What is Organic? Organic is healthy, sustainable agriculture. For many people, organics is more than just a buzzword, it is a way of life. Organic is a way of thinking, one that requires us to think beyond a simple cause and effect, but one that makes us consider all of the effects that occur from our actions. Organic is creating and sustaining an environment that is healthy, balanced, and sustainable. Why should we use organic techniques? The real question is "why should we use chemicals?" Chemical fertilizers allow a plant to pull nutrients and organic matter out of the soil faster than they are replenished. Although this might sound good, eventually it leads to a depletion of minerals, nutrients, and organic matter in the soil. Once the soil has become depleted, the plants growth is sustained only by the fertilizers that are applied to it. The effect is similar to an athlete on heavy steroids: the plant will look healthy on the outside, however, there are a host of internal problems occurring. These problems tend to make a plant appear weak to insects making them a prime target for infestations. Lacebug on Azaleas is a prime example. It takes a lot of work and money to replenish the depleted soils. Chemicals are wonderful for nurseries and landscape firms. Over time, the problems created by the use of various chemicals require applications of additional chemicals to fix the problems. The additional chemicals cause still more problems that require another chemical to solve the new problems, etc, etc. Eventually, you find yourself applying chemical on top of chemical to treat the various insect, fungus, acidity, and nutrient problems that are occurring in your lawn and garden. How safe are the chemicals for us? EPA regulations certify the chemicals. These certifications are all based on healthy 180 pound adult males. The maximum safe quantities are not based on healthy adult females, children, or our beloved pets. Why use organic techniques? Organics is based on using naturally occurring substances to enhance naturally occurring processes. Organics uses the same processes that have sustained life on earth since its inception. How do we achieve this? We achieve an "organic" environment by building healthy, living soils. We ensure that we apply only substances that will encourage and enhance the natural biological activity of the soil. We use high quality Composts (compost that is full of nutrients, organic matter, and biological activity) and Top Dressing Mulches. We use fertilizers that do not burn the soil killing the microbiotic activity. We use sprays that will kill insects and fungus without harming these biological processes. We get nature to work for us instead of working against nature. Is it expensive? NO! Consider how much you spend on the various fertilizers that you need (two or three different fertilizers for grass - spring, summer, fall winterizer; one for Azaleas/Camellias, one for Hibiscus, one for various landscape shrubs, one for seasonal color, one for large trees, etc). Now, consider how much you spend on various chemical sprays and pellets (Lacebug, Whitefly, Scale, Snails & Slugs, Brown Patch, Take-All Patch, Leaf Spot, Rose Sprays, fire Blight, etc). How often do you need to spray for these various problems? Consider also the additional additives you need for your soils (soil acidifier, Iron, Potassium, etc). How often do you need to apply these? Now let's consider an organic approach. Use one fertilizer for everything (let's use Microlife: 20-40 lbs / 1000 s.f. = $ 1.30 - $ 2.60 per 100 s.f.). This is almost twice as expensive as the cheap fertilizers that you can buy at places like Wal-Mart and Home Depot, however, it is not more expensive than the high quality fertilizers that you can buy from many of your local nurseries. Okay, what else do we need? Insecticide. Let's use Molasses Mix for our general insecticide (3 tablespoons Molasses, 1 tablespoon Garlic Oil, 1 tablespoon Seaweed per Gallon H20). Approximately $12.00 - $15.00 per gallon of spray mix. The Molasses Mix can also double as a foliar feed, as a soil drench to improve soils (a type of organic fertilizer), an insect repellant (if you increase the amount of garlic - especially effective on Mosquitoes). And let's use MicroGro as a general fungicide (approximately $ 2.00 per 100 s.f.). With organics, you may need to acidify perhaps once every 5 to 7 years (more often if your local water supply is alkaline). You might need to add trace minerals every 10 years or so. Also, make sure that you mulch your beds regularly. Now, we are starting to get the idea, however, there is more. Remember, your plants will not be inviting insects as often so you will probably not need to treat for insect problems as often. Also, the soil will retain water more efficiently (you should not need to water a healthy St. Augustine lawn more than one time per week even during a summer drought, and your beds more than 2 to 3 times per week) thus reducing your water usage in your garden by as much as 50%! Also, with proper organic techniques, you will not deplete your soils, therefore not requiring expensive rebuilding of your beds, and expensive treatment of your lawn. In the long term, organic techniques will both simplify life (requiring less products), and reduce the costs of maintaining your garden. Isn't organics just for tree huggers? No. Although you can practice organic techniques in many ways, organics is for everyone. Organic processes allow us to create a sustainable environment for our plants. It leads to a healthier environment for your plants, pets, children, and you!<br><br>
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