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The interconnectedness between soil, microbes, plants, pests, and ultimately human health, is a fascinating area of study.

With the rapid evolution of technology, much of what used to be common-sense farming and gardening knowledge was lost. However, science is starting to reaffirm age-old wisdoms, showing that nature is far smarter than we may have given it credit for.

For example, we now know that plants are capable of communicating with each other via extensive and complex networks, and can warn each other of the presence of pests. In response, the plants will mount natural defenses against the infestation.

This is an important part of chemical-free agriculture. We don’t need to combat pests with chemical warfare… We just have to create the optimal growing conditions so the plant can respond with its own defenses.

We’re also starting to realize how microorganisms in soil and the human gut are interconnected, and work to create health in very similar ways.

Researchers have also discovered that plants can actually “hear” when they’re being chewed on, and in response, they can launch a chemical defense to minimize the destruction. In truth, whether we’re eating meat, fish, fowl, or plants, we’re taking sustenance from something that is (or was) very much alive…