The origin and early evolution of land plants about 480 to 360 million years ago, was an important event in the history of life, with far-reaching consequences for the evolution of terrestrial organisms and global environments. From this point further, the Earth came to rely on the essential tasks of photosynthesis and resulting oxygen production for the sustainability of organisms

Photosythesis : The process by which carbon dioxide and water are combined in the presence of light energy and chlorophyll to form carbohydrates. Photosynthesis takes place in the plant cell's chloroplasts. Inside the chloroplasts, chlorophyll absorb light energy from the sun. The chloroplasts then use that energy to jumpstart the process of photosynthesis. The carbohydrates/ sugars are the plant's internal energy storehouse; they are used to build and maintain plant tissue.
undergoing respiration. In short, without plants life as we know it is not sustainable.        

There are many processes plants utilized along the way, in order to maximize their potential and viability. It is also important to recognize that the main processes used for photosynthesis are the same now as they were millions of years ago. A plant is a plant. It uses the same 16 essential elements now, as it did hundreds of millions of years ago.

What has changed is the relative availability of these vital materials in our soils. Due mostly to human intervention, soils are in a continual state of digression due to development, urban sprawl, improper land maintenance, erosion, and over cropping. We have effectively stripped the soil of its viability, forcing us to utilize synthetic fertilizers that further lead us down the path of the dead soil. Crops grown in these conditions require inordinate amounts of pesticides and synthetic materials to compensate for these destructive practices, which produce weaker and less nutritious plants, some actually unhealthy for human consumption. The organic movement is a direct response to this phenomenon. The Food Movement's focus is bringing gardening together.

Organic Gardening
Organic gardening differs from "conventional" gardening mainly in the areas of fertilization and pest control. The organic gardener prefers to use natural and organic materials and methods, and avoids using practices and synthetic chemicals that may be detrimental to the soil, their health, or the environment. Think of organic gardening as reviving the concept of the garden or farm as an organism. When you garden organically, you think of your plants as part of an ecosystem within Nature that starts in the soil and includes the water supply, people, wildlife, and even insects. An organic gardener strives to work in harmony with natural systems and to
minimize and continually replenish any resources the garden consumes utilizing the Rule of Return. Its attention to what the plant and surrounding environment wants, not what you want to get out of the plant. After all, the best defense from pests and diseases is a healthy plant.

A definition adopted by the National Organic Standards Board in April 1995 is as follows: "Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony."

It is important to remember that "organic", in regards to produce quality, is a matter of bureaucratic definitions, not science. Organic is a method of gardening and farming, not a definition of the produce itself or a mandate on healthy food. There is no such thing as "organic produce", only "organically grown produce". In addition, "organic" does not mean "natural." There is no legal definition as to what constitutes a "natural" food. However, the food industry uses the term "natural" to indicate that a food has been minimally processed and is preservative-free. Natural foods can include organic foods, but not all natural foods are organic. However, the "organic" label is currently the only means of ensuring that the produce you are buying has been cultivated using acceptable practice. Technically "organic" means anything containing the element of carbon, which includes many materials traditionally understood to be synthetic (or man-made).

For a good article on the advantages of organic gardening, click here.

back to top

Container Gardening

Container gardening is an advantageous method of cultivation suitable for almost any potential scenario- windowsill, patio, balcony, no space, etc. With the addition of a grow light the possibilities are endless. Container gardening is also a good method of eliminating problematic soil-borne pests and diseases and getting around poor soil conditions.

Containers
Almost any container- be it clay, wood, or plastic- can be used in a container garden so long as it has holes in the bottom for drainage. The containers size should be delegated by the size of the plant. There is less ongoing maintenance if you choose a container that can be used for full term growth. Shallow-rooted crops like lettuce, peppers, radishes, herbs and most annuals need a container at least 6 inches in diameter with an 8-inch soil depth. Bushel baskets, half barrels, wooden tubs, or large pressed paper containers are ideal for growing tomatoes, squash, pole beans, cucumbers, and deep-rooted perennials.

