The Necessity of Fertilization: A Closer Look at Nature’s Systems

Fertilizing plants is a concept grounded in human intervention in the natural order. The use of fertilizers on plants became prevalent only after humans disrupted the natural cycles of nutrient replenishment. To understand this concept more deeply, let’s observe one of nature’s most remarkable ecosystems: the forest.

Every spring, deciduous trees burst forth with lush green leaves laden with nutrients—vital for sustaining tree life. The trees retain their nutrient-rich foliage throughout the summer, and once autumn arrives, these leaves fall to the ground, forming a rich layer around the tree’s base. This process is complemented by the accumulation of branches, bark, seeds, stems, and animal droppings, creating a continuous cycle of organic matter over decades, if not centuries.

Remarkably, all this organic material remains on the forest floor, providing all the necessary nutrients for the trees to thrive without additional fertilizing. This observation underscores a fundamental truth: forests do not require artificial fertilizers to flourish.

Understanding The Law of Return

This natural recycling of organic matter is what Alfred Howard, a pioneering figure in organic farming in the 19th century, referred to as “The Law of Return.” In your garden, understanding this principle is crucial. Whether you are growing tomatoes, squash, or cabbages, each plant draws nutrients from the soil—nutrients that must be replenished upon the plant’s removal. This can be managed through various techniques, such as allowing leaves to drop, leaving the roots intact, or allowing entire plants to decompose naturally during winter months. The forest teaches us how to mimic its nutrient cycling system effectively.

Practical Applications of Nutrient Cycling in Your Garden

In my own flower farm, I adhere to the Law of Return by implementing a technique I lovingly call “Chop n Drop.” This term describes my practice of leaving parts of harvested plants behind, thus allowing them to decompose and enrich the soil microbiome.

Here are several methods I utilize to practice nutrient cycling:

Weeding with Purpose

During weeding, I focus on the ecology of the plants involved. If the weeds have yet to seed, I pull them out and leave them on the soil surface, especially if they do not propagate through root cuttings. This method is effective on hot days, causing the weeds to die and decompose in place. I often do this method with edible weeds such as chickweed, purslane, and dandelion. WormGro can facilitate healthy plant growth by enhancing the soil with nutrients as these weeds break down.

However, if I encounter aggressive weeds that proliferate through their roots, I remove the leaves, return them to the soil, and dispose of the invasive roots. This careful selective process allows beneficial plants like milkweed—important for Monarch butterflies—to remain undisturbed.

Harvesting for Soil Enrichment

As I harvest flowers, I make it a priority to strip away leaves while leaving the stems in place. Such a simple act ensures that organic matter is recycled back into the soil while still allowing for the collection of blooms and stems. This is an effortless strategy to enrich the garden bed while practicing the Law of Return.

Overwintering Strategies

One of the more unconventional practices I adopt is the choice to leave plant roots in the ground during winter instead of uprooting them at the end of the growing cycle. I cut the above-ground part of the plant, leaving the roots to decompose naturally. This method supports soil fungi and microbial communities throughout winter while protecting the soil from erosion during heavy rains and thawing.

This technique not only provides a source of nutrition for organisms in the soil but also enhances moisture retention capabilities—a vital aspect of sustainable gardening. As these roots decompose, they contribute to the moisture-holding capacity of the soil, demonstrating the Law of Return in action.

The Benefits of Embracing Natural Systems

The principle of the Law of Return is an invaluable lesson in sustainable gardening. By embracing these natural practices, gardeners can create lush, fertile beds with comparatively less labor than traditional chemical gardening methods. This approach not only nurtures plants but can also contribute positively towards addressing climate challenges through more robust ecosystems.

As demonstrated through my experiences on the farm, applying these natural techniques can transform ordinary garden plots into thriving landscapes bursting with life. By respecting and integrating nature’s inherent cycles, we nurture not only our gardens but also foster a deeper connection with the environment.

Peace, love, and plant magic.

Jason Green