The Benefits of Organic Gardening
For years, people have been promoting and practicing organic gardening. This was before the term “organic” was ever used by health and wellness companies. The benefits of organic gardening are not solely restricted to one area alone. In fact, it encompasses many different aspects. Check out the following benefits of organic gardening. These might motivate you to start your own organic garden.
FOR HEALTH AND NUTRITION
Some studies have shown that organically produced foods are significantly higher in vitamins and nutrients. This has something to do with the organic approach for preparing the soil. Because organic farming does not use artificial soil additives, the food it produces is more nutritious. Research has also shown that synthetically-produced pesticides and fertilizers can strip a plant of its nutritive value. Some of the most common nutrients affected by the use of these additives include Vitamin C, beta carotene, and B vitamins. Vitamin C has been well-documented to help prevent and treat certain cancers. The same goes for beta carotene, which helps to boost the body’s immune system and prevent lung cancer. Compared to conventional farming, organic gardening doesn’t kill dwelling bacteria. Most of these bacteria are helpful in enhancing the plant’s ability to synthesize or absorb nutrients.
Aside from having higher nutritive value, fruits and vegetables grown through organic gardening also taste better. Flavor is often built with the combination of the genetic material in the plants, as well as from water and the soil in which they’re grown. Since typical farming pays little attention to the soil and maintaining its trace elements, it often leads to bland-tasting produce, which rarely happens in organic gardening.
SAVES MONEY
With organic gardening, you can save more money. For the affordable price of a seed packet, a little fertilizer, and water, you can grow vegetables and fruits all on your own. Also, since organic fertilizer promotes the use of natural fertilizers, you save on the cost of commercially-produced ones. What’s more, by choosing plants that thrive in the place where you live and by introducing insects that are beneficial to long-term controlling of the pest population, you save money on pesticides.
AS A STRESS-RELIEVER
Gardening itself is a relaxing activity. Just going out, basking under the heat of the sun, and feeling the soil in between your toes and fingers can be its own form of therapy. It brings out the child in you, rejuvenates your spirit, and provides you a sense of calm and serenity. Organic gardening can be more than just a way of raising healthy and nutritious food. It’s also a form of exercise and recreational activity.
KEEPS YOU FIT
Aside from being a form of therapy, organic gardening is also a great activity to become physically fit. As a form of exercise, it reduces the risk of heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, adult-onset diabetes, osteoporosis, and stroke.
BENEFICIAL TO THE ENVIRONMENT
Organic gardeners view the soil as part of the whole system they are part of. With this kind of mentality, they prefer not to abuse the land. Instead, they nourish it to replenish what’s been lost. This eliminates the usual agricultural process that often leads to a loss of topsoil and toxic runoff that result into water pollution, soil contamination, and poisoning of the wildlife.
The benefits of organic gardening go far beyond what most health and wellness ads tell you. So, the next time you think of organic gardening, think beyond just the healthy food on your table. Think of long-term health, sustainability, and balance in the world around you.