Growing Organic Food

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Growing Organic Food

Many people have the desire to begin growing organic food at one’s own abode. The crops yielded are not only fresh. But they are also devoid of harmful chemicals from commercial fertilizers and pesticides.

These chemicals can seep through the roots that when absorbed, alter the way fruits and crops are produced, thereby giving harm to people. In addition, the said chemicals survived the process and are actually taken into the human digestive system.

Growing organic food means using natural means of providing the basic needs of the plants, whether herbs, fruits or vegetables. Instead of the fertilizers promoted in the market, organic fertilizers are used. Rather than using the pesticides which can also harm the human respiratory system, companion planting is employed.

Organic gardens can be cultivated from the ground like do all traditional gardens. They can also be grown on containers such as boxes and pots or planted on raised beds.

Regardless, they all need soil, water, sunlight, and fertilizers.Some examples of organic fertilizers are compost, manure, alfalfa meal, Epsom salts, and earthworm castings.

Compost or humus is the byproduct of composting, a natural process of converting organic matter such as kitchen and yard wastes into soil-like substances rich in nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium.

Manure is actually decayed wastes from animals such as those of horses and cows. After undergoing a process, these too are abundant in nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium.

Alfalfa meal is derived from leguminous alfalfa plant known for its ability to send deep taproots into the soil for improved soil conditioning and aeration. Besides that, the alfalfa contains the 3% of nitrogen, 1% of phosphorous, and 2% of potassium.

Known as a natural mineral, the Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate, which is prized for many benefits including health, aesthetics and as an organic fertilizer. It can strengthen the cell wall of the plants, and thus, enhance the plant’s capacity to absorb nutrients from the soil.The earthworm castings are manure from earthworms, which are cultured and bred for vermin-composting.

In getting rid of pests, organic growers employ the method of companion planting. Its concept is to choose particular plants, particularly herbs, for their distinct ability in helping other surrounding plants to survive, and thus, helps in creating a balanced ecosystem.

For example, when there are cabbages grown in the garden, the gardener may also plant oregano to ward off the white butterflies that pester on cabbages.

The strong odor of peppermint can repel ants and white cabbage moth.Growing organic food also helps the environment as well as harmful chemicals are not used anymore.

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