Contributed by Ellen Vandevisse, Good Earth Garden School
Are the razzle-dazzle seed catalogs making you sprout dreams of gardening?
Are you finding yourself saying, “I want to grow food organically, but how? I want to clear grass and weeds for a garden spot with Roundup®. It’s safe for vegetables, right? Do I have to fertilize with manure? What can I stop pests with, if not chemical sprays?”
The beauty of growing your own vegetables and fruits, is that it ensures that you know what is in your food. You can pick veggies and berries at prime ripeness. All of those beneficial enzymes have not withered away in shipping. Home-grown means package-free. You’ll save money, improve health and re-connect with nature.
As for using Roundup®, long-suppressed research is now showing that this herbicide does not break down immediately and harmlessly. It is a persistent carcinogen and it triggers leaky gut syndrome. There is really no way around clearing with hand labor, so enjoy a satisfying workout with rototiller and/or garden fork.
Do you have to use manure with the organic method? Manure is fine and usually free. Actually you have lots of choices. Your main goal is to wean off the synthetic fertilizers. Compost is your foundation for improving your soil’s texture, drought-resistance and disease-suppression. Compost provides nutrients and feeds essential soil micro-organisms.
Other fertilizer choices include fishbone meal (available from AK Sea-Ag in Palmer), the bottled liquid fish fertilizer and even diluted molasses.
What about pests? Surprisingly, compost helps prevents pests. It makes healthy soil, and healthy soil makes healthy plants. Troublesome insects are not attracted to healthy crops. You will not have as many pests when you switch from chemical to organic. Are there non-toxic pesticides? Yes, and there are also tricks like applying baking soda or compost tea sprays to suppress diseases on your crops.
The best way to learn about successful organic growing is to read and take classes now, while the snow flies. Start planning your contaminant-free garden now!
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Free courses in organic methods and composting are available from Good Earth Garden School. Mat-Su Borough’s Solid Waste Division offers free compost and vermicompost classes. Find both schedules at www.GoodEarthGardenSchool.com.
