Understanding the basics of organic gardening Garden Education Experiment October 1

What is organic gardening? “The science and art of gardening by improving the garden soil's health, structure, texture, as well as maximizing the production and health of developing plants without using chemicals such as pesticides."

Why is organic gardening beneficial? Improves soil health and fertility More nutrients in organically grown foods Reduces pests and diseases Encourages plant and animal diversity Better for the environment

Why is soil important to an organic garden? It encourages the growth of healthy plants Provides soil life Building and maintaining healthy soil is important in order to ensure the success of a garden

Planting wisely Understanding the region’s climate Cultivating stable plant and animal communities

Ensuring diversity of plant types Mixed populations of plants Deep-rooted plants Nitrogen-fixing plants Tall, sun-loving species Edible gardens

How do you encourage diversity in gardens? Provide specific foods for the organism you want to attract Build shelters designed for birds, butterflies and native bees Include a variety of different plants Provide a source of fresh water

Using Integrated Pest Management Using pesticides to kill insects deprives the pest’s natural predators of food, which causes the predators to decline Some steps include: – Prevention – Crop monitoring – Cultural controls – Mechanical controls – Biological controls – Chemical controls

Other things to keep in mind… Conservation in materials and water Consider the source

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