AGROhomeopathy- alternative & organic gardening.
It’s Spring!
Probably the most exciting time of the year for most gardeners and an appropriate time to introduce the art of AgroHomeopathy; an offshoot of Homeopathy.
The name Agro homeopathy is given to the method of applying chemical free, non-toxic assistance in the growth and health of plants using homeopathic remedies.
Using homeopathic remedies on plants, just as we prescribe them to humans and animals, strengthens from the inside out; helps with resistance to disease and in the case of plants and animals, helps with resistance to pests, too.
While there are many good remedies to fall back on, the top four remedies that work well are Aconite, Coccinella, Helix Tosta and Silica
Aconite, (one of my favorite remedies as well as favorite flowers) is used across the board for all living things in the treatment of shock; any form of shock. In plants, it is especially helpful in transplanting, severe weather shock or after a super dry spell.
Coccinella is for aphids, a common plant pest. It is the homeopathic remedy made from the ladybird beetle (sometimes called ladybug), a natural predator of the aphid.
Even though none of the ladybird remains within the remedy, when applied to your plants it deters or reduces aphid populations. Good and prolonged results are usually obtained with just one dose – occasionally a second dose is required but don’t apply it more often than is needed. Just a few pellets added to water, well shaken, then sprayed topically is advised.
Helix Tosta is the remedy to rely on for slugs or snails living in your garden. Helix Tosta was proven right here in Phoenix by the American College of Homeopathy with ‘yours truly’ serving as one of the supervisors on the interesting Phase 1 Human Study. The remedy is derived from scrapings of snail shell. Helix Tosta is an effective non-toxic repellent of snails for the garden.
Say Cheese! Snapped this little guy on our front porch. He likes our yard and my plants. They munch on the dead garden debris and their poop is rich in nitrogen.
Silica is a popular prescribed remedy derived from quartz or flint and is a mineral present in the earth’s crust. It is also present in human cartilage and bones. Silica is commonly used to help with brittle, breaking nails and hair on humans and works well in strengthening fibers in vines, stems and plant leaves, too. Additionally Silica is used to help with the better absorption of nutrients, a necessity for all living things. Silica is commonly recommended homeopathically to people and pets for exhaustion with vulnerability to viruses or infection. Plants too, become stressed and therefore become more susceptible to fungus and infections. I think of this as similar to bone broth for humans.
We know that many question the use of homeopathic remedies in gardens. The usual statement being, “If a plant is lacking in a mineral, why wouldn’t we just add the mineral?” That is a valid statement. Here is my response. It isn’t always easy to decipher which mineral a plant needs without professional consultation and fees, which can be costly. Often the pure mineral isn’t always readily available or could be quite expensive. Also too much of the substance added can result in toxicity or “burn”, ruining the plant completely. (I know, as I have mistakenly done this. Often. 😤😖)
Using homeopathic remedies gently builds the plant’s basic structure, giving it optimum health, while reducing susceptibility.
The application of these products has been used to reduce transplant shock, strengthen weak and spindly plants, increase vigor with resistance to pests, molds, and mildew. Helpful with water retention for plants growing in arid soils and stimulates flower growth, both in number, size and vibrant color.
Application is simply a low dose of remedy, 30X or 30C, add approximately 6-8 pellets of remedy to 32 ounces of water and shake vigorously.
Add that water to a typical size (2-2.5 gallon) watering can, fill can with additional water and apply around the plant.
Homeopathic dissolvable pellets are available at Sprouts or Whole Foods or online in viles of approximately 60 pellets for a cost of $8-$12.
I am fortunate to be both a Southwestern and Midwestern gardener and I say, “adding a homeopathic remedy to my planters? Well, it certainly couldn’t hurt!” I’ve used it for 18 years now and I am proud of my healthy plants. If you love your garden, why wouldn’t you give it a try?
