Professional Documents
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Guidelines
Garden Organic, Ryton Gardens, Coventry, Warwickshire CV8 3LG Tel: 024 7630 3517 Fax: 024 7663 9229 Email: enquiry@gardenorganic.org.uk
www.gardenorganic.org.uk
Organic Gardening
Guidelines
Contents
Introducing the guidelines ................................................page 4 Organic acceptability ratings ...........................................page 7 Organic soil care ................................................................page 8
Techniques Crop rotation Bulky organic materials Organic fertilisers
Weeds ...............................................................................page 29
Techniques Mulches for weed clearance and control
Water use .........................................................................page 32 Wood (timber) in the garden .........................................page 34 Energy use in the garden ................................................page 36 To find out more ..............................................................page 38
The Organic Gardening Guidelines are also available on the Garden Organic website Designed and set by Cottier & Sidaway 1999 Garden Organic. Update & reprint 2010
A voluntary code
These Organic Gardening Guidelines are a voluntary code of practice, and following, or signing up, to them does not permit the sale of produce labelled as organic. The guidelines are based on the principles and practices of organic agriculture, as defined by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) and they have been interpreted and adapted by Garden Organic to apply to garden scale growing.
Garden Organic produces factsheets on a wide range of organic gardening topics. Those relevant to the subjects covered in these guidelines are listed under the FS symbol throughout this booklet. Factsheets can be viewed on our website, or send for a list to Gardening Advice, Garden Organic, Ryton Gardens, Coventry CV8 3LG, 024 7630 3517
FS
www.gardenorganic.org.uk
Best organic practice the first choice Acceptable organic practice Acceptable, but not for regular use Never acceptable in an organic garden
In an ideal world, every garden would be run using only Best organic practice but this is not realistic in this day and age. We hope that, as you gain experience, and your garden develops organically, you will be able to move more towards and away from . The Never acceptable in an organic garden category is not a comprehensive list. If practices or products in this category, or that do not fall into one of the acceptable categories, is used, the garden would not be considered as organic under these guidelines.
The issues
Organic gardening does not stop at the garden gate, and to create a sustainable future we must also look to the wider environment. But these guidelines must also be practical and manageable. The issues that have been considered when deciding on which smiley face to allocate to a practice or product are outlined in the table opposite. It is not always easy to make a precise decision, and there are times when you will need to make your own value judgements. Would you, for example, consider an imported product with an organic symbol more acceptable than a local product, not organically produced? Taking all these issues into account, we have aimed to ensure that these Organic Gardening Guidelines are practical.
Ecologically harmful
Toxicity
May kill organisms other than those targeted May not be sustainable in the longer term National/ imported New materials
Sustainability
Sustainable
Sustainable
Sources
Local/regional
Imported
Materials
Highly processed
Energy use
Unacceptable fossil fuel energy required in use or manufacture Excessive nonrecyclable packaging Disposal hazardous to the environment and/or human health
Packaging
Disposal
None required
www.gardenorganic.org.uk
Techniques
Activities and practices for organic soil care Best organic practice the first choice Get to know the soil you are working with Grow plants that suit the existing soil conditions. Where necessary, use organic methods to improve the soil, but dont try to change soil conditions too drastically Keep the soil covered with growing plants, green manure cover crops, or an organic mulch. This protects and improves the soil structure Grow green manures to improve soil structure and to recycle, and add, plant foods. This includes clover in lawns Maintain soil humus levels, biological activity and fertility, where necessary, by applying home made compost, or other bulky organic materials in appropriate quantities and at the appropriate season (see pages 8-11, and factsheets.) Recycle organic kitchen and garden waste within the garden, by making compost, or through other processes such as making leafmould Use a crop rotation (see page 7) No dig techniques Acceptable organic practice Minimal soil cultivation, as necessary Acceptable, but not for regular use Rotavating, to clear ground or turn in green manures Digging between November and February, other than on clay soils to leave ground exposed to frost
Never acceptable in an organic garden Using excessive quantities of nutrient rich manures and fertilisers Unnecessary digging, rotavating and other soil cultivations Growing food on potentially contaminated soils, such as brownfield sites, unless analysis shows that the levels of contamination are acceptable (see FS )
Crop rotation
Crop rotation is an essential technique for managing soil fertility, and for pest and disease control. Briefly, crop rotation means not replanting the same type of plant, or another of the same family, in the same site for a period of years. It is most often used with annual vegetables, but the same principles can be applied to perennial fruit crops and other plants. An interval of at least 3 years, or more between plants of the same family, or longer if necessary where a specific problem is identified Include nitrogen fixing green manures in a vegetable crop rotation In a greenhouse, where a 4 year rotation may not be possible, pay particular attention to building and maintaining soil health Alternate fertility building crops with those which take a lot from the soil Alternate weed suppressing plants with those that compete poorly with weeds
FS Garden Organic factsheets
FS FS FS FS FS FS FS FS FS
Composts and manures in the organic garden Contaminated soils, manures and plant wastes Crop rotation Green Manures How to make compost Know your soil Managing your soil Mulches for weed prevention and control Using woody garden waste www.gardenorganic.org.uk
Rates of use
It is important not to overdose the soil with nutrient rich manures and composts. This is wasteful of resources, can cause pollution, and can encourage excessive growth that is more vulnerable to pest and disease attack. For recommended rates of use see page 13.
