Organic gardening at home is a very beneficial practice. Gardeners all over the world grow organic gardens for pleasure, profit and food, and there are significant benefits to growing an organic garden. An organic garden benefits both individuals and the general community in a number of ways. Each organic garden has the potential to benefit individuals financially, with regards to their health and improve the environment.
What are the Health Benefits of Organic Gardening?
Organic gardening is a very healthy endeavor. Preparing, planting, weeding and harvesting organic foods are all great exercise, which is beneficial to individuals of all ages. Getting teens involved in organic gardening can help keep them physically active, which is a great way to help fight teen obesity. Additionally, exercise through gardening is low-impact, which is great for people with physical limitations. Exercise is a great way to improve heart health, as well.
In addition to the physical activity of organic gardening, the food itself is very healthy. Organic gardeners have total control over the products they use to grow food, as well as the food itself: this means that no pesticides, preservatives or chemicals need to be used. Keeping these chemicals out of the food supply, as well as the water, is healthy both for individuals who eat the food and the local community. Reducing pollution is a great way to improve health.
Organic fertilizers like compost also help to improve the soil quality, which will improve the quality of the organic produce. This contributes to healthier vegetables, which are an important part of any successful diet. If pesticides are needed, there are great ways to reduce garden pests without chemical pesticides.
A diet that contains more vegetables contributes to longevity and a happier, healthier life.
Does Organic Gardening Have Environmental Benefits?
There are a number of environmental benefits that result from gardening organically, both on an individual level and on a broader scale. Many organic gardeners use compost made from kitchen scraps and household items. This compost reduces the amount of waste that ends up in the landfill; organic landfill items often rot and produce methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.
Additionally, organic compost improves the soil quality of a garden. Excessive harvesting and growing in traditional agriculture strip the soil of nutrients and result in a much lower crop yield. Organic gardens have healthier soil, a better yield and are longer-lasting. Using organic compost instead of fertilizer also reduces the amount of chemicals in the water supply through gardening run-off.
Organic gardeners also use fewer pesticides. Pesticides can also result in toxins and chemicals in the water supply, in addition to chemically resistant insect strains that require more powerful doses of chemicals. Organic gardens avoid these problems.
Growing an organic garden reduces the demand for fresh fruits and vegetables, as well. This can help to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases produced in growing, transporting and buying produce. Locally grown organic food is very beneficial for the environment.
Does Organic Gardening Save Money?
Organic gardening has financial benefits for gardeners. Planting and growing vegetables and fruit at home is very inexpensive, and it is much less expensive than purchasing traditionally grown produce at the store or going out to eat. Growing an organic garden can save individuals a great deal of money each year.
Storing foods can provide a family with organic produce throughout the year, which can increase their financial savings. Gardeners who produce a surplus crop can also sell their vegetables and fruit to others, thereby making some profit from their garden.
In addition to those benefits, organic gardening saves both money and time on grocery shopping, which is great for families on a budget, as well as reducing the amount of greenhouse gases produced by shopping for and transporting fruits and vegetables.
Organic gardening has a number of significant benefits to offer individuals who take the time to grow their own garden. The available health benefits, environmental benefits and financial benefits make organic gardening a great option for anyone.
Gardeners should also learn about the Principles of Organic Gardening.
Bailey Shoemaker Richards - Bailey is a writer from Ohio. She is pursuing a creative writing degree at Ohio University, where she is currently a senior. Bailey ...
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