From the ArcaMax Publishing, Features Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/features/s-323199-107447
Think of the earlier days when chemical fertilizers and harmful
pesticides were not invented and people used to grow cereals and
pulses, fruits and vegetables, flowers and seedlings using fertilizers
from natural waste products. They were dependant on home made
pesticides instead of chemical pest removers. The produces looked
better, tasted better and were absolutely harmless.
Well, people have come to appreciate today the practice the earlier
generation accomplished so well and regenerate the system for their
own benefit. In short, the method involves no inorganic substances to
be used in planting, nutrition or growth of plants and trees.
Fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and supplements are all obtained
only from nature. When this technique is applied to gardening, it is
called Organic Gardening that is gaining popularity pretty fast and
the produces thus obtained are termed Organic Food.
Though Organic Food is also available at most supermarkets, people
prefer to grow them on their own for the extra satisfaction that no
adulteration has taken place and the produces are genuinely ‘home
grown'.
The organic movement has gained momentum and has now become a national
hobby that is as interesting as it is productive. However, pests are
pests and they are merciless when attacking plants and herbs in an
organic garden. But there are ways to get rid of them in a natural
way. One simple method is to plant marigolds near the vegetable patch;
another is to make a concoction of cooking oil, dish washing soap and
water and spray the mixture to remove the pests.
Nor is the subject of natural fertilizers ignored. Merely using
kitchen and garden waste materials that may contain potato and other
vegetable peelings with a touch of rose prunings to improve the
texture has solved the mysterious way of compost making. Coffee
grounds add an agreeable smell to the blend. This also does away about
disposing all that waste products. But make sure that everything is
dry.
If you are interested to know how the organic garden lovers insulate
and enrich the soil, I may till you now. It is a simple matter
composed of pine needles and grass clippings gently spread over the
ground right under the plant. Ingenious, isn't it?
By the way, parents of young children are worried about the chemicals
that usually find their way in our food production and sometimes these
chemicals get into the waterways, causing unknown damages to the human
system. However, organic gardens are free from such hazardous
chemicals and your kids and the dog, already a family member, can play
there safely since it is a natural chemical free zone.
People indulge in organic gardening not only to obtain the product but
also for their own mental satisfaction. Any creative work, big or
small, always has its reward. Lovers of organic gardening derive
immense pleasure in planting, pruning, enriching and taking care of
their garden. And this taking care also becomes a part of the entire
family as others are encouraged to take active part in the organic
garden. They learn that it is important to identify with nature to
survive and flourish.
For more information about Organic Gardening and other outdoor
activites visit our website at Outdoor
Activities.