Organic garden
Organic gardening respects the earth, humans and the environment.
Chemical and industrial agriculture appeared in mass only after the Second World War. Our ancestors, obviously, cultivated before chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides appeared. Their cultures were more diversified and healthier.
We, at Fleurs et Délices, practice pesticide-free gardening because we believe chemicals are harmful to human health, to the environment and we intend on having our home-grown products ingested. Organic gardening may benefit to every one. We respect Earth, Human and Environment.
How is that possible?
- Choose plants adapted to your climate.
- Although no garden is pest-proof, try to use varieties that are naturally disease and pest resistant.
- Respect plant requirements: sun or shade, good drainage, healthy soil, and right pH.
- Provide space for beneficial creatures such as predators (ladybugs, bats, etc…), and pollinators (bees, etc…).
- Fertilize with organic matter.
- Utilize cover crops (buckwheat, clover, sunflower, etc…) to suppress weeds and prevent erosion.
- Rotate crops and diversify them.
- Tolerate weeds.
Weeds…
They are just plants growing were they are not invited. However, often enough, they are very useful. They indicate soil type. For example dandelions grow in acidic soil. Others are a safe haven for good insects such as praying mantises. They are also an interesting way to keep soil humidity and protect it from water erosion.
Don’t forget many weeds such as dandelions, yarrows, or stinging nettles are edible.
Did you know? …
Stinging nettles manure’s is a good source of nitrogen and potassium as well as a compost accelerator. Stinging nettles are also a wholesome culinary choice.
Worldwide usage of 2.5 thousand million kilograms (amount for year 2000) of pesticides every year seriously deteriorates ecological environments.
In the last 50 years, more than 500 insects, 230 diseases, and 220 plant species have become chemical, and pest resistant.
(Source : La culture écologique, Yves Gagnon, Éditions Colloïdales)