I came across an interesting video that combines some thoughts I’ve attached to over the years. It inspires me to get some local rock dust from the gravel pits around here- we are a glaciated region.
Well, I’m not considering becoming vegetarian any time soon, but it just makes sense to build the depleted soils I grow my food on, now.
The Healing Power of Minerals, Special Nutrients and Trace Elements
and Empty Harvest are two books mentioned that I’m very interested in reading.
I had read a book years ago (actually in the sixties) about the Hunza’s healthy diet … my Grandfather had bought copies for all the family members. I remember yogurt and honey being two things important for health, but didn’t recall much on mineral soils producing good nutritious food. There was some comment on some of the mountainous area of some societies contributing to healthy longevity.
Like most things concerning health and well being, there seems to be a combination of factors that contribute… working into old age (and mattering to ones society), healthy foods, contented attitudes rather than stressful striving, I try to pick things that I know I can do to improve, and go from there. Re-mineralizing my soils in the vegetable beds seems like a reasonable step.
i have renewed the minerals in garden dirt every couple years.
you can get it from the pile
where someone has had a well dug- free for the asking. also where they cut/carve grave markers.
down here it’s mostly granite
dust.a little goes a long way, slowly working it’s way into your soil. rock phosphate and greensand (potash)are fine soil amendments!
ground oyster shell- chicken grit
is pretty cheap @ feed stores.
slow release lime and calcium.
Hmmmmm. This is very interesting. I have been readin a lot about rock dust and I really enjoy kevin’s video on the subject. I have been looking for it here in Columbus but haven’t found any yet. Have you found/used it yet?
Hi Zach- no, I haven’t seen rock dust- but will soon go out to plant stores for the autumn purchases. However, Joanne’s suggestion of chicken grit would work- I used to buy grit at feedstores including Andersons ( Sawmill Rd.).
Unrelated, but helpful info, is that I did locate “worm castings” @ Oakland Nursery this year. That is a good amendment, too.
I’ll post if I find actual mineral amendments- and give me a comment if you find some, ok?