10
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Acceptable, but not for regular use Straw and hay from non-organic, non-intensive systems. Check with supplier as to what herbicides have been used; some may harm plants Mushroom compost from non-organic mushroom producers, stored under cover, or composted, for six months before use Never acceptable in an organic garden Peat or coir as a soil conditioner Leaves from busy roadsides and other polluted locations Leaves and leafmould collected from woodlands Any materials contaminated with excessive levels of potentially toxic elements, (see FS ).
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Topsoil
Acceptable, but not for regular use Where the layer of topsoil is inadequate, or nonexistent, bought in topsoil conforming to BSI standards, can be used, along with the materials listed in this bulky organic soil improvers section.
www.gardenorganic.org.uk
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Organic fertilisers
Composted plant wastes and manures, and green manures (particularly nitrogen fixing legumes), are the main ways of adding plant foods to the soil. Organic fertilizers are only used where a soil or plant deficiency occurs which cannot be remedied otherwise, or where you cannot make, or bring in, enough compost or other bulky organic materials. Fertilisers suitable for use in an organic garden are of plant, animal or mineral origin. Most of them are waste products. The action of soil living creatures, or the weather, makes the nutrients they contain available to plants, in a slow release way. The mining and/or shipping of some of these products can have an adverse environmental impact, so think carefully before use. Choose a product with a recognised organic symbol as first choice.
15
Acceptable, but not for regular use Meat, blood,bone, hoof and horn meals, on areas where no livestock have access, and in growing media Chicken manure pellets, from organic sources only, with a recognised organic symbol Wool based products, not containing pesticide residues.
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Growing media
An organic growing medium seed, potting, or multipurpose compost has, as its main ingredient, biologically active material, such as composted plant wastes. Seed compost should be low in nutrients. Other mixes should provide plants with nutrients for as long as possible, to limit the need for liquid feeding. Best organic practice the first choice Make your own growing media using home made garden compost and other bulky organic ingredients from those listed in the Soil Care section Acceptable organic practice Loam from the garden as an ingredient in growing media, returned to the garden after use Organic fertilisers, including animal by-products, as ingredients of growing media Commercially available growing media, with an organic symbol, or wording, from an approved organic certification organisation Commercially available growing media containing materials listed in the Soil Care section of these guidelines Acceptable, but not for regular use Coarse grade seaweed meal for moisture retention Sulphur chips to lower pH (increase acidity) Horticultural sand and grit Vermiculite and perlite Coir Bought in loam (topsoil) Never acceptable in an organic garden Growing media containing materials not approved in these guidelines, including non-organic fertilisers and peat Peat, other than recycled/reclaimed peat
FS Garden Organic factsheets
FS FS
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www.gardenorganic.org.uk
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Liquid feeds
Organic liquid feeds provide nutrients in a more readily available form than composts and fertilisers, but do little to encourage soil flora and fauna. For this reason, in organic gardening they are only used on plants growing in a restricted environment such as a container seed tray, pot, growing bag, hanging basket etc or in a greenhouse or polytunnel soil border. The major supply of nutrients should always come from the compost or soil in which the plants are growing. See also : Plant tonics, stimulants and microbial products, (page 23) Best organic practice the first choice None Acceptable organic practice Home made liquid feeds made from comfrey leaves, nettles and other plant wastes Liquid from worm composting systems Liquid feeds made from manures from livestock kept in the garden or allotment Liquid feeds based on plant products approved in these guidelines, preferably with an organic symbol, or wording, from an approved organic certification organisation Acceptable, but not for regular use Liquid feeds made from brought in animal manures that are acceptable under these Guidelines (see page 14) Commercially available liquid feeds based on animal by-products approved in these Guidelines, preferably with an organic symbol, or wording, from an approved organic certification organisation Products containing trace elements to correct deficiencies that cannot be corrected in any other way (see page 16) Never acceptable in an organic garden Fish emulsion, unless based on waste products of organic fishing industry Products containing artificially produced nutrients
