helen, Author at Ocean2Earth

November 21, 2024November 21, 2024

Circular start-up turns fish guts into flowers

Kyran and Tim Crane, Ocean2Earth Australia

We’re thrilled to be featured in an article highlighting our work in achieving a circular economy. Although it might not be the most glamorous headline, turning organic waste into soil, it is our mission.

Our Australian startup diverts 500 tonnes of waste from landfills each year by transforming fish waste into a powerful soil enhancer.

♻️ Circular economies are the future, and we’re proud to be leading the way!

Check out the link to the Canberra Times article.

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8799521/circular-start-up-turns-fish-guts-into-flowers/

November 7, 2024November 7, 2024

Spring Plant Care Guide: Bring your indoor plants back to life

As spring heads into Summer, and it’s time to breathe new life into your indoor plants as they come out of hibernation and need more care. The warmer weather and longer daylight hours mean your plants will need some extra care to thrive. Follow these essential tips on how to prepare your leafy friends for the vibrant season ahead.

Key Tips for Spring Plant Care

1. Dust the Leaves

Dust can block sunlight from reaching the leaves, reducing the plant’s ability to photosynthesise. Gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to keep them clean and healthy.

2. Rotate Your Plants

Ensure your plants get even light exposure by rotating them every couple of weeks. This helps in preventing uneven growth and promotes a balanced shape.

3. Adjust Your Watering

With increased light and warmth, plants will require more water. However, be cautious not to overwater. Check the soil moisture regularly and water when the top inch feels dry.

4. Add Humidity

Indoor environments can be dry, especially with heating systems still running. Use a humidifier or place a tray of water near your plants to maintain humidity levels.

5. Prune

Trim away any dead or yellowing leaves to encourage new growth and improve air circulation around the plant.

6. Repot Overgrown Plants

Inspect the roots of your plants. If they are circling the pot or growing out of the drainage holes, it’s time to repot them into a larger container with fresh soil.

7. Fertilise

Spring is the perfect time to feed your plants. Indoor plants don’t need a lot of nutrients and potting mix generally has slow release nutrients. Adding microbes to “unlock” nutrients in the mix can benefit the plant without adding extra macronutrients.

8. Assess Lighting

As the angle of the sun changes, so does the light in your home. Make sure your plants are getting adequate light by moving them closer to windows or adding artificial lights if needed.

9. Air Out Your Plants

On warm days, take your plants outside for a few hours to enjoy fresh air. This can help reduce pest issues and improve their overall health.

10. Inspect for Pests

Check your plants regularly for signs of pests like fungus gnats. Early detection and treatment can prevent infestations from spreading.

Spring is the ideal time to give your indoor plants some extra love and attention. By following these tips, you’ll ensure they thrive and bring lush, green beauty to your home.

Ready to give your plants an added boost? Try Ocean2earth to enrich stale potting mix with beneficial microbes and trace elements.

September 10, 2024September 11, 2024

Spring Flower Guide

Spring is the perfect time to breathe new life and colour into your garden. With warmer weather and longer days, temperate regions offer ideal conditions for a variety of beautiful flowers. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this guide will introduce you to five of the best flowers to grow this spring, along with essential gardening tips to ensure your garden thrives.

1. Native Australian Flowers

Why Grow Natives?

Native Australian flowers are not only stunning but also well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. They attract native wildlife, support biodiversity, and generally require less water and maintenance.

Top Picks

– Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos): Known for its unique, claw-like flowers that come in vibrant reds, yellows, and greens.
– Waratah (Telopea): With striking red flowers, Waratah is a true symbol of Australian flora.
– Banksia (Banksia): These hardy plants produce eye-catching flower spikes and are great for adding texture to your garden.

Gardening Tips

– Plant in well-drained soil.
– Position in full sun to partial shade.
– Use Ocean2Earth soil enhancer to improve soil health and increase nutrient availability.

2. Roses

Why Grow Roses?

Roses are classic garden favourites known for their beauty and fragrance. They come in various colours and types, from hybrid teas to climbing roses. Our 3 varieties of roses to grow this spring are:

● Hybrid Tea Roses: These roses have large, single or double blooms on long stems and are perfect for cutting and arranging in bouquets.

