Just What is Regenerative Horticulture?

As a philosophy and approach to palm tree care, regenerative horticulture is about implementing a practice that nourishes the earth and those that inhabit it.. There’s no strict rule book, but the holistic principles behind the dynamic system of regenerative horticulture are meant to restore soil and ecosystem health, address inequity, and leave our land, waters, and climate in better shape for future generations.

It’s important to appreciate that this is not a new idea and not all who practice these principles use the label. In fact, Indigenous communities have farmed in nature’s image for millennia. At its core, regenerative horticulture is being in harmony with nature. Practitioners take a broader view of their role in the world, especially in terms of soil and nutrient cycles.

Starting with the Soil

While the techniques for caring for the soil vary with the context, generally, regenerative growers limit mechanical soil disturbance. Instead, they feed and preserve the biological structures that bacteria, fungi, and other soil microbes build underground—which provide above-ground benefits in return.

Practitioners make every effort to reduce their reliance on synthetic inputs, such as herbicides, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers. In the process of prioritizing soil health, many growers naturally use fewer chemical inputs. Instead, as beneficial insects and wildlife return and diverse crop disrupt weed cycles, the ecosystem becomes more resilient. And with fewer toxic chemicals, there are reduced human health risks as well as increased financial independence from avoiding the recurring costs of synthetic inputs.

The Benefits of Regenerative Horticulture

The care and creativity of regenerative horticulture yield benefits on and off the land. They grow better and stronger, draw down carbon, conserve water, replenish waterways, reduce their use of synthetic inputs, and ensure the long-term vitality of the land.

Ecological benefits

• Improvements in soil health and fertility which provide the foundation of healthy water, nutrients, and carbon cycling—as evidenced by healthier crops, increased yields, improved soil test results, and vibrant microbial communities
• Biodiversity on land, in the air, and including richer plant, bird, and insect populations
• Reduced soil erosion
• Reductions in water pollution, including contributions to harmful algal blooms due to fewer chemical inputs
• Improvements to water-holding capacity in the soil

Economic & Community benefits

• Cost savings from reduced use of antibiotics and chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides
• Networks of growers who exchange information, learn from one another, and build community
• The health of communities all benefit from reduced use of and exposure to harmful chemicals.

By bringing the latest trends and practices in organic farming to the horticulture an landscaping industries, Palms 360 is helping to make our world and environment safter, more sustainable, and less reliant on chemical solutions. Contact Palms 360 today to find out how we can bring these practices to your community, business, or resort.