Referred to as “nature’s plow,” they improve the structure of the soil by systematically tunneling their way through the earth. We’re talking, of course, about earthworms. Their presence in your garden is a good thing—a very good thing. As they wiggle their way back and forth, they aerate the soil and help beneficial microorganisms get…
If you have a garden, you have pests. It’s unavoidable, but using pesticides to get rid of them should be your last resort (according to this article, homeowners use up to 10 times as many chemicals as farmers do per acre. Can you guess where those chemicals end up?). There are many ways to deal…
Commercial potting mixes are convenient, but most are nothing more than sterile dirt (likely treated with chemicals to eliminate weeds and pathogens). Instead of mineral-rich soil, they are mostly bark, peat or coir—light enough to transport, but lacking in the essential minerals and trace elements that produce lush, fragrant flowers and nutrient-dense food. For the most…
Probiotic foods and supplements are everywhere. These “good bacteria” are beneficial to digestive health and overall well-being. As it turns out, the microbial community that lives in the soil beneath our feet is just as important. Until now, however, soil microbes haven’t received quite the same level of interest and attention as those that reside in…
