Grow Your Own Organic Food ~ Or Pick Your Own

Most organic gardeners use organic methods for two reasons: to do their part in saving the earth, and to avoid harmful additives in the foods they consume. Very often organic gardening is thought of as a hobby practiced in backyards. The fact is that organic gardening has become very popular over the past several years and many people practice some form of organic gardening without even realizing it. The practice of growing fruits and vegetables using only natural methods is known as organic gardening. No artificial chemicals are used for pest control, fertilizing, or weed control.

Avoiding harmful chemicals on the foods your family consumes is reason enough to practice organic gardening.  There is no harm done to the environment and you will feel as if you are doing your part to protect our planet.  You will also save money, as natural methods of gardening cost less than purchasing chemicals and fertilizer.

Organic gardening includes many factors.  The use of compost in place of mulch and fertilizer is a basic concept in organic gardening.  Only plant matter is used for mulching and manure is used in place of chemical fertilizers.  Learning the proper techniques needed to avoid disease and grow healthy plants is another important part of organic gardening.

Pulling weeds by hand is more beneficial than killing them with weed killers and you will do no harm to the environment.  An organic gardener is willing to sacrifice a small portion of his or her harvest to the bugs in order to provide their families with natural foods free of chemicals.  Organic gardening is also a great way to recycle and conserve.  Composted kitchen scraps and weeds reduce the amount of waste that is deposited in landfills and sewers.

Think YOU can't grow your own food? Sure you can. Follow these easy steps.

1. Pick some organic seeds in a few varieties that you like and that grow well in your area.
   
2. Start them indoors by using a leftover cardboard egg crate from your organic eggs. Fill the egg compartments will organic soil (if you don't have any then you can get it from major home improvement stores). Once your seedlings have a good start, transplant them outside to a small bed or put them in containers.
   
3. Try one or two plants to start with and work your way up from there. Once you eat one of your own fruits or veggies you will be hooked.

Pick Your Own - Many farms allow you to visit and pick your own produce. The price is usually much cheaper since you are eliminating the middle man and buying direct from the farmer.