.BestOrganicGardeningSecrets.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Glen_Barnhardt
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Information You Should Know About Organic Vegetable Gardening
The concept of organic vegetable farming is not new given that ancient civilizations have been doing it for years. We somehow forgot that thinking that modern science could help us produce better crops.
But if we go back to the basics, we realize that the resources need to make this work is right before our eyes.
First is the soil. Although 2/3 of the Earth is made up of water, the remainder is what we use for infrastructure while a certain percentage of that is devoted to agriculture.
The second thing you need is water. The ancients used an efficient irrigation system so that water from the rivers would go to the land they planted on. These days, we have the technology to divert water to these areas using pipes. When it has not rained for a long time, we are able to make artificial rain.
Third is sunlight. We may not control its movement but if we are able to plant our crops in an area that has sufficient exposure to the sun, whatever we plant will grow.
But between the period of putting the seeds in the ground and before these are harvested, farmers have to be on their guard. The crops are threatened by insects. This is why people are advised to use other insects, birds and toads.
Organically made fertilizers also come to play here and some examples of them include the application of compost, manure and cover cropping.
The soil where the vegetables were grown and harvested may not be ready to plant the same crops so maintain its fertility, farmers are also encouraged to rotate their crops.
To make sure that farmers who practice organic vegetable gardening are doing it right, the Department of Agriculture together with the International Federation of Organic Agriculture or IFOAM that has been in operation since 1972 sees to it that certain standards are in place.
Some people will argue that organic farming is not able to produce the same amount of yields as compared to those who use fertilizers and pesticides. This is true however, in times of drought, these crops are still able to survive because there is still enough water underground. This means farmers will still be able to harvest and there is a steady supply of goods in the market.
It is expected that the demand for organic vegetables will grow in the future. This is as more people become of food safety issues and how this affects the environment.
You can do your share by trying organic vegetable gardening in your backyard. The things you need are very affordable. You just need to practice what farmers do in the fields.
In fact, such information can now be found in books and online so do some research and put this into practice. It is fun and rewarding to see that what you worked on for weeks is now being served on your dinner table.
Back then, you have to remember that there were only a few skilled jobs and one of them was being a farmer.
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Organic Vegetable Gardening Supplies
These supplies consist of different things. Soil is perhaps the most important given that this is where you will plant your vegetables. Before you prepare the land or put in the seeds, you have to check its condition.
Since you are not sure about its pH level, you should get some compost first and put it there as it neutralizes it if this is too high as well as provide a range of nutrients to prepare the soil for cultivation.
Some people don’t buy compost but make it themselves. For that, you can use weeds, dead leaves, vegetable and meat waste products and manure. This is because they are biodegradable and at the same time, cuts down the amount of garbage that is dumped in landfills.
When the soil is ready, you will then get the seeds. Before you throw them in, make sure that they will be able to survive your existing environment. For that, you should do some research online or talk to the sales clerk at the store before you buy them.
If you don’t want to buy seeds, you can also buy vegetables that are already growing. When you select them, be sure to check the leaves so you avoid getting those that are already discolored or wilted.
Pests are the biggest threats among farmers and gardeners. For that, you can use other insects, birds, ladybugs, praying mantis’ and the toad. Another is the use of horticultural oils that break down quickly and pose little toxicity to humans or pets.
Weeds are another problem. For that, you will have to put on your gardening gloves, get on your knees and start pulling them from the ground. It is also possible to spray the area with horticultural vinegar or corn meal gluten granules that prevents weeds from germinating and releases nitrogen into the soil. Keep in mind that this should be applied during early spring or fall when most weeds come out.
Another non-toxic chemical you can use to combat weeds are fish or seaweed based liquid based fertilizers. These also release nitrogen, phosphate and potash that is good for your crops.
For people who don’t have a backyard, you can still do organic farming by buying pots. Ideally, you should use those made out of clay, plastic or wood. You just have to water them often since they need more water being in here than out in the garden.
Having all the organic gardening supplies ready will make it easy for you to plant your crops and harvest them so you are ready to rotate this with another variant. If there is more than 1 gardening store where you live, perhaps you should compare their prices first before buying them.
Should there be some items that are not available, try looking for them online because you can probably get a few good deals here as well as some tips and advice.
There is truly no other way to garden other than organic vegetable gardening that saves you both money and makes sure what you eat is chemical free. So go ahead and experience the difference.