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General gardening
Best organic practice the first choice Create a fertile, biologically active soil. Add composted organic materials to help reduce soil pests and diseases, and increase plant resistance. Use a crop rotation, minimum four year, for annual vegetables (see page 9) Grow plants that suit the location and soil type Start with healthy seeds, tubers, plants, fruit bushes, shrubs and other planting material, certified disease free where possible Grow varieties with some resistance to pest and disease Choose sowing and planting dates to avoid specific pests and diseases To reduce risk of diseases developing, prune trees and bushes, design plantings, and keep greenhouses and other protective structures well ventilated, to allow a good airflow When watering, apply water to the soil rather than the plant foliage Ensure plants have an appropriate supply of water
www.gardenorganic.org.uk
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Biodiversity
Best organic practice the first choice Grow a diversity of plants to provide food, shelter and habitats for predators, parasites, and other wildlife Leave some relaxed areas, such as leaves under a hedge, weeds, or an area of longer grass and for example, to feed and shelter wildlife There will always be pests present, but they do not always create a problem. They are also a necessary source of food for valuable predators and parasites Learn to recognise the many creatures, from hedgehogs to hoverflies, which consume pests, and disease-causing organisms, as part of their diet Where practical, grow a mix of types and varieties of plant to reduce risk of pest and disease infestation and spread. This includes companion planting
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Cleaning greenhouses and other structures, and pots, tubs and other containers
Best organic practice the first choice Pressure-washing Hot water/steam and scrubbing Acceptable, but not for regular use Natural plant essences including citrus juices Natural cleaning products such as vinegar, bicarbonate of soda
FS Garden Organic factsheets
FS FS FS FS FS FS
Crop rotation Companion or mixed planting Organic pest and disease control Various wildlife gardening factsheets Water use in the garden See also: Factsheets on page 9
www.gardenorganic.org.uk
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www.gardenorganic.org.uk
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Detailed factsheets on a whole range of pests and diseases are available. They can be found on www.gardenorganic.org.uk, or contact Garden Organic for a full list.
J Lillywhite
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www.gardenorganic.org.uk
27
Never acceptable in an organic garden Copper based fungicides. These guidelines recognise the environmental hazards of these products, and no longer recommend their use in organic growing Any active ingredient/product not registered as a pesticide with the Pesticide Safety Directorate; this includes homemade pesticide sprays, washing up liquid, or any other household products Any other pesticide not included in the Garden Organic Guidelines
J Bartlett
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Weeds
Clearance, management and control
A weed is an opportunist plant that will rapidly appear in bare soil and can become a nuisance to gardeners, completing for light, water, nutrients and space with desired plants. They may be wild plants, or cultivated plants that have spread too far. Weeds also bring biodiversity to a garden and some can be vital in to the survival of butterflies and other wildlife. Where necessary, weeds can be managed using the range of methods outlined below. Prevention is the key and cuts down on the work in the long run. There are no organic herbicides for clearing weedy ground of perennial weeds, but there are other methods that can be used. It is worth allowing sufficient time (which could be months or even a year or more) to clear perennial weeds completely, before planting up with perennial plants such as fruit bushes, shrubs or herbaceous flowers.
