LACTOBACILLUS does amazing work when it comes to soil,
compost, and plant health. I use it regularly because it really does make a
difference how I use it.
“Lacto” is a beneficial bacteria that goes straight to work
breaking down old roots and leftover plant bits in the soil. Once it gets to
munchin’, it helps soften things up underground, making it easier for roots to
spread out, settle in, and soak up the good stuff. It helps make nutrients like
nitrogen easier for plants to grab hold of, and at the same time, it adds just
enough acidity to the soil to keep the bad microbes away and all without
throwing off the pH balance.
For growing greens and plants that flower, etc. it improves nutrient
uptake, builds stronger plants, and even helps ‘em stand taller when rough
weather tries to knock 'em down. I've seen firsthand how things grow greener
and quicker when this bacteria is part of the soil mix. First year I tried it, won me over. And, even better news? It’s easy to make!
Now when it comes to compost? Jeepahs! I can’t ask for better! Lacto speeds up the breakdown of kitchen
scraps and garden leftovers, keeping the pile from getting too stinky and
locking in the nutrients your plants will love later on. It’s like compost
magic. Sometimes, compost piles can
become unbalanced if one isn’t paying attention to ratios added, so if you don’t
want to be scrunchin’ your nose at unpleasant smells, try adding some
lactobacillus.
I’ve been making compost for so long that for years now, every
time I check the pH balance, it’s perfect!
Literally! However, I add lacto
to my piles anyway just to make compost at a faster pace. I have a few other things I do as well that
make composting even more efficient, but that’s for another day. When it comes to lactobacillus, you can buy it
or make it. I find making it is way
cheaper and it makes a whole lot more.
To use it, I just mix a into compost tea or dilute 2-3 T per
gal of water and pour it where it’s
needed. It likes damp, rich environments with a little less airflow, so I
often toss a tarp or sheet of plastic over the top, but I’ve used grass
clippings, chopped dead leaves, and
cardboard to help cut back the oxygen levels, too. When it comes to lacto and oxygen, less is
more, but I use it both way aerobic and anaerobic. It depends on how fast I want or need a pile
of compost. If I’m going more anaerobic
with a few compost piles, I just don’t “turn” them as often is all. With a dozen or more piles going at the same
time, I can pick and choose. All those piles also allow me to perform experiments,
so truth be had, I’m still learning. Either
way, I’m sold! And, either way, lacto goes into each pile, aerobic or not
because it’s a perfect addition for each of my compost piles.
When I’m ready to use lacto it in the garden, I simply work
it into the soil with my fingers, side-dress plants, or use it as a VERY light
mulch mixed into dead grass, leaves, rotting trees, or compost. A little bit of this stuff goes a long way.
I kinda got away from myself, so lemme back-track and fill
in a couple gaps.
Lactobacillus also makes organic acids (lactic acid) that help
balance the soil’s pH nice and all gentle-like, keeping the soil just right for
growing without letting bad bacteria take over.
I not only use this in my garden, compost piles, Hugelkulter
beds, but I spray it onto plant leaves as well.
We even use it in our composting toilet to help breakdown of those wastes
-quick, efficient, and keeps it smelling earthy.
Quick note if you’re wondering, dirt is what you find where not much can grow.
It’s empty of nutrients. Soil, on the other hand, is alive—full of nutrients
and micro-life that makes growth possible.