Vatican Gardens' Pope's Garden Transitions to 100% Organic Cultivation
The Pope's Garden, located next to the Mater Ecclesiae monastery within the Vatican Gardens, has transitioned to 100% organic cultivation. This initiative aligns with the principles of caring for Creation, as outlined in Pope Francis' encyclical 'Laudato si'.' The garden, originally commissioned in the Middle Ages by Pope Nicholas III Orsini, now focuses on respecting natural growth cycles and soil health rather than maximizing production. This approach involves using certified pelletized fertilizer, testing seaweed-based fertilizers, and employing crop rotation with legumes to maintain soil fertility. The cultivation calendar strictly follows seasonal produce, and the garden's citrus trees, some 150 years old, are grown without chemical treatments. The produce from this garden also supplies charitable institutions. 
