Organic gardening.....

[fosteri]

Hi all,

Just a query about organic gardening really. My friend and I are really keen to grow organically, but we are really not sure how 'organic' or not our soil is.

Obviously we want to get the soil as chemical free as we can through organic methods.

My query is, is it worth sowing organic seeds into soil that may not be organic, or would that be a complete waste of time???

AND what would you consider the best way of 'cleaning' the soil of chemicals?

Not too much to ask! ;D ;D

Thanks,
Lou xxx

[fosteri]

[Dig For Victory]

Which chemicals are you worried about? Purely agricultural chemicals or the 1000s of other kinds of man-made pollutants which WILL be in your soil. Particularly if you live in a city, near a road, near an industrial area, allow cars onto your site, allow fires on your site.
DO grow organically. You will no doubt have non-organic contamination in your soil and from your allotment neighbours! DON'T add to this and don't let it put you off either.
This issue of organic seed is a minor one even with organic gardeners. Of course it's preferable to buy organically grown seed, but if you buy any other and save your own seed then that will be organic if you are using organic techniques.
Most importantly, follow organic principles and stay away from pesticides, artificial fertilizers and weedkillers.

[gavin]

Just echoing Dig For Victory!  :)

Do grow organically!

a) some of the unwanted "load" will break down the longer you grow organically;
b) conversely, your soil will receive unwelcome additions despite you!

Help a), don't add to b)  :) :) :)

Unless you have particular cause for concern, though - like http://www.hdra.org.uk/factsheets/gg3.htm on lead pollution?

Good luck - Gavin