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Water-wise, Sustainable Food Growing

Organic growing is an environmentally responsible approach to food production, and anyone can do it. You don’t need to large garden to grow food organically, nor do you need an ideal site, or lots of water. In fact, organic growing is not only an efficient and cost-effective approach to gardening, but it is achievable (with a little preliminary effort) in even the most inhospitable environments. Thriving and productive organic gardens can be found in the deserts of the Middle East, the tropics of South East Asia, and the rocky areas of Britain, and millions of people world wide feed themselves from organic gardens. 

Modern organic growing principles and techniques draw on the accumulated knowledge of many indigenous societies, of alternative gardeners who have experimented with different organic growing systems, and of traditional agriculture. This knowledge has evolved into different systems, such as permaculture, biodynamic, and biological growing systems, all of which are based on the same key principles of organic growing. If you understand these principles, and how they are applied to growing, you can easily adapt your techniques to any kind of organic growing system.

Organic gardening also requires less water. Most organic systems involve careful planning of water to ensure efficient watering practices that help to conserve this most precious resource, and the soil developed through organic methods is richer, deeper, healthier, and full of beneficial microbes and worms. Because organic gardening methods tend to mimic nature’s holistic method of plant growth, where plants grow within highly interactive ecosystems and niches, plants are internally stronger, more disease and pest resistant; and help protect each other from harsh sun or other adverse conditions.

Some argue that organic produce is just about the same in nutritional content as food grown with chemical fertilizers. However, many are convinced that organic produce is more flavourful, and more nutritious. Even if you notice little difference in taste, it just makes sense that food that is free of pesticides and other toxins is better for your health, and less likely to trigger the allergic or sensitivity reactions that are becoming a serious health issue in both children and adults.  

So whether you want to grow your own food or establish a market garden, consider going organic. But how do I set up and maintain a successful, productive, efficient organic garden, you ask?

One way to gain a good understanding of organic growing is with a relevant course. With the large number of courses available by correspondence, such as the short organics courses by ACS Distance Education or Lifestyle Learning Direct, anyone can learn to create a sustainable, and productive organic garden. Alternatively, you can learn by WWOOFING, a worldwide movement to promote organic farming through first-hand experience. WWOOF stands for Willing Workers on Organic Farms, and WWOOFERS include those who want a different holiday experience, and those who want to learn more about gardening organically, or running an organic farm.

Whatever learning method you use, for the sake of your health and the health of the environment, grow organic!

Staff of ACS Distance Education

www.acs.edu.au
Phone (07) 5562 1099