For example, I've never really thought about buying organic seed until more recently. This is something I aim to do in the future. I was at my local garden centre and noticed a large display of organic seeds - great to see! I'd also like to begin to use heritage seed.
I've also realised that some of the feed I've purchased in the past hasn't been organic. So, when I spotted some feed half price in the garden centre I decided I had to have it. I'm a big fan of organic chicken manure pellets too!
At Linda's 'Slow Growing in Scotland' I came across a link to Garden Organic; some good info on growing organically and on heritage seeds.
What are your views on going organic??
We try to be fairly organic but I must admit to at times being confused by the term. A while ago I looked into what actually organic meant and was surprised that it wasn't quite what I expected.
ReplyDeleteFor instance anyone can put the term organic on products - it isn't a guarantee. manure from and organic farm may not be 100% organic etc.
By the way I'm afraid the 'gel' I use isn't fully organic as it is Vaseline - (petroleum jelly). Now there is a conundrum is oil or petrol organic? It is a natural product isn't it?
My view is that organic is OK up to a point, but we shouldn't be obsessive about it. As Sue says, the definition of the term is open to interpretation, and lots of suppliers cash in on people's ignorance and sometimes hysteria. Calling something "organic" often doubles the price.
ReplyDeleteGardening organically means different things to different people. I try to garden without using chemicals and with wildlife in mind, but I wouldn't go as far as paying extra for organic seed, though I do buy organic tomato food.
ReplyDeleteI try to grow as organic as possible with that said I try to do the same in life. Don't trash the soil or litter the land. Be smart no harsh chemicals that kill the living soil that sort of stuff.lol Just common sense gardening.
ReplyDeleteIn the U.S., there are genetically altered seeds! In fact, large farmers who have contracts with big food companies, must use these seeds to fulfill their contracts. These seeds are "enhanced" with chemicals to produce large crops, as well as already contain pesticides. For instance, if you have driven through Minnesota where vast fields of corn is growing, you can see perfect, no pest corn the exact same size, etc. and then you can speak with farmers who only use genetically altered seeds because they make lots of money. The public, in turn, eats all kinds of things made from this corn!! Quite scarry! Maybe in the home garden, we should investigate the seeds we use a little more. I think organic gardening without additives and chemicals is probably the best way to go. You are on the right tract, Kelli.
ReplyDeleteI've been an organic gardener for many years now. When the balance is right, the wildlife will move in and help out with the gardening. I don't buy many organic products though. I sometimes wonder if they are just jumping on the bandwagon, so to speak.
ReplyDeleteWhen I shared my over abundance of garden produce with faculty at work, one asked it the tomato she had chosen was organic. I laughed and answered "no, I am just a lazy gardener." I use a bit of commercial fertilize when we plant sets and don't use any spays or dusts over the summer. Like I said, I am lazy, but I don't want to use chemicals in the garden that might hurt the wildlife that visits the garden from the rabbits, to the toads, to the birds and butteflies.
ReplyDeleteOn my ornamentals, I don't always use organic fertilizer, because I'm lazy, (I know organic is best for the soil, but I never spray insecticides or pesticides). As for my vegetables, I am very picky! I only use heirloom seeds, and compost (made by me, so I know what's in it). If I have to purchase vegetables outside of the local farmers market, I make sure they are labeled organic and made in the US. Maybe not a perfect system, but the healthiest I can make do for right now! Great question!
ReplyDeleteI try to be as organic as possible. I certainly wouldn't spray crops with chemicals. I'm aware that I have lapses though. (Weed killer on the weeds coming through the tarmac down on the allotment) As Sue found out there seems to be no certainty about what is and isn't organic but I think the aim to be "organic" is brilliant. I've never thought of buying organic seed as I rightly or wrongly assume this would limit my choice of varieties.
ReplyDeleteReally interesting comments! Its probably a good idea to research (or take a good look at) what we purchase as many products have misleading packaging or ingredients etc. The day I was looking at the organic seeds, I did just one price comparison between the same variety of carrots, one being organic and one not advertised as organic and the organic seeds were 20pence more (equivalent to USA 30 cents more).
ReplyDeleteSue, I'll have to compare what's in the vaseline with what's in the slug gel - maybe the slug gel is indeed vaseline at a higher price??! Interesting stuff.
I have never actually given organic seed much thought but would it really make that much difference - I don't use any products in my garden so I think I'm as organic as I am ever going to be.
ReplyDeleteI never realised there are slug blocker gel. That will be good for the containers.
ReplyDeleteI never thought of organic seeds too! have seen them before in an exibition! Very good idea!
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