Beneficial Bacteria

Our parents pounded into our heads the need to keep our hands clean so we don’t spread any bad bacteria. Just like good bugs and bad bugs, there is also bad bacteria and beneficial bacteria. Through the removal of top-soils to build new homes, the planting of new sod, and the over use of many chemical lawn care programs many sites have been stripped of beneficial bacteria. 

 

 

There are literally hundreds of species of beneficial or probiotic bacteria. When sufficient numbers of bacteria can be found in the soil they can perform very important functions for your plants and lawn.

There are bacteria that pull nitrogen out of the gases in soil and change it to a form that is more compatible for the plant to use. This reduces the need for fertilizing, saving you time and money. It also reduces the chance of over-fertilizing. 

 

There are bacteria that help decompose organic matter and even break down pesticide residues. Soil bacteria will actually reduce soil compaction by improving soil structure, creating microscopic spaces or rooms in the soil to hold air or water.

 

Some soil bacteria kill other damaging bugs. Others suppress soil pathogens that could cause disease in your plants, reducing the need to use fungicides.

By incorporating bacteria you will see a significant difference in your plants. The foliage will be greener and brighter. The flowers will have deeper color and will, occasionally, be larger. Over time you should be able to reduce your use of fertilizer and water. Plus, you will have far fewer problems with pests and plant diseases.

You do not have to use these products every single year. If you are diligent about providing organic materials to your soil every year, the need for adding these soil microbes will go down.  Eventually, after two or three years, you can decrease applications to maybe just once or twice a season.

 

 

There are many methods and products available to get bacteria back into your soil. Applying compost and compost tea are great ways. It is important to know that bacteria, just like us, need to be fed. It is through their feeding that their work gets done. With this in mind, Al’s Garden Centers are excited to introduce a new line of sustainable fertilizers from Rhizogen, which are loaded with Probiotic Bacteria and symbiotic Mycorrhizal Fungi. For your fall lawn care and fall planting we introduce: Rhizogen PerfecTurf^TM 3-2-2 and Rhizogen Ag-LifeTM 3-2-2.