List of organic gardening and farming topics
Encyclopedia
Techniques
- AquaponicsAquaponicsAquaponics is a sustainable food production system that combines a traditional aquaculture with hydroponics in a symbiotic environment. In the aquaculture, effluents accumulate in the water, increasing toxicity for the fish...
- Companion plantingCompanion plantingCompanion planting is the planting of different crops in proximity , on the theory that they assist each other in nutrient uptake, pest control, pollination, and other factors necessary to increasing crop productivity...
- IntercroppingIntercroppingIntercropping is the practice of growing two or more crops in proximity. The most common goal of intercropping is to produce a greater yield on a given piece of land by making use of resources that would otherwise not be utilized by a single crop. Careful planning is required, taking into account...
- Multiple croppingMultiple croppingIn agriculture, multiple cropping is the practice of growing two or more crops in the same space during a single growing season. It is a form of polyculture. It can take the form of double-cropping, in which a second crop is planted after the first has been harvested, or relay cropping, in which...
- No dig gardening
- Pollination managementPollination managementPollination Management is the label for horticultural practices that accomplish or enhance pollination of a crop, to improve yield or quality, by understanding of the particular crop's pollination needs, and by knowledgeable management of pollenizers, pollinators, and pollination...
- Sheet mulchingSheet mulchingIn permaculture, sheet mulching is an agricultural no-dig gardening technique that attempts to mimic natural forests' processes. When deployed properly and in combination with other permacultural principles, it can generate healthy, productive and low maintenance ecosystems.-Technique:A model for...
- Square foot gardeningSquare foot gardeningSquare Foot Gardening is the practice of planning small but intensively planted gardens. The phrase "square foot gardening" was popularized by Mel Bartholomew in a 1981 Rodale Press book and subsequent PBS television series. A full-length companion DVD, Square Foot Gardening , was recently released...
- Succession plantingSuccession plantingIn agriculture, succession planting refers to several planting methods that increase crop availability during a growing season by making efficient use of space and timing.There are four basic approaches, that can also be combined:...
- Weed controlWeed controlWeed control is the botanical component of pest control, using physical and chemical methods to stop weeds from reaching a mature stage of growth when they could be harmful to domesticated plants and livestock...
techniques (see also 'weeds' below) - Stale seed bedStale seed bedA false or stale seed bed is a useful organic weed control technique which involves creating a seedbed some weeks before seed is due to be sown...
- XeriscapingXeriscapingXeriscaping and xerogardening refers to landscaping and gardening in ways that reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental water from irrigation...
(water wise gardening) - Greywater irrigation
- List of companion plants
- Neglected crops
- Underutilized crops
Organic farming and gardening systems and approaches
- Biodynamic farming
- Biodynamic gardening
- Forest gardeningForest gardeningForest gardening is a food production and agroforestry system based on woodland ecosystems, incorporating fruit and nut trees, shrubs, herbs, vines and perennial vegetables which have yields directly useful to humans...
- History of organic farmingHistory of organic farmingOrganic farming was the original type of agriculture, and has been practiced for thousands of years...
- Organic farmingOrganic farmingOrganic farming is the form of agriculture that relies on techniques such as crop rotation, green manure, compost and biological pest control to maintain soil productivity and control pests on a farm...
- Organic farming methodsOrganic farming methodsOrganic farming methods combine scientific knowledge of ecology and modern technology with traditional farming practices based on naturally occurring biological processes. Organic farming methods are studied in the field of agroecology...
- Organic gardening (Organic horticultureOrganic horticultureOrganic horticulture is the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, or ornamental plants by following the essential principles of organic agriculture in soil building and conservation, pest management, and heirloom variety preservation....
) - PermaculturePermaculturePermaculture is an approach to designing human settlements and agricultural systems that is modeled on the relationships found in nature. It is based on the ecology of how things interrelate rather than on the strictly biological concerns that form the foundation of modern agriculture...
- Square foot gardeningSquare foot gardeningSquare Foot Gardening is the practice of planning small but intensively planted gardens. The phrase "square foot gardening" was popularized by Mel Bartholomew in a 1981 Rodale Press book and subsequent PBS television series. A full-length companion DVD, Square Foot Gardening , was recently released...
- Synergistic gardeningSynergistic gardeningSynergistic gardening is a system of organic gardening, developed by Emilia Hazelip, and based on the work of Masanobu Fukuoka. The approach is a type of permaculture. After establishing the garden, there is no further digging, ploughing or tilling, and no use of external inputs such as manures and...
- Vegan organic gardeningVegan organic gardeningVegan organic gardening and farming is the organic cultivation and production of food crops and other crops with a minimal amount of exploitation or harm to any animal...
