This time of year is great for gardeners and farmers. But unfortunately, it is also a time for plant diseases. In fact, I don’t know of a gardener who is not affected by some type of disease on their plants.
Plants are similar to the immune system of people. Susceptible to viruses, diseases, and adverse environmental conditions. The healthier we are, the better we feel, the more productive we are. The same goes for plants.
It all starts with the soil. The healthier the soil, the healthier the plant. Nutritional soil gives a plant the ability to fight off diseases.
A recent study found the microbes found in the soil of a grapevine, were also found in the flowers, leaves, and grapes. These microbes play a significant role in the productivity of the plant, stress tolerance and disease resistance. These microbes have been depleted from most of our soil through the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides
The quality of the soil directly affects the plants, as the nutrients in soil are soaked up by the plants. These nutrients can be chemical based or organic. The hazardous chemicals fed to plants are absorbed through their roots are the same chemical that eventually ends up on your plate.
Organic based soil amendments such as black worm castings, have the same effect on plants without the negative effect of chemicals. They contain nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, natural enzymes, trace elements, and micro-nutrients, they also help to balance the pH in the soil, improving aeration and soil structure, which in turn helps both water drainage and retention.
Where to purchase organic soil amendments
Sure, you can purchase organic fertilizer from a big box store, but do you really know what you’re getting? Many are filled with filler and by-products. Knowing the source and quality will ensure proactive and healthy plants that will produce quality fruits and vegetables.
Vermitechnology provides just that, the highest quality soil amendments. Check back with us next week where we explain how your can test the quality of your worm castings.