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Organic gardening is a process that seeks to work with nature to provide for the needs of plants instead of trying to dominate them. In the process, we (as gardeners) find our place in the universe as an interwoven part of the whole, through the cooperating in harmony wit the sun, air, soil, insects, plants and animals. The gardener's role is to b e a gentle shepherd, providing the conditions needed for optimal plant health and growth. Healthy soil is needed to produce healthy plants, so we must start with adequate preparation. We must loosen the soil, to allow all that is necessary to sustain plant life to penetrate: air, moisture, warmth, nutrients, and plant roots (e.g. safe, and comfortable classroom environment). The soil is a living system, full of beneficial microorganisms, that aid in the transformation of nutrients into forms plants can use, and in the process of absorption itself. The addition of chemical pesticides or fertilizers disrupts the natural balance and poisons much of the mirco-biotic life that exists in the soil and so it is to be discouraged. The wise gardener, instead, focuses on good preparation of the soil, loosening it to aid penetration and adding rich organic materials, such as compost, to both improve soil texture and increase available nutrients. Working with nature in this way honors and supports existing process, and ultimately results in a richer environment, which will promote better plant growth now and in the future. Once the soil is prepared, the gardener must choose an overall layout for the garden and what is to be planted where. The most successful gardeners match individual plant requirements with appropriate conditions of location, care and planting time. Although all plants need the same basic things (soil, sun, water, air) there is a tremendous variation amongst what will best sustain different varieties (learning styles, gender, cultural differences). Here knowledge of plants and experience in a specific environment (teacher training, observation, experience) prove invaluable towards giving each plant the conditions it specifically requires for optimal growth. The gardener seeks to match not only specific needs for soil, sun and water, but also space, and companionship. Some plants actually help each others growth (e.g. green beans and strawberries) and others do better on their own (e.g. tomatoes). We can create mini climates within our garden that deliver the optimal conditions to match individual needs (e.g. classroom layout, careful observation and curriculum planning). Some seeds sprout quickly when planted, others require great patience. These are issues of personal style and timing, not problems. The gardener must be familiar with what is growing in his or her garden and be attentive and alert to individual differences and signs of distress. Intervention should be gentle, caring, thoughtful and at an appropriate scale to the overall environment. Creating conditions that promote plant growth require knowledge, patience, attentive care and hard work; but the benefits are both immediate and good ongoing. Good soil preparation, careful garden planning and immediate attention to individual plant needs result in successful gardeners with larger, healthier, more productive and beautiful plants.  |
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