Nonprofit Check-In!

 Back to the Roots: Fall Updates  

Let’s just say it—college application season is rough. Between essays, deadlines, and everything else that senior year brings, life has been a bit of a whirlwind. But even with all that chaos, our team at Rooted in Solutions has been doing our best to stay active and connected with our community.

At the start of the fall, we hit a small bump. We had a surplus of new members, which was both exciting and overwhelming. After a few brainstorming sessions, we decided to take a step back and refocus on the basics—what Rooted in Solutions was founded to do: educate, engage, and empower.

Growing Through Simplicity 

Instead of channeling all our resources into complex research projects right away, our newer members have been getting involved in hands-on community work—visiting local parks, running awareness drives in their schools, and helping out at community gardens around Atlanta. We also hosted a few small talks and collaborations with local gardens, which helped strengthen our network and spark new ideas for future partnerships.

Preparing for Our Winter Season 

As we head into winter, our focus is shifting toward the next phase of our science-based growing projects. Last year, we started late and only managed to grow a few dozen plants. This time, we’re aiming higher( around 300 plants) by beginning propagation and germination early, around February.

We’ll still be using our trusty Bacillus subtilis OKB105 from last year’s trials, but we’re also adding a new element: mycorrhizal fungi. Unlike Bacillus subtilis, which benefits plants directly, mycorrhizal fungi form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots. The fungi create a scaffolding-like network of filaments (called hyphae) in the soil that helps plants access water and nutrients, especially phosphorus, that roots can’t reach on their own.

This extended root system not only improves nutrient absorption but also helps plants withstand drought and reduces soil erosion, leading to stronger, healthier soil overall. For Georgia’s famously tough red clay, that kind of structural improvement could make a big difference in our partner gardens.

What’s Next 

We’re currently reaching out to local suppliers to source the fungi, and we’re also in talks with Publix about a potential sponsorship to help expand our impact. A few other businesses have shown interest, and we’ll keep you posted as those partnerships develop.

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