Aug. 15, 2011

By Brandolon Barnett    

Chrissy Cortez-Mathis, president of the Dallas Organic Garden Club (DOGC) discusses organic vs. non-organic gardening, the state of local gardening efforts, and the potential role for individuals and governments in supporting sustainable gardening methods.

The growth in organic gardening can surely be said to be more than a fad or trend. In truth it’s rather a return to the norm. For millenia simple tools like composting were not novelties but seeds for the kinds of gardening and landscaping feats exemplified in some of humanities most inspiring monuments – the Palace at Versailles, the Forbidden Palace, or even the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. 

The 20th century brought drastic changes to how we garden and landscape – how we shaped the natural world around. These changes were characterized by the increasing use of chemical fertilizers and high technology in lieu of more traditional methods. Increasingly, many question whether this change has led to better results for plants, the soil, and human health. These questions are what lie behind the dramatic rise in organic gardening clubs throughout the US and the world. In this Green Source conversation, I corresponded with Chrissy Cortez-Mathis, president of the Dallas Organic Garden Club (DOGC) about the impact of organic gardening techniques on plants, soils (& wallets), the history of the organization, and the growth of organic gardening in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

To begin with, can you tell us something about the history of the Dallas Organic Garden Club – your mission and funding sources?

 We are a social garden club that promotes the benefits of gardening organically. Our mission is to share this information with the public via our monthly meetings, our website, & tables at DFW events in the spring & fall. Our funding comes from membership dues, our spring plant sale & raffles that we hold at each meeting for a Redenta’s Garden Center gift certificate

It certainly seems on the surface that there has been a good deal of growth in organic gardening. Can you comment on this perceived growth based on what you see and experience at DOGC?

We have had more new folks attending our meetings this year so I do agree that there has been a surge. At the events where we have had an information table, more people seem to be stopping by & signing up for more information as well. It’s very promising.

In discussions regarding sustainability one question that I frequently have is whether non-organic gardening can be said to be better than no gardening at all?

If folks are using a lot of chemicals in their yard in order to have a garden vs not gardening at all, I would say that no gardening at all would be best. Those chemicals that folks use in their gardens affect not only their soil but the ecology of their neighborhood & our storm water systems. Those chemicals rarely stay put.

Once folks understand that for about the same amount of money, if not less, if they start with compost, not only would they save money, but this would be a healthier option for their family & the ecology of their landscape.

When you start by amending the soil with compost, then the biology of the soil starts to improve. Worms, bacteria & microbes start working to enrich that soil & over time, the soil retains moisture & feeds the plants that are growing. Adding mulch every year to protect that soil will continue to amend the soil as over time, that mulch turns into compost & continues to feed the plants. When we can simulate what happens in nature, then our landscapes will be healthier & attract beneficial insects & wildlife.

For vegetable gardening, the same principal applies however; you may need to add a natural foliar spray to feed those plants. Liquid seaweed & fish emulsion are wonderful options as veggies are very hungry plants so need more food in order to produce fruit.

What is the affect/impact of this summer’s (ridiculously) high temperatures on organic vs. non-organic gardening?

I’ve not heard specifically about non-organic vs organic gardens & this heat. I think for all gardens, water has been the biggest issue. If folks have mulched well, planted native plants & are willing to water their landscapes appropriately, most organic gardens have done well. The Discovery Gardens at Fair Park is a great example of organic gardening in action.

What might a State of the Union on local efforts at supporting and expanding local organic gardening efforts look like?

This website has some great ideas concerning what local governments can do to help out. 

What are your thoughts on controversy in recent years regarding community gardening and city ordinances? Is there a role for government in promoting organic gardening methods in city supported or sanctioned community gardens?

I’ve not heard about this controversy in Dallas. Community Gardens are wonderful for so many reasons; bringing folks together, sharing fresh food with food banks & often times, introducing kids to where their food comes from. This is a great opportunity for local government to promote organic gardening by sharing how simple it can be. You don’t have to have a lot of chemicals in order to be successful.

What are some good resources – be they events, websites, radio shows etc. for people looking to learn more about organic gardening and or the DOGC?

Folks can visit www.dogc.org for information on the club & we have a resources tab that has links to other great organic sites. We also have a calendar of events for DFW. Our meetings are on the 4th Thursday of the month at REI 4515 LBJ Freeway, Dallas, TX 75244. Our meetings are free January–September & our October meeting is a members only seed exchange.

We love seeing new people & have door prizes as well as the $25 Rententa's gift certificate at every meeting. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with other gardeners.

Chrissy Cortez-Mathis is president of the Dallas Organic Garden Club. Brandolon Barnett is Assistant Editor & Interactive Communications Manager for Green Source DFW. You can send questions, comments, or story ideas to - brandolon@greensourcedfw.org