Benefits of Organic Pesticides for The Environment & Vegetables

Organic farming is the best replacement for the conventional farming methods. Organic farming is defined as a method of livestock and crop production, which involves much more than the choice of not using chemical fertilizers and pesticides, growth hormones, antibiotics and genetically modified organisms. This method of production advocates for the use of organic pesticides, which are said to be beneficial to plants, livestock, soil organisms and people. If you are planning to own a vegetable garden in Orlando, then why not try going the organic way?

What are Organic Pesticides?

There are two types of pesticides, one is synthetic and contains toxic chemicals while the other one has natural substances such as lime sulphur, soaps and hydrogen peroxide. However, it is worth noting that not all natural substances can be used as organic pesticides. For example, you cannot use substances such as arsenic, tobacco dust and strychnine in your organic vegetable garden in Orlando. At Sungold Gardens, we recommend the use of the following natural and home-made pesticides:

1. Oil Spray Insecticides- This can be made from 1 cup of mild soap mixed with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in 1 quart of water. The mixture is then sprayed on plant surfaces to suffocate the insects.
2. Safer Soap- This is prepared in a similar fashion as the oil spray insecticide. One and a half tablespoons of mild liquid soap is dissolved in one quart of water. You can use this spray to control insects such as aphids, white flies, mites and beetles. It works by suffocating the insects.

iii. Neem oil Insecticide- This is a powerful natural insecticide. The extract from the seeds of the Neem is a hormone disruptor which also prevents the insects from feeding on the growing crops.

1. Diatomaceous earth- This natural pesticide comes from sedimentary rocks that contain fossilized algae. The diatomaceous earth insecticide acts by absorbing the lipids from the insect’s exoskeleton.
2. BT- Bacillus thuringiensis is a natural-occurring bacteria that makes insects sick whenever they eat it. This is ideal for controlling the insects that feed on the leaves of your vegetables.

How the Environment Benefits from the Use of Organic Pesticide

The pesticides you use on your vegetable garden will not only end up in the crop, but also in the soil and in some instances, it can be washed off to water bodies. Heavy use of chemical pesticides can be injurious to the environment. These pesticides can contaminate water, soil and other vegetation. Additionally, they can be toxic to fish, birds, non-target plants and beneficial insects. The strict adherence to the dictates of organic farming will ensure that the harm caused by chemical fertilizers is kept at a bare minimum.

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If you decide to grow your vegetables organically, you will not only reap health-related benefits and conserve the environment but also fetch higher prices for your produce. Organic products fetch a higher price in the markets than those which have been grown without strict adherence to the principles of organic farming. If you are looking for a vegetable gardener in Orlando, then you need to look no further. At Sungold Gardens, we will help you understand how to grow a low-maintenance organic vegetable garden in Orlando with the proper use of natural pesticides. Contact us today to get started.