Organic Farming

Is organic farming possible? Yes. It may be a bit more difficult and time consuming, but it is worth it. Organic farming involves growing food (plant or animal) without chemical pesticides, chemical fertilizers, growth hormones in animals, GMOs, ect. Organic farming is especially doable on a small family farm.

What organic farming does use is natural fertilizers (such as manure and compost), natural pest control (attracting "good" bugs, netting, ect.), using non- modified plant seeds and feeding animals organic food including pasture feeding. Organic farming is important because our food sources are so modified and covered in chemicals, that many health problems are thought to be caused at least in part by the typical western diet. I started learning about organic food when I read about pesticides are being linked to ADHD. Having two boys with severe ADHD, I wanted to find a solution.

It is important to use natural compost to build your soil up in nutrition. Use natural mulches (not from the city! Who knows what is in that stuff) such as grass clippings or straw to keep the plants healthy. Use companion planting so the plants can keep each other healthy and protected. Marigolds are a good natural pest deterrent. Rotate crops every year so that the crops do not deplete the soil. Keep the plants healthy, this helps control pests.

A note about animals on an organic farm...

Make sure the animals are feed the type of foods they are suppose to eat and make sure that food is organic.  I personally feel that free-range raising of animals is the best if it is possible for the organic farmer.  Make sure the areas that the animals pasture are healthy and do not have chemicals.  Also make sure they are free of harmful plants to the animals.