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The Benefits of Eating Organically Grown Vegetables
Why should you buy organic food products? Simply because majority of these items have been genetically modified. Farmers have used various techniques, chemicals and fertilizers to make them bigger even if they know that this is dangerous to your health.
No magic or anything fancy is used to make organically grown crops. You only need fertile soil, sunlight, water and some compost to make it work.
A recent study shows that following this simple plan helps vegetables have 50% more vitamins and minerals than those made from conventional methods. If you eat them regularly, you are able to have a healthier life.
You will probably feel like you will live longer too as organically grown vegetables tastes much better. This is because although fertilizers and pesticides have their advantages, they remove essential vitamins and nutrients so you are not getting the required daily allowance that your body needs. In short, you may think you are but in reality, this isn’t what’s happening.
Another benefit of eating organic vegetables and food is that you help the environment. This happens because farmers will no longer use harmful chemicals and put these into the ground.
The land which they have worked on can be planted by the next generation because the land that has been cultivated for so long is still fertile.
When you go to the supermarket, one thing you will notice is that the price of organically grown vegetables and other items are much more expensive than those conventionally grown.
Should you always buy something if it is cheaper? In the case of food, the answer is no because you can’t put a price on the lives of those who eat it.
Surely, you also don’t want to wait until someone you know gets sick so think about the future and go organic.
Eventually, the price of organic items will go down when more farmers decide to sell these in supermarkets. It is only because there is a small section of this available now in the store but when it becomes an industry standard, things will change.
Until that happens, you can probably plant and grow these in your backyard. You just need the supplies especially the seeds or the fully grown plant to help you get started.
Don’t forget to do some research first so you know how to take care of them. After all, sprinkling water every morning is just one of the many things you have to do to help these grow.
Perhaps one of the biggest challenges in organic food is that the US imports a lot of vegetables from countries that are not yet practicing this back to the basics method.
But with a little help and encouragement, they too will come around so everyone not only here but in other countries as well will be able to enjoy the benefits of organically grown vegetables and fruits.
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Why Should Farmers Practice Organic Vegetable Gardening
First, organic vegetable gardening does not use any fertilizers or pesticides. The ingredients used in making these products are harmful to humans and though they have been washed, people are still at risk of absorbing them when they are eaten.
A study shows that organically grown vegetables have 50% more nutrients and vitamins. This means that you are lesser at risk of developing certain health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer.
Also, organically grown vegetables taste much better because it is not tainted with antibiotics. Think of it like powdered juice versus the kind that is naturally squeezed. The first one is mixed with a lot of artificial ingredients while the other is straight from the source.
It should be pointed out that fertilizers and pesticides makes the soil unfertile. If this happens, we don’t get the right number of vitamins and nutrients from the vegetables we consume.
If this is true, why did people use fertilizers and chemicals? Because back then, the use of such methods was thought to help increase food production but studies later on have showed there was a flaw which is why this is being corrected.
You can easily spot organically grown vegetables and other food items in the grocery as they are placed in a separate area. You will notice that compared to other products, they cost a bit more but don’t you think it is better to buy such products that are healthier?
Organic farming is not only practiced for vegetables. This is also being done for fruits and animal livestock as well as research has showed that milk from organic cows contain more anti-oxidants, CLA, Omega 3 and vitamins compared to those that use hormones, antibiotics and the remains of other animals.
Given that, people should pressure their government representatives and even those who have not yet shifted towards organic farming to do so immediately.
The government for its part has done their part by offering incentives and subsidies to farmers in exchange for no longer using genetic engineering, irradiation and sewage sludge.
This changes how the game is played because the goal here is sustainable development and the only way to make sure the soil used is always fertile is through crop rotation. This means planting one variant this season and changing it with another in the next and so forth.
It isn’t hard to implement. Farmers just need the willpower to open their minds and make the change.
You can also get into organic vegetable farming yourself by doing this in your own backyard. You just need to buy the supplies, prepare the land, protect it from insects and other threats so you will be able to harvest it in the next few weeks.
Whenever you buy organically grown vegetables, don’t forget to wash them before it is cooked. Although it is chemical free, you don’t know what kind of compost was used to help it grow.
You hit two birds with one stone when farmers and you decide to go into organic vegetable farming. It keeps both the people and the environment healthy.
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