The Art of Organic Gardening: Growing Your Own Herbs - Healthy Horizons: Health & Wellness Lifestyle

Before I moved to Marlow, Oklahoma, I lived south of Dallas, Texas, where my mom and I began an organic gardening business. We raised fresh cut flowers and sold bouquets at our local Farmer's Market, cultivated organic vegetables, and distributed them through a CSA, community-supported agriculture. We were passionate about educating as many people as possible about the benefits of organic gardening. But what exactly is organic gardening? Simply put, it's gardening without the use of synthetic pesticides. In our approach, when pests like squash bugs appeared, we'd handle them manually, without resorting to an array of chemical interventions.

Organic gardening is a straightforward yet challenging way to garden. In a world that thrives on immediate results and convenience, it may seem daunting to opt for a more time-consuming and hands-on approach. After all, we are accustomed to obtaining instant answers to our queries with just a few taps on our devices. In such a fast-paced world, the art of organic gardening calls for patience and persistence. However, the rewards it brings not only benefit us but also contribute positively to the natural environment that surrounds us.

My go to three fundamental aspects of organic gardening:

Natural Pest Control: Organic gardening employs natural pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects, like ladybugs and praying mantises, to control harmful pests. Additionally, companion planting, where certain plants are grown together to deter pests, is a common organic gardening technique. For instance, planting aromatic herbs like basil, mint, or rosemary alongside vegetables can help repel insects.
Composting: Composting is at the heart of organic gardening. By recycling kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials, you can create nutrient-rich compost that feeds the soil and promotes healthy plant growth. Composting not only reduces waste but also enhances soil structure, water retention, and microbial activity.
Crop Rotation: In organic gardening, crop rotation is practiced to reduce the risk of plant diseases and soil depletion. By alternating the types of crops planted in specific areas over successive growing seasons, you can break the life cycles of pests and diseases that target specific plants. Additionally, different crops have unique nutrient requirements, so rotating them helps maintain soil fertility.

In my experience of helping gardeners transition from synthetic pesticides to organic methods, the best and easiest way to begin the journey is through gardening with herbs. Herbs don't need a lot of extra help; naturally, they repel insects and thrive in small or large spaces. Learning what to do with all the herbs that can be grown is a fun journey.. From lavender and rosemary to thyme, sage, and mint, growing your own herbs provides a multitude of benefits that make them an ideal starting point for aspiring organic gardeners.

Recipe: Herb Infused Olive Oil:

Ingredients:
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
Handful of fresh herbs (choose your favorites, such as rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano, or a combination) If you don't have fresh herbs, reach out to me, I have several herbs growing in our community garden and I'm happy to share
Clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid

Instructions:
Wash and thoroughly dry the fresh herbs to remove any dirt or moisture.
Crush the herbs gently between your hands or bruise them slightly with the back of a spoon to release their aromatic oils.
Place the herbs in the clean glass jar.
Pour the extra virgin olive oil over the herbs until they are fully submerged.
Seal the jar tightly with the lid and give it a gentle shake to ensure the herbs are evenly distributed.
Store the jar in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, for at least one week to allow the flavors to infuse the oil.
After one week, strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another clean jar or bottle, discarding the used herbs.
Your herb-infused olive oil is now ready to use! Drizzle it over salads, pasta, grilled vegetables, or use it as a flavorful dip for crusty bread.

Enjoy the rich flavors and aromas of your homemade herb-infused olive oil, a delightful culinary creation straight from your organic garden!

As we continue our journey into the world of organic gardening in the upcoming columns, we will further explore this sustainable and rewarding practice. Embracing organic gardening not only nourishes our bodies with wholesome produce but also fosters a deeper connection with nature. So, let's get our hands in the soil and embark on a fulfilling organic gardening adventure!

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Donelle Gregston, founder of Sunkissed Studios to contact Donelle you may email her at donelleyogi@gmail.com, a quick video of the recipe can be found at www.sunkissedstudios.me