HOW WE STARTED THE SPROUTED ROOT
Over 40 years ago, I learned about gardening. It was in our back yard in Connecticut that I first learned how to sow vegetable seeds, make compost, and grow food for the family.
Many years later, and a move West, the soil and climate changed and so did the way to grow plants. I quickly learned that the same plants don’t grow as well with the intense desert heat and the lack of organic matter in the soil caused the soil to dry so quickly. My career changed and I began working with beneficial microbes, eventually working with gardeners and farmers across the world, consulting with conventional, organic, and regenerative farmers.
Many gardeners known or learn their garden better than anyone. Each area has a microclimate that can vary–even within a neighborhood. I had the fortune of speaking with thousands of gardeners and farmers over my career and plan to share what I have learned here on The Sprouted Root.
Discover Regenerative Gardening At The Sprouted Root
Introduction to Regenerative Gardening
Regenerative gardening is an innovative approach to rebuilding soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience. Unlike traditional gardening practices that often deplete resources, regenerative techniques promote sustainability and regeneration of the environment. Gardeners can create a thriving ecosystem by embracing bokashi, composting, crop rotation, nature farming, organics, and permaculture.
The Principles of Regenerative Gardening
At the core of regenerative gardening lies the principle of enriching the soil. Regenerative gardening involves always adding organic matter and keeping live plants in the soil. This enhances the soil structure and its water-holding ability. Furthermore, incorporating native plants and diverse plant species supports local wildlife and beneficial insects. This diversity strengthens the garden’s resilience against pests and diseases, creating a self-sustaining environment.
Getting Started with Regenerative Gardening
To transition to regenerative gardening, start by assessing your current soil condition. You may want to introduce cover crops, which protect the soil during colder months, suppress weeds, pump nutrients into the soil, and prevent erosion. Learning about your local ecosystem can also guide you in selecting plants that thrive in your climate and support the environment’s overall health. Over time, implementing these regenerative practices elevates your gardening experience and helps combat climate change by restoring natural habitats.
