Why Rock Dust Does Not Work

[@lesterspicer8379]

I just wanted to say that I appreciate the fact that you allowed your guest/expert to thoroughly talk on his subject of expertise and complete his thoughts. So many talk show host, KZbin, etc. host continually cut their guest off or constantly interrupt them in mid thought. The end result usually winds up with the listeners taking away very little useful information and the host leaving with an even more bloated ego than when he arrived. By interviewing him the way you did the listener actually was able to learn and gain incredible knowledge from Mr Vanacore. Great job, Love your shows!

[@aw4always]

I agree.

[@bdebroux]

I agree, keeps me coming back to this channel.

[@sandybayes]

Great video! Loved this interview!

[@westoe]

Totally agree!

[@mickiem6833]

This is my first visit to this channel and my first impression is the same. Subscribed!

[@kirkjohnson9353]

Because John recommended rock dust I got some and applied it. I found it in my Uncle's garage. I don't think brands usually matter but I'll mention it in this case. The brand my Uncle had was "Portland Cement". I applied it according to John's instructions mixing it into the top layer of my sandy soil. After watering it I tried to get my shovel out of it and found that it was stuck. I pried on it and the handle broke even though it was a newer shovel. So now I am cursing John and wanting to get my garden back to normal. I fired up my rototiller to break up the hard ground but all it did was cause sparks to fly from the tines. I had to rent an electric jackhammer to remove the treated soil. I do not recommend "Portland Cement" brand rock dust.

[@muaythaiguy6669]

+Kirk Johnson The fact that it is called "cement" should have give you the first clue

[@andrewtowell6074]

+Kirk Johnson lmfao, thanks mate that made me laugh!

[@kirkjohnson9353]

Yes, it is Clyde. Although my ground does get pretty hard during the summer. I can't blame John for it.

[@andrewtowell6074]

+Kirk Johnson Incorporate some organic matter. Also mulching works great too, wood chips helpful.

[@kirkjohnson9353]

+Andrew Towell Good idea. I just scored two big loads of wood chips from my local power company tree trimming crew. I'll have so many wood chips in my garden now I half expect to see John doing a video in it some morning

[@HighDesertGarden]

There's some good discussion going on here; I'm glad to see everyone adding to the discussion. I use rock dust as a grit source for my worms. I add just a little to my worm bins and they seem to love it. There's all kinds of microbial activity going on in the worm bin - lots of organic acids, humic acid etc... If anything can activate or prepare the rock dust for plant uptake, it's a worm bin ;)

[@cblackmon1322]

i use it to in my bin and those worms so healthy they turn deep red

[@5winder]

Good idea, man.

[@yoc20]

Hey ,,,maybe that is what is really going on..The worms are doing the work and they should be getting more credit for the garden soil being better due to the worm casting being better due to them eating the rock dust...I have heard egg shells ground to a powder sprinkled in a worm bed as a grit source is liked by the worms..Gotta make sure they are dry before grinding.

[@mikeedward3161]

Hi there, D Yoc of one year ago , so was not sure to add this here but here we are, I have been feeding worms egg shells that first are put in oven to slightly change the shells to become a little brittle/dried and then cooled & crunch up with a rolling pin or you can put into a liquidizer, I have done both but like the rolling pin as that method does not make the egg shells too fin, then fed to worms (worm farm) or used around the plants as a slug deterrent. Hope this helps. Maureen from England / UK

[@yes350yes]

This sounds like a really good way to add azomite . Some will be added to my worm bins.

[@growingyourgreens]

I just want to let everyone know although the title says "Why Rock Dust Does Not Work". This video explains why SOMETIMES rock dust does not work. I still 100% support rock dust and its use to help your plants grow closer to their full potential. Anything in life may work or not work depending on many factors. I can't help if some people are using poor quality rock dust and/or setting up tests so that rock dust fail. The beginning of this episode explains what you DONT want to do when using rock dust. Rock dust has worked in nature for thousands of years in areas where it has been naturally created.

[@lorhayes7]

+Learn Organic Gardening at GrowingYourGreens I thought you had finally lost it with this video's title :)

[@leptoon]

How did you go from barely able to type, to typing these well worded paragraphs with perfect English? Does John have someone helping him with his KZbin channel?

