Protist: In gardening, protists are often single-celled organisms in the soil that can be beneficial, like algae, or harmful, like some types of fungi that cause plant diseases.
Protists in the garden are a bit of a mixed bag. They’re like the tiny, often unseen, residents of your soil. Some are helpful, like the algae that can contribute to soil fertility. Others can cause trouble, like certain fungi that can lead to plant diseases. It’s like having both good and bad neighbors in your garden community.
Think of protists as your garden’s microscopic workers (or troublemakers). The good ones can help break down organic matter and make nutrients available to your plants. It’s like having a team of tiny recyclers working to keep your soil healthy.
The not-so-good protists can cause problems like root rot or damping off, especially in seedlings. It’s like having a tiny vandal going around and damaging your plants. So, while you can’t see most protists, it’s good to be aware of their presence and take steps to encourage the beneficial ones while preventing the harmful ones.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as health, wellness or nutrition advice. Please see our full disclaimers here.
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