● Floribunda Roses: These roses produce clusters of smaller flowers and are great for adding colour to flower beds.

● Climbing Roses: As the name suggests, these roses can climb up trellises, walls, or fences with their long canes. They come in a variety of colours and add vertical interest to any garden.

Planting Tips

● Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.

● Plant in early spring when temperatures are cooler.

● Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball of your rose bush.

● Mix Ocean2Earth soil enhancer to improve soil and add beneficial microbes.

Gardening Tips

– Choose a sunny spot with good air circulation.
– Improve your soil with organic matter and Ocean2Earth soil enhancer to build strong roots and lush foliage.
– Regularly prune to encourage new growth and remove dead or diseased branches.

3. Camellias

Why Grow Camellias?

Camellias are evergreen shrubs that produce stunning blooms in late winter to spring. They are perfect for adding color to shaded areas of your garden.

Gardening Tips

– Plant in well-drained, acidic soil.
– Mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
– Water regularly, especially during dry periods.

4. Potted Colour (Petunias)

Why Grow Petunias?

Petunias are popular for their vibrant, long-lasting blooms. They can be grown in garden beds or containers and are perfect for adding a splash of colour to your outdoor space and are easy to grow!

Gardening Tips

– Plant in full sun for best results.
– Use a high-quality potting mix if planting in containers.
– Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

5. Dahlias

Why Grow Petunias?

Why Grow Dahlias?

Dahlias offer an array of colours and forms, from small pom-poms to large dinner-plate varieties. They are excellent for cut flowers and can brighten up any garden.

Gardening Tips

– Plant tubers in well-drained soil enriched with Ocean2Earth soil enhancer.
– Stake taller varieties to prevent wind damage.
– Water deeply but infrequently to promote strong root growth.

September 3, 2024September 11, 2024

5 TOP TIPS for Spring Gardening!

Spring is here, and it’s time to get your garden ready for a new season of growth, taste and colour! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these tips will help you prepare your garden for success. Grab your pruners, garden gloves, and let’s get started!

1. Soil Preparation

Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. Before you start planting, take the time to prepare your soil properly.
Steps:
– Clean Up: Remove any debris, fallen leaves, and dead plants from your garden beds.
– Test Your Soil: Conduct a soil test to determine its pH level and nutrient content. This will help you understand what amendments are needed.
– Add Organic Matter: Mix in Ocean2Earth into your soil. IF you wish to add more organic bulk to your garden, mix it with some compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility.
– Till the Soil: Use a shovel or garden fork to turn the soil, breaking up clumps and aerating it.

2. Lawn Dethatching and Prep

A lush, green lawn starts with proper care in the spring. Dethatching and prepping your lawn will set the stage for healthy growth.
Steps:
– Dethatch: Use a rake or dethatching tool to remove the layer of dead grass and roots (thatch) that can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the soil.
– Aerate: If your soil is compacted, consider aerating it. This involves poking holes in the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate.
– Level: fill any bare patches or holes with Ocean2Earth. Mix 1part Ocean2Earth Soil enhancer to one part sand!
– Fertilise: Apply a balanced fertiliser to give your lawn the nutrients it needs to thrive.
– Overseed: If you have bare patches, spread grass seed to encourage new growth.

3. Weeding Paths, Driveways, and Gardens

Weeds can quickly take over your garden if not managed early. Take control by weeding your paths, driveways, and garden beds.
Steps:
– Manual Removal: Pull weeds by hand or use a hoe for larger areas. Make sure to remove the entire root to prevent regrowth.
– Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to suppress weed growth and retain moisture.
– Natural Weed Killers: Consider using natural weed killers like vinegar or boiling water for paths and driveways.

4. Planting New Vegetables and Tomatoes

Spring is the perfect time to start your vegetable garden. Planting now will ensure a bountiful harvest later.
Steps:
– Choose Your Veggies: Select vegetables that thrive in your climate. Popular choices include lettuce, spinach, carrots, and tomatoes.
– Prepare Planting Beds: Ensure your beds are well-prepared with rich, loose soil and don’t forget to add the Ocean2Earth. The combination of Sea minerals and microbes will give you better tasting vegies.
– Planting: Follow the planting instructions for each vegetable, paying attention to spacing and depth.
– Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use a watering can or drip irrigation for best results.

