Growing Organic Produce

Organic foods are foods grown without the use of pesticides or other chemical fertilizers. A few years ago, these foods could only be purchased in health food stores or farmer’s markets. Today, organic foods are becoming more popular as consumers become more concerned about what they put into their bodies. For this reason, you will have an easier time finding organic foods at your local supermarket or convenience store.

Sometimes foods produced conventionally are marketed as organic when, in fact, they are not. Some states have developed their own standards in determining what can be marketed as organic. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designed an organic certification program requiring all organic foods to meet rigid government standards. These standards regulate the method in which these foods are grown, handled and processed. All farmers or food manufacturers who market products as organic must be USDA certified. The best way, however, to guarantee that the food you are consuming is truly organic, is to produce it yourself.

Benefits of Growing Organically

There are several benefits to growing organic produce. First of all, these foods are less likely to contain harmful traces of pesticides, dyes and other chemicals. Also, there is a marked difference in the taste. Although organic fruits tend to be smaller than conventional fruits, they also tend to be more flavorful.

Growing your own organic produce will also save you time and money. Organic fruits and vegetables can be very expensive. Eliminating those extra trips to the supermarket to purchase fresh produce will not only save you time and energy, it will also save on fuel costs.

Tips for Growing Organic Produce

Growing your own organic foods can be a satisfying experience. Here are a few tips to help you produce a successful yield.

• Turn organic food wastes into compost and use it instead of artificial fertilizers.

• Try natural products for fertilizing, such as fish meal or bone meal or sterilized manure.

• Add nutrients to the soil by mulching. Mulching also discourages weeds and retains moisture.

• Consider adding beneficial weeds or strongly scented flowers to encourage insects that attack garden pests.

• Become familiar with the different types of bugs and which ones will benefit your garden.

• Install bird feeders. Birds are good for destroying harmful insects.

Consider the Environment

Organic or natural farming practices not only benefits our bodies, it benefits our entire ecosystem. Organic farming reduces pollution and encourages water conservation. Organic growing methods restore nutrients to the soil. Many individuals are making their own contribution to the environment by growing organic produce.