Growing healthy plants is not the only concern of most gardeners as they also value the importance of the environment. Paying attention to the condition of the eco-system should be included on your objectives as a grower. Keeping the environment safe can be achieved by prohibiting the use of manufactured products such as fertilizers, pesticides, and other stuff used in growing plants.

What is Organic Gardening?

Organic gardening is the art of growing plants (fruits, vegetables, and herbs) by using principles of green living such as soil preparation, preservation, rejuvenation, pest management, and other practices without using chemical products in the process.

Organic gardening do not rely on manufactured products to retain water, provide oxygen, supply nutrients, eliminate pests, and get rid of weeds. Instead, green growers resort to all-natural materials and supplies such as vermicompost, mulches, cover crops, and pest predators. In short, they use a natural approach in addressing various issues in growing plants.

Growing plants without the use of manufactured fertilizers, pesticides, and other stuff comes with advantages and disadvantages. As a grower, you need to weigh the pros and cons before you utilize such growing method on your garden. Below are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using organic gardening as your way of growing plants.

Advantages

Fertilizer – one of the advantages of organic gardening is that you can make your own fertilizer. Instead of relying on expensive fertilizers, you can formulate your own product. Animal manure is one of the common ingredients of an organic fertilizer. Vermicompost or the waste (compost) of cultured worms is also effective fertilizers used in organic gardens.

Weeds and Cover Crops – instead of wasting your time on removing weeds on your garden, planting cover crops can help you prevent such infestation. Cover crops suffocate and prevent the growth of weeds.

Water Retention – mulching is an inexpensive way of retaining water on your garden. Placing mulch around your plants helps keep the soil moist for a longer period of time. In return, you get to use the money you saved on other stuff.

Disadvantages

Time Consuming – preparing your compost can be time consuming. Unlike with conventional fertilizers, you need to wait for the compost to be ready for use. You can’t use animal manure or any all-nature fertilizer without letting it decompose. If used, it can do more harm than good to your plants.

Skills – aside from being time consuming, skills are essential in achieving success with organic gardening.

No Short Cuts – with organic gardening, you can’t go the easy way. You need to strive hard in order to achieve your goals. Growers start by preparing their soil while they formulate their organic fertilizer and pesticide. As mentioned above, this requires hard work, dedication, and time in order to become successful.

Conclusion

Organic gardening is a fulfilling form of agriculture when followed and executed properly. Aside from its high demand, organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs provides better benefits to the human body. As a result, more and more people are shifting their attention from the conventional methods of gardening to the green way of growing plants.