How do we nurture our plants and gardens with the best, most sustainable fertilizer around? One family’s quest for sustainability in their business led to the creation of Neptune’s Harvest, a full line of organic fertilizers that utilizes a by- product of the seafood industry. On today’s episode, we spoke with with Ann Molloy from this 5th generation family-run company in Gloucester, MA. We learn about the rich heritage of Gloucester in the fishing industry and how Neptune’s Harvest evolved from the family’s seafood business, pioneering a variety of organic fertilizers so that all parts of the harvested fish are used and not disposed of as waste. We also learn about Ann's personal journey from an art student who traveled with the Grateful Dead, to her pivotal role in marketing and sales at Neptune's Harvest. If you’re wondering what is so special about fish fertilizer, Ann shares all of the benefits that we can expect from Neptune’s Harvest and her favorite products. Get ready to make some good dirt!

Topics Discussed:

· The Grateful Dead

· From Art Major to Sales and Marketing

· Working in a Family Business & Passing it to the Next Generation

· Chitin

· Growing Squash Plants

· Seed Starting and Sustainable Gardening

· Organic Fertilizers

· Ann’s Journey & The Fascinating History of Neptune's Harvest

· The Benefits of Fish Fertilizer

· Gardening Tips

· Using Fish Waste

· The Environmental Impact of Fish Waste Disposal

· Soil Enhancers

· Liquid Humate

· Italian Heritage

· Nutrients in Soil & Food

· Combatting Garden Pests with Natural Solutions

· The Importance of Sustainable and Organic Gardening

· Addressing Climate Change and Its Effects on Fishing

· Celebrating Gloucester's Rich Fishing History

· Understanding Organic Labels and Certification

Episode Resources:

· April Slow Living Episode

· Tomato & Vegetable Fertilizer

· Liquid Crab & Lobster Fertilizer

· Hydrolyzed Fish Fertilizer

Connect with Ann Malloy:

· Website: https://www.neptunesharvest.com

· Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-molloy-949a1a43/

· Email: [email protected]

· Neptune’s Harvest YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/neptunesharvest

· Neptune’s Harvest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neptunesharvest/

· Neptune’s Harvest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neptunesharvest/

· Glouchester SALT: https://www.gloucestersalt.org

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Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you!

Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.

🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:

· Wendy Gray