Organic Nutrients and the OMRI Listing

OMRI - The Organic Materials Review Institute - is a nonprofit organization that determines which products are acceptable to be used in organic food production and processing. To be a certified organic facility under the USDA's National Organic Program a grower must only use products that are certified organic by either OMRI, Oregon Tilth, or other certifying agency. These organic Nutrients listed by OMRI can be used up until the day of harvest. Each product page specifies whether or not that particular product is OMRI listed.

To ensure that your plants receive all of the nutrients they need to lead a healthy life, it is important to enrich their soil with organic supplements that will encourage the growth of naturally occurring beneficial organisms and replenish depleted soil nutrients. Organic nutrients not only bring your plants to life, but also your soil. Maintaining a biologically active soil will improve the environment for all organisms, many of which are beneficials that provide plants with the strength to protect themselves against harmful pathogens, diseases and pests.

There are three key nutrients (called Macronutrients) found in most any fertilizer or supplements - Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. These nutrients, commonly grouped and named NPK, play important roles in the various stages of a plant's life and are the backbone of plant food. Nitrogen aids in leafy vegetative growth, phosphorus assists during root development and blooming, and potassium provides enhancement of cell reproduction that lead to larger fruit and flowers. It is helpful to recognize the different cycles and needs that occur throughout your plant's life so that you can effectively nurture your plant.

Where many chemical fertilizers fall short is the provision of micronutrients - which are crucial, but only needed in small quantities. These are the nutrients that most soils come standard with, that are depleted as a plant grows. These can include manganese, boron, copper, iron, chlorine, cobalt, molybdenum, zinc, and sulfur. Micronutrients are more often present in organic nutrients because organic nutrients are created through decomposition and composting means - similar to the way soil is naturally fortified in nature.

We suggest organic supplements because they are free of harsh chemicals and are environmentally- friendly. Plants love them because they provide a slow release of both macronutrients and micronutrients into the soil, enabling the plants to have a consistent source of all of the food necessary to support healthy growth and large fruit and flowers!