A successful organic garden starts with an understanding that healthy food comes from healthy soil. If you desire produce that is nutrient dense, high in minerals and trace elements, they first need to be in your soil. This in not a new path however, it is the path less traveled. Unfortunately, this is not a message that is welcome in today's society of pesticides, herbicides and genetically modified seeds. Mankind has been growing naturally since the dawn of creation. It is what is known as sustainability. These natural principles have withstood the test of time and I encourage you to put into action what you learn here.

We have all read of the benefits of organic fertilizer, but the unsung heroes of the garden are micro-organisms. Micro-organisms such as Bacteria, Fungi, Protozoa and Nematodes can be found in good quality compost such as cotton burr compost. These life forms are responsible for converting fertilizer into energy for your plants. Initially you are going to have to inoculate your soil with Mycorrhizal Fungi which will increase the nutrient uptake of the plants roots hundreds of times over. This is typically a one time application.

How do I increase soil fertility? If you are going to grow in a tilled and cultivated setting it is critical to get your soil tested now, even if you have already planted for the year. A test reveals you what you need to do to bring balance to your soil. Then it is a simple process of adding the correct amendment in the proper quantity to meet the specific needs of your crop. Some plants have vastly different pH level requirements. Tomatoes, for example are prone to blossom end rot when the soil they are planted in is calcium deficient. It is not a hard thing to correct when you have the Soil Test Recommendations For Organic Gardeners.

For those who grow in raised beds, you too need to become aware of what it is that you are planting your seedlings in. You are not likely to find a local source for fertile soil, but not to fear we have the information here to make your own using what is locally available.

Fads like lasagna gardening come and go but organic gardening has been around since creation and it still works. But it requires an understanding of the natural laws that are in place. There are no short cuts and you can't cheat. Using synthetic chemicals may at times produce fast growth but at what cost? Besides, why would you want to eat those chemicals?

I began to juicing organic foods after being diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in 1991. That first year I was hospitalized eight separate occasions and had two surgeries. I did not know what was worse, the medications or the symptoms of the disease. In my frustration I felt that if I was going to be sick, that was one thing, but I was no longer willing to suffer the debilitating and mind altering effects of nine different medications- so I quit! I was later introduced to juicing and for the first time in my adult life I felt not just good, but almost euphoric. It was the first time my body had ever experienced the healing effects of a natural, chemical free diet. I had energy, drive and ambition and was able to start a new career despite being told I would likely never work again.

I learned that for me, changing the quality of the substances that were going into my body would dramatically change the quality of my life. Would it do the same for you? I don't know, that's a decision you must weigh yourself. I can only say what I did and what worked for me. Eliminating all the unnecessary chemicals in my diet gave me a totally new prospective on things. That is why for me, It's Organic Gardening For Life!