[dropcap]S[/dropcap]ince the introduction of organic farming to the U.S. by J.J. Rodale in the 1940s, the practice has gained momentum year after year. My farm joined the movement in 1991 and has been certified organic ever since. The USDA now reports the fantastic news that some 4.1 million acres within the U.S. are farmed organically. 

So how can all of the gardeners of Buda, Kyle, Mountain City and other surrounding areas emulate this example?

It begins with soil – the life blood of the...