5. General Garden Maintenance

Regular maintenance keeps your garden looking its best and ensures healthy plants.
Steps:
– Buy Quality Tools: Invest in good garden gloves, pruners, and other tools. – Brands like Ocean2Earth offer durable and reliable options.
– Sharpen Blades: Keep your pruners and lawnmower blades sharp to make clean cuts and avoid damaging plants.
– Pruning: Prune shrubs and trees to remove dead or damaged branches. Be mindful of the type of plant and the best time to prune.
– Support Structures: Set up trellises and stakes for climbing plants early in the season.

By following these spring gardening tips, you’ll be well on your way to a beautiful and productive garden. Happy gardening.

Ocean2Earth is a powerful Soil Enhancer and Natural Fertiliser, filled with minerals from the sea (trace elements), organic nutrients and millions of beneficial microbes. This range contains increased NPK levels to give instant plant response and to help the microbes unlock more nutrients for your plant.

August 27, 2024August 27, 2024

Bega’s bid to become a circular economy to reduce waste

Ocean2Earth was recently highlighted on Landline as a crucial partner in the Bega Valley Circular Economy initiative. This venture involves taking fish waste from the region and transforming it into Australia’s first certified marine soil enhancer.
Ocean2Earth in the Bega Valley in NSW is progressing towards circularity by collecting seafood waste, such as sea urchins, to produce fertiliser. Plans for a $19-million National Centre for Circularity in Bega are underway, with Bega Group contributing $5 million.
The circular economy concept in Bega has garnered support from various stakeholders like Rabobank, KPMG, universities, and government bodies. Former Mayor Kristy McBain praised the community’s commitment to lasting change, emphasising the area’s potential for leading by example.
The Bega Valley’s unique attributes, including one council and airport, make it an ideal location for the circular economy trial. With a focus on sharing knowledge and inspiring others, the goal is to establish a model that sets a benchmark for sustainability and innovation.

Explore Ocean2Earth’s role in the Bega Valley Circular Economy by reading the article on the ABC News website and watching the episode on ABC iview.
ABC News – https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-21/bega-circular-economy-renewable-target-sustainable- waste/104108834

ABC iView – https://iview.abc.net.au/video/RF2314Q024S00

August 7, 2024August 7, 2024

The Hidden Heroes of Soil Health

This image shows how healthy soil can boost plant health, making them resilient to pests, diseases ……… AND FROST! We don’t know what caused this field treated with Ocean2Earth to look like this on a frosty morning, but we’re determined to find out!

Introduction
Ever wondered why some gardens, pots, lawns and fields flourish while others struggle? The secret could be right beneath our feet. Soil microbes—tiny organisms that play a giant role in agriculture, gardening, and health—are increasingly gaining attention for their significant contributions to soil health and productivity. Today, we’ll explore the role of beneficial microbes and how they can transform your growing practices.

What Are Soil Microbes?
Soil microbes are microscopic organisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses, that are critical to fertile soil and healthy crops. Although invisible to the naked eye, they perform essential functions like breaking down crop residues, cycling nutrients, and stimulating root growth.

The Rhizosphere’s Role
A teaspoon of fertile soil contains more microbes than there are people on Earth. This rich community lives in the rhizosphere, the area around plant roots. Here, microbes and plants engage in a symbiotic relationship, exchanging nutrients and supporting each other’s growth.

Why Soil Microbes Matter
Balanced soil microbial activity is crucial for several reasons:

– Nitrogen-Fixation: Converts atmospheric nitrogen into forms plants can use.
– Nutrient Solubilisation: Makes nutrients more available to plants.
– Pathogen Suppression: Protects plants from diseases.

When Soil Microbiome Fails
An imbalanced soil microbiome can lead to:

– Imbalanced soil pH
– Nutrient run-off
– Die-off of young roots

Boosting Soil Microbial Activity with Probiotics
Just as probiotics benefit human gut health, soil probiotics improve soil health. These microbial soil amendments support nutrient absorption and root growth, making your plants more resilient and productive.

