What grows on the soil is much like what grows in our digestive system.  Well so I learnt!  When recently chatting with Renata Cumming, she mentioned that the weeds which grow in various areas tell us so much about what’s going on with the soil and it was at this moment, I suggested to her this was much like our microbiome.  She nodded.  I got excited and wanted to explore this topic more as it’s just not something we generally give much thought to.

What we have accepted however, is that our soils are suffering be it due to over farming, too many chemicals or us simply not caring for this precious earth very well.  But many of us (myself included) may not have given it a second thought.  What’s more, if the soil is lacking nutrients, our food is too, thus contributing to the current deficiency epidemic.

So I invited Renata today to come and share more with us about how we can thrive when we understand our land better.  You’ll learn some amazing gems in todays episode!

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3:00 – Can we compare soil to the microbiome of the body?

3:45 – Renata explains the difference between soil and dirt.

4:40 – We talk about earthworms and what they have to do with healthy soil.

7:00 – If you’re trying to grow food in soil that is not healthy, what are you going to get?

8:10 – Renata explains what different weeds can tell us about the minerals in our soil.

12:00 – We asked Renata what goes on with the soil in Australia and discuss the soil in different regions and climates.

15:20 – How can we get most out of our veggie patch at home.

17:20 – Renata tells us why we shouldn’t buy the cheap potting mix.

18:10 – We discuss why getting ‘dirty is actually good for us!

21:40 – Why we’ve become very disconnected with what we eat and don’t have the same connection with food as we used to.

22:40 – Renata tells us why we should go to the farmers market and talk to the farmers!

23:10 – Do you know how lentils are grown? Renata explains this fascinating process!

23:40 – Cecilia asks Renata about the symbiosis between soil and plants. 

27:30 – We discuss an area of agriculture most of us feel a bit more connected to – Wine making!

What do you think!? We’d love to hear.  And please don’t forget to rate our podcast, we’d LOVE you for it!!