Greenrock

Ellen C. Wells

I received an announcement that Espoma will be offering a new product, Organic Greenrock, as an alternative to greensand. This Greenrock is a premium non-burning natural mineral derived from basalt, a volcanic rock with beneficial mineral content.

The Organic Greenrock is naturally green in color and provides the essential plant nutrients calcium, magnesium and iron that help to promote plant growth, vigor, and deep, dark green color.

Knowing nothing about greensand and why it might have another product come in as an alternative, I contacted Espoma’s John Harrison to ask a few questions. He told me greensand has been difficult to source and Espoma stopped offering it as a standalone product since before the pandemic. Greensand, also known as iron potash silicate or glauconite, is mostly thought of as a potassium source, but John said its real value is as an iron source.

“When we last offered [greensand] we claimed 1% iron,” John explained. “The Greenrock is from basalt and will be 4 times that (4% iron) and have calcium and magnesium, as well. We feel the Greenrock is a more useful mineral supplement that offers more value to the end user/gardener.”

And now you and I know more about greensand and Espoma’s Greenrock. The new product will be available in February. GP