The methods commonly used by commercial farming work against nature. The use of chemicals, e.g. pesticides and artificial fertilizers, causes undesirable effects such as deterioration or destruction of the humus layer, soil depletion and pest resistance.
Thereforegarden ecologyhome or allotment garden can be our own way to obtain he althy food - fruit and vegetables from our own organic farming, without having side effects on the environment. See why ecology in the garden is so important and what are the basicprinciples of organic cultivationfruit and vegetables.
Ecology in the vegetable garden - coordinate cultivation
What does ecology in the garden give us?
" The numbers speak for themselves. About one million tons of pesticides are used in the United States each year. In the European Union it is only 140,000. tons per year. Unfortunately, there are no data on Poland. However, it must be assumed that pesticides are also commonly used here and, unfortunately, often abused. "
In order to maintain productivity at a sufficiently high level, the use of artificial fertilizers is considered necessary. This, in turn, destroys the microorganisms that are responsible for converting fertilizers and organic matter into s alts that are absorbed by plants.
Another factor that negatively affects the condition of soils is monoculture, i.e. an agricultural system in which one species is cultivated in a given area for many years. More and more farms narrow down their specializations to one species, which causes soil sterilization and a change in their structure.
Fortunately, our home or allotment gardens may be different. They can be a source of he althy food, obtained in a way that is compatible with nature, not threatening the environment around us. The essence oforganic garden cultivationis working with nature, not against it. Plants extract oxygen, hydrogen and carbon from water and air. Using solar energy, they create the organic compounds they need. Nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium are extracted from the substrate. We can support these processes by using natural methods of plant care, fertilization and protection.
The basic application ofprinciples of ecology in the gardenare: crop rotation, plant neighborhood, manure and compost. Using them on a production scale is a big challenge for profit-oriented farms. However, in home vegetable gardens it is worth using these methods in almost every respect - the crops are he althier, tastier and naturally sweeter, and the soil in the garden is richer in organic matter.
A composter is a must-have in an organic garden
Organic gardening
Ecology in the garden - crop rotation
Planting vegetables from different groups in the garden in the correct order prevents the accumulation of pathogens, reduces the growth of pests, and also helps to preserve nutrients in the soil. For example, red beet grows well planted in place of legumes, which leave behind nitrogen-rich soil.
Ecology in the garden - the impact of plant neighborhood
The tradition of planting certain plants together has been practiced for many years. There are plants that thrive better when given the right company. Onions and carrots protect each other from pests and diseases. Planted marigolds will drive away aphids, and marigolds - nematodes. Garlic next to strawberries protects them from gray mold. Even weeds such as nettle, yarrow, and chamomile increase the resistance of vegetables and repel pests.
Ecology in the garden - natural fertilizers
Natural green fertilizers, manure and compost contain all the necessary nutrients in the right composition and proportion. Digging up fresh green crops, manure and compost helps to break down organic matter and releases nutrients into the soil for future crops.
Compost - the most ecological fertilizer in the garden
Ecological gardening is about balance and a closed cycle of organic matter.In the natural cycle, compost fertilizes the soil, the soil provides nutrients to plants, which in turn provide nourishment. All kitchen and garden waste should be composted and returned to the soil. In this way, our gardens will become self-sufficient, and the soil will retain its fertility for many years.
Wojciech GórskiekoWarzywnik.pl
