Some of the best advice I ever received was about the food I eat. I was once involved in a local co-op that grouped some pretty incredible, thought-provoking people, one of whom convinced me that the best thing I could do for my health, my future children’s health, and that of the planet was prioritizing organic local food. I planned to grow or forage as much food and medicine as possible and grow those plants using organic inputs without toxic pesticides. My outdoor gardens have been 100% organic for the past 30 years. My indoor gardens are a mix of organics and synthetics.
Garden Culture is lucky to have many contributors who intimately know the subject. In “Botanical Brews – Let the Plants be thy Fertility,” Av Singh shares his relationship with compost teas and stinky ferments and how he inadvertently learned the value of these brews from his father. Av is a plant scientist, but he shows us that this is not a hard thing to do and, in most cases, costs little to nothing to make. Av shares his recipe in “Tea Made SIMPLE” to help you get started.
Almost 50 years after square-foot gardening was introduced, Catherine Sherriffs writes about how this growing method remains relevant. All you need is a couple of square feet and some top-notch soil to grow organic food right outside your door, no matter where you live.
There are two schools of thought when it comes to organic growing. In “A Fork in the Road,” Everest Fernandez spells out the difference between feeding your soil and your plant. And if you are considering testing your soil, which is recommended, look at “Testing, Testing, 1,2,3… or More Reasons to Test Your Indoor Soil” by Dustan McLean.
There are so many interesting articles in this edition. But I insist you read the Author Spotlight on Regi Oneton and his article, ”Notes from a Dirty Old Gardener: The Stink of Life.” Regi always delivers a unique and humorous take on gardening and life.
Happy Gardening
If regenerative growing appeals to you, but you live in a city, fear not! Catherine Sherriffs says earth-friendly gardening practices have no boundaries.
Garden inputs don’t have to be expensive or complicated. Av Singh writes about plant fermentation and making organic botanical brews to boost garden fertility.
When it comes to organic inputs for the garden, often the smellier, the better. Just ask Regi Oneton: he says if it doesn’t stink, you need to rethink.
Peter Rabbit isn’t welcome in the garden, but his poo sure is. Haley Nagasaki writes about the benefits bunny droppings have on our plants.
Earth Day 2025 focuses on the need to create clean, cheap, unlimited energy for the world. We already have what it takes; we just need to harness the power.
Meet Reggie Weedman, a cannabis breeder committed to preserving genetic diversity with regenerative farming. See why Canna Country #26 became an award-winning cultivar and why full-spectrum effects matter.
Should you test your indoor soil? Hell, yes! Dustan McLean says testing organic soil is a crucial step that indoor growers shouldn’t skip.
