Post sponsored by Welcome to PDX Real Estate Agent, Deb

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Post sponsored by Welcome to PDX Real Estate Agent, Deb 〰️

The soil food web is an exciting microscopic world that we are just beginning to explore. We are taking a closer look at the soil around us and learning so much invaluable information from observation alone. We are learning that the wisdom of cycles and interdependence is crucial in rebuilding our soils. The very first step in growing anything healthy and nutritious is to commit to stewarding the soil. With that being said, the Portland Fruit Tree Project team is super excited to begin employing Effective Microbes in our community orchards and sharing this product with the community. Effective Microbes, EM for short, is a mixture of three common beneficial microbes that help build up and activate the native microbes in your soil! The microbes are lactobacillus acid, phototrophic bacteria, yeast and actinomycetes. Lactobacillus acid is found in yogurt, phototrophic bacteria is found in algae, and we use yeast for all kinds of delicious foods and beverages. EM-1 was developed by Dr. Teruo Higa in 1982. He was researching harmless microorganisms in isolation when one day he dumped a mixture of these microbes on a patch of grass. The patch of grass was noticeably healthier and from there he went on to develop EM. This mixture is safe for humans, pets and the environment. It has been used in water remediation, soil remediation, faster less smelly composting, laundry and you can even use it to freshen your cat's litter box. You can read about all of the different countries that are utilizing EM-1 and in what ways HERE! Microorganisms are truly the most exciting topic. EM-1 works by encouraging the proliferation of beneficial microbes by increasing the diversity of the soil microbiome which in turn encourages protozoan and earthworm activity. An abundance of earthworms is a sign of well-loved well-tended soil.

How EM-1 will have you feeling about your harvest.

How to use

EM-1 is a concentrate that must be diluted.

Foliar Spray: You can just mix 3 tablespoons of EM-1 for every gallon of clean water for an effective foliar spray for trees, shrubs and the garden. You can use a pump spray or watering can.

Activated EM: You can take it a step further by activating the solution for a more active beneficial microbial inoculation. You achieve this by mixing 5% EM-1 5% Molasses and 90% clean water together making sure to mix well. You can also look at it as 1 part EM-1, 1 part molasses and 18 parts clean water. You will then let this mixture sit and ferment in a nice warm environment equal or greater than 62 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 days. You will want to cover the mixture and release pressure as needed. You can tell it is ready by either testing if the pH is between 3.2-3.6 or from the solution having a bittersweet smell.

We will be selling EM-1 concentrate along with enough molasses to make a 1-gallon batch of activated EM as a part of our Spring Soil, Pollinator and Pest sale! You can pre-order HERE or come to Leaven Community 3/15 at 1 pm! This is an incredible product that is shaping the future.

“In order for human society to prosper, it is essential that the environment, food supplies and medical treatment be considered the common property of every man, woman and child on earth. Once we are able to establish a system by which this may be accomplished, humanity will move closer to a state of truth and people will attain greater maturity, receive veneration as they get older and be able to serve as assets of society. In order to attain such a state, it is necessary that humankind abandon its penchant for competitiveness and develop a new way of life based on coexistence and co-prosperity.” - Dr. Teruo Higa’s philosophy.

Sources: EMRO - Effective Microorganisms -

TeraGanix: Home of EM•1® & Trusted Ag Solutions