A Conversation with Maria Rodale: Why Regenerative Gardening Matters More Than Ever

The terms Regenerative Agriculture and Regenerative Gardening have exploded onto the horticulture scene over the last five to 10 years. While the concept and techniques of this growing system may be new to many, regenerative agriculture is rooted in centuries of indigenous knowledge, and more recently, decades of research and advocacy. At its core, regenerative agriculture is rooted in a deep belief that by working with nature rather than against it, farmers and gardeners create healthier soil, healthier food, and healthier communities. That philosophy is at the heart of the work of the Rodale Institute—and it’s why companies like Organic Mechanics Soil are Proud Supporters.

 

We recently spoke to Maria Rodale, a third-generation member of what could be considered the “first family” of organic gardening, about why organic and regenerative gardening matters today, and why partnerships with like-minded organizations are at the heart of the Rodale Institute’s mission.

 

The Seeds of the Organic Movement

Maria Rodale wears many hats—prolific author and award winner, former Rodale Inc. CEO, and current board member of the Rodale Institute. She is a steadfast advocate for the potential of organic and regenerative farming to heal the damage wrought by pesticides and industrial agricultural practices on human and planetary health. Her grandfather started Organic Gardening magazine in 1942 and Prevention magazine, the authoritative monthly health and wellness magazine, in 1950 as titles belonging to Rodale Press. “We were part of the whole gardening and natural health movement from the beginning,” Maria said.

 

While these magazine titles continue to educate the public on health and wellness issues to this day, perhaps the most impactful part of the Rodale legacy is the establishment of the Rodale Institute. The Pennsylvania-based nonprofit promotes regenerative organic farming to improve soil health, human health, and the environment through research, education, and advocacy.

 

Picture: Rodale's Founders Farm back in the day.

 

“My grandfather started the Rodale Institute, but my dad was the one who professionalized it,” Maria explained. “He started the Farming Systems Trial (FST) to prove that organic [techniques] are not only more efficient and profitable than conventional but also improves the soil rather than destroy it.”

 

From that work came a concept that is now reshaping how we think about agriculture and gardening.

 

“The idea of regeneration actually came from my father looking at the FST,” Maria noted. “He saw that after five years of farming organically on degraded soil, it had regenerated. The soil was now rich and alive. The plants were growing better than those grown with chemicals.”

 

Why This Matters Now

Today, the urgency behind regenerative practices is greater than ever. When asked why that is, Maria explained, “Because it’s not toxic; it’s not toxic to humans, the soil, the birds, the bees, the bugs, to kids. To me, that is still the main point. Why would you poison yourself? Why would you poison the things that are helping you to survive?”

 

At its core, regenerative gardening is simple in principle, even if it requires commitment in practice. According to Maria, the term organic agriculture came first and laid the foundation for the regenerative movement. Organic centered on no toxins, no synthetic chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, no GMOs, no sewage sludge, and no antibiotics in the raising of animals. Through the work of her father and the Rodale Institute, the USDA Certified Organic seal was created in 2002.

 

Regenerative organic standards build on that USDA Certified Organic foundation with even higher standards. The Regenerative Organic Certified seal was established in 2017 by the Rodale Institute in partnership with Patagonia and Dr. Bronner’s. Anyone certified to use the seal first must be USDA Certified Organic and meet audited standards for soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness.

 

For Organic Mechanics, we mirror the soil health principles advocated for by Rodale. Our soils bring living organic matter to your garden with ingredients like biochar, compost, and worm castings. No synthetic inputs here!

Personally Connect to the Soil

For home gardeners, regenerative practices start in the backyard.

 

Photo by Zoe Richardson on Unsplash

 

“The most important thing about growing your own is developing that personal relationship with nature and plants, and learning how nature works,” Maria shared. It’s also one of the basic things you can do to take action in a positive way.”

 

That connection can be both empowering and grounding. “Not only is it the empowerment you get from learning and doing,” Maria said, “but growing your own is a good reality check, it teaches you how things work and what’s possible.”

 

If you’re looking to begin your regenerative gardening journey, Organic Mechanics has outlined practical steps in this guide to regenerative practices.

The Power of Partnership

For Organic Mechanics, supporting regenerative agriculture goes beyond products. Collaboration and a shared mission are crucial components of involvement.

 

“As a Pennsylvania-based company, we’ve been lucky enough to work hand in hand with Rodale over the years,” said Mike Betterly, Chief Marketing Officer for Organic Mechanics. “We are honored to be part of Rodale’s Proud Supporter program, and always happy to support organic pioneers that have led the way for us.”

The Rodale Institute’s Proud Supporter Program reflects that same spirit. Launched in the mid 2010s, the program connects mission-aligned companies with opportunities for collaboration with the Institute, including campaign participation, field days, and educational outreach. As Annie Brown, Vice President of Development for the Institute explains, taking part in the program is “an investment by an organization in the vital work of the Institute.”

 

Organic Mechanics has played an important role in that program. “We value Organic Mechanics because they are such great partners, providing organic compost, soils, and amendments that are part of our ecosystem,” Annie said.

 

That partnership extends beyond philosophy into real-world engagement. “We’re constantly looking for ways to partner with like-minded organizations,” Maria shared. “That’s both for financial reasons, but also for spreading the message and having the support go both ways.”

 

*A portion of the sale from every bag of Organic Mechanics goes to support The Rodale Institute. Funding from the Proud Supporter program goes to support farmer-to-farmer training programs and regenerative agriculture research at Rodale.