Non-Toxic Gardening
Written by Sharyn Wynters, www.wyntersway.com
Gardening has benefits beyond being outside in the sunshine and fresh air. Did you know that when you physically connect with the Earth, you receive trillions of free electrons that enter your body through your skin and serve as antioxidants? It’s true. The Cleveland Clinic has done lots of research to show that direct connection with the Earth has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It also balances hormones and reduces stress. No wonder you feel so good when you spend time outside in the garden.
But if you still use pesticides and weed killers you may be negating the good effects of gardening. Toxic pesticides and inorganic fertilizers poison the earth, they upset the ecosystem, and they destroy food value. Perhaps more importantly, they compromise your health. Pesticide residues find their way indoors on feet, pets and on air currents. Studies demonstrate that indoor levels in house dust and air go up ten times after an outdoor application. The effects of pesticides build up over time; they often go unnoticed until their effects creep up on the next generation.
Growing healthy plants is much the same as maintaining a healthy body. If the terrain is healthy, disease cannot infiltrate—just like in your body. Insect infestations are a symptom of stress caused by poor soil that lacks the elements to grow healthy, vibrant plants. Healthy soil is a living community, full of microorganisms, enzymes, and minerals. Feeding the soil is the best way to feed plants. Soil-building practices, like composting, and remineralizing improve the abundance (and flavor) of the harvest and will significantly reduce the need for harmful pesticides.
Compost versus fertilizer
Compost (mostly organic matter) is the ultimate garden elixir. It is the supreme soil conditioner that will improve air and water availability as well as provide the microorganisms and enzymes that make nutrients available to plants. The organic matter in compost not only conditions soil but acts as a slow-release plant fertilizer. This slow release of nutrients has many advantages over inorganic fertilizers. It’s often as simple as learning to use your kitchen wastes.
Soil remineralization
In addition to organic matter, soil must supply a well-balanced mix of micronutrients or trace minerals. It is the minerals that have become depleted from our soils. Remineralizing the soil with rock dust containing a variety of trace minerals will help to condition the soil and improve the health of plants as well as their “healthfullness” when consumed as food.
Today, more and more gardeners are collecting rainwater, composting their kitchen garbage, and learning to work with nature to produce a portion of their own food. It’s the reason I included a whole chapter in my book, The Pure Cure, on non-toxic gardening. You may want to read it before you begin in the garden this year.
- - - - -
Sharyn Wynters is a naturopath with over 30 years experience in health and wellness. She is also Director of Clinical Services for NORI (Nutritional Oncology Research Institute) and host of the TV/Radio show called “Get Healthy the Wynters Way with The Pure Cure!” (Thursdays from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on www.rmconlive.com) Visit her website at www.wyntersway.com.
When you purchase a copy of Sharyn's book by clicking the link below, a portion of the proceeds benefit Cancer Schmancer.
