Organic Gardening

"Farm the soil, not the plant."

The organic approach to gardening and farming recognizes that the whole environment in which plants grow is much more than the sum of its individual parts, and that all living things are inter-related and inter-dependent.

Many gardeners and farmers have made the switch to this natural form of gardening. Organic gardening simply means that gardens are produced with natural-occurring substances and environmentally-friendly predators. Organic gardening frowns upon using man-made chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Organics can be slower to work than chemicals, but this method is ultimately healthier for the soil, and the planet.

Once you begin organic gardening, special attention is paid first to the soil. There is an adage in organics: “Farm the Soil, not the Plant.” Adding organic matter to the soil, such as natural compost made from grass clippings, fall leaves, and vegetable scraps is a great way to begin your organic gardening adventure. If your soil is healthy, the plants will be healthy, and visa-versa.

Having a healthy organic garden means too that you must pick suitable plants for your site. Organic gardeners look for plants that will adapt to their particular climate and conditions.

Additionally, when organic gardening, the best natural weed killer is mulch. Applying a thick layer of mulch to your organic garden will prevent needless weed-pulling. Furthermore, mulch helps to maintain even soil temperatures and constant moisture levels in soil as well.

Organic gardening takes a little extra time, but the best part of it is once you've grown your organic produce, you will be getting quality food made totally from nature and free from pesticides, antibiotics and other man-made chemicals.

Some additional reasons:

• Organics will not contaminate our precious ground water
• Your long-term yields will be better
• Your vegetables will have more mineral content and less toxins, meaning a healthier food for you and your family
• No potassium salts to retard future growth
• Your lawn will let the potassium salts leach out and be healthier if you treat is organically once a year

Bradford Nursery has the largest selection of Organics in Northwest Arkansas. Our staff member James has over 10 years in organic gardening and 5 years at Bradford, and teaches both classes and seminars on organic gardening.