Growing food can be an incredibly rewarding experience. But how we choose to do so can determine the success of our efforts and how beneficial our activities can be for the planet, for ourselves and for others around us. One of the number one rules for eco-friendly, sustainable food production is making sure that we grow organically. When we grow organic, we work with nature to achieve our goals, rather than fighting against it.

 What Does It Mean To Grow Organic?

When we grow organic produce, that simply means that we grow food without reliance on polluting chemicals such as herbicides (for weed control) and pesticide (to control pests). Often, growing organically is all about maintaining a balance, and making use of the world’s natural cycles in order to sustain our growing system. By making sure that we work in harmony with nature, we can manage problems without recourse to these harmful chemicals.

When it comes right down to it, growing organic produce is just plain old common sense! In this guide, however, we’ll take a look at the specific reasons to grow organic. Breaking them down to make the argument for this essential element of sustainable, ethical and eco-friendly gardening. 

The Benefits of Organic Growing

Let’s take a look then at the benefits of organic growing. First of all, we’ll look at the benefits for our planet and for the other creatures with whom we humans share our space, before we turn our attention closer to home and talk about the personal reasons to grow organic – related to our health and our finances. Here then, are some of the many reasons to grow organic:

For the World

• Carbon footprint: Traditional mono-crop agriculture and some traditional gardening practices come at a heavy carbon cost, responsible for a large proportion of the greenhouse gases that are warming our planet. When we grow organic, our carbon footprints are significantly reduced. Organic growing methods can also lead to greater carbon capture ability on our farms and in our gardens. So not only are we not contributing as heavily to the problem, we can even become part of the solution.

• Pollution reduction: Greenhouse gases are not the only form of pollution that we should be concerned about in our modern world. Inorganic farming and gardening methods are also responsible for releasing many other pollutants into our lands and waters. By growing organically, without harmful chemicals, we can be kinder to our planet – helping to protect our precious top soil and fresh water – two of the most precious commodities we have.

• Waste reduction: The techniques and practices common in organic growing systems also make it possible to reduce waste in our homes and on our land. Organic growing involves taking excess and returning it to the system – for example, by creating compost, mulches and organic plant feeds from waste plant material. Organic growers also often reduce waste by reusing food packaging and other waste materials in a range of ways around the farm or garden. 

For Wildlife

• No harmful pesticides or herbicides: Wildlife is suffering hugely due to these harmful chemicals. By finding other ways to manage our food growing system, we can help to halt the mass extinction of many wildlife species and even help to bring endangered species back from the brink.

• More diverse garden ecosystems: The methods that have been developed for organic growing often involve creating a harmonious natural system that is as biodiverse as possible. This aids wildlife because the more biodiverse an ecosystem is – the higher the number of beneficial interactions between its various elements – the more resilient that ecosystem will be in the face of climate change and other challenges.

For Your Well-Being

• No harmful substances on your food: It is not only wildlife that can be harmed by pesticides and herbicides. Human health can also suffer due to the inclusion of these substances in our diets. Organic food is far healthier for us as well as for the planet and the other creatures who call this planet home.

• Easier access to fresh, healthy food: Often, in today’s world, it can be difficult to get ready access to fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables. Growing your own organic produce means that you can always have an abundant supply. With the right measures in place, it is possible to grow organic all year round, which is great for your physical health in many different respects.

• Stress relief and food security: Growing organic produce is not only a benefit in terms of the boost it can give to your physical health – it can help your mental health too. Growing your own has been proven to reduce stress and promote well-being. More than this, organic growing is also truly sustainable, so you will have food security (and peace of mind) no matter what may come. You’ll also get a sense of satisfaction when you grow organic. You will gain an immense feeling of pride at doing the right thing for yourself, your family and the planet.

 For Your Wallet

• Healthy living at a reduced financial cost: If the environmental and health related reasons are not enough to convince you to grow organic, then perhaps the financial considerations will come into play. First of all, by growing your own organic produce you can reduce household food bills and perhaps even begin to grow for profit too. What is more – your growing efforts will cost less too, since you will be able to use renewable resources on site rather than importing chemicals and other materials. This is just one more to add to the list of reasons to grow organic.

While there is a lot to learn about organic growing, you will soon discover that this method of growing just makes more sense. On a small scale or a much larger one, it is the solution to many of the world’s most pressing problems.