Experience has taught us that the “organic” approach to gardening can be really hard if you are determined to be a purist.  There certainly are benefits to limiting the amount of pesticides and artificial fertilizers by using organic methods.  But, as in just about everything, the old saying,

“moderation in all things” works here too.  I like the way this guy says he integrates organic methods (chickens) with non-organic (bug lights and pesticides) when necessary and he doesn’t apologize for it.  I also like his philosophy of letting the chickens have some of his produce in exchange for their help in keeping the bugs down.  But, at the same time, says he manages them so they don’t take too much.  It’s a comfortable alliance.

The older I get, the more I’m convinced that there are many different solutions to any given problem.  When we become dogmatic, we shut out new learning and alternative solutions.  When we’re open, that’s what I call humility.  When something isn’t working or even if it is, keep trying and learning.  If you persist with faith and humility, solutions open up and things get easier.  Each year, our garden has become more productive and a little easier (that is until we expand to the next phase and take on new problems or new problems arise on their own).

My garden and my chickens keep teaching me things.

Isn’t life good?