Maintenance
Best organic practice the first choice Grow ground cover plants, including green manures Use close spacing (where appropriate), vigorous varieties, intercropping and undersowing to inhibit weed germination and growth Clear perennial weeds thoroughly before planting perennial plants Hand weeding, hoe, dig out Cut problem weeds, such as docks and thistles, to prevent them seeding www.gardenorganic.org.uk
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Weeds
Cover the ground with a mulch (Guidelines rating will depend on material used) Design the garden to limit areas where weeds can become a problem Keep soil disturbance to a minimum to avoid bringing dormant weeds to the surface Crop rotation (see page 9) Stale seedbed before sowing
Biodiversity
Best organic practice the first choice Recognise that weeds can bring something positive to your garden Allow some weeds to flourish where they are not going to compete with your chosen plants
Lawns
Best organic practice the first choice Accept a certain level of weeds in a lawn, and recognise their benefits Amend soil pH, drainage and fertility as appropriate to encourage vigorous growth Choose appropriate varieties of grass seeds for location and use Dont cut grass too short, particularly in dry weather
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Weeds
www.gardenorganic.org.uk
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Water Use
The aim in an organic garden is to minimise the need for watering, and to collect rainwater as possible for use in the garden. Where watering is necessary, water should be applied in ways that make best use of it. Gardens act as valuable soakaways for rainwater an increasingly important function with the increase in heavy downpours. Do not pave or tarmac a whole garden. Even areas used for parking can incorporate some soakaway areas. Best organic practice the first choice Where soil is light and free draining, grow drought tolerant plants Maximise water holding capacity of soil by adding organic matter (see pages 10 14) Mulch the soil to reduce water loss (see page 31) Keep soil cultivations to a minimum Dont cut lawn grass shorter than 2.5cm; leave it slightly longer in drought conditions Allow weeds such as clover and yarrow to grow in a lawn; they will help to keep it green in dry weather Ensure pond liners dont leak, reducing the need for topping up Try to sow or transplant just before rain is forecast, rather than just before a spell of dry weather Protect young plants from sun and drying winds Collect as much rain water as you can Think before you water; water mainly to establish plants; many, particularly shrubs, trees and perennials rarely need watering Acceptable organic practice Make effective use of water by only watering at key points in a plants lifecycle, and then only if necessary Give the ground around plants a good soaking so that the water penetrates the soil, rather than just moistening the surface Apply water to the soil rather than foliage. A hand held hose or watering can will direct the water where it is needed If using an irrigation system, chose a drip system rather than sprinklers To minimise losses through evaporation, water in the evening, or at night, rather than in the heat of the day Acceptable, but not for regular use Use grey water, from baths, sinks and showers, to water non-food plants
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Water Use
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Acceptable, but not for regular use Synthetic wood alternatives, made from recycled materials such as plastics Never acceptable in an organic garden Wood from unsustainable forests, particularly from tropical regions Wood treated with creosote, including old railway sleepers New and second hand wood treated with Copper Chrome Arsenic pressure treatment There are no approved wood preservative treatments for use in an organic garden, but for health and safety issues, there may be times when use of preservative treated wood is essential. For more information see our Using wood in the garden factsheet.
FS Garden Organic factsheets
FS
www.gardenorganic.org.uk
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Acceptable, but not for regular use Petrol and electricity driven tools until they can be replaced by alternatives Gas, electricity and other fuels from non-renewable sources to heat greenhouses, where essential and with care to minimise losses Never acceptable in an organic garden Inefficient and wasteful use of fossil fuel derived energy Fossil fuel fired patio heaters
R Spence
www.gardenorganic.org.uk
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Garden Organic
Garden Organic is the national charity dedicated to researching and promoting sustainable growing, and has been at the forefront of organic horticulture for over 50 years.
We are an influential, dynamic and committed organisation and believe passionately in an organic approach to a sustainable future for people and the planet. We actively engage with a variety of individuals and groups as part of our work, including over 6000 UK schools, inspiring and educating all generations on the benefits of organic growing.
About
Make a donation
As a charity Garden Organic relies on donations from like-minded individuals who kindly support our work both in the UK and around the globe. If you can afford to make any donation, no matter how small or large, please call 02476 308 210, or go to www.gardenorganic.org.uk/donate
Garden Organic, Ryton Gardens, Coventry, CV8 3LG 024 7630 3517 www.gardenorganic.org.uk
Garden Organic is the UKs leading organic growing charity, and is dedicated to researching and promoting organic gardening, farming and food. We are driven by an enduring passion and belief, founded on over 50 years of research and practice, that organic methods provide a healthy, sustainable life for us all.
Garden Organic, Ryton Gardens, Coventry, Warwickshire CV8 3LG Tel: 024 7630 3517 Fax: 024 7663 9229 Email: enquiry@gardenorganic.org.uk
www.gardenorganic.org.uk
Registered charity no 298104. Garden Organic is the working name of the Henry Doubleday Research Association.