The term has been around for long enough now that it's in the dictionaries and encyclopedias and we see the expensive foods labeled organic in the produce sections of the supermarkets, but what exactly is it? The Rodale family, beginning with J. I., the patriarch, born in 1898 in New York and died in 1971 while being interviewed on the Dick Cavett Show, have been leaders in this movement in America. It also has leading lights in other countries. J. I.'s son, Robert, took up the reigns after his father's death. Born in 1930, Bob also died in a rather spectacular way: he was killed on the streets of Moscow in 1990 on a trip to visit some sustainable agriculture project established in Russia by the Rodale Institute. His family now manages the establishments created by him and his father to promote sustainable agriculture. According to the Organic Gardening Magazine (www.organicgardening.com), these are the tenets of organic gardening:
Gardening Organically
No synthetic fertilizers or pesticides are used on the plants. The organic gardener works to create a “sustainable and balanced ecosystem” in the garden. It begins in the soil and includes the water supply, people, wildlife, and even insects.
The soil. This is the defining work of the organic gardener. Organic matter is added to the soil to nourish earthworms and other creatures in the soil that break it down into the nutrients that plants need. Rodale recommends compost as the most useful and sensible way to do this.
Testing. You need to know your own soil, and a good way to start is by having the pH tested. There are many amendments such as bonemeal that can be added to make your own soil healthy for your plants.
Planting. The organic gardener plants strategically. “Plants adapted to your climate and conditions are better able to grow without a lot of attention or input,” says the magazine.
Choosing a site for your garden. When choosing the spot in your yard for your garden, note where there is direct sun, where there is shade, and where there is a mixture. Also, which spots are damp and which are dry. “When you select plants that thrive in your conditions, you have to care for them less,” says Rodale.
Preparing your plot. Loosen the soil to six to eight inches and add several inches of compost to it. If the soil is sandy, add extra compost. In most climates, says the Rodale Institute magazine, raised beds are best because they drain well and the soil warms up fast in the spring.
Prevent weeds before they get started. Give your plot a blanket of shredded leaves, straw, dry grass clippings, wood or bark chips, newspaper, or other biodegradable material. Not only will this stop the weeds in their tracks, it will conserve moisture and build your soil as it decomposes.
Get rid of existing weeds. Whatever tool you use, be sure you get roots and all when you get rid of the little buggers. Rodale recommends either the stirrup- or diamond-style hoe. Some people prefer to get on their knees and use a screwdriver-type tool with a notch in a widened end.
Dealing with pests. When it comes to insects, remember that your purpose as an organic gardener is to create a sustainable and balanced ecosystem in your yard. If the insects are destroying your plants, that's one thing. If they’re just nibbling, that's another. Most plants can deal with minor damage. However, you need to take note: pests tend to attack stressed-out plants, so your best defense is strong plants, and that takes you back to your soil again.
Fight fire with fire. Court (or even bring in) the enemies of your enemies. Encourage the natural predators of pest insects such as the common ladybug to live in your garden. Birds, frogs, and lizards also eat worms and insects. Keep water available in your garden for these defending armies, so they’ll want to come in.
Organic pest control. There are some biological products that won't harm humans, pets, or wildlife and that will degrade quickly. For example, there are oils, soaps, and even garlic or hot pepper sprays that are effective. Use these only if you have a serious invasion, however. Defense is still the best offense.
Controlling disease. Think offense here also. Choose plants that are disease-resistant to begin with. Make sure your soil is well-prepared so they will thrive. Be sure that air can circulate around your plants to prevent fungal diseases. Water deeply and let your plants dry out before watering again. Remove afflicted leaves immediately.
Fertilizers. Building your soil is the best way to be sure your plants get the nutrients they need. However, there are some packaged organic fertilizers to be found in garden centers. These usually use fish or feather meal to boost nitrogen. Look at the ingredients list! Don't add anything that might damage your healthy soil.
Concluding Thoughts
There's an army of us now. Organic gardening has become a world-changing movement! It not only improves the life and health of the gardener, the organic gardening movement is also reaching around the world and bringing us all together to make our universe healthier, wiser, and happier.
By TTS Cofounder Botanical Chef Omid Jaffari
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