About BOGI

BOGI is a not-for-profit community organisation run by volunteers, who are all members. There are no paid or salaried staff.

BOGI was formed in 1975 and has a varied membership of people from all walks of life, abilities and knowledge. Skills vary from beginners to very experienced. Ages range from young, single, family, retired to middle aged.

We have ten Life Members who are a source of inspiration and their organic gardening knowledge is one of our most valuable assets.

Our Objectives

These are our objectives under BOG Rules of Association:

The improvement of agriculture and horticulture generally;

Research into improved methods of organic farming and gardening;

The advancement of knowledge of, and fostering of, interest in organic gardening and farming and in other ecologically appropriate materials, techniques and technologies.

Introducing some Basic Organic Points:

Growing "organically" by definition, is growing without the use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers, using open pollinated seed - free from Genetic Engineering.

Organic growing can be in boxes on balconies to acreage and large farms. The work involved only increases with the size the operation, the enjoyment increasing with each successive crop. Organic Gardening is working with nature, using the natural resources of soil, air, water, with the return of animal and plant waste, to create healthy soil.

Healthy soil has high humus levels by using compost, a balance of water, drainage, light and shade, microbes assist plants to assimilate nutrients and minerals.

Diversity of plant species, not mono-culture is what Organic Gardening is all about. Plants grown in healthy soil are healthy and resistant to pest and diseases. Thus, what happens below the ground is as important as what happens above. The building healthy soil takes time, persistence and patience and MULCH. Note how the rewards, with each successive crop, are highlighted.

A 'no dig' garden created in one hour will be ready for your first organic crop in days. As a first step, during conversion, natural pesticide (e.g. pyrethrum), can be used but they are broad spectrum pesticides and can kill beneficial and predatory insects as well as the target species. Pyrethrum should be sprayed late in the day after bees have gone to their hives.

Pest control is better achieved by inter-mixing small numbers of different species of vegetables together. Consider the type of plants you select for planting. Introduced species are less pest resistant, as they are not native to the area. Consider planting native crops (e.g.. New Zealand spinach and Taro) as these will be more in balance with their surroundings, hence stronger and pest resistant and/or encourage birds, try garlic, buy a duck.

Aim towards sustainable, self sufficiency! Wise use of resources including your time and energy, the use and re-use of water, returning of all organic matter to the soil (worms and poultry). Recycling, will develop a system within your home and property which utilises as many otherwise waste resources as possible. Generally artificial or chemically manufactured fertilisers are water soluble and with over use they leach into our waterways. They create a watery plant that looses its balance with nature, making the plant more susceptible to pest and disease attack. Compost and mulching reduces leaching.

Compost, is essential to organic gardening. This principle follows the procedure of nature. Mulch is fallen leaves. this is first stage to compost. With the help of worms, heat, air and microbes mulch is further broken down to Compost, and thus Humus is formed.

Develop a system which is sustainable for yourself, your lifestyle, your time, your energy. Start small and expand as your understanding of Organic Growing expand. Seek advice, assess it and adapt it to your situation. Make your goals realistic.

If you are selling produce you can become certified. For those who wish to operate a commercial organic (growing) business, it is important to become a certified organic grower.