Grow the O!
Organic Gardening Tips

• Mulch acid loving plants by using a thick layer of pine needles every fall.
• The best organic material for bed preparation is compost made from anything that was living. (Leaves, kitchen waste, and grass clippings)
• Got weeds? Spot-spray with full-strength household vinegar during a sunny day.
• Dill attracts the tomato hornworm, so plant it on the other side of the garden opposite from tomatoes.
• Plant Sage to fend off cabbage moths/black flea beetles.
• Use Chives for their repellant properties for aphids.
• Plant Marigolds to repel a variety of insects.

The Organic Truth
by Katie Felpausch

An abundance of research suggests that fruits, vegetables and grains that are organically grown offer more nutrients such as vitamin C, iron, magnesium and phosphorus. In addition, they expose individuals to less nitrates and pesticide residues (thought to be carcinogens – or cancer causing agents) than conventional products using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Research conducted at Newcastle University demonstrated that organic food had higher amounts of certain antioxidants and less mycotoxin (a fungus) than conventional samples. This study also demonstrated that by feeding organic grass to cattle decreased the risk of E. Coli contamination when compared to grain-based diets. In addition to the described advantages below, keep in mind that organic farming also supports biodiversity and pushes low-intensity, extensive farming a step further by eradicating the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which is not only to promote human health, but also healthy for the farms and the future of our environment.

Nutrition: A certified nutrition specialist analyzed 41 published studies and concluded that organic foods have 27% more vitamin C, 21.1% more iron, 29.3% more magnesium, and 13.6% more phosphorus. Not only that, but organic products had 15.1% less nitrates than conventionally grown crops. She also suggested that five servings of organic produce provides 100% of vitamin C for men and women in contrast to the conventional products. No wonder the new dietary guidelines suggest eating 7-10 fruits and vegetables!

Antioxidants: A Danish study indicates that organic produce contains more powerful antioxidants known as flavonoids. Antioxidant levels in sustainably grown corn (using fertilizer but no pesticides or fungicides) were 58.5 percent higher than conventionally grown corn, while organically and sustainably grown marionberries were about 50 percent higher in antioxidants than conventionally grown berries.

Pesticides: In the March of 2003 peer-reviewed journal, Environmental Health Perspectives, it was suggested that consuming organic foods might lower children's exposure to potentially harmful pesticides. For three days, parents kept a food journal and then the children’s urine was analyzed for pesticide content. The organically fed children had less organophosphorus (OP) pesticide metabolite levels. Also, dimethyl metabolites were about six times more in the conventionally fed children. In addition, while assessing and comparing the amount and toxicity of pesticide residues in different foods of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Pesticide Data Program, a Consumer Union report findings showed that fresh peaches, frozen and fresh winter squash, apples, grapes, spinach, pears, and green beans made up some of the largest Toxicity Index ranges. In conclusion, the Consumers Union advises us to eat organic produce.

Beyond the Produce Department: A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition researched 11 different brands of organic soups and concluded that organic soups have higher levels of salicylic acid, which is the anti-inflammatory property of aspirin and may aid in preventing hardening of the arteries and intestinal cancer. In the 11 brands of organic soups the average amount of salicylic acid was 117 nanograms compared to 20 nanograms of the 24 conventional soups. A study released in 2003 concludes that organic milk has higher levels of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA), which may prevent cancer and atherosclerosis.

Stop in at Zucca’s by Felpausch for the largest organic produce department in southwest Michigan!
5700 Beckley Road, Battle Creek 269-979-1870
Grow the “O”! Organic Gardening Tips
• Mulch acid loving plants by using a thick layer of pine needles every fall.
• The best organic material for bed preparation is compost made from anything that was living. (Leaves, kitchen waste, and grass clippings)
• Got weeds? Spot-spray with full-strength household vinegar during a sunny day.
• Dill attracts the tomato hornworm, so plant it on the other side of the garden opposite from tomatoes.
• Plant Sage to fend off cabbage moths/black flea beetles.
• Use Chives for their repellant properties for aphids.
• Plant Marigolds to repel a variety of insects.