Organic vegetables are those grown using natural growing methods, including avoiding the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides and using non-genetically modified seeds. Commercial producers of organic vegetables must comply with the Organic Food Production Act of 1990 in order to have their produce labeled organic. If you're growing vegetables for your personal use, you can follow a few basic guidelines to plant and grow your veggies in the spirit of the organic movement.
Soil
In order to start the process of growing organic vegetables--at least those that meet U.S. Department of Agriculture requirements--find a planting area not treated with any synthetic products for three years prior to the time of your first harvest. This would include fertilizers and pesticides. If you are unsure or don't wish to follow the USDA rules to the letter, make sure any topsoil or potting soil you plan to use does not contain any synthetic additives, such as fertilizers or weed killers.
Seeds and Seedlings
Avoid seeds and small plants from seeds that have been genetically engineered when planting your garden. Genetically modified vegetable seeds have DNA from different sources to create disease-resistant plants, plants that require less water or fertilizer, or have other qualities desirable to commercial farmers. Look for seeds and seedlings labeled organic to ensure you buy what you're seeking.
Fertilizer
Don't use commercial fertilizers made with or from synthetic chemicals. Use organic fertilizers such as compost made from leaves, grass or other plants, coffee grounds or fish. If you wish to use manure to fertilize your plants, you must stop using raw manure 90 days prior to your harvest to meet the requirements set for USDA certified organic vegetables, according to the Organic Trade Association. If you wish to follow the more stringent National Organic Program rules for using manure, you may not apply raw manure to soil if you are growing vegetables for human consumption; you must first compost it following NOP guidelines, which require a three-day composting period. You may apply composted manure no less than 120 days prior to harvest if the edible portion of the plant touches the soil, or 90 days if the food doesn't touch the soil.
Pesticides
Organic farmers often use commercial pesticides that are not synthetic, or man-made. Two widely used organic pesticides are rotenone and pyrethrin. These pesticides are not as effective at preventing pests and disease as their synthetic counterparts, taking as many as seven applications to be effective, in comparison to two applications of synthetic fertilizers, according University of Berkley graduate student, Louis Han, an postdoctoral associate at Cornell University's Baker Institute for Animal Health. Other organic pesticides organic farmers use include tobacco and garlic spray and onion and mint plants in and among crops. An article in the October 1999 issue of "New Scientist" cites that milk may help prevent powdery mildew on your cucumbers and zucchini plant leaves.
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