Chemically synthesized fertilizers are designed to feed plants fast. They cover the necessary macronutrient requirements and contribute to rapid leaf growth (if not proper root growth). In that sense, they do their job very well. But there are a multitude of secondary nutrients, micronutrients and trace elements that aren’t available in most commercial fertilizers and…
Category: Soil Minerals
Happy Chinese New Year! 2014 is the Year of the Horse, which Chinese astrology says will bring good fortune and be filled with lively energy. We predict a bountiful growing season thanks to the organic soil-boosting benefits of volcanic basalt. Read on. Lan Su Chinese Garden Here in Portland, Oregon, a good way to get…
Reliable plant growth and healthy yields depend on a balanced combination of nutrients, some of which are made available to plants quickly—and others that are made available over time. That’s what makes volcanic basalt an ideal addition to indoor potting mixes. The slow-release benefits of crushed volcanic basalt make it an effective way to minimize…
What contains potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and iron and contributes to the growth of stronger and healthier plants and increased yields? The answer is volcanic basalt. The proof is in the brix. Brix levels are often used to describe the nutrient density of fruits or vegetables as a measure of their sugar levels. In actuality,…
The holiday festivities are over and the winter solstice has passed. This can only mean one thing: It’s time to start planning for the spring garden! What are your resolutions for the year ahead? Maybe you’ve decided to do more composting. Perhaps you’ve resolved to try planting new and different varieties of fruits and vegetables. It…
Is eating a healthy diet one of your New Year’s resolutions? If you’ve resolved to start eating better for health reasons, you are not alone. It is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions, year after year. For most people this means eating less sugar, eliminating junk food, drinking more water and adding lots…
An indoor herb garden is a breath of fresh air and a much-needed ray of sunshine during this otherwise cold and dark time of the year. Plus, who doesn’t love fresh herbs as part of a festive holiday meal? Roasted squash with rosemary and sage. Potato latkes with fresh basil and chives. Herb-encrusted roast beef….
Just in time for the holidays, the Christmas cactus is adding some much-need color to the season with its show of flowers that can include variations of white, pink, yellow, orange, red or purple, depending on variety. Have you added a Christmas cactus to your indoor garden, or received one as a holiday gift? Consider…
Open a bag of Cascade Minerals Remineralizing Soil Booster and the first thing you’ll notice is the color—a deep, dark gray. The source is volcanic basalt, taken from Central Oregon’s legendary Cascade Mountains and turned into a finely milled product that contains the essential minerals and trace elements that plants depend on for healthy growth…
Lavender is as beautiful as it is hardy. Although often associated with English gardens, lavender is native to the Mediterranean where it grows in dry, sunny and rocky conditions. Fortunately, lavender can adapt to a variety of different growing conditions. For example, lavender thrives here in the Pacific Northwest where the weather is mild yet…