Perhaps the most trending topic of discussion in the farming world is organic vs inorganic. We have all heard that organic food is better for us, we should switch to chemical free food and so on. But what about gardening which includes only ornamental plants or grasses which we do not consume? Do we need to switch to organic methods for gardening too?
Well to answer this question it depends upon how invested are you to save our planet and eventually the human race. Usually we humans are careful, cautious and conscious and intentional about our health and things which can affect our well-being. Growing ornamental plants do not affect us directly because we do not consume flowers or the grass grown in lawns. But indirectly using chemicals to make these plants appear more attractive and healthy is harming us.
How inorganic gardening affects us?
If we use chemical sprays and fertilizers to nourish our plants and to save them from attack of pests and diseases, we our exposing ourselves directly to these harmful products. While spraying them or even after weeks or months of their use, these chemicals have a tendency to retain themselves in air which we breathe or on the surface of plants. While enjoying the scenic beauty of our gardens we are in close proximity with them, and that is another path through which these chemicals can reach in our system.
Not only humans, but other organisms like birds, bees, fishes, cows etc. are affected and infects us too. The fertilizers we used are not entirely consumed by plants. The left over salts can run off along the rain water into our reservoirs or can accumulate in the soil overtime. The water in these reservoirs is used for irrigation of crops, pisciculture and even supplied to our homes. Consuming food cultivated using contaminated water or soil is slowly deteriorating our health. Through food chains these chemicals get accumulated in our system over the years and can cause deadly diseases like cancer.
If we look at the bigger picture, we need to switch to more sustainable measures in gardening too even it is just for recreational purposes only. We can contribute in saving our planet and eventually all living organisms by reducing the use of fertilizers, pesticides and fungicides not only in our food, but also the gardens or house plants. One can easily learn how to prepare organic compost, fertilizers or crop protectants through books or our courses. If we are switching to eco-friendly products for our day to day lives, why not take a step ahead and switch to “Eco-friendly gardening” too!
Written by
Antra Thada
Reema's Garden 