Vitalize
About a year ago, we embarked on an unforgettable adventure through the jungles of Costa Rica. As the sun set, the jungle came alive.
Our native guide unveiled the hidden wonders within the dense foliage: glowing frogs with mesmerizing eyes perched delicately on leaves, long-legged crickets clinging to massive fronds, and lizards moving elegantly from branch to branch.
As we wandered through the dense brush, startled birds fluttered overhead, and small mammals curiously peered from the overstory trees. We were being watched by a million eyes.
This journey sparked my curiosity about the role that tree dwelling organisms play in providing benefits to plants. I knew that beneath our feet, billions of diverse species work tirelessly to sustain the towering jungle flora. But do above-ground creatures also bring nutrients to plants?
When I got home, I read about regenerative farmers who were applying organic, nutrient-rich foliar sprays to plant leaves. Astonishingly, this is how plants take in much of their nutrients.
These jungle creatures, by perching on leaves or flying overhead, deposit vital nutrients and microbes through their droppings, delivering essential compounds directly onto plant leaves, where they're absorbed.
It’s like plants receive sustenance directly into their vascular system, similarly to how an intravenous line delivers nutrients to the bloodstream.
But what does this mean for gardeners? In thriving ecosystems, we enhance plant vitality by inviting organisms to enrich our surroundings. These creatures spread microbes and fertility in their guano and frass onto plant leaves, giving plants vigor and robust health.
When plants are deficient, gardeners can employ principle 4 of organic gardening to vitalize plant health with foliar sprays. This year, gardeners will learn about compost extracts, and bio stimulants to support plant growth and increase plant immunity.
If we use nature as our guide, we can grow plants of incredible health and vigour to feed ourselves and our community and regenerate our soils and ecosystems at the same time.