[@tumba3182]

+Andrew Dahl valid observation but unnecessary thought.

[@Olytash]

+Learn Organic Gardening at GrowingYourGreens You could always change the title to something like "Why isn't my rock dust working" or something similar if you get tired of people misinterpreting the title.

[@guitargodkc]

+Elise Baldwin just add "...sometimes" to the title.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Isn't most dust in the ground from rocks of some sort...? Anyway, I've never considered this in my garden and I'm happy with my results from standard home made compost, manure from my animals, and mulch from other green crops. :)

[@BAMHEIDSPINKWORKS]

It's a good way to add an extra boost if there is no more space for organic matter. Like if adding more organic matter would cause a bed or whatever to overflow. Or for full to the brim pots etc

[@watchman0311]

Long term soil amendments on the accessory mineral side, it is food for some microorganisms

[@Zizzyyzz]

Purportedly, Azomite "is only mined in central Utah" according to some.

[@brianpendez5340]

@@BAMHEIDSPINKWORKS For full to the brim pots you can use compost tea as well.

[@johnaverageman6249]

G’day Mark, Wow you been in the comment section for six years. Love what you do.

[@hgils]

This was one of the best you tube events I've watched. So much information relating to mineralization of soul. Just incredible! I have sat through some pretty expensive ceminars that said less and showed about 30% of the background that I saw here. Seeing this type of expertise is just plain amazing! That you and your guest speaker Tom Vanacore.

[@katewalsh8663]

Seminars

[@tinawindham6958]

Kate, u missed soil instead of soul…I misspell a lot and I think bc my vision is poor and my fingers are fat. Ha! Figure that out.

[@voiceologist]

I'm a good proofreader and sometimes these misspelled words aren't done on purpose, they just didn't proofread and so excited to post, but we all get it in context and what they really meant. No big deal really..

[@beehead5661]

I put azomite in my tomato soil and The tomatoes were the most flavorful I've ever grown. Not a scientific experiment but I'm gonna keep doing that with other plants. I also met someone who has seen an improvement in the flowers on her magnolia trees by applying azomite.

[@AZOMITE]

+BeeHead, thank you. We love hearing this!

[@yes350yes]

This coming season will be adding azomite to my tomato plants for the first time.

[@jesseh3806]

Wow, “feed the rock dust to the compost”. Light bulb moment. Thank you!

[@3Sphere]

Or your compost and then to your vermicompost worms... That works even better!

[@mrpix3011]

Fermentation is the key. (rock dust + rock flour + rock meals) translate.google.com/translate?hl=&sl=es&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fmorralcampesino.wordpress.com%2F2013%2F10%2F27%2Fpanes-de-piedra%2F Bocashi examples (just integrate rock dust) translate.google.com/translate?hl=&sl=es&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fbocashi.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F10%2F05%2Fcinco-formas-de-preparar-abonos-organicos-fermentados-bocashi-jairo-restrepo%2F&sandbox=1

[@simoncraigie1819]

Thats what I tried to do - but then I see it's my parents compost heap for veg garden, always incomplete compost when putting out on the garden, it mentions to allow the compost to turn into complete compost before application, this is another light bulb reminder as of the video tutorial

[@66bigbuds]

And feed the compost to your worm farm.

[@bigbrotheriswatching2680]

Or make your soil into something alive just like you do with your compost. Microbes break down rock dust into nutrients the plant can use, fungus during veg and bacteria dominant during flower for best results. Add works for even better results. See buildasoil for in depth videos.

[@johnnyr701]

Been using rock dust for awhile now, very little results. I use more compost tea now and it's made a huge difference and it's all cheaper than rock dust. To each his own.

[@tedmcgee6825]

Rock dust did not make your plants sturdier and have less insect problems??

[@tedmcgee6825]

@Smokin' on Reggie ☹

[@ryanalexander3088]

@Medical MJ worth a shot eh you never know 😂

[@darthvader5300]

@@ryanalexander3088 Ask the right questions to get the right answers. 1. Whart kind of rocks was used in making your rock dust? 2. How fine is the finest of your rock dust? 3. Is the rock dust biogeochemically activated? 4. Was the soil first biochemically activated before applying rock dust? 5. What is the condition of your soil? 6. What dosage of rock dust did you use in terms of kilograms per square meter? 7. How did you apply rock dust on your soil? The list of variables is ENDLESS!