- Wildlife gardeningWildlife gardeningA wildlife garden is an environment that is attractive to various forms of wildlife such as birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects, mammals and so on...
Pests and diseases
- Integrated pest managementIntegrated Pest ManagementIntegrated pest management is an ecological approach to agricultural pest control that integrates pesticides/herbicides into a management system incorporating a range of practices for economic control of a pest...
- Biological pest controlBiological pest controlBiological control of pests in agriculture is a method of controlling pests that relies on predation, parasitism, herbivory, or other natural mechanisms...
- Physiological plant disordersPhysiological plant disordersPhysiological plant disorders are caused by non-pathological disorders such as poor light, weather damage, water-logging or a lack of nutrients, and affect the functioning of the plant system. Physiological disorder are distinguished from plant diseases caused by pathogens, such as a virus or fungus...
(i.e., plant disorders caused by environmental factors, such as weather conditions, nutrient deficiencies, etc.)
- Nutrient deficiencies
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- Boron deficiencyBoron deficiency (plant disorder)Boron deficiency is an uncommon disorder affecting plants growing in deficient soils and is often associated with areas of high rainfall and leached soils. Boron may be present but locked up in soils with a high pH, and the deficiency may be worse in wet seasons. Most of what is known about boron...
- Calcium deficiencyCalcium deficiency (plant disorder)Calcium deficiency is a plant disorder that can be caused by insufficient calcium in the growing medium, but is more frequently a product of low transpiration of the whole plant or more commonly the affected tissue. Plants are susceptible to such localized calcium deficiencies in low or non...
- Iron deficiencyIron deficiency (plant disorder)Iron deficiency is a plant disorder also known as "lime-induced chlorosis". It can be confused with manganese deficiency. A deficiency in the soil is rare but iron can be unavailable for absorption if soil pH is not between about 5 and 6.5. A common problem is when the soil is too alkaline...
- Magnesium deficiencyMagnesium deficiencyMagnesium deficiency is a detrimental plant disorder that occurs most often in strongly acidic, light, sandy soils, where magnesium can be easily leached away. Magnesium is an essential macronutrient found from 0.2-0.4% dry matter and is necessary for normal plant growth...
- Manganese deficiency
- Nitrogen deficiencyNitrogen deficiencyAll plants require sufficient supplies of macronutrients for healthy growth, and nitrogen is a nutrient that is commonly in limited supply. Nitrogen deficiency in plants can occur when organic matter with high carbon carbon content, such as sawdust, is added to soil. Soil organisms use any...
- Phosphorus deficiencyPhosphorus deficiencyPhosphorus deficiency is a plant disorder that is most common in areas of high rainfall, especially on acid, clay or poor chalk soils. Cold weather can cause a temporary deficiency....
- Potassium deficiencyPotassium deficiency (plants)-Soil type and potassium deficiency:Potassium deficiency, also known as potash deficiency, is a plant disorder that is most common on light, sandy soils, because potassium ions are highly soluble and will easily leach from soils without colloids. Potassium deficiency is also common in chalky or...
- Plant pathology (i.e., plant diseases caused by fungi, viruses, bacteria, etc.)
- Honey fungusHoney fungusHoney fungus, or Armillaria or оpenky , is a genus of parasitic fungi that live on trees and woody shrubs. It includes about 10 species formerly lumped together as A. mellea. Armillarias are long lived and form some of the largest living organisms in the world...
- Specific replant diseaseSpecific replant diseaseSpecific Replant Disease is also known as ‘Sick Soil Syndrome’. This malady manifests itself when susceptible plants such as apples, pears, plums, cherries and roses are placed into soil previously occupied by a related species. The exact causes are not known, but in the first year the new plants...
- Rust (fungus)Rust (fungus)Rusts are plant diseases caused by pathogenic fungi of the order Pucciniales. About 7800 species are known. Rusts can affect a variety of plants; leaves, stems, fruits and seeds. Rust is most commonly seen as coloured powder, composed off tiny aeciospores which land on vegetation producing...
- Disease resistance in fruit and vegetablesDisease resistance in fruit and vegetablesThere are a number of lines of defence against pests and diseases in the organic garden, principal among these being the practice of good husbandry, creating healthy soil and ensuring high standards of garden hygiene...
- Boron deficiency
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Organic organizations
- Howard Garrett the Dirt Doctor - Organic Gardening & Living
- OCIA, International Organic Crop Improvement Association
- Good Gardeners Association (UK)
- Garden OrganicGarden OrganicGarden Organic, formerly known as the Henry Doubleday Research Association , is the UK's leading organic growing charity dedicated to researching and promoting organic gardening, farming and food.-History:...
