Teaming With Microbes

This week Jeff and Jonathan delve into the fascinating world of lawn care and the soil food web.  They discuss effective strategies to combat dandelions and decide whether the grass collector is right for your mower. Additionally, they talk about benefits of utilizing grass clippings for mulch and compost.  Finally, they address listener queries about dealing with troublesome voles and their tunne...

This week Jeff and Jonathan emphasize the importance of exercising patience and caring for the soil food web as plants continue to grow. They delve into the issue of bark beetles invading trees, providing insights on how to address these challenges.  Additionally, the episode explores the role of water and the application of the "Teaming With Microbes" rule with mulches. The team also touches on l...

In this episode, Jeff and Jonathan explore a new vision for lawns, shifting away from the traditional weed-free grass obsession. They share practical tips for easier lawn maintenance, including regular watering, leaving clippings on the lawn, and applying compost to specific areas. Next, they delve into the art and science of composting. You'll learn about the benefits of a compost calculator and...

In this episode, Jeff and Jonathan discuss spring organic gardening.  They share tips on what to look out for during your spring inspection, from signs of emerging life to possible remnants of winter damage.  Next, they dive deep into the art and science of composting, including the right way to turn your compost pile.  Additionally, they discuss the critical process of 'hardening off' - a techniq...

This week Jeff and Jonathan take a deep dive into the season's start to gardening in Alaska. They cover a range of topics from warming soils and hardening off starts, to the science of willow water and straw water, and the importance of appropriate soil temperatures for seed planting. The episode also highlights the natural phenomena guiding our gardening timeline, and the significant role of comp...

This week, Jeff and Jonathan delve into the world of plant nutrition, focusing on the essential elements Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. We'll explore their functions, the consequences of their absence, and how gardeners can ensure their soil has an adequate supply for the benefit of microbial life. We'll also discuss the potential issues with using chemical fertilizers instead of organic alt...

We are giddy that Spring has sprung and reveal how the soil food web determines how to approach various  early season chores. It defines how we deal with lawns, how we approach planting beds and lot’s about weeds and those glyphosate products that appear every spring.  This week’s discussion will guide you down a soil food web highway as you tackle those early garden tasks. Plant a row for the hun...

Using the soil food web entails feeding the microbes. This week's discussion centers around microbe food. What should you use? Along the way, learn about the newly discovered role of bacterial rhizophagy in which bacteria feed plants internally and what to use to start your season off right. Plant a row for the hungry/Read Teaming With Microbes , Teaming With Nutrients and Teaming With Fungi ! Hav...

Those bacteria and fungi attracted by the plant are, in turn, eaten by nematodes and protozoa. This results in production of nitrogen to feed the plant. It turns out there are two kinds of nitrogen a plant can use: AMMONIUM AND NITRATES. Some plants like one versus the other depending on how long the plant is in the ground. Jonathan and Jeff reveal how gardeners can help control which kind of nitr...

In nature, plants use the soil food web in order to obtain nutrients, build soil structure and remain healthy. What is the soil food web? Can this natural system be used to grow plants in your yard? Absolutely! Plant a row for the hungry/Read Teaming With Microbes , Teaming With Nutrients and Teaming With Fungi ! Have a question? Let us know at  teamingwithmicrobes@me.com