[@richardryan4765]

I think some people missed the point... The point being that the "mineralized" plants will deliver more nutrition. Not that the plant will "look" good. Good looking is nice, but not the point. The plants job is to deliver nutrition to you. Humans require more minerals than plants...where do you get them if not from your food?

[@joshroley770]

Healthy plant, healthy fruit; oxide minerals without a strong biological presence in the soil... those Micro nutrients you put in the soil won't be available to the plant... you feed the soil first, then bacteria, then the fungi, and THEN the plant.. soil needs to be prepared first and foremost.

[@darthvader5300]

Ask the right questions to get the right answers. 1. Whart kind of rocks was used in making your rock dust? 2. How fine is the finest of your rock dust? 3. Is the rock dust biogeochemically activated? 4. Was the soil first biochemically activated before applying rock dust? 5. What is the condition of your soil? 6. What dosage of rock dust did you use in terms of kilograms per square meter? 7. How did you apply rock dust on your soil? The list of variables is ENDLESS!

[@darthvader5300]

@Super Clark The reason why John Kohler's mixture of wood chips and rock dust powder created giant super sized crops is because THEY WERE APPLIED ON TOP OF THE SOIL and not tilled into the soil and therefore the fermentation process of the wood chips is not in contact with the roots of the plants and does not badly affect the plants because the wood chips and rock dust mixture is on top of the soil and exposed to the rain, humidity, and sun which creates the fermentation process that creates the humic acids that dissolves the rock dust powders on them and underneath them and that dissolved rock dust and fully fermented humus combined together will go into the soil and feeds the plants. The key is MAKE SURE THAT YOUR COMPOST IS FULLY FERMENTED, ROTTED, DECOMPOSED, AND THE FERMENTATION PROCESS HAS ALREADY STOPPED FOR IT HAS FULLY FERMENTED THE COMPOST INTO HUMUS. Then and only then can you mix rock dust with the humus and the humic acids of the humus will help dissolved the rock dust powders which in turn is absorbed by the soil and by the plants and at the same time boosting microbial activitiy to it's highest level in helping the plants improve it's efficiency and effectiveness in absorbing and ingesting both the dissolving rock dust powders minerals and the biological components being released by the FULLY FERMENTED humus itself.

[@latham40]

@@darthvader5300 so to summarize what your saying.. mixing humus compost with rock dust when filling a 4x12 new bed is effective and WILL ALLOW the rock dust to be broken down vs applying as a top dressing?

[@surferdude-ll2qu]

If someone watches this video and don't subscribe or at minimum hit the like button, it would be like raining gold bars on just your property and paying someone to come remove them. This priceless info. This guy just explained away his life's work. I am greatly appreciative

[@lilylee560]

Agree.

[@nickb6380]

To all GYG'ers here is the other side of micro's that you haven't heard yet. So what can we do about all the junk in Air that falls into are soil? This video backs up John and gives you even more reason why its a must to have micro's. youTube= "Bases 51 Joska Ramelow part 2" (17:50 is when he gets going about the micro). John thank you so much for all your hard work and passion keep it up. Because of you i made 3 raised beds in my back yard and was able to feed me and the wife 2 big salads every day and had lots to give away. For indoors this winter i made 2 raised beds (2'x4') greens for me all year around love it. PS i lost about 25 pounds this summer and still doping

[@trevorfichtner3539]

7:54. Take notes if your wondering why you need a finished compost before u mix in soil! Iv been looking for an answer to that for 3 days STRAIGHT. THANK YOU!!!!!!

[@darthvader5300]

Anthony Hawk5 months ago I put my rock dust in water and let algae dissolve or digest it, then apply it in liquid form. I had huge produce that I was told it was the best they had.

