Organic Gardening
Organic gardening methods avoid the use of manufactured fertilizers and other synthetic chemicals in the cultivation of soil and plants. Although organic gardening is often regarded as an alternative to gardening with chemicals, many organic techniques are simply good gardening practices and are compatible with other forms of gardening. In its gardens, the Royal Horticultural Society uses a combination of both organic and other methods to maintain soil fertility and deal with damaging pests, diseases and weeds. The reduced reliance on chemicals in a wholly or partly organic garden brings benefits through a more sustainable form of gardening and by encouraging wildlife.
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A summary of RHS policy
1) The Royal Horticultural Society is sympathetic to the basic aims of organic gardening and adopts an integrated approach to pest, disease and weed control in its Gardens, where it uses a combination of organic, chemical, biological and physical control measures.
2) The Society recommends the restrained and thoughtful use of garden chemicals, whether synthetic or organic, and it is concerned to promote their safe usage. It provides advice on, and demonstrates in its Gardens, alternative methods such as biological control and physical deterrents; also the benefits of resistant cultivars and crop rotation.
3) The Society strongly advocates the improvement and maintenance of soil fertility by the incorporation of organic matter, which features prominently in the husbandry practices at all its Gardens. It demonstrates and provides advice on the use of green manures and suitable methods for making garden compost. It endorses initiatives for rendering plant residues into compost, such as the segregation of municipal green waste and the decomposition of kitchen waste in wormeries.
4) The Society advises gardeners through its advisory and information services on the careful use of fertilizers and composts, and will indicate organic options where these are available. Care is urged in the use of fertilizers and manures, both organic and inorganic, to avoid overuse or misuse, and to ensure that excessive residues are not lost to drainage. The Society’s Gardens make use of organic fertilizers where appropriate, and inorganic kinds are also carefully used.
5) The Society advises the use of thorough cultivation for weed control in preference to or in association
with the use of chemical herbicides. The application of weedkillers should be reserved for special problem situations and the products used strictly in accordance with the makers’ recommendations. The destruction of weeds by careful use of purpose-made flameguns is considered suitable for situations where there is no risk to wildlife. Ground mulching with organic matter, fabricated plastic and other covers, and plant ground cover are recommended for the suppression of annual weeds. These techniques are well demonstrated in the management programmes of the Society’s Gardens.
6) The Society believes that the abandonment of digging in the context of organic gardening is suitable only on soils of naturally very good structure, and where skilful crop management is possible. It promotes the use of narrow, raised beds, especially for vegetable growing, as a means
of preserving soil structure.
7) The Society respects the views of individuals and organizations who adopt, or lobby for, the complete abandonment of inorganic chemical substances in gardening. It also recognizes the interests of both total adherents and those who believe that it is sometimes necessary to use inorganic chemical substances in order to maintain a productive and attractive garden. The interests of wildlife protection and conservation are prominent in all considerations.