Synergistic Benefits
Certain strains of soil probiotics work better together, offering multiple benefits to the soil. Tailoring them to specific crops ensures a balanced and effective microbial community.

Choosing the Right Microbes
Selecting the right soil biological strains is crucial. Companies like Locus Agricultural Solutions offer tailored microbial strains to improve soil quality, expand root growth, enhance nutrient uptake, and boost yields.

Practical Tips for Gardeners and Farmers

Assess Soil Health: Regularly test your soil to understand its microbial composition and nutrient levels.
Use Organic Amendments: Incorporate compost, manure, or mulch to provide food for soil microbes.
Minimise Chemical Use: Reduce the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides that can harm beneficial microbes.

The role of soil microbes in gardening and agriculture cannot be overstated. They are essential for maintaining soil health, supporting plant growth, and ensuring sustainable farming practices. By understanding and harnessing the power of these tiny organisms, you can create a thriving ecosystem in your garden or farm.

To long, didn’t read

Whilst this might be a lot of information, if you’re ready to boost your soil health, just add some Ocean2Earth and let the microbes improve your soil and plant health!

Browse our O2E products online shop

June 13, 2024June 17, 2024

Winter Vegetables

The beginning of cooler weather doesn’t have to mean the end of growing your vegetables. Autumn is an excellent time of the year to sow those vegetable and herb seeds that love cooler conditions. These will be ready to harvest throughout Winter and Spring — providing fresh produce and ingredients for your home.

Getting your Autumn and Winter vegetables to grow

With the arrival of the colder months, amateur and professional gardeners alike have a very specific set of difficulties. Cooler days, freezing nights and reduced daylight all make successfully growing vegetables harder.

Considerations when planting Autumn and Winter Vegetables

Here are some of the critical considerations for getting your Autumn and Winter vegetables to grow happily:

Sunlight
Sunlight is crucial for vegetables. Fruiting and flowering ones need full sun for healthy yields. Winter vegetables also thrive in the sun but leafy greens and root veggies can manage with less light. Place your Winter garden in the sunniest spot on your property, away from strong winds or frost.

Frost
Frost can greatly impact plants, especially delicate young ones. In frost-prone areas like southern Australia, establish plants early to help them handle temperature changes. Use geo fabrics like hessian for protection or consider hothouses. Some Winter veggies can handle frost and even taste better due to increased sugar production. Try harvesting hardy crops like snow peas, parsnips, carrots, and brassicas post-frost.

Timing your planting
Recognise the full growing period of your plants. Consider weather conditions from seed planting to harvest. Leafy veggies may be ready in 6 weeks, while root Winter veggies like parsnip take 18 weeks. Check seed packet for details. Some varieties like broccoli may benefit from starting indoors if weather is too warm outside, reducing chances of bolting.

Pests and diseases
During cooler months, pest issues decrease, offering relief from constant control. In warmer climates, watch out for pests. Maintain good air circulation, space plants adequately to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Water plants early morning to avoid excess moisture on leaves overnight, which can harbour diseases.

Maintenance
Another advantage of growing vegetables in Winter is that evaporation rates slow down, which means your plants will not dry out as fast. You will still want to ensure a steady supply of moisture for your Winter vegetables to ensure that they continue steadily growing and have the best flavour and texture. Mulch also plays a huge part in keeping your soil weed free and warm in the cooler months.
Nourish your plants with organic matter like Ocean2Earth, providing a balanced blend of nutrients for both the soil and the plants.

Product Tips
– Apply OCEAN2EARTH around your crops to increase biological activity and improve the soil structure.
– A fortnightly dose of diluted compost solution or worm wee is also a great way to provide an additional kick to your plants without overfeeding them. If you don’t want to purchase these extra items. Simply dilute 50-100gms of Ocean2Earth into a 9 Litre watering can and water till it is running off the leaves and the soil is wet.
– Once you have harvested your garden, plant a green manure crop to improve the soil structure and replenish some of the nutrient levels before spring sowing. Dig them into the soil before they set seed to provide nitrogen and organic matter as they rot. This is a good time to add the recommended does of Ocean2Earth
What are the best vegetables to grow in Winter in Australia?