[@wanesweb]

Very you let your rock dust soak in water the algae growth see you then let it dry out and pour the minerals into the dirt or do you put it in while it's wet

[@wanesweb]

Very you let your rock dust soak in water the algae growth see you then let it dry out and pour the minerals into the dirt or do you put it in while it's wet

[@wanesweb]

I'm sorry you actually answered that I'm sure the emmas light does not just dissolve what do you do with it or do you just keep using it over and over and

[@aquahuggies]

@darthvader5300 Thanks for sharing your results. Can you please let us know how much algae to water to rock dust you use? And was the algae powdered, straight from the ocean etc? Thanks so much!!

[@jonmccormick8683]

I think using rock dust in an "Eden Garden" situation is smart = loose soils with high microbial activity. Word of caution: volcanic rock dust tends to be very alkaline so will need to check the ph and adjust the ph as necessary.

[@Brohymn80]

You've made lots of excellent videos, but this one and the one(s) with Josiah are right up there at the top. Excellent video! I could listen to that guy talk for hours... what a wealth of information, and the details he goes into are possibly about the best way I've heard it explained. The technical clarity of it is enlightening... to say the least. Great video!

[@elijah9822]

John, I love how you indexed your video with timestamps (xx:yy) in the description! Makes for easy navigation!!

[@lifescansdarkly]

7:55 to 9:15 is super interesting, and reinforces my belief that pretty much everything we think of as a "soil additive" as actually best used as a *compost additive*, because there's pretty much nothing that isn't made more bioavailable by 6-12 months of decomposition.

[@yeoinaru]

Thank you for such a wonderful interview! I'm taking classes at university right now and I actually understand what he is talking about.

[@thegooch7206]

This has to be the best explanation on rock dust and what goes hand in hand with it to make it work correctly.

[@JuxstGaming]

Dude I know this is 8 yrs ago but damn! I'm kicking myself. I love your style. But I left for a bit. Many garden channels. When I left I felt this guys goes on rants about how the world of food is shit today (in short) I already know. Dont need the speeches. But I missed the in depth factor. Maybe at that time I wasnt ready to dive as deep but IM BACK BABY. Love this channel. Keep listening to this guy folks. The world isnt simple & cant be explained in "shorts" or short videos. Listen, Learn & Love life. This man will teach you how. Dont be me! Stick around. Dig DEEPER!

[@brittanyfallon6181]

Still one of my favorite products! It killed me to find that I ran out just as I planned on planting over a dozen fruit trees. Great products with awesome results!

[@richstone2627]

Excellent video. I could listen to Tom all day. I don't know how I missed this video but glad I found it. Thanks

[@belatube24]

John I Love the first few minutes of this video how he was explaining why rock dust sometimes does not work in details. The look on your face is priceless. its like watching a parent being told reasons why there kid sucks by someone the respect. I can just imagine the thoughts running in your head while you are forced to sit and acknowledge what he is saying.

[@ryanh5987]

Much appreciated info, friend. Unified the last few unknowns about gardening I've had in one elimination round of a video. Thanks

[@sbarr10]

At our house we just tore down an old shed and exposed rock hard clay soil that has not been hit by direct sun in many years. Mycorrhizae has gotten so expensive. We want to incorporate this area into our established garden area so we're going to include both azomite and prepared biochar as part of our soil renewal effort. We'll be digging in these and other mineral amendments as well as home made compost and some leaves. And hope the microbes kick in.

[@theatrefirefly]

Make sure you add lots of organic matter like compost. How'd it go?

[@rusted5408]

You can make your own. Look for viking gardener to teach you how to make all kinds of living organisms to add to the soil. He shows how to use teas and especially leaf mold. When you apply get some cover crop growing immediately so you get roots growing so it will start having all the beneficial organisms and all will work in unison with each other

[@jenniferlizcano3125]

Thanks John for always getting us these deals! I'm trying to restore the 1/2 acre of soil at my grandma's house and all of your tips and tricks are appreciated. Thanks!

[@crazysquirrel9425]

I found that mixing in a good amount of Azomite into potting soil before planting seems to work very well. Using it after the fact, not so much.

[@gypsyhobo3016]

Very informative, I like the chemistry part of growing food.

[@laurasinaguglia8688]

Thank you so much John this was an excellent video! I ordered some rock dusts after I spoke with Tom getting his direction for my area and need, he was very helpful and a pleasure to talk to. I have already seen a tremendous difference in my garden this year. Healthy, tasty, vibrant, and high brix numbers too. Thank you for your great job sharing your plethora of information from your travels!

