Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
closely as you can. The forest is a perfect example of how plants
remain healthy and vibrant without any outside additions. In the
forest, the seasons and the natural relationships between plants and
animals create a healthy soil. With a vegetable garden, you have to
work a bit more in order to get the same results. You can accomplish
this by feeding the soil compost, animal manures, leaves, and other
organic matter.
When growing in your backyard, it is important to consider other
living creatures in the area. For example, encouraging birds, wasps,
and bees will help deter pests. You can assist the natural cycle of life
by including plants that encourage and attract certain insects in your
garden.
You are helping the environment and minimizing pollution by grow-
ing your own vegetables. For every vegetable you grow and eat
yourself, you are saving fuel that would be used to bring that item to
you. By composting your kitchen scraps or garden waste, you sup-
port the environment by not adding to landfills. Most waste is either
burned or buried, and both methods affect our environment.
Smoothie Garden Solution
Aquatic animals such as toads, box turtles, and frogs love to eat
insects, so encourage their presence in your garden. For a shelter,
place a clay flowerpot upside down in your garden and chip the
side to make a little space for them to enter. Make a pond or fill a
shallow container with water to give them a source of water.
Another principle in organic gardening is creating a harmonious
balance between vegetable production and animal husbandry. Chick-
ens and larger animals such as cows, pigs, and sheep are a fabulous
complement to vegetable gardening. And you don't have to live in a
