Easy Ways to Grow Your Own Organic Food and Stay Healthy

Health is a major priority for most people these days, due in no small part to COVID. People are also eating healthier. This means staying clear of genetically modified foods. Many people are turning to organic food in order to avoid pesticides that are sprayed on certain crops. 

If you want to eat healthy, why not grow your own organic food? Start your own garden and grow pesticide-free “nursery bred” food. The goal of organic growing is to produce crops that don’t contain chemicals. It’s quite easy, even if you live in a small apartment. 

This method uses only natural materials. You can grow carrots, for example, without worrying if they have been treated with a pesticide. By eschewing chemicals, you can also take pride in the fact that you are helping to sustain the environment. 

Did you know that more than 50 billion gallons of destructive chemical water runoff enters oceans, streams, rivers and lakes every year? By growing your own organic food, you can lessen some of this damage. 

Start Small and Simple

You don’t have to have a green thumb to grow organically. If you’ve never tried it before, start small. Plant some of the easiest crops to grow, ones that don’t require a lot of water. These include  peas, lentils, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, broccoli and turnips. 

Keep in mind that “less is more.” It’s difficult to achieve positive growth or a continuous harvest without plants that are healthy and disease-resistant.

Nurture the Soil 

Start by using compost. You can make your own compost with food waste. You can also mix in some clay. It is good for soil insulation. If growing vegetables, don’t be afraid to spread some manure, as it is good for the root system. Leafy vegetables require a bacteria-rich compost. 

If you’re having trouble finding the right nutrients, ask around at your local community garden. There are also specialized businesses that will deliver them to you. Worms are also a great alternative because they create compost and can be purchased at many garden shops.

Benefits of Organic Gardening

• Organic gardening prevents the loss of topsoil, toxic runoff, water pollution, soil contamination and soil poisoning. 
• It also prevents the death of insects, birds and other beneficial soil organisms.
• It helps eliminate the use of pesticides, herbicides and fungicide residues on food from synthetic fertilizers.
• Foods grown organically taste better.
• Organic foods have a higher vitamin and mineral content than those grown with the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. 
• Growing your own organic foods will save you money. 
• You will be getting exercise outdoors. 
• Growing your own food can be a highly spiritual experience. 
• You will be helping to save the planet.