You might say that it takes true “grit” to be a farmer—or a backyard gardener, for that matter. It takes resolve and strength of character to deal with all the things that Mother Nature throws at you. The word “grit” can also mean small, loose particles of stone or sand. When it comes to rock…
Category: Soil Health
It’s no surprise that some of the richest, most fertile soil on the planet can be found near active volcanoes. Volcanic deposits release essential minerals and nutrients that are essential to plant growth and can result in increased agricultural yields. This helps explain why people throughout civilization have been willing to settle near active and…
The benefits of silicon (Si) have been observed in a variety of crops and plants. But what about silicon’s ability to help crops resist environmental stress? Environmental stress limits crop yields and farmer livelihoods around the world. The stress that causes pests, disease, and decreases plant health and vitality, comes in a variety of different…
While the causes of iron chlorosis are complex, the general yellowing of leaves due to iron deficiency is hard to miss. In some cases, the leaves of a tree or plant turn yellow while its veins remain green (this is called interveinal chlorosis). In more severe cases, entire leaves turn yellow or white while their…
Located in the middle of the Willamette Valley in Western Oregon, Sunset Valley Organics is a family farm owned and operated by Bob Wilt and Wilt Farms. The farm’s roots date back to the early 1900’s, but it wasn’t until several years ago that Bob Wilt switched over to organic production after recognizing the link…
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by looking at a newspaper or watching a report on the state of our planet’s essential ecosystems. Soil erosion, soil depletion, diminishing soil fertility and declining crop nutrition. It’s enough to make a person want to stick his or her head into the sand—as long as drought hasn’t turned it…
As in many other parts of the country, the Pacific Northwest is experiencing a summer of intense heat and little precipitation—and it’s only mid-season. Flower gardens and vegetable plots everywhere are wilting under the sun, as are the people who tend them. Understandably, plenty of backyard gardeners are dismayed at the prospect of having to…
If you are aiming for optimal and sustainable plant growth that results in more nutritious foods and a healthier planet, look no further than rock dust. Also known as rock minerals, rock flour, rock powder, stone dust, soil remineralizer and mineral fines, rock dust is finely crushed rock containing micronutrients and trace elements that are…
A healthy garden is a happy garden—and a bountiful one. Here are a few straightforward strategies to help you make the most of the space that you have. Plant in raised beds In a raised bed, you don’t have to worry about walking paths. With more room to garden, you can plant more vegetables closer…
We teach people how to improve the health of the soil by using all-natural volcanic rock dust to grow delicious, nutritious and mineral-rich food. One of our most important audiences is kids. In the past, we’ve written about nutrition education and childhood obesity, as well as the link between school recess and healthier eating. In…