FAQ

Which Soil Blend should I use?

Whether you grow inside, outside or in greenhouses we have a soil blend to fit your needs. All our soil blends have a neutral pH with balanced micro and macro nutrients and a good primary cation exchange balance to insure optimal nutrient availability throughout the entire growing season. Biologic Systems soil blends are differentiated primarily by water holding capacity, aggregate, amount of organic material and nutrient content. Biologic Systems Gold Blend is high in organic material with 10% worm castings and 10% humus. Our Gold Blend also contains a significant amount of sphagnum peat moss and uses screened pumice for aeration giving it the greatest water holding capacity of our blends. Biologic Systems Silver Blend contains perlite, fir bark and coco coir in addition to peat moss which allow it to drain and dry more quickly. A custom 7-4-2 fertilizer is added to both the Gold and Silver blends. Whereas the Gold Blend has adequate nutrients for roughly 4 weeks before requiring additional fertilizer, the Silver Blend contains about 1-2 weeks’ worth of nutrients.

What is perlite?

Perlite is a volcanic glass that is heated to 16,000 degrees F and popped much like popcorn resulting in an expanded, lightweight material composed of tiny air compartments. The porous, lightweight nature of perlite makes it ideal for facilitating moisture to plant roots and it is often used in soil blends with slightly lower water holding capacity. All the perlite used in Biologic Systems products has been ecologically mined and for those who prefer soil blends without added perlite, our Gold Blend contains only pumice for aeration.

Why are your products registered organic through the CDFA and not certified OMRI?

All materials intended for use in organic systems must meet the requirements established by the USDA National Organic Program. In California, the CDFA fertilizer program was given legal authority to regulate Organic Input Materials (OIM) to insure NOP standards are enforced. Every organic product sold in California must pass a rigorous review process by the CDFA which includes an extensive examination of each ingredient used in the formulation of the final product: its origin, formulation, purpose and proof of efficacy.

The Organic Materials Review Institute or OMRI is a third-party, nonprofit organization that provides an independent review of products intended for organic use. While OMRI holds products to the same NOP standards that the OIM program does, it does not have the ability to seek criminal or civil prosecution and it is not accepted by the state of California. Where organic certification is concerned, the CDFA OIM program has the definitive say.

Where can I purchase Biologic Systems products?

We have two retail locations, one in Phoenix, Oregon and one in Santa Rosa, California. All our products can be purchased online here. Also, if you wish to purchase our products at a garden store near you we encourage you to tell them about us!

Do I need to pH my Biologic Systems nutrients?

Organic material has a natural buffering effect, making the soil more resistant to changes in pH. Growing in a medium rich with organic material such as Biologic Systems Soil Blends means that you’re less likely to experience unhealthy swings in pH that could damage sensitive plants and microorganisms. If you prefer to have more control over the pH of your solution, we recommend adjusting the pH to 5.8-6.3. Tip: mixing or aerating Biologic Systems liquid fertilizers for a period of time will help raise the pH naturally.

Should I use liquid or dry fertilizers?

We have seen the best results from using both liquid and dry fertilizers according to the application rate and frequency outlined on our feeding charts. Dry fertilizers are most effective when applied to organically active soil which provides the ideal conditions for the fertilizer to slowly break down and release vital nutrients. Our concentrated liquid fertilizers are perfect for immediate absorption. See our feeding chart recommendations.

Brewed vs instant compost tea methods?

When working with tested inoculum-grade inputs that contain proven beneficial biology, a very potent “instant compost tea” can be achieved by simply liquifying and applying the products to plants immediately without allowing for brewing time.

After conducting numerous side-by-side trials comparing a brewed compost tea vs. an instant compost tea, we have concluded that the brewing process is not necessary and that the focus should be on using quality input materials such as Biologic Systems brand products.

Although some specific contexts still exist for aerobically brewing a compost tea in large agricultural contexts, we feel the professional hobby gardener or small-scale farmer can achieve maximum results without this added process.

Check out our AACE vs ACE guidelines here.

I’m growing on a large scale (acreage), will your products work for me?

Yes! We have growing resources for acreage available here. There is no order too large.

I’m growing indoors, will your products work for me?

Yes! We have indoor growing resources available here.