Media
PG recommends using a potting soil or soilless mix for your container gardens. Ocean Forest contains a complete nutrient spectrum, whereas Light Warrior is soilless and must be fertilized using a complete fertilizer. Soil from the garden or yard can contain diseases or pathogens that can cause plant loss and is

Complete fertilizer: Containing all of the necessary elements a plant needs to grow. Miracle Grow, Peter's, etc. are not complete because they rely on the soil to bring the completion of fertilization. Products that are not "complete" will result in extreme deficiencies in plant growth and eventual non-production is utilized in a soilless scenario.
counterproductive to some of the advantages of a container scenario. Generally, a bagged soil can be reliably used without fear of pathogens or any other unwanted material being brought to the situation. In any case, ensure that your cocktail is porous to allow proper oxygen levels in the root zone and to allow proper drainage. Lack of oxygen can be an issue in containers due to its enclosed nature and should be considered.

Nutrition
This brings us to nutritional considerations. An advantage of container gardening is our ability to be knowledgeable about exactly what we have used nutritionally and what we have not. Be mindful of the type of medium being used, for this has repercussions on your fertilizer schedules- ex. a soilless scenario would need to bring higher levels of nutrition than a soil scenario. There is always a benefit to adding a fertilizer, even to a nutritionally charged soil. However, "organic" soils can be used for vegetative growth, but it is a good idea to implement some kind of blooming fertilizer to enhance flowering. Much of the nutritional value of the soil has been leached out from watering or has been used by the plant after several weeks or months of growth. This is especially important because a plant uses more fertilizer in later stages due to the increase in energy needed for physiological and metabolic processes involved in flowering and producing fruit. Be mindful of slow release fertilizers (such as urea based N, or sulfur coated slow releases) because they need to be considered going forward in the amount of fertilizer used. If possible, avoid them altogether. Container plants do not have the buffering capacity of large tracts of soil and are prone to burning

Burn : Leaf tips that turn noticeably dark from excess fertilizers or salts. Usually occurs from the edges or tips of leaves and is a result of "water stress". Water stress occurs from the reversal of the gradient plants use to utilize water via osmosis. By having too high a concentration of ions outside the root, water goes from a lower to a higher concentration, leaving the plant, in turn, "burning" it.
if too much fertilizer is used.

The other element of nutrition in container gardening is biological activity. A bagged soil arrives to a customer basically inert. All the microorganisms incorporated from production have been starved of Oxygen in the shipping process, need to be activated, and can benefit from "organic" products containing natural microbe food sources. Biological activity can be achieved using humus

Humus : The end result of successful composting is humus. It is the rich, dark, and fine mixture of decomposed organic materials. Humus contains the microorganisms necessary for healthy soil, as well as a ready supply of the macro- and micro-nutrients necessary for healthy plants. It also helps create ideal soil tilth through water retention and particle spacing. Use humus in the garden to condition and amend soil. Mix it with the soil for general improvement or use it to side-dress hungry plants.
from your compost pile or by feeding with a compost tea. It is also a good idea to inoculate your media cocktail with beneficial organisms.

Watering
Pay attention to your watering schedule. Because the volume of soil is relatively small, containers can dry out very quickly, especially if they are on a concrete patio in full sunlight. Daily or twice-daily watering may be necessary. Water clay pots and other porous containers more frequently, as they allow additional evaporation for the sides of the pots. If the soil appears to be getting excessively dry (plants wilting every day is one sign), group the containers together so that the foliage creates a canopy to help shade the soil and keep it cool. Apply water until it runs out the drainage holes, but keeping in mind the more water you have draining through your medium the more nutrition leaches along with it. Having said that, it is a good idea to leach your containers once every week or so with plain water or leaching solution to eliminate salt buildups if using synthetic fertilizers. A simple drip irrigation system set to a timer will eliminate the need to continually water and will allow you to leave for periods of time without worry.

Light
The amount of sunlight your container garden spot receives may determine which crops can be grown. Any less than six hours of direct light and it is tough to grow crops of production, such as peppers, tomato's, etc. but herb gardens should be fine. Supplement with a grow light and the possibilities are endless!

back to top