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What does it mean to be truly organic?

A lot of people seem to believe that their garden is organic if they avoid the use of pesticides or herbicides. But there is quite a bit more to consider than simply the lack of synthetic pesticides.

To be genuinely organic, a garden must also use only organic fertilizers, such as kelp or fish emmulsion, compost, manure, grass clippings, or sometimes, blood. The advantage of organic fertlizers like compost material is that, unlike synthetic fertilizers which add nothing to the soil, compost increases the nitrogen compound of the topsoil. Higher levels of nitrogen results in healthier plants. Increasing the nutrient value of the topsoil is a goal of organic farming, and one that is often ignored in conventional farming.

Organic plants start with organic seeds, often saved from the prior year's organic crop. By definition, crops that are genetically modifed in any way (ie. sometimes corn) are not genuinely organic.

An organic garden is manually weeded, rather than relying on weed-killing sprays and chemicals. And the crops are rotated from year to year, being planted in different locations. Growing in the same place year after year reduces the soil's natural ability to fend off predators and diseases. Mixing it up a bit lends itself to better soil, and again, better plants.

It is entirely possible to garden organically at home, but it does require more effort and intention than the mere avoidance of pesticides.

For questions about organic farming, e-mail us at info@owharvest.com for personal input from our resident organic (and biodynamic!) farmer, Randy Buresh.