Rachel Carson in 1940 A couple of months ago, First Lady Michelle Obama planted a vegetable garden at the White House with the help of some students. Hers is the first such garden at the White House since Eleanor Roosevelt's during World War II. Her efforts reflect the nation's growing interest in organic foods, but some agronomic professionals seem to fear that Mrs. Obama does not recognize the benefits of pesticides and fertilizers for our modern food supply. In fact, the Mid America CropLife Association (MACA) addressed a letter to her detailing the important role conventional agriculture plays in "feeding the ever-increasing population, contributing to the U.S. economy, and providing a safe and economical food supply." They also hasten to mention that "children are unaware that the jeans they put on in the morning … are available because of America’s farmers and ranchers." MACA's letter most likely will not change Mrs. Obama’s gardening methods, but they get points for trying. Whatever the reason for the rise in popularity of organically-grown foods, suspicion of chemical pesticides and new technologies in agriculture is nothing new. More than fifty years ago, in fact, a seed was planted in the mind of marine biologist Rachel Carson when a friend wrote her a letter out of concern that a number of birds near her home were dying, apparently as a result of aerial spraying of the pesticide DDT. Although Carson was already concerned about this issue, her friend's letter highlighted the need for action. The seed from that letter would grow into "Silent Spring," her famous book that was first sampled in serial form in "The New Yorker" in June of 1962 and harvested -- er -- published in the fall of that year. Carson's exploration of the potentially harmful effects of DDT on animals, the environment, and humans was of immeasurable benefit to the modern environmental movement. While her book was immensely popular from the start, it was not met with universal acclaim. One former former chemical industry spokesman claimed that if Carson's teachings were followed, "insects and diseases and vermin would once again inherit the earth." DDT has been banned in American agriculture for some time now, but as technology presses on, new chemicals are being created, and with them come new problems. A pesticide that was sprayed in communities on the central coast of California was blamed for bird deaths and human health problems. Use of that particular chemical appears to have been shelved -- at least for the moment. Wherever you stand on the issue of spraying crops, you may be one of the many people who are currently putting together a backyard vegetable garden. Here at Yahoo!, we recently saw a surge in web searches by folks seeking information on how to start their own home gardens. Inspired by Michelle Obama? Avoiding the bug sprays but not wanting to shell out for pricey organics? Heck -- not wanting to shell out for pricey conventionals? Whatever your reason, we have many resources for you in our Directory, whether you want to compost and raise chickens, or just want to grow some tomatoes in a pot. Bon Appétit! Suggested Sites... HGTV - Vegetables - videos and articles with ideas for your veggie garden. Companion Planting - guide helps solve garden problems without chemicals. Path to Freedom - a journal for urban homesteaders. Rachel Carson Homestead - learn about Carson's legacy - you can even buy a pound of Rachel Carson coffee! "A Tale of Six Cities" by John F. Lauerman - read about the history of laws that protect public health.

Directory categories: Rachel Carson, Environmentalism, Vegetable Gardening, Organic Gardening, Crop Protection

Archived under: 1960s, American History, Authors, Biographies, Books, DIY, Environment, First Ladies, Food and Drink, Gardening, Green Living, Home and Garden, Insects, Pollution, Scientists, Society and Culture, The New Yorker, Vegetables

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