As consumers and gardeners gain more information about the negative impacts of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and weed killers, many are turning to organic garden practices. Growing an organic garden is safer for your family and pets, better for your local ecosystem, and healthier on your plate! 

But what does growing organic really mean, and what are the rules and challenges of tending an organic garden? Learn about the practices and solutions best suited to natural gardening. 

Defining an Organic Garden

Before you dive into growing organic, define exactly what that means to you. While some aspects of the definition of “organic gardening” are widely shared within the gardening community, there are differing opinions about some specifics. 

At its core, organic gardening is the practice of growing crops without the use of agricultural chemicals and synthetic additives like pesticides. While some organic gardeners insist that nothing at all should be added to their soils or plants, many still classify a garden treated with naturally derived additives and plant care products as an “organic garden.” To get even more granular, definitions of “naturally derived” and tolerances of each ingredient can differ as well. 

Depending on your soil, ecosystem, and experience, you can decide which definition most resonates with you and serves your garden best. 

Pros and Cons of Growing Organic

Consider the benefits and drawbacks of organic and natural gardening practices as you establish your own beliefs and strategies for your home garden. 

Key factors that hold people back from committing to growing organic include:

• •The larger time investment needed to manage weeds and pests manually through natural gardening methods 

• •The frustration of battling disease and growth struggles naturally 

• •The knowledge and effort required to maintain healthy, balanced soil 

On the other hand, there are important and long-lasting perks to natural gardening, including:

• •Reducing health risks associated with consuming pesticides and agricultural chemicals 

• •Protecting your local pollinators

• •Keeping groundwater safe 

• •Gardening alongside kids and pets without risking their safety

   

Dos and Don'ts of Growing Organic

Everyone’s gardening journey is different, and your unique challenges will depend on your climate, what you choose to grow, your soil, and several other factors. Lean on these dos and don’ts to get you started in your organic garden practices. 

Do focus on variety. Dig into companion planting practices and vary your crops to allow them to work for one another. Rotate the location of your crops each year and try to avoid large patches of a single item. 

Don’t overcrowd your crops. Follow the spacing guidelines on your seed packets to prevent and slow the spread of disease and pests. 

Do monitor and record patterns. Your garden will be unlike anyone else’s. Keep a journal to study its rhythms and needs – it will come in handy in future years!

Don't assume each year will be like the last. While those patterns and records can help you nail down timing and get ahead in some aspects, there will always be variations in your local climate from year to year. Some seasons will come with hardly any pests, while the next year a specific bug might be abundant. 

Do compost. Without synthetic fertilizers, your plants and soil will need plenty of organic matter to stay healthy and balanced. 

Don't expect perfection. Growing an organic garden is a constant learning process. Every year will be full of successes and failures, and some years will be better than others. Keep at it and enjoy the ride. 

Do lean on natural gardening products if they fit your philosophy. While synthetic products and harsh agricultural chemicals don’t have a place in an organic garden, there are various eco-friendly garden additives that can give your plants a boost. Whether you want to protect your crops from stress, strengthen their roots, or keep diseases at bay, there are BugHut solutions to fit your needs!

How to Transition to an Organic Garden

If you’re sold on the idea of natural gardening and growing organic, it’s time to transition your home practices to reflect that philosophy! The good news is, this simply means stopping the use of synthetic products and harsh chemicals. 

If you choose to use natural gardening products, take your time looking at the label. Is there mention of the ingredients being naturally derived? Does the brand explain how the product works? Do you recognize any of the ingredients? Sticking to organic garden products can take a bit more research on the front end, but once you’ve found natural products you and your plants love, your health and local ecosystem will thank you!

Make the transition into growing organic as smooth as possible with all of the natural gardening products your plants need to thrive. With the Starter Pack, you’ll be ready to begin your organic journey on the right foot. Shop today!