If you have been asking yourself what seeds to sow in Autumn and Winter in Australia? In most regions, Autumn and early Winter is the perfect time to sow these vegetables and herbs:

– Broccoli
– Cabbage
– Carrot
– Cauliflowers
– Endive
– Kohl Rabi
– Leek
– Lettuce
– Onions
– Parsley
– Parsnip
– Silverbeet
– Snow pea
– Spinach
– Swede
– Turnip

June 13, 2024June 13, 2024

Winter Soil Preparation: Getting ready for a blooming spring garden!

Winter in the garden is often seen as a time of dormancy, a period where the vibrant life of spring and summer retreats into the quiet chill of shorter days. However, for avid gardeners in Australia, especially across the temperate regions of our south east and west, winter presents a unique opportunity to prepare and enrich the garden soil, ensuring a robust start to the growing season come spring.

Understanding the unique winter conditions from the cool southern states to the milder tropical north is crucial for implementing effective soil enrichment practices. With temperatures generally ranging from 3 to 1°C during Australia’s winter months of June through August, gardeners must adapt their strategies to suit local conditions, ensuring their soil is not just surviving but thriving.

The Importance of Winter Soil Preparation

Winter soil preparation is less about immediate gratification and more about setting the foundation for future growth. It’s a time to nurture the garden, to replenish and enrich the soil, readying it for the burst of life that spring promises. One of the simplest, yet most effective ways to feed your garden soil a long, gradual supply of nutrients throughout summer is by adding a 1″ to 2″ layer of compost in early spring.

But why wait until spring? Preparing your soil in winter means you’re on the front foot, allowing the compost to integrate and begin its work of enriching the soil ahead of time. This proactive approach ensures that once the warmer weather arrives, your plants have all they need to grow vibrantly.

The Benefits of Ocean2Earth

An innovative approach to winter soil preparation for Australian gardens is the application of Ocean2Earth products. This natural fertiliser, derived from composting seafood waste, is particularly beneficial during the cooler months. It not only builds up plant strength, making them more resilient against diseases but also ensures the promise of vibrant flowers and juicy fruits and vegetables once spring arrives.

The magic behind Ocean2Earth lies in the micro and macro-nutrients provided by the composted seafood waste. These nutrients are not only healthy for the soil but also beneficial for the environment. During winter, when soil nutrient needs are minimal, chemical fertilisers often result in nutrient leaching and waste. In contrast, a natural fertiliser like Ocean2Earth contributes essential minerals such as potassium and calcium directly to the soil without the risk of leaching.

Furthermore, the consistent addition of microbes to the soil plays a vital role. These microbes work tirelessly throughout the winter to break down nutrients that have been locked up over time, making them available to plants as the weather warms. This process is crucial for unlocking the full potential of your garden soil, ensuring it is primed for planting as spring approaches.

Implementing Winter Soil Preparation

Evaluate Your Garden’s Needs: Consider the specific conditions of your garden, including soil type and local climate. This will help determine the most effective winter soil preparation strategy.

Apply Compost: Adding a layer of compost, such as Ocean2Earth, enriches the soil with vital nutrients and microbes. Do this early in winter to allow the compost to integrate well before spring.

Minimise Disturbance: Keep soil disturbance to a minimum during the colder months to protect the microbial life and structure of the soil.
Plan Ahead: Use the winter months to plan your spring garden. This includes deciding on plant placements based on the enriched soil areas.
Water Wisely: Although less water is required in winter, ensure your soil doesn’t completely dry out, as this can harm the beneficial microbes working to enrich it.

By following these steps and utilising natural, nutrient-rich products like Ocean2Earth, gardeners can significantly enhance the health and fertility of their garden soil, setting the stage for a lush, vibrant garden come spring.

Winter may seem like a time to retreat indoors, but for the garden, it’s an essential period of preparation and renewal. By taking the time to enrich and prepare your soil now, you’re investing in the future health and beauty of your garden. When the first buds of spring appear, you’ll be rewarded with a flourishing landscape ready to burst into life.

