Knowledgebase Archives - Sanctuary Soil

Improving the Fertility, Condition and Tilth of Soils | Guest Post by Gary Kline

Improving the Fertility, Condition and Tilth of Soils* by Gary Kline How does one improve the workability or tilth of a soil while also building its fertility? What do you do to a fairly compact soil which, shortly after spading-up or tilling, slumps back to where it was and, as a result, grows plants poorly? There are some definite steps you can take to remedy these and improve most farm and garden soils. Basically [...]

By K. Triffet|2017-05-19T13:18:13-07:00July 23rd, 2012|Blog, Guest Posts, Knowledgebase|Comments Off

Organic Gardening Overview

Organically Grown Heirloom Tomato Organic horticulture is more commonly referred to as organic gardening. Organic gardening is the science of growing fruits, vegetables and flowers by using essential organic elements in the soil. There are several different types of organic growing or gardening systems. Organic growing is a holistic approach based on thousands of years of study and research and involves a more naturalistic approach to growing that takes place over a period [...]

By K. Triffet|2017-05-19T13:18:13-07:00July 16th, 2012|Blog, Knowledgebase|Comments Off

All About Worm Castings

What are worm castings? Buckaroo Worm Castings Worm castings are a natural fertilizer produced by Mother Nature’s own earth worm. When an earth worm eats organic matter, the digestive tract actually changes that matter both physically and chemically. The waste product is a powerful, all natural plant food, called castings. Castings help increase plant growth and promote a healthy soil environment for the plant’s root system. http://www.earthlinksinc.org/earth-worm-composting Each day, a red wriggler worm [...]

By K. Triffet|2017-05-19T13:18:13-07:00June 27th, 2012|Blog, Gardening Tips, Knowledgebase|Comments Off

Soil Bag Recycling Initiative Now Active At Sanctuary Soil Authorized Dealers

Sanctuary Soil - Trash Can Soil Bag Recycling Label “As a producer of organic soil products and a proponent of sustainable practices, Sanctuary Soil takes responsibility for its plastic bag waste stream by promoting cradle to grave recycling.” Mitchell Davis Sanctuary Soil and Feed came to market in the organic soil business providing development, production and sales office end bulk soils and amendments through California Soils. In 2012, Sanctuary moved into the retail [...]

By K. Triffet|2017-05-19T13:18:16-07:00June 19th, 2012|Blog, Knowledgebase, News and Events|Comments Off

What Are Worm Castings And Why Are They Good For Soil

Sanctuary Soil red wriggler worms are fed only the finest natural ingredients to ensure the finest worm castings. Our worm castings are pure, odor free, chemical free and safe for any organic garden. Worm castings are a natural fertilizer produced by earth worms. When an earth worm eats organic matter, the digestive tract actually changes that matter both physically and chemically. The waste product is a powerful, all natural plant food called [...]

By K. Triffet|2017-05-19T13:18:16-07:00June 13th, 2012|Blog, Gardening Tips, Knowledgebase|Comments Off

Coco Coir – The Ideal Medium for Root Development and Optimal Plant Growth

Coco coir is the outside layer of husk that surrounds the shell of the coconut. After coconuts are harvested, the fibrous husk is removed from the coconut seed. From this husk, three main horticultural coir products can be produced: coir chips, coir fiber or coir pith/dust. Coir dust retains water well while the fibers and chips help with air space and drainage. There are many brands and types of coco coir available on [...]

By K. Triffet|2017-05-19T13:18:16-07:00May 21st, 2012|Blog, Gardening Tips, Knowledgebase|Comments Off

Top Ten Reasons To Use Worm Castings In Your Garden

Worm castings are naturally organic and odor free. Can be used indoors or outdoors. Will not harm plants. Can be used in any concentration due to a slow release process. Provide improved soil structure and aeration. Castings keep the soil loose and prevent the soil from compacting, thus allowing oxygen and water to reach the root system. Promote a healthy growth soil environment through beneficial microbial and bacterial activity. Contain natural growth hormones for bigger [...]

By K. Triffet|2017-05-19T13:18:16-07:00May 9th, 2012|Blog, Gardening Tips, Knowledgebase|Comments Off

The Victory Garden | Then and Now

"No unemployment insurance can be compared to an alliance between man and a plot of land." - Henry Ford What Is a Victory Garden? Committees of civilians set up local Victory Garden programs across the country. A guide for these committees, endorsed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, stated that, “The beautification of the home and community by gardening provides healthful physical exercise, recreation, definite release from war stress and strain.” From US Dept. of Agriculture: [...]

By K. Triffet|2017-05-19T13:18:17-07:00April 26th, 2012|Blog, Knowledgebase|Comments Off

All About Earthworms – Red Wiggler Reproduction

Earthworm Reproduction As with other earthworm species, Eisenia fetida is hermaphroditic. However, two worms are still required for reproduction. The two worms join clitellums, the large orangeish bands which contain the worms' reproductive organs, and which are only visible during the reproduction process. The two worms exchange sperm. Both worms then secrete cocoons which contain several eggs each. These cocoons are lemon-shaped and are pale yellow at first, becoming more brownish as the worms inside become mature. These cocoons are clearly [...]

By K. Triffet|2017-05-19T13:18:18-07:00March 7th, 2012|Blog, Knowledgebase, Sidebar Photoblog|Comments Off

Monthly Vegetable Planting Guide For Year Round Success

Time to plan your garden? Combine vegetables and flowers for beauty and funtion. Beginning gardeners, try easy-to-grow edibles like beans, Swiss chard, radishes, tomatoes, sunflowers, squash and melons. And if you stick to the planting calendar, you'll have less work, less heartache and greater chances of success. Oh, and don't forget about edible flowers; Nasturtiums and violas are super easy and fun to grow! Nasturtiums will even reward you by coming back on [...]

By K. Triffet|2017-05-19T13:18:18-07:00February 15th, 2012|Blog, Gardening Tips, Knowledgebase|Comments Off