The Benefits of Natural Gardening

Gardening is a popular hobby amongst many, and there are a multitude of advantages that come from natural gardening. From improved health to positive environmental impacts, natural gardening has more to offer than meets the eye.

Health Benefits

There are many health benefits of consuming organic produce from a natural garden. Studies have found that organic grown produce contains higher levels of essential vitamins and minerals than conventional produce ^[1]. Additionally, many organic growers use natural pest control methods such as companion planting and mulching to keep pests away, avoiding the use of chemical pesticides or herbicides. This results in fewer harmful chemicals in the food we eat, reducing our risk of chronic illnesses, such as cancer ^[2].

Environmental Impact

Natural gardening also has a positive environmental impact. By avoiding the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the risk of runoff and contamination of waterways is greatly reduced ^[3]. Additionally, natural gardening allows for the creation of diverse habitats and ecosystems, providing additional food sources and shelter for a range of wildlife, such as beneficial insects and birds ^[4]. This diversity of wildlife is essential for healthy and productive ecosystems.

Conclusion

Natural gardening offers a variety of benefits, from improved health to positive environmental impacts. As we become more aware of the potential dangers of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, natural gardening practices will become increasingly important for protecting our health and the environment.

References

1. Davis, D., Epp, M., & Diener, U. (2004). Changes in USDA Food Composition Data for 43 Garden Crops, 1950 to 1999. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 23(6), 669-682.
2. Pesticides and Cancer Risk. (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/pesticides/index.htm.
3. Rise of Gardening Could Reduce Pollution. (2006, October 4). ScienceDaily. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/10/061004132412.htm.
4. The Benefits of Natural Gardening. (n.d.). The Spruce. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/benefits-of-natural-gardening-2147167.