Organic horticulture is more commonly referred to as organic gardening. Organic gardening is the science of growing fruits, vegetables and flowers by using essential organic elements in the soil. There are several different types of organic growing or gardening systems. Organic growing is a holistic approach based on thousands of years of study and research and involves a more naturalistic approach to growing that takes place over a period of time.
One type of organic gardening is known as biodynamic farming. This is an organic approach to growing and is based on the teaching of Rudolf Steiner. Later the Japanese writer and farmer, Masanobu Fukuoka invented a no till system of organic growing for small scale grain production referred to as natural farming.
Those people who follow an organic growing system believe a garden is more than a means of providing food. A good garden is an indicator of what a community could be like. With time and minimal effort, most people could be growing and eating healthy food, be it in a large scale garden or just a small container in their back yard. A small garden is able to sustain your family and provide healthy, organic food.
Organic growing takes a non-chemical approach to pest control. In chemical growing, chemicals are sprayed on the plants or vegetables to get rid of the pests, essentially killing the pest so that they don’t return. Organic growers believe in some pest control but they also take a realistic approach. Pest control largely consists of management techniques such as crop rotation, planting appropriate companion crops, using trap plants and cover crops.
Many organic growing methods are a combination of scientific growing methods and old fashioned farming methods. The study of organic growing is referred to as agro ecology. Organic farmers follow strict guidelines to determine what they are able to use to grow their plants. These farmers are permitted to only use natural pesticides and fertilizers. The principal method of growing crops organically is crop rotation, green manures and compost. This also includes biological pest control and mechanical cultivation.
The amount and type of organic crop that is being grown all depends on the size of the farm. Farm size also determines the general approach and specific tools and methods. The organic farming industry first began as a small enterprise. The type of organic crop that is being grown also determines the size of the farm that is being planted. For example, if there is a high demand for a particular type of organic crop then farmers will plant more of that crop. However, if there is less demand for a crop smaller amount of this will be planted. Today, the organic industry is continuing to grow as more and more people seek healthier food choices.