Dirty Dozen Guide: Nutrition, Pesticides & Biodiversity | Mastering the Garden

Some fruits and vegetables are heavily sprayed with pesticides—and it’s not just a chemical issue. These plants may also produce fewer natural compounds that make them nutritious, and conventional growing methods can harm the environment. 🌱

Welcome to White Strawberries,  In this episode, we unpack the Dirty Dozen—the 12 fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues—and explore the Clean 15, foods that are generally safer. I’ll share advice on which ones to grow at home, which to buy spray-free, and which can be safely peeled or washed.

🏵️We’ll dig into:

• Why pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides are used, and how monocropping affects plant health.
• How home gardens and local market gardens naturally protect plants using biodiversity, companion planting, and soil care.
• Practical tips for growing grapes, strawberries, nectarines, spinach, celery, brassicas, lemons, apples, and potatoes.
• Understanding the Clean 15 and how peelable or resilient produce can reduce pesticide exposure.
• How natural plant stress produces phytonutrients that support both plant and human health.

Whether you’re a home gardener, conscious consumer, or just curious, this episode will give you practical ways to make smarter choices for your family and your garden—without judgment.

Resources & Links:

• Dirty Dozen & Clean 15 (NZ): Soil and Health  Latest Dirty Dozen
  
  
• Dirty Dozen & Clean 15 (USA): Environmental Working Group – Dirty Dozen & Clean 15
  
  
• Dirty Dozen & Clean 15 (UK): Pesticide Action Network
  
  
• Follow White Strawberries Podcast on Instagram: @whitestrawberriespodcast
  
  
• Join us on Facebook: White Strawberries Podcast
  
  

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May your garden be abundant, your strawberries white, and your curiosity never-ending!