Is Homegrown Produce More Nutritious? How Your Soil Makes the Difference - Ep. 260

Is Homegrown Produce More Nutritious? How Your Soil Makes the Difference - Ep. 260

In this eye-opening episode, I unpack the shocking truth about nutrient loss in modern fruits and vegetables. A 2023 review found that today’s produce contains significantly fewer vitamins and minerals than in decades past. Some nutrients have dropped by up to 80% since the 1950s! We explore how industrial agriculture, depleted soils, and synthetic fertilizers have impacted our food and, more importantly, how we as home gardeners can grow more nutrient-rich produce by focusing on soil health. Soil nerds, unite!

I talk about the essential role of soil microbes and organic matter in our soil in creating nutritious food (and how synthetic fertilizers can’t compete), how composting, mulching, and no-till gardening can restore soil health, and give you actionable tips for increasing nutrient density in your own garden. If you care about what goes into your food and on your family’s plate, this is a must-listen. Let’s dig in!

Save 20% on your new own-root rose plant at Heirloom Roses with code JUSTGROW https://heirloomroses.com

Related episodes:
https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/episode/ep-18-garden-talk-tuesday-plant-nutrients-and-why-you-need-to-know-them
https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/episode/focal-point-friday-plant-nutrient-basics
https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/search/compost

References:
• Davis, D. R. et al. An Alarming Decline in the Nutritional Quality of Foods. Foods, 2023. PMC10969708
• Baranski, M. et al. Higher Antioxidants in Organic Crops. British Journal of Nutrition, 2014.
• National Geographic (2024): Fruits and Vegetables Less Nutritious
• The Guardian (2024): Vegetables Losing Nutrients
• Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems (2021): Soil Fertility from Compost


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