The second is what Groth calls “‘organic middle ground.” “It’s not what most of us think organic is or want it to be,” she explains. “We want organic to be healthy and free of toxic chemicals. But it isn’t. For example, blood meal and bone meal are common ‘organic’ fertilizers. Yet, they derive from factory animals that eat unnatural feed grains and are full of hormones and antibiotics. Bone meal, however, can be labeled organic because it came from a living source as opposed to synthetic.”

• Composted animal manures, from animals that have never ingested chemicals.

• Green and brown plant matter can be composted, used as mulch or buried in the soil.

• Amendments like kelp, alfalfa meal or fish meal.

• Vermicompost from worms.

“Truly Organic also is a mindset,” says Groth. “People have complicated things along the way, nature does just fine and so have humans over thousands of years before there were synthetic chemicals.”

There is a movement toward this way of growing otherwise known as regenerative agriculture, no till, permaculture or biological growing. Those who go Truly Organic may experience pushback from others who claim that there are too many pests and diseases to make organic worthwhile. Many people are coming to realize the same ideas that Groth believes.

“Once you jump into the world of true organic, you’ll find that it works better,” exclaims Groth. “Studies show that healthy plants are far more resistant to pests and disease. Plants know how to defend themselves.”

An established organic garden is easier, cheaper and more beneficial to the planet and the foods grown there are more nutrient dense. It’s a win-win.

For more information on regenerative growing, seek out other Natural Awakenings Magazine contributors at NATURE’S FARMACY in Summerdale or NATURE NINE FARMS in Fairhope.

Location: HOMESTEAD VILLAGE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY (Assisted Living) 924 Plantation Blvd., Fairhope, AL. For a tour of the garden, email Julie Groth, [email protected].