September Is National Organic Harvest Month

September is definitely one of the biggest harvest months, at least in our area. I love this time of year when I can harvest tons of fresh fruits and vegetables from my own garden (grown organically of course), and purchase fresh organically grown fruits and vegetables from local roadside stands, and farmer’s markets. So why not celebrate National Organic Harvest Month by supporting your local growers?

There is still quite a bit of low cost produce in September, and this time of year the price isn’t really much different whether you purchase conventionally grown produce, or organically grown, both are low cost when they’re in season and local.

I try my best to use organic, and local produce. I search for fruits and vegetables that are in season and local, or in my garden through the spring, summer, and fall. I’m not perfect about it, but I definitely make an attempt to support organic growers in our area.

Here are a few reasons why it’s good to buy organic when you can.

• It helps protect land fertility.
• Helps to reduce the use of toxic chemicals.
• My favorite reason? In many cases you’re supporting small local family farms (especially when you purchase your produce direct from the source)
• The flavor is usually better, because most small growers plant for flavor, not so their produce can be shipped in huge quantities and stay fresh for several days in transit. They grow produce with great flavors so their customers will come back for more.

Image (c) L Gerlach