Identification

• The most rudimentary parameters for organic gardening prohibit the use of toxic fertilizers and pesticides. Organic foods are normally grown without artificial additives to enhance growth or stave off pests and disease.
  
  

Certified Organic Classification

• Since various farmers, growers and food handlers interpreted the basic directives for organic garden differently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture established certification guidelines and gave approval authority to some private agricultural groups and states. The directives vary on some points, but they generally include testing farm soils and water, inspecting processing sites and reviewing the ingredients used in the growing process to ensure they meet the guidelines set forth by each group.
  
  

Organic Pest & Disease Control

• To grow healthy food without artificial pesticides or fertilizers, organic farmers frequently boost the natural nutrients in soils. They use natural insect predators, traps, obstructions and mating interference to control invasive pests. In some cases, certifying boards will allow farmers to use natural botanical repellents to control pests and diseases.