Home gardeners are more involved in ensuring the health and sustainability of their produce. Many people who get into gardening at home want to rely less on chemicals; generally, people accept that this is a healthier way of encouraging growth in plants. If you are concerned about how chemicals make your produce unsafe or your soil unproductive, organic gardening could help.
The difference between chemical and organic pesticides
People assume that going organic is about using absolutely no pesticides on your plants. However, this is inaccurate; pesticides are a vital part of the growing process, and they help protect crops year-round. The difference between these is that these types of pesticides use naturally-occurring deterrents instead of synthetic ones. For instance, a bug spray could combine different oils like rosemary, soybean, sesame, and clove oil, which work together to repel insects like mites, gnats, and aphids.
Why you should consider using organic pesticides
Organic gardening improves your knowledge of plants, your soil, and its interaction with animals and insects. As such, you can choose products that are gentler on the environment, reducing pollution and harm. When you use this kind of pesticide, you do not introduce foreign chemicals into the soil, reducing its exposure to harmful elements. Finally, organic produce is healthier for consumers, which is notable if you are growing plants for your family’s consumption.
What are the challenges of using organic pesticides?
Alternative treatments like organic pesticides might be a little more expensive if you are considering mass production. However, home gardeners and allotment holders will find them quite affordable. You do not have to spend more on natural pesticides than you would on chemical ones. What’s more, if you take a holistic approach to gardening, you create a healthier ecosystem that produces more robust plants.
What should I remember when starting with organic farming?
As with any garden, great organic produce starts with healthy soil. Give your soil a great start by using organic compost, planters, and topsoil. It is also vital to keep to a watering schedule.
Also, pay attention to how much each type of plant needs watering. Changing weather conditions bring with them different risks; dry soil can breed weeds and certain diseases, while humid soil can put plants at risk for others. The PH and nitrogen levels in the soil could also lead to issues with diseases and pets.
What are the first things to remember about organic pesticides?
Think about how this type of pesticide would change pest control as a whole in your garden. Aside from getting a natural pesticide, you will have to invest in physical barriers like mesh netting or initiate companion planting to discourage pests.
For example, you could prevent aphids from attacking beans by growing marigolds or nasturtiums beside these, and alliums can ward off carrot root flies. Companion plants have strong scents that mask the smell of the host plants from the pests. Other companions attract lacewings and ladybirds, which prey on the pest insects.
Using organic plant food, weed control, and lawn food will also encourage your plants to grow well. These products help you manage problem areas without using strong chemicals.
Conclusion
While going organic can be a fulfilling way to garden, it does not come without its challenges. For instance, pests are a constant nuisance for gardeners. For many gardeners, using pesticides is a way of life; perhaps their area has a large population of insects and small mammals, or their plants are particularly attractive to these. If you must use deterrents in your garden, organic pesticides could be the answer.
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