This year, planning our garden in the North of Norway, we decided to forego the veggie garden and create a butterfly garden instead. It feels like the right change of strategy. While growing food is rewarding, dedicating space to pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds supports something even more foundational: biodiversity.

Traditionally, farmers send soil samples to labs—a slow process that can take weeks and cost hundreds per site. Now innovative tools are changing the game. I wanted to showcase some cool tech that is out to help. We think knowing what is available helps everyone. So let's go!