[@JTBear]

So the question I now have is, how do I know if I have made 'good' compost for my plants? This is the first year that my garden will be mostly soil based and I really just don't know how to turn clay into soil ...

[@JTBear]

***** Thanks!

[@democolor42]

I love all John's videos. Learned so much!!! Wish him the longest, healthiest and just the best life!

[@aliceedwards3053]

On gardening I feel that being educated is quite important and if you take information from growing your green's we should help support what he has given us it is the least we can do.

[@kmrsong]

Your tone is clear and suits to audience of social media with clarity. But some how videos are too lengthy , pl keep contents concise and set a time limit not more than 10- 15 minutes

[@danielbeaudoin8462]

I use izorite seems to work very well but 45 Canadian dollars for a 40 lbs bags . I will testify that food taste a lot better

[@matermark]

Could you tell me how rock dust or Azomite can benefit vegetable container gardening? I use Pro-Mix BX w/Myco because it was cheaper with than without, plus I try to use as much as 1/3rd compost, ( I usually need to BUY compost---composting's not allowed here), but I find it hard to grow organically with containers on drip irrigation when the soilless mix generally doesn't get reused the following year, you're not building the "soil." Is the use of these powders dollars washed down the drain so to speak? I grow & breed mostly heirloom tomatoes & peppers, but grow some other veggies too, mostly on blacktop or raised beds using drip fertigation (Maxicrop as well as water solubles.) Should I skip buying that 20lb bag of Azomite?

[@stevenpetro4766]

I appreciate this long format interview, lot's of good nitty gritty details. Love it

[@georgecarlin2656]

Am I paranoid or there's a face on the rock in the bottom center at 0:40 ?

[@goblinb]

+Binkie Pinkie well, the guy is a rock carver, so you most likely did see a face.

[@beavinator420]

Oh george. Still takin shots in the mouth for trips across town?

[@HerbHalling]

I recently found a local volcanic ash quarry where I can obtain un-weathered volcanic ash, which because it is a noncrystalline material, has the potential to be a better soil amendment than crystalline rock dust. You don't discuss the volcanic ash potential on your video and would be interested in seeing more.

[@nekkelly1012]

have your local source is tested for lead and radioactivity..azomite is prehistoric volcanic ash and I read it has been tested and is safe for gardens

[@Shinintendo]

I bet this video was made in response to Stephen's trials from Alberta Urban Garden channel dismissing rock dust.

[@Shinintendo]

+Max Johnson Diversity of opinions is good. I just chuckled to myself as I watched Stephen video only couple of hours previously. I just enjoy the drama :)

[@aliceedwards3053]

I'm a gardener I have built a green house I have a wonderful garden outside as well also another larger garden off sight I have enjoyed watching John Koller's videos and learning a great deal of information and applying it in my garden's as well i believe in all of John's theories

[@Tsunad360]

Ive heard some talk about rock dust and how it doesnt break down enough to contribute to plants in a timely way. It was suggested to stick to compost/manure to mineralize the soil as a better way that is also more cost efficient.

[@aceparadis1125]

I’ve been thinking about applying Azomite to my worm bin as a form of grit for them but also in the hopes that the worm break down some of the minerals to make them plant available. What are your thoughts about this?

[@Theweeze100]

Ok, different take on this. An organic farmer friend of mine, sprayed his cucumbers and squash with a small amount of diatomaceous earth and water. It looked like he covered them, Sevendust, but knowing that he’s organic and that all of the neighbors around him practice organic gardening to keep pesticides away I knew it was not. Turns out the diatomaceous earth gets swallowed by the squash bugs and kills them. First time I’ve heard about this.

[@spacelumps]

I have watched this over and over again and still don't understand HOW to activate the rock dust. I hear fulvic acid, humic acid, blah blah blah... do I mix them before adding to the garden? In what ratio? Please advise!

[@andrewtowell6074]

Add mycorrhizal fungi or even better airobic compost

[@surferdude-ll2qu]

John you said add minerals to compost so is it OK or good to add to potting soil that has compost???

