Why Our Vegetables Are Not Vegan with Master Gardener Erin Riley

07/10/2024

Have you ever wondered what’s hidden in your garden fertilizer or how organic produce is truly grown?

Our guest today is Erin Riley, the founder and CEO of Cabbage Hill organic, animal-free fertilizers. Erin’s foray into the world of gardening and urban agriculture began with Hope Gardens, a landscaping company through which she has designed, installed, and maintained hundreds of gardens across Los Angeles, including those of A-list celebrities.

Frustrated by the manipulation of organic labels, Erin set out to make a real difference. Her commitment to true organic gardening standards fueled her advocacy and led to the development of a sustainable, plant-based fertilizer. By ensuring transparency and integrity, Erin is setting a new standard in organic practices.

Join us as we explore Erin’s incredible journey and insights, and learn how you can make more informed choices to protect yourself as a consumer while supporting a healthier planet.

“You might be shocked to learn that most organic fertilizers contain byproducts from industrial animal ag, including bone meal, blood meal, feather meal, bird or bat excrement, and manure. I always say, let’s get the crap out of gardening. You know, there’s a lot of BS here, literally and figuratively, and we need to start advocating for organic and just turning the page a little bit for true organic, not organic because it’s made from life, dead, dead animals, but organic standards that don’t have chemicals and antibiotics and pesticides in them.” – Erin Riley

What We Discuss

What fertilizer is, how it works, and why it’s crucial for new, high-yield, and edible gardens.
Benefits of using organic vegan fertilizer.
Horrifying ingredients found in some “organic” fertilizers.
The risks posed by chemical fertilizers.
The role of plants in regenerative agriculture.
Composting.
The phosphorus crisis and plant-based solutions.
How to make your own fertilizer at home.