With the growing popularity of organic gardening (or organic horticulture), there has been much debate in recent years over what it is and how to accomplish it. iVillage Garden Web defines organic gardening as “the science and art of gardening by incorporating the entire landscape design and environment to improve and maximize the garden soil’s health, structure, texture, as well as maximize the production and health of developing plants without using synthetic commercial fertilizers, pesticides or fungicides."

The debate will continue over what constitutes a true organic gardener, but there is no doubt that the popularity of growing plants and vegetables without synthetic chemicals will continue to grow among mainstream gardening enthusiasts. 

Organic gardening has more benefits than just being good for the environment, and it is more complex than many might believe. Before attempting to garden organically, or before calling yourself an organic gardener, you should first understand what it means. 

Synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides are chemically formulated additives that are not used in organic gardens. That means when a weed or pest comes up, they are treated naturally with an often-homemade alternative or by incorporating populations of beneficial insects and pest predators. 

Gardening organically means you don’t only think of the plant itself, but instead you think of all of the surrounding nature. Think about how the product will affect the soil, animals, the economy, and the environment as a whole. An organic gardener strives to work in harmony with nature and minimize any resources the garden consumes. More than ever, the Earth depends on us to do the right thing.

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