Au naturale: the bare necessities for breaking into pure, pesticide-free world of backyard organic gardening.

Ever wanted to change the world but thought you were too small or insignificant to make a difference). Well, push those thoughts aside, because here's your chance to better the world and your body at the same time. Because organic gardening allows you to grow a beautiful prosperous garden without manmade chemicals or supplements, it can be great for both your health and the environment.

While organic gardening seems to be a hot topic these days, many people do not know all the facts behind the practice. The overall purpose of gardening naturally, or organically, is to help the environment. When growing vegetables, fruits, or other plants naturally, you reduce pollution by not putting chemicals into the ground. There are a few basic characteristics that define organic gardening. First, it totally avoids manmade chemical fertilizers, including synthetic pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides. Second, gardening organically means embracing all the predators that may crop up, because they are natural substances that must be dealt with, not eradicated. And third, and most importantly, the success of organic gardening depends on the soil. The entire foundation of organic gardening or farming is rich, healthy soil.

Of course, we all know that soil serves as the foundation for plants. But in this type of gardening, you must first tend to the soil before the plants. If the soil prospers, then so will all of your veggies, fruits, and herbs. Sir Albert Howard, the founding father of the organic gardening movement, explained in his 1940 book An Agricultural Testament that if the soil is healthy, then the plant is healthy, and we get to eat healthy food. Take it from the expert himself.

Nurturing soil can be tricky. While it may sound silly, you must really take the time to get to know your soil. Most soils are a combination of the three basic types: sand, silt, and clay. One way to find out all the facts about the soil in your yard is through a soil test. Purchase a soil test kit, which is an inexpensive device that sticks right into the soil and gives you the pH reading, or bring a sample of your soil to your local Extension office for testing. Once you have the pH reading, follow the tips on what to add or remove from your soil to get it to a proper level. But remember, if you're going to be a true organic gardener, you may only add natural ingredients to the soil.

The best way to add goodness to the soil is with compost, otherwise known as organic matter. We've all heard of compost piles, but what exactly makes up these seemingly large mounds of rubbish? There are a few rules that must be carefully followed when creating compost. Only certain ingredients are allowed, and there are some that must be avoided. To start your own compost pile, first find a location in which to keep the pile. You can designate a spot in your backyard for a compost pile or invest in a compost bin. Once you've chosen the location, begin adding the ingredients. A large majority of your compost should come from kitchen scraps such as eggshells, coffee grounds, tea bags, and fruit and vegetable peels. An added bonus: using these materials that you would have otherwise thrown away is a great way to help with the problem of overflowing landfills. See, you're already helping the environment!

Other natural compost ingredients include ground-up leaves, pine needles, and grass clippings. Manure is a major plus for compost, but please be careful what you scoop. Never put dog or cat droppings in the pile. The only safe manure includes horse, cow, pig, sheep, goat, chicken, and rabbit droppings. Most of us don't have access to these animals, and that's okay. Your compost will be fine without the manure, but it definitely does help. (See www.compostguide.com to find out all the appropriate ingredients for compost.)

While you continue to add materials to your pile or bin, be sure to keep the moisture at a happy medium. If it becomes too wet, it will really begin to stink, and that might end your desire to garden organically forever--or you might lose some neighbors!

When you think you've got great compost, begin adding it to your soil. According to Organic Gardening magazine, the ideal garden soil should be dark in color and possess a subtle, sweet smell. It should also be full of earthworms. And you'd better learn not to cringe at these little squirmers, because no chemicals should be used to ward off any little garden critters. So if your soil meets all the criteria, it's time to start planting. Don't get ahead of yourself and plant a garden filled with all the vegetables and fruits you want. It's best to start with a couple of plants, see how they grow, and then--if they prove successful--you can add more to your garden.

Todd Goode, cafe manager at Rainbow Whole Foods in Jackson, devotes much of his time to organic gardening and farming. Todd and his wife, Mandalyn grow vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers in their backyard garden and have an organic bee farm called Beetree Meadows in another location. His garden includes eight different varieties of beans, yellow squash, zucchini, tomatoes, okra, peas, peppers, and carrots.

"We live in a great state for organic gardening," explains Todd. "We get lots of rain, and we have very rich soil. I've learned you can grow anything in Mississippi."

The Goodes are true believers in the organic gardening movement, which in addition to its environmental benefits also touts improved taste and more vitamins and nutrients. Without exposure to harsh chemicals, plants flourish in their natural environment, and people are healthier because of it, Todd says. "People are finding out the real impact food has on their bodies, and that's the main reason they're turning to organic gardening," he says. "It is packed with so much more nutrition, and with that nutrition comes incredible taste."

Even if your organic garden is flourishing with its rich soil and happy lifestyle, there are always obstacles to tackle with any garden. Besides compost, there are dozens of organic fertilizers made from all-natural ingredients such as cornmeal, kelp meal, and fish meal to help your garden grow. And for weed problems, a natural organic weed killer can be used to control some of your weeds--but don't eliminate all of them. A little weed adds to the overall natural appeal of your garden.

Todd says he hopes more and more Mississippians will take up organic gardening. "One less chemical in the ground will change the world," he says. "And it changes people as well. Organic gardening provides me with healthy food and lots of beauty. It betters my whole persona."

Eliminating chemicals from your gardening will change your life for the better, proponents say. Who wouldn't want better-tasting food packed with more nutrition? And while you're enjoying a delicious tomato straight from your garden, you can also enjoy the fact that you are one more person helping to save our environment. It's time to change the world, one garden at a time.