[@izzzzzz6]

I've just been unloading a tonne of granite pebbles from a glacial river, I was noticing that i could get quite a bit of granite dust, any tips on how i can use this in my soil mix? I live in France and over in Europe i'm not sure where i can get these products so i'm kind of trying to achieve some results myself.

[@fredrickvoncold]

dont forget to add good compost to your dust .

[@passyourdrugtest420]

Only if soil is very depleted will adding it help. Plant will only take up what it needs it won't make it super mineral concentrated food

[@carlospereira3504]

I don't know but i have had amazing results without buying tons of crap. i just used compost, that's about it.

[@tedmcgee6825]

Leaf compost has hella the same stuff as rock dust right?

[@TheWBWoman]

Thanks! Great informative video and the time stamps are really helpful to go back to rewatch a certain section.

[@BCzepa]

thanks tom, i enjoyed your explaining of why magnetism has an effect on plants uptake of nutrients. gross, subtle, causal. diamagnetic . paramagnetic

[@quailsnest8354]

question, what do I need to activate basalt rock dust..?? I have brown coal, do I use this ?? why was brown coal mention ??

[@jlawson4262]

i mulched leaves and added it to my garden bed 2 weeks ago,,would it be a good idea to add the rock dust now? i used rock dust last year in the spring about a month before i planted.. my grandmother would use wood ashes for insect control,what are your thoughts on that?

[@PrincessShaBooBoo]

I love talk like this! 💙 I absolutely appreciate your videos! I’m so convinced, now, to add rock dust and biochar to my garden. 👩🏾‍🌾 Thank you!!

[@cliff7516]

Love it great information, one of your best videos

[@CBe-ot8vu]

I grow with mycorrhizae fungi, microbes and bacteria in my media. I grow organic and recently added rockdust to my supersoil mix. Even if the rock dust isnt feeding my plants (as this man said) it is feeding my microbes etc and keeping them healthy and that alone is worth using rock dust because helthy microbes and better than no or weak microbes

[@trevorfichtner3539]

So is it bad to mine this rock dust tho? How much is there? Is there any negative environmental impact on harvesting rock dudt in any way?

[@mengdechow8062]

Chow is a person with some spare time. Forgive Chow if there are mistakes. The summaries in Table 1 (5) -(docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1XI9Y6R49k7s4OfqwMlEPtVL-OdYboKw3iFA-j0htWWQ/edit#gid=1387334683&vpid=A47) shows Rock Dust fruits produce better nutrients that human need compare with other soil. Chow did a spreadsheet on the test (www.albertaurbangarden.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/141120_AlbertaUrbanGardenCertificateofAnalysis.pdf) which shows Rock dust does not work. *This is not to show anyone is wrong or … This is just for sharing and knowledge shared is power multiplied (Robert) . Peace :D

[@tomrogers9635]

So does rock dust from deeper down in the ground say 40-60 or 60-80 feet benefit a plant better then dust from the surface? Considering for it to be that deep it’s had to have broken down some what more then a rock drilled at the surface? Trying to bring in some more information

[@kmrsong]

I think rock ( basalt) dust may be suitable for heavy black clay soils. But for red soils which contains good amount of magnetite mineral, adding basalt dust not required. When compost( biochar) is prepared by using deep rooted tree leaves like Teak ( A tropical hard wood tree of south Asia) , The compost ( biochar) made from teak leaves contains micro and macro minerals whic are needed for vegitables and fruits for good yields.The teak draws minerals from its deep roots. The teak thrives in red moram soils of western and easrern ghats. I have used Teak leaves and made compost.The compost has given good results in my veggi and fruit back yard. I have used teak leaves , but any leaves, chips or stems of any deep rooted tree can give same results. The tree release sugars and soil baceria at root zone will make minerals bio friendly and get absorbed and stored in various parts of tree. The biochar in this case comtains all minerals available in bio digested form.

[@drfelle]

Rock Dust MAY be effective with folks square foot/raised be gardening. They're using mostly compost with virtually no trace minerals, so adding some may be a benefit. However those of us who garden in the ground with good soil already have everything we need to grow great food.

[@sherekhan420u2]

So adding rock dust isn't really nessesary to get big fruit?

