What is Organic September?
It’s the month of September and the time when harvesting season is in full swing. You get to pick and eat all the delicious fruits and vegetables you have been growing, making wonderful meals with your fresh produce, as well as creating fun and tasty jams and preserves with the glut of berries around. For us at Nutley’s, as well as many of you, it’s our favourite time of year.
However, did you know that this month is also known as ‘Organic September’? Created and led by the Soil Association, this campaign aims to be the biggest of its kind in encouraging people to choose organic and show how it can be a springboard for a wider change.
From food and farming to health, beauty, and textiles, there are opportunities all around you to shop using more organic methods. From supporting brands and businesses that are organic or being educated on how you can make smarter choices, it is hoped that Organic September will open people’s eyes to the benefits of organic methods, especially with such a global interest on how we can be more environmentally friendly.
One brand that Nutley’s Kitchen Gardens are proud to stock is Dalefoot Composts. This excellent brand makes their compost in the Lake District and only uses 100% natural ingredients from the fells surrounding their farm. All their composts are approved for organic gardening and are completely peat-free. Dalefoot is an excellent brand to be using in your own garden or allotment, but did you know that 95% of food production relies on soil?
As well as compost, Nutley’s also stock coco fibre pots which are also organic. Made from coir, a natural fibre extracted from the husk of a coconut, and reinforced with natural plant-based latex, the flexibility of the pots means you can simply squeeze them gently to release the roots.
In addition to buying organic produce such as free-range eggs or vegetable boxes, or components for your own garden and allotment, there are many other options available to embrace Organic September. Saturday 14th September is ‘Organic September Saturday’, with lots of independent shops and boutiques taking the opportunities to host talks and demonstrations. You can also visit organic farms, bake an organic cake or even enjoy a cup of organic tea!
If you are unsure if an item is an approved organic product, look for the logo. The Soil Certification certifies over 70% of organic products in the UK.
Whether you want to take part and raise awareness of Organic September because you would like to see lower levels of pesticides being used, more environmentally sustainable practices in the agricultural industry or transparent supply chains, be sure to share on social that you are involved in making a difference this September and beyond.
If you would like more information on Organic September, visit https://www.soilassociation.org/organic-living/organic-september/.