(This is a continuation of a previous posting on Gardening.)
In the earlier article, I referred to “organic gardening”. This can be confusing so I will attempt to explain the difference between current trends in gardening (that is used in most commercial farms) versus “organic” or “natural” planting.
In the beginning, there were sufficient nutrients in the soil to sustain crops year after year. Over the centuries those nutrients became depleted and man, in his wisdom, soon discovered how to “refresh” the soil. Some of the methods included crop rotation; growing crops that used different nutrients, and using “cover crops” that, when plowed under, returned to the soil the minerals, etc. that were needed. Animal manure was found to provide nitrates which helped to make the soil more fertile (you may remember the legend of American Indians dropping a fish into 
the soil with each corn seed planted). Later, scientists developed chemical substitutes for the depleted natural nutrients – they called it fertilize or fertilizer.
Obviously, the name comes from the word “fertile” which is not exactly what results from its use! Although, chemically, it did do what it was designed for, the problem with the use of chemicals, including medicines, is that its use ALWAYS comes with side effects, usually undesirable! Without going into all the unwanted side-effects of chemical additives, it suffices to say it definitely is not the preferred way of rejuvenating the soil.
When I was in Europe in the 1950’s it was common to see “honey wagons” on the road. These would compare to the septic trucks that we see today except they were usually like large (leaking) wooden barrels. Heaven help you if you were right behind one of those in hot, heavy traffic! The contents were taken, not to a septic disposal site, but to a farm to fertilize the soil. Yummy! But this process WAS considered a “natural” type of farming. In this country, human waste is not used in this manner but animal still is.
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Now, that brings up another question: is “Naturally Grown” and “Organically Grown” the same thing? I guess we need to look at the definitions and processes of both of these methods.
Organic farming is a tightly regulated industry, under the auspices of the EPA and the USDA. It controls what can be done to qualify as “organic”. Mainly it has to do with the land; it has to “lay fallow” for a prescribed number of YEARS. No chemical supplements; only “green manure” can be used. Seed must be certified as having no additives, preservatives or insecticides. Only organically-based insect control is allowed.
Livestock, including chicken & turkey plus eggs, fruit, nuts, etc. also have to qualify under the standards to be labeled as “organic”.
The rules are very extensive (much more than we have space to itemize at this writing) and intensive inspection is done to insure compliance to these rules. Even the shipping and handling of these products is controlled to prevent contamination.
Organic farming is a voluntary service but provides the consumer the assurance that what is labeled as “organic” is truly organic. Because of these rigid rules, inspection, etc., the cost of these products is elevated – the consumer pays the bill! But, you can be sure that it is good, chemical-free product.
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On the other hand, “naturally-grown”-labeled foods take the level of produce; livestock, bees (honey), poultry, eggs, etc., a level above the 
requirements of “organic” farming. It is not identified with the nationally-recognized organic group but includes their requirements plus additional ones. It is also aimed more at the small farmer who cannot afford the costs of rigid inspections, etc. like those of the organic organization. From the “Certified Naturally Grown” WEB site, “(it) is based on the “Participatory Guarantee System” model of certification. An estimated ten thousand farmers worldwide participate in this type of peer-review certification program.” This allows them to sustain the high standards at a lower cost to the eventual consumer. Their products are generally lower in cost but do not carry the “organic” label.
In either case, whether you select “organic” or “naturally-grown”, you can be assured that you are getting chemical-free, top quality products. Isn’t that the way it is supposed to be – good tasting, good for you, instead of a possible threat that you may ingest something that may harm your body? You make the choice.
Oh, save me a piece of that naturally-grown apple pie, with a dollop of that naturally-produced vanilla ice cream on top!
Bon appetit!
I love veggies, but have never been good at growing things, even flowers. I have some relatives who seem to be able to spit in the soil and some wonderful plant springs up.