5 Reasons to Make Your Garden Organic

With Gardening Resource List

This is an updated post (2024) with information to help our pollinators. Several years ago I wrote about what to do to help bees, Make Your Garden A Haven For Bees, and butterflies, 5 Steps for a Butterfly Garden. Does it seem strange to write about gardening in February? No, now is the time to dream and plan. Forget the snow, and imagine a spring day.

Organic gardening can mean different things to many people.  Really it’s just about growing plants without synthetic chemicals or fertilizers. Most people know instinctively that  pesticides are harmful to the environment and our families.  One of the main reasons I hear for not going organic is “it costs too much.”  I’m retired now but when I was growing up, everything was grown without modern insecticides.  My friends and I say “It was all organic back then.”  Was it that expensive in the 1950’s to have a more eco-friendly garden?

Today I give you 5 great reasons to grow a more organic garden.

1.  You and your family are not exposed to harsh chemicals. For all pesticides to be effective against the pests they  control, they must be biologically active, or toxic. Because pesticides are toxic, they are also potentially hazardous to humans, animals, and the environment. The plus of no pesticides is that the birds, bees, and butterflies are not killed by the poisons.  Who doesn’t like pretty butterflies?
2.   There’s lots of information supporting a more natural approach to gardening available in your own community and online on so many wonderful blogs.  You have support and a community of gardening enthusiasts.  Most states and universities have classes on gardening in your community.   Local garden clubs provide information and support in your gardening efforts. I’ve made a reference list at the end of the post for some of the great gardening sites I’ve found. I’d be happy to add to the list if you have suggestions.
3. Growing veggies and fruits means your family is eating organic.  Fresh, tasty tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, or whatever your heart desires can be ready for you to pick.  Now that’s eating local!  Adding a tree this year? Consider a fruit tree appropriate for your growing zone.  Did you know you can grow Shiitake mushrooms on logs?  According to Natural Society, the 10 plants easiest to grow are: Tomatoes, Pea shoots, Beetroot, Lettuce, Mint, Courgettes, Dwarf French Beans, Onions, and Strawberries. If you live in an apartment, put a tomato plant in a container on your balcony or porch.
4. Composting takes a throwaway from the garbage  pail and makes it a high nutrient amendment for your garden. You can make your own natural fertilizers and soil additives.  Don’t buy bags of soil; add compost to your garden each spring.
5. Growing your own vegetables at home can put money back in your pocket. If you have a bumper crop this year, learn how to preserve, pickle and “put away” for next winter. My favorite grower at the local farmer’s market grows blueberries. Each spring for about a month she has a load to sell. She also freezes for her family for the future. Now that’s smart!

Why am I writing about gardening in February? This is the time to dream, to plan, and to get ready for spring. For help planning a garden, see my garden planning guide with printables.

If you haven’t tried growing vegetables before, start small with the easiest vegetables. I like a large pot with a tomato plant. It even works on a balcony. See Growing vegetables For a Beginner for more information and suggestions.

Gardening Resources

8 Best Organic Seed Companies, TreeHugger

10 Steps to Beginning A Garden (Better Homes & Garden)

10 Great Gardening Websites You Must Read, TreeHugger

10 Natural Fertilizer Recipes, Earth News

12 Plants That Repel Unwanted Insects

A Way To Garden – horticultural how-to & the source of organic gardening inspiration

Gardening Tips

How To Grow Mushrooms At Home, Better Homes & Garden

How To Start An Organic Garden in 9 Easy Steps, Good Housekeeping 

Mr. Brown Thumb

Organic Gardening (for butterfly gardening)

Organic Gardening 101 at Natural Society

Planning a garden? Here’s a step-by-step guide to start off on the right foot (NPR)

This list is certainly not complete, but I hope you find it helpful. I am not a master gardener, and I am always trying to learn.  Wishing us a beautiful and productive garden this season!

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