Wednesday, April 16, 2025

LACTOBACILLUS - Why I Make It

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.