Join the green revolution: The rise and rewards of eco‑farming

Eco farming is gaining increasing recognition. Also known as biological or organic farming, eco-farming is anchored in harmonious nature-aligned management. With its growing following, it has proven to be a trend on the rise.

Those who opt to grow their own fruits and vegetables highlight the numerous benefits of this approach, such as cost savings, enhanced health, and an environmentally friendly practice.

Organic cultivation primarily aims to minimize the detrimental effects on the natural environment and to boost the production of healthy food.

The notable attributes of organic farming include:

• Sowing and breeding while maintaining the natural biological cycle,
• Avoidance of plant protection products and chemical fertilizers,
• Non-usage of GMOs, antibiotics and hormones for animals,
• Minimized machine use and traditional manual labor, such as weeding,
• Employment of natural fertilizers from the farm,
• Adoption of crop rotation techniques,
• Practicing free-range farming and grazing animals in pastures, and
• Advocacy for sowing biodiversity.

Organic cultivation begins with identifying a suitable spot for a garden. Fruits and vegetables necessitate appropriate conditions for their growth. Important factors to consider while selecting a location are access to light and water, and the absence of prior chemical or artificial fertilizer use. Compost, manure, and green manure are the recommended fertilizers as they do not further pollute the soil.

When choosing specific plants for cultivation, consider those less prone to diseases, like the San Marzano and Roma tomato varieties, which are less susceptible to pests and diseases.

Planning your garden should also factor in the seasonality of plants. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are not only beneficial for health and the environment but also cheaper and more readily available. Investing in seasonal produce allows for higher quality purchases and avoids potential chemical exposure from plants stored in refrigerators for a long time.

Meticulous and regular attention to crops is key to growing organic vegetables. Basic maintenance includes watering, weeding, removing dead leaves and periodic trimming. Proper care guarantees optimal growth conditions and reduces the likelihood of diseases and pests.

Tackling pests that threaten plants can be achieved in several ways. You can manually remove them, plant pest-deterrent species such as mint, garlic, and onion, or utilize specialized pest traps.

More people are turning to organic cultivation due to its increasing popularity. This practice not only saves money but also benefits health and the environment. Organic cultivation without chemicals is not only doable but also easily implemented with the right knowledge and initiative.