Today, we have organic food options available in every aisle of the supermarket. Farmers’ markets abound teeming with organically grown, sustainable delicacies. And most gardeners realize the value of incorporating organics into their gardens rather than relying on synthetic fertilizers. What’s fueling this return to organic farming practices and what are the benefits to utilizing organic soils and fertilizers?

Chemical vs. Organic

Once upon a time, not so very long ago actually, many home gardeners and commercial farmers turned their backs on organic gardening. At the time, new synthetic chemical fertilizers composed of high combinations of N-P-K were readily available and relatively inexpensive. They were touted as superior to an organic approach to growing food. However, it turned out that these new fertilizers had some serious downsides.

The thinking was that plants really just need air, water, warm light and balanced nutrients so why not use chemicals? Well, chemical fertilizers are water soluble and since plants can only absorb so many nutrients at one time, the chemical fertilizers get wasted and end up as runoff, polluting our waterways. Also, chemical fertilizers are petroleum produced; thus, they use up valuable non-renewable resources.

But the real kicker to using chemical fertilizers is that they don’t build life into the soil. Building life into the soil is the key to a healthier, more sustainable garden and lawn. No one knows this better than Kellogg Garden Products. For over 90 years and three generations, their family has been bringing us quality organic soils and fertilizers. Kellogg’s commitment to provide premium organic products to the gardener is evident in the fact that

all

of their products under the G&B Organics and Kellogg Garden Organics brands are OMRI Listed. The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) is the leading independent agency accredited by the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP).

Benefits of Organic Soils and Fertilizers

The addition of organic matter through the addition of Kellogg’s organic amendments helps to create a healthy, fertile, living soil system. After all, soil contains both plant and animal life; in fact, it is full of life. Life begets life, and the use of organic soils and fertilizers foster living microorganisms which, in turn, nourish the soil, the plants and our families naturally.

Organically produced plants are noticeably healthier, yield better, and have more resistance to disease, drought and insects. An organically rich soil also balances drainage and water retention, and reduces compacting and crusting – all while providing ample nutrients to plants throughout the growing season rather than a sudden but brief influx of nutrients.

A resurgence in recognizing what our forefathers always knew is spreading like wildfire in America. A greater concern for the health of our families and the need to lessen our impact on the earth feeds this desire. The family owned and operated Kellogg Garden Products shares this commitment and the importance of building life in the soil for generations to come.