When I started gardening over twenty years ago, organic sounded good.  Let the earth take care of itself and don’t use poisons to kill pests. Despite the fact that organic gardeners were viewed as anti-establishment hippies, who could argue with Rachel Carson and “Silent Spring?” As I watched my plants wither and get eaten by happy slugs and bugs, at least I could feel self-righteous in not using herbicides and pesticides.

I am sure I am not the only one who found what was then known as “organic” gardening less than rewarding in outcome. I knew it was necessary to add compost to the soil, but I seemed to be getting poorer results each year. So, slowly, although I still avoided those “killing” poisons, and religiously cooked my compost, I convinced myself that it couldn’t hurt to use a little synthetic fertilizer. After all, how could something that was a “food” for plants be bad for the environment? And what other alternative was there?

Well, organic gardening has come a long way in the last two decades. Or, more accurately, it has returned to its roots.

The Detriments of Synthetic Fertilizers

We’ve discovered that synthetic fertilizers are bad for the environment. Synthetic fertilizers are designed to be released quickly (for that satisfying burst of growth). But plants are able to utilize only 10% to 15% of released nutrients at a time. The remaining amounts are dissipated into the atmosphere or washed into water systems, poisoning sources of drinking water, and stimulating algae growth—cutting off oxygen supplies for aquatic plants and fish.

Synthetics are also detrimental to the plants they’re intended to feed.  Chemical fertilizers are made up of gases and mineral salts. The gases, ammonia and chlorine, actually inhibit seed germination, burn tender seedlings, and destroy beneficial soil bacteria. The salts coat root hairs, preventing nutrient and water uptake, and eventually poison the soil.  Accelerated growth (that quick burst again!) results in plants that are more vulnerable to disease and pests.

The Benefits of Organic Fertilizer

Organic fertilizers are “whole foods.” They help maintain a natural balance in the soil. Low in acid salts, they seldom contaminate water tables. They release their nutrients slowly (six months to six years), so do not need to be applied as often and do not get washed away. They are taken up as plants need them. They contain trace minerals which are not available in synthetics and which are being found to be necessary to healthy plant development. 

Plants fed organically are healthier and more resistant to disease and pests. This means one is less tempted to resort to chemical pest control. Fewer chemicals result in more birds which naturally control insect pests.*  A further bonus—your vegetables will be more flavorful and contain more nutrients.

Making the Switch

I began using organic fertilizers several years ago. As I’ve learned more over time, I have seen a tremendous change in my garden. My flowers are more productive and last much longer. My vegetables are much less prone to disease and pest invasion. I actually water and feed less often. I feel comfortable knowing I am not poisoning the environment, and that my pets and wildlife are safe.

To obtain similar satisfaction, follow these guidelines:

1. Learn as much as possible about plant nutrient and mineral needs. Take a class in organic fertilizers or read about them. Two good sources that are short but full of facts and tips are: “The Natural Gardener Garden Guides,” a packet of brochures from the Cortesia Center for Natural Gardening, available in many garden bookstores, or obtain by contacting Cortesia Press, 84540 McBeth Rd., Eugene, OR 97405; and “Organic Fertilizer Guide,” distributed by Down To Earth, available where Down to Earth fertilizers are sold.

2. Build up soil beds before putting in new crops. Soil is the foundation of organic gardening. The ideal soil is 25% water, 45% clay, sand and silt in equal proportions, and 5% organic matter.

3. Amend your soil with compost. Remember that compost is primarily a soil amendment and should be supplemented with organic fertilizers.

4. Rotate crops and use cover crops. Cover crops replenish soil nutrients and can be chopped up into compost.

5. Plants need more than nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. As we learn more about the soil, we are finding that plants grown in soils high in certain minerals, such as calcium magnesium, sulfur and selenium, do better. These elements can added to the soil with lime and rock dusts. Women should note that greens such as collards, kale and parsley become excellent sources of calcium when grown in mineral-rich soil.

6. Attract natural pest controllers to your garden with bird feeders and houses. You can also attract pollinators, like mason bees, by building nest logs.  Take a large piece of lumber and drill holes with a 9/32-inch diameter drill bit six inches deep into the wood. Hang your mason bee house in a tree or below house eaves. These solitary bees are small, shiny blue-black bees with a gentle disposition. With local honeybee colonies falling prey to parasites, these wild bees may become more and more important to agriculture.

7. Sit back and enjoy the results while watching the activities of your birds and bees!

* At least two  studies have shown that organic  farms harbor more birds than conventional counterparts.  See “Organic Agriculture is for the Birds,” Journal of Pesticide Reform, Winter 1991.