Ever feel like you’re not alone in your body? Well that’s because we're not!
Researchers have discovered that humans — and all multicellular life — are complex ecosystems, teeming with trillions of symbiotic 'guests' a.k.a. microbes.
These microbes are some of our oldest allies, co-evolving with us over millennia. They help us digest food, produce vitamins, regulate immunity — and without them, we literally wouldn’t be... well ... us.
But humans aren’t special in this way. All multicellular species — including our garden plants — have their own microbial partners, living in leaves, stems, roots, and surrounding soils. These are known as plant symbionts, and they play a powerful role in helping plants survive.
So what do these microbial allies actually do for plants?
Just like our gut microbes help us absorb nutrients and regulate our health, beneficial plant microbes help our gardens grow stronger and more resilient. Here’s how:
🥣 Boosting nutrient absorption by breaking down organic matter and making minerals more available.
🤩 Improving soil structure, so roots can 'breathe' and water can move more efficiently.
🦸🏻 Supercharging root growth with hormones and enzymes.
🥷 Protecting against stress, including drought, heat, pests, and poor soil conditions.
In short? They’re the invisible support crew behind every thriving plant.
So how do we give our gardens a microbial boost the organic way?
Luckily, feeding our garden’s microbiome doesn’t require a degree in microbiology. Here are some simple, organic methods to welcome beneficial microbes into your soil:
1. Add Organic Compost
Good compost brings many benefits but it is also alive with microbial activity. Spread it across garden beds or mix it into the soil to support your garden's diversity of life.
2. Mix in Worms and/or Worm Castings (a.k.a. Worm Poop) 🪱💩
Live worms help aerate soil and improve drainage, and their castings are like microbial caviar! They support beneficial bacteria and enzymes that stimulate plant growth naturally.
3. Use Quality Microbial Garden Products
There are MANY excellent garden inoculants and biofertilizers on the market designed to enrich plants. This is the reason we produced our BioArmor product, to help gardeners add a little diversity to their gardens and help their plants thrive.
4. Avoid Biocides
Pesticides and herbicides don’t just kill pests — they often destroy your beneficial microbes, too. When possible, use natural pest control methods and avoid harsh chemicals.
Whether in your gut or in your garden, microbes are powerful!
Don't think about them as pests — rather as partners.
By nurturing the microbial life in your soil, you’re not just growing plants — you’re cultivating an entire living ecosystem. Same goes for your gut!
So next time you dig your hands into the soil, remember: you’re working with an unseen army of helpers. If you do your best to support a diversity of beneficial microbes they can work some true magic in your garden. ✨🌱