2012 - Organic Style Gardening

Theme for the 2012 year - A look at life under the surface of the soil.

What does growing things organically mean? Does it just mean - not using chemical fertilizers, or chemical bug killer?

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For most people, organic gardening entails growing flowers, herbs, or vegetables without the use of commercial chemicals. This is obviously a fundamental part of organics, however, what many do not understand is that it is more than simply a switch from conventional chemicals to organic approved materials. Organic gardening is composed of numerous aspects that make up a whole interconnected system. This system relies upon insects, birds, shade, sun, and all other aspects of a living and working community. By growing numerous types of crops you create habitats for beneficial insects or animals, deter problem pests, and enrich your soil to create a living ecosystem of beneficial bacteria and helpful fungi.

Organic products that are made to control weeds and insect or bug problems, are derived from many plant extracts. There are recipes to make your own organic pesticides and herbicides. Some recipes have been changed by manufactures into stronger forms, and others are used in their natural forms, and can be labelled as “organic” such as Pyrethrum (an insecticide derived from chrysanthemum). Either type must be used with caution as too much application can burn plants, or harm animals and insects that are beneficial to the garden and ecosystem.

Companion planting and crop rotation are natural gardening methods that have been used for centuries to control insect and bug problems as well as maintaining healthy soil and root structures. In addition, the practice of both can promote vigorous growth, longer storage capacity of some vegetables, herbs, and even influence their flavour. Two books recommended for reading about companion planting are: “Carrots love tomatoes” and “Roses love garlic” written by Louise Riotte. These books will aid you in planning your garden to maximize production, giving plenty of growing tips, and is a joy to read.

On a personal note, I enjoy using the “French intensive” method that includes companion planting and crop rotation for gardening in small spaces. There are numerous plant combinations that can help good development, and does not need to be limited to edible plants – addition of flowers and herbs can entice beneficial insects and pollinators. Our team of gardeners encourage you to experiment to find out which works best for you, and perhaps you will invent your own.

A combination of flowers (Snap Dragon), herbs, and vegetables encourage healthy growth and attract beneficial insects and pollinators.

• Alison Urquhart

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Added notes from the Garden Coordinator:

Our theme this year is organic gardening, so one more important consideration for your organic garden is to feed it!

Adding compost, and/or well composted manure is important, however, I would like to include the Spanish River Carbonatite www.borealagrominerals.com in this story (I hope that this doesn't sound like advertising) – however it is a vital part – and people need to know that the web of life includes a lot of combined parts to make things grow well. And one can not just garden greedily – for getting some veggies for right now – but needs to grow their garden in a way that the soil will be healthy for the years to come. What gets taken away in the form of things to eat, must be replaced, or the soil will fail.

Feeding the garden, is so important, and it needs a variety of things added to it to ensure that your soil stays healthy. The reason that I am including the Spanish River Carbonatite is first of all - it is a certified organic fertilizer. And Next, it has all the minerals that your plants need - AND - all the trace minerals that the micro-organisms need to break down the material in the soil so that the roots of the plants can absorb them. Why? ... if the soil runs out of the good minerals then your plants will end up absorbing unwanted minerals line aluminum.

• Susan