[@AZOMITE]

Good soil is everything. We always recommend soil testing first. For those not lucky enough to already have good soil, we're here for you.

[@omnidivisible]

John, I really appreciate the planning and structuring that went in in producing this great interview. While I disagree with certain things said about the need in sequestering carbon (vs methane) as the answer to global warming (and/or climate change), I did learn a lot about the basics of using rock dust and along with compost, biochar and humic and fulvic acids and other technical aspects and various theories and complexity with respect to soil paramagnetism and diamagnetism from Tom. I also admire and respect your characteristic total absorbed attention and alert non-intrusive interviewing style, which is an unusual and interesting quality in balancing any over the top enthusiasm and promotion of consumerism, which is antithetical to the principles and the foundation of organic production, permaculture, biodynamics and natural health. For years you've given your viewers options and resources in obtaining rock dusts. I'm wondering if you have done or be interested in compiling video documentation of your own rock dust trials or have organized one with your viewers? Have you interviewed growers, gardeners and esp. container gardeners or greenhouse growers who have either video documented their rock dust trials on the efficacy and safety of using rock dust that you could point me to?

[@AshleysDermDiaries]

another great video! :) thanks for all your efforts!

[@stevelowry3459]

Awesome information for me; beginner organic gardener

[@thegiftlady1]

WAY over my head. Wish I understood what the heck he was talking about.

[@fanaf26]

Hi John! I'm brand new to composting and I really want to make compost that is as rich as possible, to help with plant resilience and disease abatement. I was looking into rock dust and remineralization as a means of promoting healthier plant growth...but I want to do it right. I was interested in getting the growing your greens special from rock dust local to use as a rock dust/remineralization starter kit for my compost. Could you do a demo video using the growing your greens special in relation to composting when you get a chance? Thank you!

[@mirandahermes2554]

I notice that you usually sprinkle rock dust at the bottom of your plants, but can you just add the rock dust to your water can and water with it?

[@brokencage9723]

I use rock dust in my raised beds for several years untill I have a good base. there is almost no real dirt/soil in bagged soil anymore it's all peat/coir or composted bark/wood. after a few years without rock dust and sand the media turns to mush. I wouldn't ever add it to in ground plants. as for micro nutrients use leaf mold or compost made of fall leaves.

[@cl4417]

thank you for this video John! pure gold! I'm a brand new gardener so this really helps. Cheers from a fellow raw vegan!

[@eugenenelson5608]

Is Rock dust the same as stone dust we call it here in VA. From a rock Quarry?

[@TheLastLogicalOne]

I agree with the concept of soil re-mineralization, however is rock dust the most effective product? does it provide substantial amounts of important trace elements for plants?

[@georgecarlin2656]

+TheLastLogicalOne The number of different minerals in rockdust and their respective quantity is called the mineral profile of the rockdust. So, the mineral profile of rockdust resembles the mineral profile of ideal soil. In ideal soil about 1% are trace elements, the rest 99% are the macro-nutrients (minerals that need to happen in greater quantity like calcium, silicon, potassium, etc). That is why no matter how much basalt rockdust you add to your soil it won't make a mineral hazard in your soil because it has the proper mineral profile that is needed for soil. Some people use this fact to bad-mouth rockust with the argument that about only 1% of it has trace elements, trying to imply that you're spending your money on a product that only has 1% of the stuff you really need ignoring the bigger picture (probably on purpose).

[@Elfunko99x]

No way, the humic basalt blend or the humic/basalt/biochar+inoculant are the best options there I think, the latter being the best. Of course, I haven't looked at pricing, but just based on desired result (as if money wasn't a problem, lol) that's the one. Great video! I learned more than I could have imagined, I never knew you put together such awesome videos man. Wow

[@nevilleferguson3383]

Can i mix the azomite with chicken manure and how will it work

[@InLawsAttic]

I’m just hearing this in 2021; please update us, and is Tom’s rock dust still available and how do we use it with the compost tea. One thing I am hearing is put all this together, making a compost, and then later use to plant in- so how long do we wait after mixing it? Thanks!! GREAT interview!!

[@benmadduxable]

What about adding rock dust to Aquaponic system fish tank? Any recommendations for that?