, formerly the Henry Doubleday Research Association (main organisation promoting organic gardening in the UKUnited KingdomThe United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
) - International Federation of Organic Agriculture MovementsInternational Federation of Organic Agriculture MovementsThe International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements is the worldwide umbrella organization for the organic agriculture movement, uniting more than 750 member organizations in 108 countries...
(IFOAM) - Permaculture Association (Britain)Permaculture Association (Britain)The Permaculture Association is a British education & research charity that promotes the theory and practice of permaculture in the UK and beyond...
- Rodale Institute Rodale Institute
- Soil AssociationSoil AssociationThe Soil Association is a charity based in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1946, it has over 27,000 members today. Its activities include campaign work on issues including opposition to intensive farming, support for local purchasing and public education on nutrition; as well the certification of...
(UK) - Certified Naturally GrownCertified Naturally GrownCertified Naturally Grown is a non-profit alternate farm assurance certification program created for small-scale organic farmers, and striving to strengthen the organic movement by preserving high organic standards and removing financial barriers that tend to exclude smaller farms that are selling...
- Vegan Organic Network
- World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF)WWOOFWorldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms , also known as "Willing Workers On Organic Farms", is a loose network of national organisations that facilitate placement of volunteers on organic farms. While there are WWOOF hosts in 99 countries around the world, no central list or organisation...
- Carolina Farm Stewardship AssociationCarolina Farm Stewardship AssociationCarolina Farm Stewardship Association is the leading organic farm-advocacy and organic certifier for North and South Carolina. It is also called CFSA...
For North and South Carolina, of the US, the leading organic farming advocacy and certification institution. - Biodynamic Farming & Gardening Association (U.S.)
- Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (IOFGA)Irish Organic Farmers and Growers AssociationThe Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association certifies organic food and products throughout the island of Ireland. It is a voluntary organisation and a company limited by guarantee with a membership open to all....
Organic certification and promotion body in Ireland.
Some important figures in organic farming and gardening
- Alan ChadwickAlan ChadwickAlan Chadwick , English master gardener, was a leading innovator of organic farming techniques and influential educator in the field of biodynamic/French intensive gardening. He was a student of Rudolf Steiner, and is often cited as inspirational to the development of the "California Cuisine"...
- Alan Gear
- Bill MollisonBill MollisonBruce Charles 'Bill' Mollison is a researcher, author, scientist, teacher and naturalist. He is considered to be the 'father of permaculture', an integrated system of design, co-developed with David Holmgren, that encompasses not only agriculture, horticulture, architecture and ecology, but also...
- Bob FlowerdewBob FlowerdewBob Flowerdew is an organic gardener, and television and radio presenter. He is a regular panel member of BBC Radio 4's Gardeners' Question Time. He has nearly an acre of garden in Dickleburgh, Norfolk, England, where he lives with his wife, Vonetta, a care worker, and their twins, Italia and...
- Carol Deppe
- Dan JasonDan JasonDan Jason is the founder and owner of Salt Spring Seeds, a mail order seed company that specializes in heritage and heirloom varieties of vegetables and plants. Popular varieties include garlic, beans, tomatoes, lettuce, and grains...
- Dr Shewell Cooper
- Eliot ColemanEliot ColemanEliot Coleman is an American farmer, author, agricultural researcher and educator, and proponent of organic farming. His 1989 book, The New Organic Grower, is important reading for organic farmers and market gardeners. He served for two years as Executive Director of the International Federation...
- Emilia HazelipEmilia HazelipEmilia Hazelip was a Catalan organic gardener, former Merry Prankster, and pioneer of the concept of synergistic gardening. Her farming methods were inspired by Masanobu Fukuoka after reading his book; "The One-Straw Revolution" in 1977 after it was first translated into English.-References:...
- Geoff HamiltonGeoff HamiltonGeoff Hamilton was an English gardener, broadcaster and author, best known as presenter of BBC television's Gardeners' World in the 1980s and 90s.-Background:...
- Helen and Scott NearingHelen and Scott NearingHelen Knothe Nearing and Scott Nearing were well-known American back-to-the-landers who wrote extensively about their experience living what they termed "the good life".- Philosophy :...
- Howard GarrettHoward GarrettHoward Garrett, known as "the Dirt Doctor" is a controversial radio talk show host and a leader of the Organic movement. He is a landscape architect, health activist, arborist, newspaper columnist and organic activist living in Dallas, Texas. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Park...
- J.I. Rodale
- Jim CochranJim CochranJim Cochran is a pioneering organic strawberry farmer, who was the first person to grow strawberries organically on a commercial scale in California. Cochran was born in Carlsbad, California in 1947. He studied child development and European intellectual history at the University of California,...
