In many cases our soils are tired, deprived of moisture and the necessary microbes. This is where regenerative soil management can play such an important role

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Our spring-into-summer drought and significantly warmer temperatures have been hard on so many trees, shrubs and other garden plants. Lawns also look pretty rough now and things won’t improve for a while with little rain on the horizon and water restrictions still in place.

In many cases our soils are tired, deprived of moisture and the microbes necessary to keep them thriving are missing. This is where regenerative soil management can play such an important role in renewing our garden soils resulting in more resilient lawns and plants.

There is a new Canadian product on the market now: a regenerative, organic blend that is making a remarkable difference in the revitalization in our gardens. Called Replenish Nutrients 1, it brings the principles of regenerative agriculture to our farms and gardens. It’s an all-natural, non-water-soluble rock phosphate that remains in the soil instead of leaching into the waterways. The primary concept is to help soil micro-organisms naturally cycle these nutrients thereby making the phosphates available to plants. The goal is to restore soil health while supplying nutrients to plants.

This amazing new product is the result of seven years of research, development and collaboration by Neil Wiens and Kevin Erickson. Wiens has an extensive background and experience in transforming organic waste material into valuable agricultural products and brings the principles of regenerative agriculture into both the farming and home gardening communities. Erickson has 30 years of experience in the fertilizer industry, including research and product development in organic and regenerative practices.

Traditional synthetic fertilizers feed plants while making the soil more acidic, increasing the soil salinity, and in many cases, causing microbes to disappear. Biofertilizers instead feed the soil, help restore organic matter, aid the soil in retaining more moisture and, overall, encourage a thriving ecosystem.

Replenish Nutrients 1, with a formulation of 0-0.5 (available phosphorus)-20 (potassium)-20 (sulphur), is a soil probiotic that helps break down organic matter, improves nutrient availability and helps restore biodiversity. Rock phosphate has been scientifically proven to benefit root development, and it also aids in flowering and fruit production. Muriate of potash regulates water movement, strengthens cell walls and dramatically improves drought resistance. The organic compost base adds carbon and helps fuel an improved microbial ecosystem.

The regenerative difference between Replenish Nutrients 1 and synthetic fertilizers is the nutrient aiding in nitrogen fixation and phosphorous stabilization. Additionally, microorganisms colonize the soil and restore the nutrient cycle. They also restore organic matter throughout the soil.

Replenish can be used everywhere in our lawns and gardens and is safe for pets and children. If you are reseeding this time of year, it can be applied along with the seed over your entire lawn. A small 2.27-kg bag will cover 70 square metres of lawn or 22-kg bag will cover up to 750 square metres. Be sure to water it in well for activation. Incidentally, folks who have already applied it to their lawns this summer have reported seeing a significant improvement in the quality of their grass.

If you are doing a late planting of vegetables or winter vegetables, simply work Replenish into the soil before planting. You only need one cup for about half a square metre. Your veggies will be tastier and the plants much stronger.

Many of us are planting garlic this time of year and Replenish will help with faster rooting. It will also help you get that true garlic flavour when you harvest next summer.

We are all looking forward to planting our fall bulbs soon and replenishing will encourage them to root more quickly and flower more prolifically next spring.

I’m worried about the amount of damage done by the heat and lack of water to so many trees and shrubs. Replenish will slowly, but surely, aid in their recovery by invigorating the soil. When you do water, or when we get some rain, your soil will begin holding more moisture as well as releasing food to the roots.

Organic gardening has been a way of life for much of the gardening community for many years and there are many great organic based nutrients on the market. Replenish Nutrients 1 is unique in the fact that it is so easy to apply and provides great value in terms of coverage, and as regenerative gardening gains momentum, this product provides an effective and immediate source of organic nutrients.

Made in Alberta, it is quickly appearing in garden stores across the country. Folks are beginning to notice the difference it is making both on farms and in home gardens. From the results we are seeing, it is well worth applying in your gardens.