The Importance of Growing Organic Produce
These days, ‘organic’ is a familiar buzzword that appears alongside everything from food to clothing. However, unlike a lot of so-called trends, organic food, gardening, and products have substantial benefits that cannot be disputed. An increasing number of people realize the importance of growing organic produce that do not rely on chemicals to achieve the desired results.
Here are some important examples of producing organic produce widely used by seasoned gardeners and average homeowners alike.
Composting as a Way of Life
One of the challenges faced by governments around the world today is the issue of waste. Modern societies produce an excessive amount of garbage that is rapidly accumulating in our landfills and even contaminating the oceans. Composting is now widely recognized as a way of productively turning some of this waste into material for gardening and food production.
For those who are not yet composting, or need more for their current gardening projects, consumers can purchase compost from their local garden supplier. A number of different varieties are available, ranging from composted animal manure to other products with base organic matter. The ingredients may be different, but they all nourish your soil in a 100% natural fashion that promotes vigorous growth, stronger roots, and bigger blooms, while also meeting CQA (The Compost Quality Alliance) certification standards.
Organic Fertilizer
Even when plants are not meant for human or animal consumption, it is important to feed them using fertilizers that are derived from natural sources, rather than made in a lab. This helps keep our soil pure and natural, to ensure regular, healthy levels of growth.
Trends forced into the public consciousness through aggressive publicity come and go on a regular basis, but organic products are not just a marketing gimmick. Avoiding the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides offers more health benefits than you might have considered. Yes, not having food or plants produced using such substances in your home is desirable, but have you considered the potential for your children to encounter these same chemicals while playing in your local park? Or that chemical run-off from lawns and other green areas can potentially end up in our water supply?
Here is a listing of our recommended our organic fertilizers and growing mediums.
OMRI Certification
A lot of products out there claim to be organic, but how can you tell for certain? One dependable way is to check for OMRI certification. OMRI stands for the Organic Materials Review Institute and their mission statement includes providing “clear information and guidance about materials, so that producers know which products are appropriate for organic operations.”
A non-profit, they independently review a range of products, including fertilizers and pest controls, to make sure that they qualify for the designation of organic, based upon a set of established standards. Be sure to check packaging for the OMRI certification, which provides the guarantee that allows you to buy with confidence. You can download the 2017 OMRI Canada Products List here.
The Goal of a Sustainable Future
Everyone dreams of a safe and sustainable future, and organic products contribute to that goal. Thanks to advancements in the effectiveness of such goods, everyone can do right by their lawn and garden, reaping better results while also helping to keep our planet healthy and viable in years to come.