The Benefits of Ocean2Earth Compost

Ocean2Earth compost is particularly beneficial for winter soil preparation due to its rich content in both micro and macro-nutrients. Unlike chemical fertilisers, which can leach away and waste nutrients during winter when the soil doesn’t require as much feeding, Ocean2Earth provides a natural alternative. It introduces essential minerals such as potassium and calcium into the soil without the risk of leaching, making it both healthy for your garden and the environment.

An application of Ocean2Earth to your plants during winter can build up plant strength, helping them resist diseases. This preparation ensures that once spring arrives, your garden will be ready to showcase vibrant flowers and produce juicy fruits and vegetables. The secret lies in the compost’s ability to add not just nutrients but beneficial microbes to the soil.

Microbes: The Unsung Heroes of Your Garden

The addition of microbes to your soil is, perhaps, one of the most significant benefits of winter composting. These microscopic organisms play a critical role in breaking down locked-up nutrients that have built up over time, making them available to plants as the weather warms. This process is crucial for ensuring that your garden has access to all the necessary nutrients it needs to flourish in spring.

Final Winter Prep

Preparing your garden for winter might not be the first thing on your mind as the temperature drops. However, for those passionate about gardening or landscaping, the colder months offer a golden opportunity to set the stage for a successful, vibrant spring. By choosing the right compost, like Ocean2Earth, which is not only rich in nutrients but also environmentally friendly, you can ensure that your garden is not just surviving the winter but thriving in preparation for the seasons ahead.

Remember, gardening is not just a seasonal hobby but a year-round commitment to nurturing and understanding the earth. Winter soil preparation is a testament to this commitment, ensuring that when the flowers return, your garden is ready to welcome them with open arms.

April 18, 2024May 7, 2024

Healthy Citrus Gardens with Trace Elements

Citrus orchards, with their boughs heavy with oranges, lemons, and limes, evoke the pleasant image of sun-drenched groves beside the briny blue. Ironically, that very sea which shimmers on the horizon holds secrets to the health and vibrancy of those very trees.
In the world of horticulture, there’s a newfound enthusiast for the treasure troves of minerals found in the sea, particularly seafood wastes and seaweed that are rich in trace elements critical for the robust growth of citrus fruits. These trace elements, including calcium, magnesium, and iron, are the building blocks of a nutrient-dense, mineral-rich soil that’s the foundation of health for citrus trees.

The Ocean, a Bountiful Harvester of Nutrients

Composting seafood waste creates a soil enhancer rich in microbes and sea minerals, essential for Citrus growth. This process compiles critical elements into an accessible form for plants, sustaining life from the ground up.

Sea Minerals for your garden through Composting
Organic matter, including seaweed and seafood waste, undergoes a transformation in composting that results in the extraction and concentration of these trace elements. Incorporating this compost into the earth not only enriches the soil with beneficial microbes but also boosts soil structure, moisture retention, and the uptake of macronutrients— all essential nutrients for healthy plants and health fruit.

The 5 Essential Sea Minerals for your Citrus
Here are five starring trace elements that are indispensable for your citrus plants in the garden or in pots.

Calcium – Essential for cell wall structure and integrity, calcium ensures that your fruits are lush, smooth, and free of defects.
Magnesium – The ‘central atom’ of chlorophyll, magnesium is the lynchpin of the photosynthetic process, ensuring vibrant green leaves and efficient energy production.
Iron – A key player in chlorophyll production, an healthy tree with enough iron will have deep dark green leaves due to efficient photosynthesis.
Zinc – A regulator of growth hormone, zinc ensures a balance between vegetative growth and reproductive health, aiding in flower and fruit set.
Manganese – A workhorse enzyme activator, manganese is necessary for numerous metabolic pathways, including those that neutralise reactive oxygen species within the plant.

Trace elements like calcium and magnesium are essential for citrus fruit health and productivity. Enriching the soil sets the stage for a fruitful relationship between earth and tree. Iron, zinc, and manganese also contribute to plant health through various functions. Each element plays a unique role in supporting plant vigour and fruit quality.

The Ocean in Your Garden
Seaweed and seafood waste, often under-appreciated byproducts of the sea, hold within them the key to healthy fruit and zesty citrus fruits. By recognising the role that healthy soil plays with the natural addition of these important trace elements that come from the composting process, we can utilise these minerals from the sea to enrich your garden. . The approach is sustainable, economical, and effective in the long-term health of your citrus.

