Why I Garden Organically

When I started gardening back in the mid-1970s, I learned everything I knew from reading books by Helen and Scott Nearing, Dick Raymond and J.I. Rodale. I had never gardened as a child, and didn't know many other people who gardened, so I followed the directions. I made a compost pile, hauled pails of manure from a local farm, collected leaves, applied an organic granular fertilizer, and sprayed my plants with seaweed-fish emulsion. My garden thrived, and I was hooked.

Twenty-five years later, I still garden organically. Here's why:

1. I am fascinated by soil—especially the bacteria, fungus, microbes and other organisms that inhabit it. Their mysterious workings still elude scientists (which makes them all the more exciting!) What I've learned is that my garden's health and vigor has a direct correlation with the health and vigor of the community of organisms that lives in my soil. When I have a disappointing gardening season, it's usually because I've neglected my soil.

Keeping those soil organisms happy isn't difficult. Just give them water and air, don't stomp on them, and mulch the soil to protect them from extreme heat. Most importantly, you need to feed them. I find they like shredded leaves best of all. They also like grass clippings, compost, rock powders, granular organic fertilizers, kelp meal, and the roots of last year's plants. As these bacteria, earthworms, fungus, and millipedes munch away, they are producing the vitamins and nutrients my plants need to thrive, as well as mysterious antibiotic substances that destroy soil pathogens.

2. Gardening organically is easy. Those neon blue fertilizers may be quick to apply, but I'll wager my organic garden is easier to tend, cheaper to feed, and more productive. Plus, I rarely have any problems with pests or diseases. Healthy plants just aren't as bothered by them. I don't need to fuss with watering either. My soil contains a good amount of organic matter, so it stays moist between rainstorms. I keep all the beds well mulched, which controls weeds and provides additional food for those soil organisms. Lots of organic matter also makes my soil fluffy and easy to work. I don't even use a tiller any more. When spring comes, I just loosen the soil with a fork and rake it smooth.

3. I'm tending a nature sanctuary. I still garden for the flowers, vegetables, and fruit, but now I also do it for the butterflies, bees, birds, toads, tree frogs, and garden snakes. I grow poppies for the bees, coneflowers and asters for the butterflies, plant shrubs that will feed the birds, and create little shelters for toads. I've always taken lots of photographs of my garden, but I seem to be taking more close-ups now; a green tree frog on a yellow daylily or an orange frittilary butterfly on a zinnia. These creatures feel safe in my garden and I'm extremely careful with anything that could harm them.

Kathy LaLiberte has worked for Gardener's Supply since it began more than 25 years ago. She lives and gardens in Richmond, Vt. Click here to read more of her Innovative Gardener essays.