Organic farming

No synthetic pesticides or mineral fertilizers. Relies on rotation, organic matter, biocontrol. An 'organic' certificate is a separate path: 2–3 years conversion, audit, standard.

Base cycle: legumes (nitrogen) → brassicas/onions → roots → tomatoes/cucumbers → legumes. Same crop in one spot max 2 years running — otherwise soil disease buildup.

Rotted manure 4–6 kg/m², compost, green manures (mustard, phacelia, vetch) — mow before flowering and till in. Ash — potassium, but not together with nitrogen.

Prevention: healthy seed stock, mulch, companion planting (marigolds vs nematodes, garlic near strawberries). Bio-agents: Bacillus thuringiensis vs caterpillars, trichoderma vs rots.

Mulch 5–8 cm (straw, cut grass, cardboard) suppresses 90% of weeds. A stirrup hoe instead of a spade — preserves soil structure. Weeds before flowering — to compost.

Organic produce sells 30–100% higher, but yields are 15–30% lower in early years. Margins improve from year 3–4 as soil recovers. Direct sales/CSA — the main channel.