*We recommend a balanced and sustained standard feeding, watering and mulching program.

April 16, 2024April 16, 2024

Autumn Citrus Success: Healthy Soil and Sea Minerals

Autumn in the temperate regions of Australia is a critical time for gardeners, especially those nurturing citrus trees. These fruit-bearing wonders thrive on more than just sunlight and water; the secret lies beneath the surface in the health of the soil. In this article, we’ll explore how a symbiotic relationship between beneficial microbes, vital sea-derived minerals, and robust soil can lead to citrus that are not just good – but great and how healthy soil leads to healthy plants and fruit.

Great Citrus Fruit starts with Healthy Soil: The health of soil is paramount when it comes to growing citrus fruit. It’s the life force that fuels stronger root growth, leads to healthier plants, and acts as a defence against pests and diseases. But what exactly makes soil ‘healthy’? The answer is thriving microbial life.

Beneficial Microbes – Nature’s Essential Workers

Microbes in the soil play a significant role in amplifying the availability of essential nutrients through increased cation exchange. This enhances the brix levels in plants, which is a fancy way of saying more natural sugars are produced, leading to better-tasting fruit. Furthermore, these microscopic allies bolster the plant’s intake of nutrition, ensuring every orange, lemon, or lime from your tree is the taste and health.

Minerals from the Sea:Trace Elements!

Our oceans are teeming with life, but did you know that they are also a reservoir of vital minerals? For citrus plants, adding a pinch of the ocean’s bounty – which includes calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus – can work wonders.

Calcium and iron ensure lush green leaves, a testament to evident plant vigour.
Magnesium is like a health tonic for the entire plant, necessary for photosynthesis and overall well-being.
Phosphorus secures the promise of strong roots, providing a solid foundation for the beauty that blooms above.

The Role of Phosphorus and Potting Mix Boosters

In particular, Phosphorus is crucial for root development, which is vital during the autumn season as plants prepare for the cooler months ahead. For those growing citrus in containers, incorporating a potting mix booster such as Ocean2Earth, that’s rich in these sea-derived minerals can replicate these conditions found in nature.

Stronger Plant Growth – Seasonally Adjusted

Each season brings its own charm and challenges, and autumn is the time to lend your citrus trees some extra care. Supporting them with the right mix of minerals replicates the balance of elements they would naturally find in a thriving coastal ecosystem.

Big Blooms, Tasty Fruit, and Shiny Leaves

When a citrus tree has all it needs, it shows. Expect to see:

Big, vibrant flowers: harbingers of the juicy fruit to come.
Tasty fruit: with complexity in flavor, thanks to higher sugar levels.
Healthy shiny leaves: reflecting vitality, contributing to the photosynthesis powerhouse.

Sustainability: Giving Back to Mother Earth

While we take from the sea, it’s essential to give back to the land. By diverting products like fish waste destined for landfill into microbially rich soil enhancers, we’re not just reducing Carbon emissions but enriching our garden soil sustainably. Similarly, opting for sustainable packaging solutions for gardening supplies plays a small but significant role in our quest for greener living.

Grow better Citrus this Autumn

For gardeners with dreams of helathy and delicious citrus fruit and for those already growing, remember that Autumn is an opportunity. Adjusting our practices to include the gifts of the sea and the partnership of microbes can upgrade the typical growing experience to one that truly celebrates natural richness and sustainability.

It is never too late to improve your soil as these microbes and minerals will go to work immediately. Citrus are heavy feeders and go through flowering and then Fruit set, so added micronutrients will help stave off pests and diseases at the important stages.

Healthy plants, stunning flowers, and delicious fruits provide a daily reminder of the role healthy soil, and a little oceanic assistance, play in the circle of life. It’s time to roll up your sleeves and give your citrus trees the underfoot conditions they need to flourish. Your taste buds will thank you come harvest time!

Happy gardening!

If this insight into citrus cultivation has rooted a seed of interest, share your thoughts, experiences, or questions in the comments below. We love connecting with fellow gardening enthusiasts and sustainable living advocates!