Chemicals and synthetic fertilizers in your garden can be a complicated – and sometimes counterproductive – part of your gardening efforts.

For example, did you know that fertilizers with more nitrogen than phosphorous can actually be harmful to your tomato crop? High levels of nitrogen will increase foliage and inhibit fruit production.

The truth about plants is that they create their own food through photosynthesis. If roots are growing in good soil and at proper depths, then plants will feed themselves. As the underground environment gets more healthy there is less need for amendments to the soil.

Aeration with root sticks promotes healthy, aerated, well-drained soil. The field capacity – the soil’s ability to hold water for plant consumption – is increased. With this increase comes more drainage, which is what pulls oxygen into the soil for a better soil food web.

Because water migrates downward instead of laterally in aerated soil, less water is needed to saturate the root zone.

Less chemicals, less fertilizer, and less water make your gardening a much more enjoyable experience.