Transporting produce from the central valley is costly. The food is not fresh, and chemical fertilizers endanger health. As evidenced by the enthusiastic turnout at a potluck for organic gardeners open to all at no charge, many would like to grow and eat more organic food in Nosara. Why isn’t it happening? The gathering brought twenty gardeners together to share challenges and successes.

Jay, an avid gardener here, suggested Ed Bernhardt’s Organic Gardening in Costa Rica for basic information. “Read it and then just start planting and see what works.”

During the meeting, gardeners wanted to know:
Where do you get organic vegetable seeds? Organic heirloom seeds, available in the States, are of an ancient rather than commercial variety. We will order them as a group. Please contact us if you want to participate.

What grows well here?
Cherry tomatoes, squash, melons, cucumber, radishes, and a variety of greens including chard, kale, mustard greens, and herbs. Greens need to be protected by saran.

What do you do for non-toxic pest control?
A homemade, natural, insecticide that’s worked for some is garlic, or chili peppers mixed in a blender with water and sprayed on plants.

How do you build good soil?
Composting is the key to creating rich, healthy soil from depleted, rocky, clay filled in Nosara earth. Ground cover is also important for preventing erosion. Legumes, like beans, soy, lentils and chickpeas are beneficial as ground cover because they fix nitrogen into the soil to enrich it for planting.

How do you compost?
Composting is not as easy at it sounds because it poses questions regarding meat eaters and vegitarians, dairy, toxic leaves like teak, etc. Recommended website: dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/wm/Recycle/Compost/Home3.htm

Gardening in Nosara, it’s agreed, is challenging. There are formidable obstacles. It is a work of love. But, like many of you, we’re out getting our garden started. By collaborating, and sharing information, hopefully, we’ll reach critical mass and will soon enjoy more locally grown organic food here in Nosara.

If you’d like to attend out next gathering, contact us at: [email protected] or phone: 2682-0209