At SoilLifeBoats, our mission has always been to promote healthier soils and more sustainable growing practices—not just in large-scale farming and forestry, but also in the places closest to people’s hearts: their own gardens.
While our project is rooted in scientific research and professional applications, we are thrilled to see that our technologies are also finding a home among private gardening enthusiasts, flower lovers, tree planters, and hobby growers. It’s been a pleasure to connect with people who share our passion for healthy soils, even if their plots are smaller and their goals more personal.
Throughout the course of the project, we have carried out demonstrations in a variety of private gardens, showcasing how our innovative soil amendments can be used on a smaller scale—without compromising on impact. These activities are part of our broader effort to ensure the continuity of the project’s results beyond its formal duration, by integrating the technologies into everyday gardening practices.
The main star of the show? Our NPK-impregnated willow wood sticks (Salix viminalis L.). In private gardens, they have been used both as:
A soil additive, enhancing the soil structure, increasing water retention, and delivering a slow, steady release of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium),
And as a natural mulch, helping to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve garden aesthetics with their organic, rustic appearance.
These wood sticks are a biodegradable, circular solution, produced from renewable willow biomass and enriched with minerals. Their versatility makes them ideal not only for farmers and land managers, but also for anyone looking to care for their garden in a climate-smart, soil-friendly way.
The feedback we’ve received from private users has been overwhelmingly positive. Gardeners have reported:
- Healthier, more vigorous plant growth,
- Improved soil texture and moisture levels,
- Lower watering needs during dry periods,
- And a noticeable visual improvement in garden beds and around trees and shrubs.
One enthusiastic gardener shared:
“I’ve used wood mulch before, but this is something else. It looks great, holds water better, and I can tell my flowers are happier this season!”
One product many applications:
Mulch application
Adding to the hole before planting
Mixing with soil
Encouraging this kind of real-world use is not just about spreading the word—it’s about creating lasting, meaningful change. By empowering hobbyists to adopt sustainable practices, we’re helping to build a culture of soil stewardship that extends beyond the professional world and into backyards, balconies, and community gardens across Europe.
Because whether you’re managing hectares of fields or tending to a small patch of tulips, soil health matters—and together, we can nurture it from the ground up