Thursday, November 28, 2013

The Importance Of Growing Organic Vegetables

By Leslie Griffith


Globally, there is a trend towards a healthier lifestyle. This includes modified dieting and exercise programs. One of the ways that people have been trying to ensure that they eat healthier is to eat chemical free foods. This has given rise to the practice of growing organic vegetables.

Organic farming starts with a chemical free and healthy plot of land. This means first choosing land that has not been contaminated by chemical spills or dumping. Once that has been done the next logical concern will be the fertility of the selected plot of land. Composting is one of the tried and prove methods for preparing soil for planting by enriching it.

Composting is done by combining biodegradable matter such as leaves and vegetable peelings and allowing them to break down before applying to the soil. It is also a good idea because it allows for the recycling of bio waste. This also has economic benefits since it eliminates the need for commercial fertilizers and as such saves the farmer from this expense.

Commercial pest control products have the potential to make food unsafe. This is why most commercial pest control products have specified periods for use and restrictions on reaping within a certain time after application. Quite often, if food is reaped and consumed within a certain period after application, serious health complications follow. There are, however, safer, more natural means of keeping pests away from plants and ensuring that you reap a bountiful harvest.

Organically grown vegetables are kept safe from pests by natural methods. One example is ashes which, when spread around the perimeter of the farmed area, can keep slugs at bay. Additionally garlic is known to repel a number of parasites and so garlic peelings can be scattered among the plants to protect them. If the garlic plant is actually included in the garden or farm, the effect is more lasting.

Using the tools that nature provides is a cost effective means of securing the plants in the garden or farm area. This is so because it lessens the need for the (often dangerous and chemical laced) pesticides that are sold on the market. Additionally, the health of the applier and the consumer get spared from exposure to the chemicals of pesticides that are laden with harmful chemicals.

When it is time for the produce to be reaped, steps must be taken to ensure that the activity is chemical free and as natural as possible. If they are to be preserved prior to sale then safe natural preservation methods should be employed. Chemical free harvesting and preservation methods will likely require more time but is safer for all involved.

There is no denying the value and importance of growing organic vegetables. The time and effort that it takes to establish and maintain these practices is well rewarded in the long run. This is so not only because of the production associated costs that are avoided but also because the health and well being of consumers and farm workers are preserved.




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