Aaron Pinkus Discourse on Healthy Gardening: Insights from a Partner at Gardenuity's Farm
Blue Label Farms, a name synonymous with big gardening, celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. Originating as a small garden center in 1951, the farm has been in the Pinkus family for generations. Aaron Pinkus, who began his role in the family business in 1996, took over the farm's operations when it started growing herbs.
The Importance of Proper Plant Feeding
One common reason for struggling gardens is not feeding the plants adequately. Aaron Pinkus, the current head of Blue Label Farms, advises ensuring plants are fed properly for optimal growth. The Complete Guide to Composting, available from Blue Label Farms, offers a practical solution for making fertilizer at home.
Organic vs. Healthy Produce
The terms "organic" and "healthy" produce are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Organic produce refers specifically to fruits and vegetables grown under regulated standards that prohibit synthetic pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and irradiation. Healthy produce, on the other hand, is a broader consumer concept generally associated with foods that are nutritious, clean, and fresh.
While organic produce reduces synthetic pesticide exposure and environmental harms, it does not guarantee superior nutrition or taste for every crop. Many consumers incorrectly assume that higher prices always mean healthier or safer food. In reality, many commonly eaten conventional fruits and vegetables remain healthy when washed and prepared properly.
Blue Label Farms and Sustainable Practices
Blue Label Farms prides itself on making its own soil and fertilizers, which contain zero harmful pesticides or ingredients that are poor for human consumption. The farm's focus on sustainability extends beyond its products, with practices like crop rotation, composting, and natural pest control that aim to promote environmental sustainability, soil health, biodiversity, and reduce chemical residues in food.
Container Gardening and Winter Herbs
Container gardening allows for easy transportation of plants indoors during colder months. Thyme, a hardy herb that prefers cooler temperatures and grows quickly, is a great choice for indoor container gardening. Aaron Pinkus's favourite fall plants include Rosemary, Sage, and Thyme.
Making Informed Choices
Understanding the differences between organic and healthy produce can help consumers make informed choices. While organic produce offers environmental benefits, it does not necessarily mean that the produce is healthier. The best way to ensure where your produce is grown is to grow it yourself in your backyard.
References:
[1] National Organic Standards Board. (2021). Organic Standards. Retrieved from https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic
[2] US Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). Pesticides. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/pesticides
[3] Nutrition.gov. (2021). Nutrition and Your Health. Retrieved from https://www.nutrition.gov/
[4] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2021). Sustainable Agriculture. Retrieved from https://www.fao.org/sustainable-agriculture-food-systems/en/
[5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Food Safety. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/index.html
- Proper plant feeding is crucial for optimal growth in gardens, and Blue Label Farms recommends their Complete Guide to Composting for making home-made fertilizers.
- Although often used interchangeably, "organic" and "healthy" produce have different meanings. Organic foods are grown under specific regulations prohibiting synthetic pesticides, while healthy foods are generally nutritious, clean, and fresh.
- Blue Label Farms, particularly under Aaron Pinkus's leadership, focuses on sustainability by creating its own soil and fertilizers free of harmful pesticides and unsuitable for human consumption.
- Thyme, a hardy herb, is a suitable choice for indoor container gardening during colder months, and Rosemary, Sage, and Thyme are Aaron Pinkus's favorite fall plants for such gardening.
- Understanding the differences between organic and healthy produce allows consumers to make informed choices, with growing one's own produce in the backyard being the best way to ensure where food comes from.
