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Monocropping is where large farms focus solely on growing one crop. This kind of farming eliminates biodiversity of wildlife which leads to an imbalance between pests and predators which in turn leads to an increased use of pesticides and other chemicals. Mono crop farms tend to have poor quality soil and the significant chemicals used often results in the pollution of nearby waterways. Cotton farms are an obvious example of the negative effects of monocropping and how not to produce sustainable crops.

The problems cause by planting a single plant species (or a low diversity of species) in the one area can also be seen on a much smaller scale. Hollywood’s famous Canary Island date palms (which are not native to the area) have become diseased and they are all dying. There is no treatment for the disease and they are all having to be removed and be replaced by a variety of native trees. If there was more variety in the area in the first place then only a small number of palms would have been affected and the problem wouldn’t have been so serious. It also shows the importance of growing native species which are more likely to survive attacks by pests and diseases.

It is worth thinking about this when planting in your own garden. Use a mixture of native and non native plants for best results. This will attract a variety of insects and birds to your garden which prey on any pests you may have. A variety of species is also important. Plant flowers and herbs with your vegetables for best results. Remember that you don’t have to grow your veges in rows or even close by each other (unless required for pollination). Planting your crops in a random manner not only looks good but means if one plant gets infested by pests, others should survive because they are not all in the one area.

Read on for more tips on organic gardening.

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