Organic Vs. Chemical Gardening

There is nothing mysterious or magical about organic gardening. It is simply a way of working with nature rather than against it. The objective is to recycle organic matter back into the soil, to maintain soil structure and fertility, and to encourage natural methods of pest and disease control, rather than relying on chemicals. It is, in fact, a lot less mysterious than the methods employed by the chemical grower.

Organic gardening is much more than just growing plants without chemical fertilizers and artificial sprays. It is a lifestyle. It recognizes that that the complex workings of nature have been successful at maintaining life for hundreds of millions of years, so the sound organic cultivating principals closely follow those found in the natural world. Do not be fooled into thinking that these principals will have a detrimental effect on yield and quality. In fact, you are likely to increase both, and in doing so, you will be providing an alternative habitat for wildlife, while being certain that the fruits and vegetables you have produced in your garden are safe, nutritious, and chemical free. You will also be reducing the possibility of the harmful side effects from pesticides that are on the increase in infants and developing young adults.

Of the approximately 50,000 home pesticide poisonings each year, 17,000 are among children under the age of 4. Pesticides can remain active for years. They are poisonous and designed to kill.

The organic gardener uses a more constructive approach based on the awareness that there is a balance in the natural world which allows all species to co-exist without any one species gaining dominance. By growing a wide diversity of plants, the organic gardener will attract and build a miniature eco-system of pests and predators so that, provided the balance isn't upset by killing them with chemicals, no species will be allowed to build up to an unacceptable level.

The soil is teaming with millions of microorganisms which, in the course of their lives, will release those nutrients required for healthy plant growth from organic matter. So, rather than feeding plants, the organic method is to feed the soil with natural materials and allow the plants to draw on that reservoir of nutrients as they need them. Plants grown this way will be stronger and more able to resist attacks by pests and diseases. Dr. Earth® TruBiotic® is built on this sound principle. It works and lasts for years, as it becomes a part of the living soil.

The Chemical Method
The purely chemical gardener uses soil simply as a means of anchoring plant roots and of holding artificial fertilizers to provide plant nutrients. This approach seems to have good results, but only in the short term. In the long term, it has disastrous consequences. Because organic matter is not replaced, the soil organisms die out. Without them, the soil structure breaks down and the soil becomes hard, airless and unproductive. Attempts at "force-feeding" plants result in soft, sappy growth, which is prone to attack by a host of pests and diseases.

When a plant is forced to grow with a high NPK chemical fertilizer, it becomes weak. As plant cell walls are developing, they do not have enough time to produce two important compounds, cellulose and lignins. These substances give the cell wall its structural integrity. As cells are forced to duplicate and grow quickly, the amount of cellulose and lignins is decreased, making the plant tissues much softer and more appealing for pests to attack. Think of it this way; it is the difference between a human chewing on a piece of butter lettuce and chewing on a piece of wood. The same is true for insects. They prefer that tender soft growth.

In order to control insects, chemical pesticides are used, often with short term success. But, in killing the pests, pesticides also kill their natural predators. Eventually, the problem gets worse. Stronger and more poisonous pesticides have to be resorted to, and so it goes on. It is a vicious cycle that, once started, is difficult to break.

We will help you to grow all plants and control insects naturally, without the harmful side effects of chemical products. This is our lifestyle and contribution to all gardeners and our environment.

Scroll to Top

Subscribe to our VIP Club to receive

a 10% Off coupon on your next purchase.

Get My Coupon