FAQ Regenerative Gardening & Soil Health

 

Q: What is the difference between "sustainable" and "regenerative" gardening?

A: "Sustainable" gardening aims to maintain the current level of resources without depleting them. While noble, it assumes the current state is sufficient. "Regenerative" gardening goes further, actively improving the ecosystem it's part of, making it more alive, fertile, and resilient with each season. It means to "bring into renewed existence" and gives back more than it takes.

Q: What is the "Soil Food Web" and why is it important?

A: The Soil Food Web is the bustling, thriving underground city of billions of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, etc.) in your soil. It's crucial because these organisms act as the garden's gut, immune system, and digestive tract. They break down organic matter, cycle nutrients, build soil structure, and defend plants from harm, creating a truly fertile soil and delivering nutrients directly to plant roots.

Q: How do plants actively contribute to soil health?

A: Plants are "master gardeners" themselves. Through photosynthesis, they convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into liquid sugars. A healthy plant then sends up to 40% of these sugary carbons (called "exudates") down through its roots and leaks them into the soil. This intentionally feeds beneficial bacteria and fungi, which, in return, break down minerals, ferry nutrients and water back to the plant, stimulate root growth, and form a protective barrier against pathogens. This is known as the "great exchange."

Q: What is Bokashi composting and how does it differ from traditional composting?

A: Bokashi is an anaerobic (oxygen-free) fermentation process that uses specialized microbes to rapidly break down food scraps, including meats, dairy, oils, and cooked foods that typically can't go into traditional compost piles. Unlike traditional composting, which relies on slow, aerobic decomposition over months, Bokashi ferments waste in weeks, preserving nutrients and pre-digesting materials for faster breakdown once added to soil.

Q: How can I make my own Bokashi bran?

A: To make your own Bokashi bran, you'll need 2 lbs of wheat or rice bran, 1 tablespoon of EM-1® microbial inoculant, 1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses, and 1 cup of clean, non-chlorinated water. First, activate the microbes by mixing molasses and EM-1 into the water. Then, slowly pour this liquid over the dry bran, mixing until it's damp but not wet (a handful should only release a drop or two when squeezed). Pack the moistened bran tightly into an airtight bag or container, squeeze out air, and let it ferment in a warm, dark place for 2-3 weeks. Finally, spread it out to air dry completely before storing in an airtight container.

Q: What is "Bokashi tea" and how should I use it?

A: "Bokashi tea" is the liquid fertilizer that collects at the bottom of your Bokashi bucket. It's a potent liquid that must be diluted at a 1:100 ratio (e.g., 1 tablespoon of tea to 6 cups of water) before being used to water plants.

Q: How do I use finished Bokashi compost in my garden?

A: Finished Bokashi can be used in several ways. The "trench method" involves digging a foot-deep trench, burying the fermented Bokashi with a little soil, and covering it. Wait at least two weeks before planting directly in that spot. Alternatively, you can create a "soil factory" by mixing one part finished Bokashi with two parts soil or unfinished compost in a large container and letting it sit for 3-4 weeks to create rich compost. It can also act as a "compost activator" by adding it to a slow or cold traditional compost pile to accelerate decomposition.

Q: Why is tap water a concern for regenerative gardens?

A: Tap water, treated for human safety, often contains disinfecting agents like chlorine or chloramine, which are designed to kill microbes. When used to irrigate gardens, these chemicals can stress and kill the beneficial microorganisms in the soil, weakening the Soil Food Web. This can lead to a less resilient garden, reduced nutrient availability for plants, and compacted soil.

Q: How can I provide my garden with cleaner water?

A: The best option is to harvest rainwater using rain barrels, as it's naturally soft and free of chemical additives. If using tap water, you can let it sit out in an open container for 24-48 hours to allow much of the chlorine to dissipate. For greater convenience and effectiveness, consider attaching a dedicated carbon filter to your garden hose, which removes chlorine, chloramine, and other contaminants.

Q: What is foliar feeding and when should I use it?

A: Foliar feeding is the practice of misting nutrient-rich liquids directly onto plant leaves, which can absorb water and nutrients through their stomata. It's a powerful complementary therapy for plants under temporary stress, fighting pests, or showing minor nutrient deficiencies. It can provide a quick energy boost. Even more beneficial is spraying beneficial microbes onto leaves to support the plant's own leaf microbiome (phyllosphere) and help outcompete pathogens. However, foliar feeding should be seen as a supportive therapy, not a long-term substitute for building healthy soil.