Why it Pays to Grow Organic
Organic gardening has become much more popular in recent years. You may wonder, what is so wrong with conventional practices? Does it really matter if I use chemicals in my garden?
If you’re looking to make your garden as vibrant and healthy as possible, going organic is the way to go.
Organic gardening has many advantages compared to a conventional approach - benefits that help your plants thrive, positively impact the planet, and boost your health.
Avoid Harmful Chemicals
Conventional gardening often involves the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. These leave toxic chemical residues which run off into waterways and seep into the soil. This severely damages delicate ecosystems.
They contribute to biodiversity loss and harm essential pollinators too.
Even worse, they pose health risks such as respiratory illness and cancer for gardeners exposed to them. By gardening organically, you avoid introducing these toxic chemicals into the environment or your body.
Related Article: A Sustainable Approach to Pest Control
Enrich Your Soil
All plants depend on healthy, nutrient-balanced soil to grow strong. But many conventional quick fix fertilizers only provide a surface boost, while degrading soil over time.
Worm castings make a great organic soil amendment.
The organic approach instead focuses on continuously feeding the soil with slow-release, gentle amendments that don’t burn roots or leave damaging salt deposits.
By composting on site and supplementing with organic matter like aged manure, alfalfa meal, and green mulch, your soil becomes rich in beneficial microorganisms and worms that help break down nutrients into plant-accessible forms.
Related Article: A Comprehensive Guide to Diverse Composting Approaches
Grow More Nutritious Food
Rainbow Swiss Chard
Not only does organic gardening produce noticeably more flavorful harvests; multiple studies confirm those fruits and veggies also pack much higher nutritional values.
Organic produce provides abundant vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for better health. For example, organic kale contains 50% more iron, vitamin C and phytonutrients compared to the conventionally grown version.
When you remove synthetic chemicals from the equation, the plants redirect the energy they would have used to cope with or process these chemicals towards creating more complete, nourishing produce instead.
Attract Beneficial Wildlife
Swallowtail Butterfly on Butterfly Bush
A healthy organic garden contributes to a vibrant ecosystem filled with life. The lack of toxic pesticides allows pollinators to safely feed and reproduce.
Birds flock to the insect and seed banquet you provide.
A diverse environment is more stable and resilient against pests and extreme weather. By gently promoting balance rather than attempting to sterilize your plot, an organic approach leads to less work and healthier gardens.
Related Article: A Look into Sustainable Gardening Practices
Lower Your Costs Over Time
Though going fully organic initially requires more work, the long-term payoff is substantial.
Your nutrient and microbe-rich soil will grow stronger each season, resisting diseases and pests on its own. This reduces maintenance.
Save money by not having to replace damaged plants or buying high priced chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
A thriving biodiversity translates to free pest control from birds and beneficial insects too.
Related Article: Is Gardening Expensive? Thrifty Tips for Green Thumbs
As you can see, practicing organic gardening leads to tremendous all around benefits for your plants, the planet, the wildlife in your yard, and you and your family. Making the switch is easier on the body, budget and environment over the long haul, so it really pays to grow organic in every sense. Happy gardening!
