What Is Regenerative Gardening?

WHAT IS REGENERATIVE FARMING?

Regenerative farming is a holistic approach to agriculture that aims to build healthy soils, enhance ecosystems, and contribute to a more sustainable food system. This method prioritizes soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration through practices like minimizing soil disturbance, keeping the soil covered, maintaining living roots, promoting diversity, and integrating livestock. These principles aim to restore and enhance the natural systems of the farm, leading to more resilient and productive ecosystems. 

KOREAN NATURAL FARMING - (KNF)

Korean Natural Farming is a sustainable, holistic approach to agriculture developed by Master Han Kyu Cho. It focuses on harnessing natural processes using locally sourced, fermented inputs like Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO), Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ), and Fish Amino Acid (FAA). KNF emphasizes soil health, plant immunity, and natural balance rather than synthetic chemicals.

HOW DOES THE QUIET SEED PRACTICE REGENERATIVE FARMING AND KNF?

BOKASHI

Bokashi is a method of fermenting organic waste (usually kitchen scraps) using beneficial microorganisms, often bran inoculated with EM (Effective Microorganisms). It's an anaerobic process (done without air), turning waste into nutrient-rich compost quickly. Unlike traditional composting, it handles meat and dairy too and produces minimal odor.

JADAM

JADAM (means “People who resemble nature”) is an ultra-low-cost organic farming system from South Korea, founded by Youngsang Cho. It encourages farmers to create their own natural inputs like liquid fertilizers, pesticides, and microbial solutions. JADAM emphasizes self-reliance, local resources, and no-till farming, with a heavy focus on simplicity and affordability.

NETTLE TEA

Nettle tea is a natural fertilizer and pest repellent made by fermenting stinging nettle in water. Rich in nitrogen, iron, and trace minerals, it's often used to boost plant growth and immunity. It also helps deter aphids and other pests. It’s a simple and effective tonic for leafy greens especially.

FOLIAR SPRAY

A foliar spray involves applying nutrients or solutions directly to the leaves of plants. It allows for faster nutrient absorption than soil feeding. Sprays can include micronutrients, compost teas, or natural pest control blends. Timing and dilution are key to avoiding leaf burn.

WATER SOLUABLE CALCIUM

WCA is commonly made by dissolving eggshells in vinegar. This releases calcium in a form that plants can readily absorb. It strengthens plant cell walls, aids fruit development, and helps prevent blossom end rot in tomatoes and peppers. It’s a staple in both KNF and JADAM practices.

LACTOBACILLUS BACTERIA

Lactobacillus is a beneficial bacteria used in organic farming to break down organic matter, improve soil health, and suppress harmful pathogens. It’s often cultured from rice water and milk. LAB is also used in animal husbandry to reduce odors and improve digestion. We make our own LAB here at the farm.

VERMICAST (WORM CASTING) SPRAY

This is a liquid extract made by soaking or brewing worm castings (poop). It’s rich in enzymes, nutrients, and beneficial microbes. When sprayed on plants, it boosts growth, improves disease resistance, and enhances microbial life on leaves and in the soil.

MOLASSES

Molasses is a carbon-rich syrup often used as a microbial food source in compost teas or soil amendments. It feeds beneficial microbes, energizes microbial populations, and helps break down organic matter faster. Blackstrap molasses is most commonly used.

BRIX LEVEL

Brix is a measure of sugar content in plant sap (usually tested with a refractometer). Higher Brix levels often indicate healthier plants, better taste, and increased resistance to pests and disease. Farmers use it to monitor plant health and the effectiveness of their inputs. We use Blackstrap molasses to raise the Brix level of our flowers.

BENEFICIAL INSECTS

These are insects that help in natural pest control or pollination. Examples include ladybugs (aphid eaters), Aphidoletes, lacewings, parasitic wasps, and predatory mites. By fostering environments that attract them (e.g., with flowers or companion planting), farmers reduce the need for chemical pesticides.

COMPANION PLANTING

Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together for mutual benefit. Some combinations repel pests, attract pollinators, or enhance growth. For example, planting basil with tomatoes can repel pests and improve flavor.

NO-TILL

No-till farming avoids disturbing the soil through plowing or tilling. This preserves soil structure, encourages microbial and fungal life, retains moisture, and prevents erosion. It’s a foundational principle in regenerative and sustainable farming. We try to not disturb the soil to much, adding compost, and cutting plants off at the base, in order to leave the root system in the soil

COVER CROPPING

Cover crops are used to provide nutrients to the soil, manage soil erosion, soil fertility, water, weeds, pests, diseases, biodiversity and wildlife in an ecosystem. These crops are labeled as Non-Cash crops, they are not meant to be sold. These crops include Rye, clover, Buckwheat, among other plants. This is also known as "Green Manure".