- John Jeavons
- Joy Larkcom
- Lady Eve BalfourLady Eve BalfourLady Evelyn Barbara "Eve" Balfour was an English farmer, educator, organic farming pioneer, and a founding figure in the organic movement. She was one of the first women to study agriculture at an English university, graduating from the University of Reading.The daughter of the second Earl of...
- Lawrence D HillsLawrence D HillsLawrence D. Hills was a British horticulturalist, journalist, and writer, founder of the Henry Doubleday Research Association Bocking, near Braintree, Essex in 1954, now Garden Organic...
- Marc Bonfils
- Masanobu FukuokaMasanobu Fukuokawas a Japanese farmer and philosopher celebrated for his natural farming and re-vegetation of desertified lands. He was a proponent of no-till, no-herbicide grain cultivation farming methods traditional to many indigenous cultures, from which he created a particular method of farming, commonly...
- Michelle ObamaMichelle ObamaMichelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama is the wife of the 44th and incumbent President of the United States, Barack Obama, and is the first African-American First Lady of the United States...
- Peter CaddyPeter CaddyPeter Caddy was a British caterer, hotelier, and founder of the Findhorn Foundation community.Educated at Harrow, he apprenticed as a director with J. Lyons and Company, and was a member of the Rosicrucian Order Crotona Fellowship...
- Prince Charles
- Prince Philip
- Robert HartRobert Hart (forest gardener)Robert Adrian de Jauralde Hart was the pioneer of forest gardening in temperate zones. He created a model forest garden from a 0.12 acre orchard on his farm.-Highwood Hill farm:...
- Sir Albert Howard
See also
- AquaponicsAquaponicsAquaponics is a sustainable food production system that combines a traditional aquaculture with hydroponics in a symbiotic environment. In the aquaculture, effluents accumulate in the water, increasing toxicity for the fish...
- BotanyBotanyBotany, plant science, or plant biology is a branch of biology that involves the scientific study of plant life. Traditionally, botany also included the study of fungi, algae and viruses...
- Community-supported agricultureCommunity-supported agricultureCommunity-supported agriculture, a form of an alternative food network, is a socio-economic model of agriculture and food distribution. A CSA consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farming operation where the growers and consumers share the risks and benefits of food...
- Farmers' markets
- List of countries with organic agriculture regulation
- Local foodLocal foodLocal food or the local food movement is a "collaborative effort to build more locally based, self-reliant food economies - one in which sustainable food production, processing, distribution, and consumption is integrated to enhance the economic, environmental and social health of a particular...
- Organic certificationOrganic certificationOrganic certification is a certification process for producers of organic food and other organic agricultural products. In general, any business directly involved in food production can be certified, including seed suppliers, farmers, [food] processors, retailers and restaurants.Requirements vary...
- Organic cottonOrganic cottonOrganic cotton is generally understood as cotton and is grown in subtropical countries such as America and India, from non genetically modified plants, that is to be grown without the use of any synthetic agricultural chemicals such as fertilizers or pesticides. Its production also promotes and...
- Organic foodOrganic foodOrganic foods are foods that are produced using methods that do not involve modern synthetic inputs such as synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers, do not contain genetically modified organisms, and are not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical food additives.For the...
- Organic horticultureOrganic horticultureOrganic horticulture is the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, or ornamental plants by following the essential principles of organic agriculture in soil building and conservation, pest management, and heirloom variety preservation....
- Organic movementOrganic movementThe organic movement broadly refers to the organizations and individuals involved worldwide in the promotion of organic farming, which is a more sustainable mode of agriculture...
- Orthodox seedOrthodox seedOrthodox seeds are seeds which will survive drying and/or freezing during ex-situ conservation. According to information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture there is variation in the ability of orthodox seeds to withstand drying and storage with some seeds being more sensitive than others...
- Recalcitrant seedRecalcitrant seedRecalcitrant seeds are seeds that do not survive drying and freezing during ex-situ conservation. Moreover, these seeds cannot resist the effects of drying or temperatures less than 10° C; thus, they cannot be stored for long periods like orthodox seeds because they can lose their viability...
- Terra pretaTerra pretaTerra preta is a type of very dark, fertile anthropogenic soil found in the Amazon Basin. Terra preta owes its name to its very high charcoal content, and was indeed made by adding a mixture of charcoal, bone, and manure to the otherwise relatively infertile Amazonian soil, and stays there for...
- WildcraftingWildcraftingWildcrafting is the practice of harvesting plants from their natural, or "wild" habitat, for food or medicinal purposes. It applies to uncultivated plants wherever they may be found, and is not necessarily limited to wilderness areas...
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- List of environment topics
- List of ethics topics
- List of sustainable agriculture topics