If you are new to gardening and are not sure what organic gardening is or are overwhelmed at the prospect of gardening without your Roundup bottle then it is time for a quick lesson. Organic gardening replicates the way plants grow together in nature. When you look at wild woodlands or fields, plants are seemingly healthy and lush; growing together without the need of synthetic chemicals to get rids of pests or weeds.

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In natural ecosystems there are plants, insects and animals all living together. There is an established food chain that keeps the different populations under control. As the animals and plants live and die within the system their remains fall to the ground where they decompose and fed upon by parasites and earthworms. The result is the release of nutrients into the ground. These nutrients help establish new growth in the plants.

Managing Pests Organically

In nature there is a relationship between natural predators, pests and parasites. This relationships help keep their various numbers in balance. The population of the pests that feed off plants is kept in check by the action of their natural predators. There is no need for synthetic chemical intervention in the natural balance of an ecosystem.

Using Natures Way to Garden Organically

Organic gardening depends on the natural cycles that occur in the wild. The delicate balance between predators and prey is introduced and used to keep the organic garden producing maximally. To enhance the soil quality, organic gardeners add compost free of synthetic chemicals or organic soil amendments that can be purchased commercially. When an organic garden requires intervention the gardener opts to use natural methods.

An organic gardener should spend time patrolling their garden. They look for changes in their plants that may point at a possible problem. Changes in plant foliages could point at a problem in the nutrient levels in the soils. By amending the soil naturally with manure or commercially available soil conditioners the problem can be resolved. If the problem is pest related the garden may introduce the pest's natural predator to keep the population of the pest under control. It is important for an organic gardener to be able to diagnose plan problems visually. There are many books available that can aid in that process.

Benefits of Organic Gardening:

Consumers are drawn to attractive looking produce and may scorn at the heirloom varieties which perform well in organic conditions. However, organic gardening techniques are greatly improving and produce quality is competing with synthetically treated produce. In this "green" day and age where sustainability is no longer a buzz word, commercial gardeners who turn to growing organically are seeing increasing demand for their produce. This is a result of people shying away from eating synthetically treated produce. As these synthetic chemicals find their way into our drinking water and food chain, the population is exposed to agricultural chemicals causing a health burden on society.

If you are considering starting a family vegetable garden or a commercial garden consider organic gardening seriously. Not only will you be lessening your carbon footprint but you will find the whole experience rewarding.