Plants may not be able to get up and take a walk around the garden, but they are not nearly as passive as we might imagine. In fact, plants adapt physically to their surroundings in number of surprising ways. For example, there are plants that defend themselves from predators with spines and thorns, not to…
What is soil? Most dictionaries define soil as the uppermost layer of the earth’s surface, consisting of rock and mineral particles mixed with organic matter, microorganisms, water and air. Of course, this definition only scratches the surface. The story of soil goes much deeper than that. (Okay, okay…we’ll stop with the soil puns!) The point…
Gardeners frequently ask, “How much rock dust should I apply to my garden to get results?” Let us start by saying that not all rock dust is alike and that we cannot speak for other products, only for ours. But without taking anything away from our competitors, we see Cascade Minerals as an improved replacement…
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…
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…
On Earth Day (and every day), let’s take a moment to appreciate the soil beneath our feet. Soil makes up the outermost layer of our planet—it’s the living skin of our Earth It takes Mother Nature over 500 years to form one inch of topsoil, the most productive layer of soil Soil scientists have identified over…
A naturally occurring mineral and the second most abundant element in the earth’s crust, silicon is everywhere. The problem is, only a small fraction in our agricultural soils is soluble and plant-ready. In a previous blog post, we discussed the many benefits of silicon to soil health and human health. Here we discuss its role…
Cascade Minerals Remineralizing Soil Booster is derived from finely milled volcanic basalt and nothing more. With no synthetic chemicals or man-made additives, our rock dust is approved for use in organic production. Yet we’ve noticed puzzled expressions when people see silicon dioxide (SiO2) listed as an ingredient. “Hey, isn’t this supposed to be an all-natural…
As the byproduct of violent volcanic activity, basalt is not an amendment that people associate with dependable crop production. Yet adding basalt to soil and potting mixes is a natural coming-together of geology and biology. It’s Mother Earths own form of soil remineralization. Results include stronger root systems, healthier plants and increased yields. Here’s what…
