Growing a Greener World Season 6 Episode 18 The Truth About Organic Gardening

Growing a Greener World season 6 episode 18, titled The Truth About Organic Gardening, explores the world of organic gardening and debunks some prevalent misconceptions about it. Host Joe Lamp'l visits experts in the field and discovers the benefits of organic gardening, and why it is a viable, healthy, and sustainable way of growing produce.

In the episode, Lamp'l meets with Jeff Gillman, an associate professor of horticulture at the University of Minnesota and an author of several books on gardening. Gillman discusses the truth behind some common misconceptions about organic gardening. For example, he explains that using chemicals in gardening is not necessarily easier or cheaper than organic methods. Gillman also dispels the myth that using synthetic pesticides is the only way to kill insects and diseases.

Lamp'l also visits the Rodale Institute's farm in Pennsylvania, where he meets with the Institute's chief impact officer, Jeff Moyer. The Rodale Institute is a nonprofit organization that conducts research and outreach on regenerative organic farming practices. Moyer explains the concept of regenerative organic agriculture and how it goes beyond just avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. He discusses how regenerative practices can improve soil health, promote biodiversity, and mitigate climate change.

Throughout the episode, Lamp'l emphasizes the importance of soil health in organic gardening. He explains that healthy soil is the foundation of a successful organic garden because it supports the growth of nutritious plants and helps them resist pests and diseases. Lamp'l also shares tips on how to improve soil health, such as adding compost and other organic matter, avoiding tillage, and planting cover crops.

To demonstrate the practical aspects of organic gardening, Lamp'l visits with Lisa Ziegler, a flower farmer in Virginia who uses organic methods to grow her crops. Ziegler explains how she manages pests and diseases without using synthetic chemicals. She also highlights the importance of crop rotation and diversity in her fields to maintain soil health and prevent soil-borne diseases.

Overall, Growing a Greener World season 6 episode 18 is an informative and inspiring exploration of organic gardening. It offers viewers practical tips and real-world examples of how organic methods can work in a variety of settings, from small-scale gardens to large-scale farms. The episode encourages viewers to consider the benefits of organic gardening, both for their own health and the health of the planet.