Topic: Organic or not??

[francesbh]

I got an allotment last summer, and having (finally) cleared it, am ready to start planting.  I will be gardening organically but can't decide whether or not to use organic seeds - these cost about 4 times as the seeds I can from Dobies with my allotment society discount.

Has anyone got any comments / does anyone know whether any pesticides will actually find their way into the veg grown from non-organic seeds?  I'm also concerned about the impact on the environment from the production of non-organic seeds.

Many thanks,

Frances

[sandersj89]

Have a look at the HDRA website and consider joining the organisation.

They sell lots of organic seed at prices very competative to the big lists. Being a member you also get a 10% discount.

http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/index.php

Jerry

[Derekthefox]

Most gardeners would admit to struggling to comply with all the requirements to be legally classed as organic, but openly practice a realistic regime considered as 'natural'. I do this, not knowingly introducing any contaminants onto my site, but accept the limitations of my environment. I have no problem with this stance, and find it still gives me peace of mind ...

[redimp]

I garden organically (very strictly, even phasing out animal manures during my second year on the plot) but do not always buy organic seed - due to availability and cost.

[busy_lizzie]

I do not buy all organic seeds, but I try to grow as naturally as possible like Derek.  We use animal manure and our own compost, but not any of the artificial fertilisers.  I have never used a weed killer or anything like that and we have dug whatever pernicious weeds we have had out and hand weeded the rest.  :) busy_lizzie   

[terrace max]

Just do what you can afford.