[@voiceologist]

I think for me is the Rich Char containing 3 impt stuff already, in addition to the 2 John picked..

[@j.verheulst268]

Does Tom ship to Europe/Rotterdam Harbour? What would be good European rockdust 'OMRI' sources? Eifel Gold?

[@rrman2party]

Thanks John. This episode is like a bio masters class. Very informative.

[@bobhunter2475]

John, after watching a large portion of your videos on rock dust, wood chips, compost would you recommend putting on or in your garden soil the burnt wood carbon dust from your fireplace. I think if it works in nature it should work in your garden, the minerals from the burnt wood should work like bio char what do you think. Thanks Bob Hunter, Whittier Calif.

[@diannariley8430]

Very confusing to me! I'm new to gardening and I want the best for my garden. I live in Louisiana and need to know where I can find this stuff locally and when I search, I can't find anywhere in my state that sells what I need to have a healthy garden. John Kohler, you need to come to New Orleans to help us out!

[@kathleensmith8505]

wow great insight to the connections between the rock trace mineral re-activity. Thanks again

[@rolfpoelman3486]

What are the 24 jars?

[@Angely1914]

What do you think of pelleted rock dust Azomite brand?

[@gpvaneron1584]

really informative. Thanks

[@thegiftlady1]

But i have to watch it a dozen times to really "get it "

[@greensings]

John, not sure how you would get all of this information in a short video. Personally I appreciate it and REALLY appreciate the kit. I just have a garden tower at the moment in the city but am going to get the kit with the two bottles. Hope that is the right choice. See you at WFF

[@hungrypromethean]

Your videos are the best, man. They really are.

[@peterstiffins8837]

Did you notice Tom's shirt is Grey and his suspenders are Red and his house is the same...Tom is AWESOME...ROCK ON

[@trevorfichtner3539]

14:42 what book is that hes reading?

[@FigaroHey]

Doesn't Vermont have naturally rocky/mineral-rich soil? Wouldn't that account for the benefits of rock dust in that area? That the soil is already mineral-rich?

[@eugenenelson5608]

Is Rock Dust the same as stone dust dust here in Virginia?

[@glenyth4847]

This is an amazing video. I could listen to this guy for hours, he is an encyclopedia. Thanks. I think the video should be called "The Real Truth about Rock Dust"

[@infiniteadam7352]

Now what kimd of rocks should I get to crush?

[@brianrichards7006]

I know it's extra work for John to add links to actual well designed tests of these rock dusts, but it would be very helpful. I haven't found any that demonstrate rock dusts are helpful, except maybe on a very long term basis, as in hundreds of years. The truth is the most important thing: not our biases or our "beliefs" or anecdotal "evidence". Thanks.

[@debbietampasheher3682]

I agree..John, and don't get me wrong I admire and appreciate him, but he really downplayed the results that Mark from Alberta Home Garden and the other guy who's name slipped my mind got. They are experienced home gardeners who have excellent soil and they used professional labs to test the minerals in the soil and the plants. Any home gardener who knows a little but would use rock dust the way they did and so we should expect similar results in our gardens. I couldn't find results convincing me to add rock dust either

[@rugwasher]

Rock dust like many minerals work best be used in acidic soils humic and fulvic acids are helpful

[@funkyacresfarm2738]

I was wondering if there is a place I could send a sample of rock dust from my local quary? I am a long way from a supplier and makes it super expensive to ship in.

[@jodyk4949]

Hi this was so awesome to listen to. I’m curious has anyone here used rock dust to control fungal invasion on fruit trees?

[@tomneal72]

So mixing rock dust into compost wont have much effect ?

[@jeffreypaula6959]

Where do you get this rock dust?

[@wanesweb]

Okay in the beginning I was appreciating this man's language he was using words that I wouldn't use but I understand them clearly then when we got to the part where I really needed to understand I didn't get it. When John says let's show them how thought you were going to tell us how to get amazonite into the charcoal you also made a statement that if you don't do the charcoal right you lose so I'd like to know how to do the charcoal right how to combine the Amazon site I would imagine I burned some wood and then I mixed some amazonite with the burnt wood maybe let it down in a container let it dry and Presto I have the right combination