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Soil Microorganisms and Mental Health: The Neurobiological Impact of Earth's Microbiome
|Aaron Soto
Soil Microorganisms and Mental Health: The Neurobiological Impact of Earth's Microbiome - Petaluma Pepper Company Petaluma Pepper Company Microbial Solutions & Korean Natural Farming Soil Microorganisms and Mental Health: The Neurobiological Impact of Earth's Microbiome on Human Neurotransmitter Systems November 3, 2025 | Aaron Soto As we advance into an era of unprecedented understanding of the human microbiome and its profound influence on physiological processes, emerging research has illuminated a fascinating intersection between soil ecology and neurobiology. This comprehensive analysis examines the compelling evidence for how exposure to soil microorganisms—particularly... Read more...
LABS Serum in Korean Natural Farming
|Aaron Soto
Hey fellow soil enthusiasts! If you're exploring the fascinating world of Korean Natural Farming (KNF) and looking for ways to supercharge your pepper cultivation with beneficial microbes, you've come to the right place. Today, I'm diving deep into LABS serum – Lactic Acid Bacteria Serum – one of the most powerful microbial solutions in the KNF arsenal. Based on University of Hawaii research and years of hands-on experience growing super hot peppers and cannabis, I'll walk you through the science, production, and application of this incredible biofertilizer. Whether you're dealing... Read more...
Halloween and the Cosmic Rhythm: Biodynamic Farming in Harmony with Moon Cycles and Tides
|Aaron Soto
As Halloween passes and we enter the darkest months of the year, I find myself reflecting on the profound connection between cosmic rhythms and agricultural success. While most modern farmers rely solely on calendar dates and weather forecasts, biodynamic practitioners like us understand that the moon, tides, and celestial movements directly influence plant growth, soil health, and harvest quality. Today, I want to explore how we harness these ancient lunar wisdom principles at Petaluma Pepper Company, using the cosmic dance as our guide for optimal pepper cultivation and soil stewardship. Read more...
Optimizing Seedling Germination: PAR, Light Cycles, and Environmental Control
|Aaron Soto
Today, I want to dive deep into the environmental parameters that create the perfect conditions for pepper seedling germination and early growth. After years of experimentation, we've found that the combination of specific PAR levels, our Gas Lantern light cycle technique, high humidity, and precise temperature control produces consistently strong, healthy seedlings. Let's explore the science behind each parameter and how they work together to maximize germination success and seedling vigor. Read more...
Optimizing Plant Health with Pressurized Blumat Irrigation: Our 10PSI System
|Aaron Soto
Hey everyone, if you're passionate about efficient watering systems that promote healthy root development and reduce water waste, you've probably heard of drip irrigation. Today, I want to dive into our Pressurized Blumat Irrigation setup at Petaluma Pepper Company. This system uses Blumat Tropf drippers with a 10PSI constant pressure regulator, a 20-gallon accumulator tank, and a 30-gallon reservoir to feed 20 plants both outdoors and indoors. Let's break it down step by step, from the components to how it enhances our cultivation practices. Read more...
Mastering the Gas Lantern Technique: Enhancing Pepper Cultivation
|Aaron Soto
Hey everyone, if you're passionate about maximizing plant growth and yields, you've probably heard of various techniques to supercharge your garden. Today, I want to dive into the Gas Lantern Technique (GLT), a simple yet effective method that we've been using at Petaluma Pepper Company to enhance our cannabis and pepper cultivation. This technique is all about light cycle manipulation to control plant development. Let's break it down step by step, from the science behind it to how it affects our crops. Read more...
Unlocking the Secrets of Organic Living Soil: A Deep Dive into the BuildASoil Way
|Aaron Soto
Hey there, fellow soil enthusiasts! If you've ever wondered what makes organic gardening so magical, or why some soils seem to "come alive" while others just sit there, you're in the right place. Today, I want to take you on a journey into the world of organic living soil, inspired by the innovative BuildASoil way. We'll explore the hidden heroes of the soil world – diverse microorganisms, rhizophagies, endocytosis, and top dressing – and how they all work together to create a thriving ecosystem under your feet. I'll share what... Read more...
The Petaluma Pepper Company: Cultivating Life Through Soil, Systems, and Service
|Aaron Soto
Long before I began feeding worms pumpkins and cover crops, I was flying missions aboard C-130s and C-17s as an enlisted aviator in the United States Air Force. Those years in the sky taught me precision, patience, and respect for systems — how every valve, every circuit, every decision interlocks to sustain life under extreme conditions. Today, that same mindset informs my work on the ground at the Petaluma Pepper Company, where the mission has shifted from flight paths to food webs. Read more...
Supplementing Blumat Irrigation with Hand Watering: 5%-10% of Soil Volume Technique
|Aaron Soto
Hey everyone, if you're passionate about precise watering that promotes healthy root systems and prevents overwatering, you've probably heard of the soil volume rule. Today, I want to dive into how we supplement our Blumat irrigation with hand watering at Petaluma Pepper Company, focusing on the 5%-10% of soil volume method. This approach has been a game-changer for our cannabis and pepper cultivation, ensuring optimal moisture without waste. Let's break it down step by step, from the science behind it to how it affects our crops. Read more...
From the Skies to the Soil: My Journey from USAF Enlisted Aviator to Pepper Company Founder
|Aaron Soto
As I sit here in my garden, surrounded by the vibrant green of pepper plants and the rich scent of soil, I often reflect on the incredible journey that brought me from the cargo compartment of a C-17 to the helm of Petaluma Pepper Company. Leaving the United States Air Force after years of service as an enlisted aviator and loadmaster was not just a career change—it was a profound shift in perspective, from the vast skies to the grounded earth. Today, I want to share that story, a personal... Read more...