Grow organic. Fertilizer and green gardening

The use of concentrated fertilizer is probably one of the most controversial areas in organic gardening. Opinions vary. Some gardeners claim that additional fertilizer is unnecessary if the correct cultivation methods are observed. Others employ methods that appear to be identical to the chemical grower except that the products used are organic in origin. 

Organic plants need a wide and varied range of nutrients to be present in the soil for normal healthy organic growth. Chemical growers assess the nutrient needs of each plant every year and supply those needs in the form of a fertilizer that is immediately available to the plants. They simply use the soil to hold the plant nutrients. The result of using fertilizer as an alternative to organic matter is that the soil becomes an inert medium, devoid of life and the lost nutrients have to be replaced every year. The principle of green organic gardening is to feed the soil rather than the plants growing in it. If high soil-fertility levels are maintained by regular additions of organic matter, the plants can simply draw on the material as it is required. There is no danger of an overdose and a steady supply is ensured by the activity of all the various organisms in the soil.

For many crops, very acceptable yields can be obtained without the addition of fertilizers, but you have to be realistic. Fertilizers are normally required for several reasons. You may not be able to supply your soil with all the manure or compost needed to provide the necessary nutrients. You may find that your soil is grossly deficient in one or more of the essential nutrients. To correct this by adding bulky organic material can take several years; it is more realistic to add concentrated organic fertilizer as well as the organic material. Also many gardeners wish to make much higher demands on their soil than even the hardestworking colony of bacteria and fungi could provide in the time.

So, there are always occasions when fertilizers are required. What you must do is ensure that they are compatible with the requirements not only of the plants but also of the organisms in the soil. The beauty of organic gardening is that, provided you supply nature with the tools of the trade, she will do the rest.

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