Why Natural!

All about the benefits of Natural Gardening practices.


Gardening Naturally

Things like weeds, pests, and bad harvests show up in every garden, every year. But this vault is going to be your ticket to tackling even the hardest of seasons. You’ll have tricks up your sleeve that will help you succeed from the day the seed goes in the ground ‘til the day you harvest it. 
 
Using essential oils in the gardening process helps us garden in a way that results in fruits and veggies that have been lovingly cared for in the most organic way. You can even achieve that affordably, sustainably, and without the use of harsh chemicals, friend! 

We have the most sophisticated and advanced medicine ever, and yet - we have far more cancer than we did 100 years ago.  There's a reason for that, and people don't like to admit that it's what we have chosen for convenience.  It's convenient to throw some chemicals in the yard instead of actually pulling weeds.  It's convenient to use cheap chemical fertilizers, instead of organic practices to nourish the soil and the plants.  Oh, but the price we pay is NOT convenient. 

In comes GMO crops - like that's going to solve the problem!  It has only created bigger problems.  Yes, for the farmers that get more yield from their crops, it looks like a win in the beginning - but as we see the long-term effects of these Franken-Crops - killing the bees and the birds (think nature's way of pollinating everything!) we are creating a world-wide disaster. 

It's time to embrace natural approaches for farming and gardening and to support those who are trying like hell to make it work in a world that doesn't help them.  Farmers are given all kinds of "support" for growing GMO crops instead of encouraging organic farming.  

Do your part by buying organic; supporting your local small farmers - especially those using organic practices (even if they are not "certified" organic); and stop using those chemicals in your yard for fertilizers and weed killers.  


Why Essential Oils?

Using essential oils in the gardening process helps us garden in a way that results in fruits and veggies that have been lovingly cared for in the most organic way. You can even achieve that affordably, sustainably, and without the use of harsh chemicals, friend!

Essential oils are the chemical compounds that make up the lifeblood of a plant. They’ve even been referred to as the ‘immune system’ of the plant. 
 
We are able to use them through the process of distillation after harvesting. The part of the plant with the beneficial chemicals (stems, leaves, bark, etc.) is harvested and sent through a very meticulous distillation process. Every plant needs a very specific distillation time and Young Living has 25 years of experience in that art.
 
After the plant is distilled a concentrated oil is the result. It is potent and loaded with uncountable benefits for your overall health and wellness. It is bottled, shipped to you, and then can be used topically, aromatically, or internally*!
 
The beneficial chemicals in the oils can be absorbed by your body (and the plants in your garden) to maintain optimal overall health and wellness. Because they are so concentrated, one little drop goes a loooong way! Wait until we get into the canning section of class - your mind will be blown!
 
*Young Living has an entire line of oils dedicated to ingestion called the Vitality line. 

 


Know Your Oils!
Seed to Seal 
 
This is hugely important. Why? The FDA has almost no regulations and safety measures on the essential oil industry. The oils found in drug and big box stores, online, and even from other oil companies have been tested to find harsh synthetic fillers and chemicals. A cheap perfume grade oil is distilled at high pressure and high temps and usually with chemical solvents. This yields an adulterated oil that can still be labeled “100% pure”... which, in my opinion, is a scary thing! 
 
Young Living decided to rise above that and create their own strict guidelines to ensure purity. It is called the Seed to Seal Quality Commitment. They abide by very strict guidelines to fulfill their promise in sending only the best products to your home. 
 
  • plant material that is grown on corporately-owned farms or carefully vetted partner farms (that you CAN visit!)
  • sustainable farming and sourcing practices, providing the purest oil
    • great care taken to preserve and protect natural resources
    • hand-weeded fields and ZERO use of pesticides
    • oils that retain all their natural constituents and therapeutic properties
    • use of food-grade distillers with state-of-the-art design and distillation methods
    • low pressure and low temperature distillation, without the use of solvents or synthetic chemicals
    • rigorous testing on each batch by internal labs and third-party facilities
    • oils that are carefully reviewed through every step of production in order to meet or exceed industry safety and purity standards (beyond organic!)
       
      And the best part… if the oils do not meet these high standards they are rejected and will not be bottled as a Young Living product. Now you can sleep tonight knowing you are getting the absolute best.
       
      Check out more info on their Seed to Seal promise at       www.seedtoseal.com
What's Next?
Head on over to the Natural Gardening Lessons in the Vault and be sure to check in the Discussion Room every now and then and tell us how it's going with your new gardening ideas!