Organic Garden References and Instructions

Nature's Guide P.O. Box 471549 Fort Worth, Texas 76147

100% Organic Fertilizers and Natural Gardening Products

SOIL AMENDMENTS
are additives from natural sources that modify
the consistency of the native soil to improve drainage or compaction.
While the incorporation of organic matter normally has been
traditionally thought to be enough these additives that come from natural
mineral deposits that can make a fundamental change in soil structure. We will refer to these as soil amendments.

Nature's Guide offers three products perfectly suited for the task.

Nature's Guide Lava Sand is a natural sandy substance consisting of crushed volcanic slag or dried lava. The cooling process millions of years ago left this material full of tiny holes. Because it is very porous and remains friable even when very dry it will never get compacted. Mixed into clay soil lava sand separates the microscopic particles to improve penetration of moisture and oxygen. Even when very wet it does not clump or become sticky. Over time the tiny cavities in lava sand will become clogged with the microscopic clay particles. This will diminish its effectiveness so more should be added each year.It is heavy enough in consistency to be applied as a surface dressing and will work its way down into the soil without washing or blowing away.
Like most natural soil improvements its effect is cumulative. As you add more on a regular schedule the soil will continue to improve. By its physical structure and chemical makeup Lava Sand helps the soils natural nutrients become more available to growing roots.
Lava Sand is paramagnetic, that is, it is affected by a magnetic field but does not itself become magnetic. There has been speculation that paramagnetic activity improves plant grow and health but there is no scientific foundation for this claim.
Do not confuse Lava Sand with the more common sand that is sold as brick sand, play sand, sharp sand or other common names. These sands have a different mineral composition and microscopic texture than Lava Sand and do not provide the same benefits.

Nature's Guide Texas Greensand was formed from marine deposits during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Its color comes from the mineral glauconite. It is found in Jurassic and Lower Creatcious strata. Greensand was formed in the decaying process of organic matter broken down in the shells of marine animals.It was first used in Europe as a pigment in oil paint. If was called terra verte.
Greensand is rich in iron and potassium. Like lava sand it is friable and breaks down quite easily. It does not compact. Texas Greensand holds moisture which it releases slowly. When incorporated into clay soils its friable nature works to decrease compaction. Its texture and chemical makeup make it an ideal additive to sandy soils where it adds iron and potassium in a slow release form.
As an added note many landscapers are now using Nature's Guide Texas Greensand as a top dressing for lawns to add iron to the soil for a deeper green and to help moisture retention and the breakdown of grass clippings.

Nature's Guide Expanded Shale is a naturally occurring mineral shale that has been ground then run through a 2000 degree kiln. After less than an hour the silica in the shale expands and the material that emerges is lightweight and porous with the ability to hold water like a sponge. Because it is almost purely mineral in makeup it does not breakdown in the soil, instead it loosens and expands the soil to aide in moisture absorption and retention. It is not strictly “organic” because it has been processed by man to change its physical properties. Expanded Shale is nonetheless a natural product because it’s physical structure has been altered but not its chemical composition. Expanded Shale is a valuable additive to clay soils and sandy soils keeping compaction to a minimum and allowing penetration of water and nutrients. It can be more expensive initially than other products. The expense is mitigated by the fact that as an inert mineral it will last far longer than many organic products without renewal.