guildfordcycads

I would like to reuse jam jars etc. with a one piece screw lid (so not the mason jar type with two pieces). Do you know of any equipment to easily create a vacuum? I bought something online but it’s not working properly on the jars I have. Might be a size thing or just not a solution that is very robust…

Thanks for feedback!

Looking at a soil test on a project that is reading: Soluble Salts mmmho/cm at 2.88. pH is 8.3.

This is an old horse field that was flood irrigated in a high desert environment in Colorado USA: 5400′ elevation 9″ precipitation per year. The goal is an irrigated, mixed annual perennial garden.

There is visible salting at the surface in a few spots. It has filled in with desert grass and weeds. This initial test was down to 8″, but will be testing to 3′ and 6′ to see how deep it goes and if there are any water table issues.

Any thoughts or experience is appreciated.

Soil test

Hey permaculture friends!

I’ve been consulting on soil biology for a few years, and one thing I’ve noticed over and over is how tricky it can be, even for experienced farmers and gardeners, to get the microbial balance just right. While making your own composts, teas, and other microbial inoculants is hands-down the best way to harness the power of local, indigenous microbes (because they’re perfectly suited to your area), it’s not always practical.

Even incredible farmers often find the process time-consuming and challenging, let alone home gardeners juggling full-time jobs or other commitments. Teaching these techniques is rewarding but can be super labor-intensive, and let’s face it, not everyone has the bandwidth to dive that deep into the science.

So, I’m working on a solution: a simple, plug-and-play microbial inoculant designed to take the guesswork out of regenerative soil care. It’s something I initially wanted to create for the people I work with, but now I’m wondering, would this be something others in the permaculture and regenerative communities would find useful? Have you tried anything like this before? What would your ideal product look like?

I’d love to hear your thoughts, ideas, or even challenges you’ve faced, if any, with soil biology . Thanks for helping me shape this project into something truly helpful for our community! 💚