Contemplating An Organic Garden: It's the Berries!

Last summer I had what could be described as a peak experience. Not an emotional peak, or a breakthrough in my professional career. It was a culinary revelation in the form of very small raspberries. Organic ones...grown in the gardens of Washington State University. I bought them during my lunch hour from a small stall set up outside the student union building. I think they cost 4 bucks, which seemed pretty steep for such a small amount. I think it was the dark red color that attracted me.

A musky sweetness rose from the warm mound of little red thimbles in the cardboard carton. After the first bite I knew that I was encountering something very rare and wonderful. The ripe sweet liquid burst from the little globules. The flavor to me was more rich, refreshing and as complex as the best glass of wine. I already buy organic every chance I get. Like many people, I'm concerned about insecticide and herbicide residue. But what has me hooked is the flavor of organic and heirloom tomatoes and berries.

Maybe it was the seemingly endless winter that made me think of digging my hands and feet in black soil and growing a bountiful harvest of gorgeous raspberries. Whatever it is, this year I am preparing to grow a fruit and vegetable garden. And not just any garden: an organic one.

One of our young staff people, Arlie Sommer, grew up among organic produce. Her folks grow herbs for restaurants in southern Idaho. We decided to offer some tips and links that you can use to grow an organic garden. We aim to try to use these resources ourselves as we share them with you.

Cheers and here's to the long days of summer!

Mary Hawkins

Comments

[Esther]

Hmmm.... This is very interesting. What about Pullman farmers?