Important Garden Terms and Concepts

What is permaculture?  Permaculture (permanent agriculture) is the conscious design and maintenance of agriculturally productive ecosystems which have the diversity, stability, and resilience of natural ecosystems. It is the harmonious integration of landscape and people providing their food, energy, shelter, and other material and non-material needs in a sustainable way.  Native plant species are used whenever possible and when they are not, species are chosen for their compatibility with the local environment. 

What are GMO’s?  GMO stands for genetically modified organisms.  Genetic modifications of a plants DNA to produce desirable traits is often achieved by introducing genes from unlike species.  Concerns about environmental stability and food safety have not yet been fully researched.  For health and safety, it is advisable to avoid any and all GMO’s.  A good way to help assure this is to grow your own organic foods.

What is biodiversity?  Biodiversity is the sum total of all the genetic variation in the world’s living organisms.  Genetic variability is crucial to nature ability to build resilience and resist extinction in the face of ever-changing environmental conditions.

What makes a seed organic?  Certified organically grown seeds are harvested from plants raised on certified organic farms without the use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides or herbicides.  No chemical fungicides are applied to the seed before packing.  Generated and tested under organic conditions, organic seeds are a fundamental first step in sustainable organic agriculture.

What are open-pollinated seeds?  Open pollinated (OP) seeds are produced from plants that pollinate naturally through insects, wind and water.  This allows gardeners and farmers to save seeds that will reproduce true to the form of the parents if care is taken to prevent cross-pollination.  PO’s also allow us to create new varieties through cross-pollination and selection.  Many seed companies sell mostly hybrids, which will not reproduce true-to-form saved seed.

What are heirloom and traditional varieties?  Heirloom and traditional seeds are the embodiment of our precious genetic heritage.  Heirloom varieties are primarily of European descent, while traditional varieties have been handed down by indigenous cultures.  Each has endured the test of time for its unique characteristics such as taste, beauty, vigor, hardiness, and resistance to disease and drought.  They are treasures that contain genetic traits that we may need to rely upon for our future food security. 

Why grow organically? 

For our personal health—Organic gardening works with natural systems to grow healthy gardens, nutritious great tasting food, and beautiful flowers, without subjecting us or our families to dangerous agricultural chemicals and pesticides.

For the health of our gardens—Practices such as composting, cover cropping, and crop rotation maintain and build soil fertility.  Planting a diversity of vegetables, flowers, and herbs helps create a complex, balanced garden ecology.  Healthy soils and biodiverse gardens naturally produce plants rich in nutrition, flavor and beauty.

For the health of our community—Pollution from chemical agriculture affects our food, water and air.  Organic gardening and farming promote a healthy environment with non-toxic, ecological methods, such as using beneficial insects for pest control, and mulching or cultivation to control weeds.

For the health of our planet—This world sustains animals, humans, insects and plants in an intricate web of life.  Our gardens and farms can foster diversity by providing a habitat, which may otherwise be threatened by development, logging, pollution, grazing, and invasive species.