Deep Roots innovative method “Transformational Gardening” combines the best practices of “Organic Farming” and “Regenerative Farming” and applies them to kitchen gardens with raised beds and large containers. Integrating the two systems addresses their shortcomings and adapts them to small growing spaces and raised beds. The result is a robust and resilient natural gardening system that promotes soil and crop biodiversity.
Regenerative farming methods
“No-till, no-dig, no pull” rule preserves the integrity of mycelial (fungal) networks in the soil and maximizes health of all the soil micro-organisms. Regenerative farmers and gardeners plant seeds by disturbing the soil as little as possible. When harvesting they cut the stem at soil level and leave the roots with billions of beneficial microorganisms undisturbed. Minimal disruption of the soil when harvesting root veggies like carrots is fine. Pulling weeds out by their roots also disturbs the fungal networks which are precious to soil health. Cut the weed at the soil level and cover the root with mulch, grass clippings and straw to block the sun so the weed doesn’t grow back. Learn more about No till, No dig, No pull rule.
Biodiversity gardening is the practice of unprecedented and imaginative placement of crops, herbs and flowers in a single garden or landscape. A diversity of plants means that the garden is less vulnerable to disease, pests, and environmental stresses, as the different species help to support each other. A diverse range of plants attracts a greater number of pollinators, beneficial insects, and wildlife, which helps to maintain a healthy and thriving ecosystem. Biodiversity planting includes succession planting – not placing the same plants in empty spots after harvesting.
Biodiversity avoids the problems of monocultures – a single crop in a field or a garden bed. Pests prefer large numbers of their favorite plants close together. Raising a single crop increases the risk of disease and pest outbreaks because monocultures lack other plant and animal species that limit the spread of diseases and pests.
Biodiverse gardens provide a greater range of food, medicine, and other resources for humans. Plus, it is more aesthetically pleasing and creates a sense of community and interconnectedness.
Cover crops in a food garden play an important role in maintaining soil health and fertility. It’s important to keep soil covered when crops are not normally growing like in mid-fall through winter in cold climate zones. Common cover crops include mustard, buckwheat, clover, legumes, and cereal grains, such as wheat and oats. Learn more about cover crops in food gardens.
A cover crop will keep the soil protected plus add many other advantages. Cover crops, also known as "green manure," help to improve soil structure, add organic matter to the soil, suppress weeds, reduce erosion, and provide essential nutrients to the soil. They can be grown between main crops, improving soil health and fertility for future crops. Additionally, they provide habitat for beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which help to control pest populations.
But remember, never dig the dead cover crop into the soil since we follow the ”no till, no dig, no pull” rule. Instead cut it down, at soil level and use it as a mulch on top of the soil. And don't let the cover crop go to seed since you don’t want it to sprout when growing your main crop.
History of regenerative farming
Regenerative Ag emerged in the late 20th century. It was stimulated by deplorable soil loss and degradation tied to the dominance of chemo-industrial agriculture. Additionally, extensive nitrogen and phosphorous contamination of aquifers plagued major waterways worldwide.
Gabe Brown, a North Dakota rancher, was inspired to heal his farming practices from deterioration of crop health and farming profits. He applied experimental techniques that have since come to be recognized as regenerative practices. These methods focused on restoring soil health. They include “no-till” practice, intensive and perpetual cover-cropping, and ubiquitous biodiversity. Gabe’s efforts resulted in transformation of his ranch from low productivity and near bankruptcy to a thriving enterprise. Today, Gabe Brown is a leading advocate for Regenerative Farming.
Organic Farming Methods
Organic certification. When you think “organic” you likely think of food that's in accordance with USDA's Certified Organic labeling. OMRI lists organic inputs, but it doesn't certify them. Whereas the USDA certification seal is found on food, feed and fiber products, OMRI seals apply to what is used to make an organic food product – pesticides, fertilizers, livestock care products and anything that may affect the production of a food intended to be identified as organic.
No synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals. In the gardening world, organic is understood to mean the complete abandonment of industrial pesticides and fertilizers, the copious addition of organic matter to the soil, and use of OMRI-approved organic inputs only. OMRI stands for the Organic Materials Review Institute. It relies on natural methods to provide the necessary nutrients and control pests, diseases, and weeds. Organic gardeners work in harmony with nature, promoting healthy soil, healthy plants, and a healthy environment. Organic gardening is a way of growing plants and vegetables that is free from synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals.
Building healthy soil is a key principle of organic farming. Organic farming prioritizes adding “Soil Organic Matter” (SOM) which is any material produced originally by living organisms (plant or animal) that is returned to the soil and goes through the decomposition process. It’s okay to add to soil the leaves and grass clipped (un-decomposed waste) OR the decomposed waste as compost.This organic matter provides food for beneficial microorganisms, which help to break down plant material and release essential nutrients into the soil. Additionally, organic gardeners use techniques such as crop rotation and interplanting to maintain soil health and fertility.
Controlling pests and diseases without the use of chemicals is another important aspect of organic gardening. Organic gardeners use a variety of techniques, including companion planting, natural pest deterrents, and beneficial insects, to keep their plants healthy. For example, planting marigolds near tomatoes can help to deter tomato hornworms, and ladybugs are a natural predator of many garden pests. Safe organically certified garden sprays are also okay. For details, read our blog post Environmental Pest Management (EPM).
Minimize the growth of weeds through careful planning. Gardeners can use mulch to control weeds, or remove-weeds as needed. Some organic gardeners also use cover crops, such as clover or alfalfa, to suppress weeds and improve soil fertility.
History of organic farming
Organic farming was conceived and originated by Sir Albert Howard at his research farm at Indore, India in the 1920’s. The term “organic” emerged in reference to the farm as an organism, a diverse array of soil, crops, livestock, micro and macro soil organisms. This definition has been the subject of massive revision as organic practices have germinated into a global movement.
Certification of organic production has been legalized universally and has been subject to political influences. In the gardening world, it is understood to mean the complete abandonment of industrial pesticides and fertilizers, the copious addition of organic matter to the soil, and use of approved organic inputs only.
“Grow Your Own Food” blog posts
See the full list of our Grow Your Own Food blog posts. Each post is assigned ”tags” which are under the post title. If you need a quick answer to a gardening question give us a call or send a text to our customer support team – support[at]deep-roots-project.org AND 708-655-5299.
Deep Roots online store
See our online store for details about prices, ordering and delivery of raised beds, planter boxes, microbe-rich compost, worm castings, leaf mulch and more. We don’t sell traditional soil, since we use 100% compost as our growing medium. Our online store has 2 sections – (1) raised beds and planter boxes and (2) compost, worm castings, fertilizer.
Please contact our customer support team before placing an order online so we can assist you with the details and answer your gardening questions. You can pay by credit card in the store or by check.
(708) 655-5299 and support[at]deep-roots-project.org
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