Re: Vindication of organics (was confessions)
Janet B wrote:
>
> Hi everyone
>
> I cannot match the knowledge and reasoned arguments of this thread, but
> would like to add my support for the organic movement.
>
> We went 'organic' more than 20 years ago, when it was considered wacky and
> very fringe. It was an interesting few years as the first season we had no
> balance at all and crops suffered and went down one after another. We
> persevered and the second year pests and diseases were not such a problem
> and by the third and fourth years we achieved the balance that we were
> looking for and had enough pesticide and chemical free food to feed us.
>
> We have had our organic beliefs tested again here in Crete, as we had to
> start from scratch again....
> as we manage to get lots of compost etc into
> the soil it will improve on a yearly basis. We have now proved this to
> ourselves not once but twice over. The organic approach is not a myth - IT
> WORKS
And those of us who also feel it is the best way are always delighted
when anybody says this with conviction and vindicates our stand.
>
> I recently read in an English paper that the fresh, clean wholesome- looking
> lettuce on the supermarket shelves had been sprayed with 17 different
> chemicals in its short life. I for one would rather grow my own organic
> lettuce, and if necessary share a bit with the dreaded slugs and snails than
> purchase such an item. In addition, though a bit off topic, that lettuce may
> have been grown in the South West of England, transported by road to a
> supermarket's centralised depot in the North Midlands and then driven back
> again to be sold in a supermarket in the same town it had originated in. A
> journey of several hundred miles!!!!!! CRAZY
A telling argument for growing at least some of one's own provender.
Lettuces are an encouraging crop to start with, as they can be grown
without any special skills or techniques and are ready for harvest so
quickly.
>
> There is lots more I could say but won't now, but I always try to remember
> that we are only here for 80/90 years and it is not right only to take from
> the soil. I want to be sure that I leave it and the environment in a fit
> state for our children and children's children to inherit.
And like you I feel the organic way is the only growing method which
will ultimately preserve the soil intact for that posterity..
Moira
--
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata, New Zealand. (on the "Ring of Fire" in the SW Pacific).
Lat. 41:16S Long. 174:58E. Climate: Mediterranean/Temperate
