Compost the turkey oil?

Compost the turkey oil?

Composting requires green vegetative material as a nitrogen source, dried plant matter to supply carbon and some soil, water, air and microorganisms. Mixing all the ingredients in the right proportion produces a rich, crumbly end product called humus. Composting is a great way to recycle leaves, stems and clippings from the yard. Vegetable refuse from the house, including vegetable peelings, melon rinds, fruit skins and cores, and houseplant trimmings can also be composted. Tea bags and coffee grounds and filters are excellent additions to the compost pile. Although meat and fish products can be composted, they break down very slowly. They smell bad and can attract a number of pests, including coyotes, dogs, cats, skunks, bears and rodents. Meat and fish bits can contaminate the compost pile with disease organisms. For these reasons, avoid composting all bones, fats, greases and oils, including the oil used to fry the turkey.

News Alert for composting

Google News Alert for: composting Get your tree for free next weekCambridgeshire Times - Stevenage,Herts,UK... There will be compost caddies available, help and advice on planting trees and their aftercare, and composting demonstrations to help you care for your soil. ...See all stories on this topic

Chrysanthemums and fall

Chrysanthemums add sizzle to fall KEEPING MUMS Monterey County Herald - Monterey,CA,USA ... mum flowers. ''The most valuable thing you can do to help your mums grow is to pay attention to the soil,'' Meyer said. ''Work in some compost or organic matter ...

Chrysanthemums’ days of glory will soon end for year Tooele Transcript-Bulletin - Tooele,UT,USA ... Add abundant organic matter and fertilize them with a complete fertilizer when they reach ... When summer flowers fade dig the blooming or ready-to-bloom mums and ...

Mixing lots of organic matter into cool-season flowers

There's lots to do in your yard now Cool-season flowers and vegetables, however, are just now taking the stage for Act 1 ... to seeding by tilling it thoroughly and mixing lots of organic matter into ...

Composting - Now is the time to start

Composting easy, beneficial -- cheap Composting is a good way to enrich soil and help the environment. Now is a good time to start. Here are three things you should know: Composting is easy. ...

My Organic Flowers

How Mary's Garden Grows This blog is a must see. What beautiful photos of fall flowers and more.

Digging up memories of grandmother's garden Cleveland Plain Dealer - Cleveland,OH,USA ... flowers blooming in autumn. This is a woodland plant that grows well in partial shade. Plant witch hazels in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic, organic soil ...

Coastal Sunrise Pansy offers an artist's touch Fort Wayne News Sentinel - Fort Wayne,IN,USA ... my signal that it's time to work those beds up with organic matter and a ... Your Own Backyard," "Mississippi Gardener's Guide" and "Tough-as-Nails Flowers For the ... See all stories on this topic

Organic Garden Pest Spray

Organic Garden Pest Spray

The most inexpensive way to make a quart of garden pest spray is by mixing water with one spoon of dishwashing soap and one cup of cooking oil. When taking up organic gardening, you start to feel that you are really doing something useful for the environment and for your health, and the satisfaction is rewarding. Saving money is the other great privilege that an organic gardening practitioner feels over the others.

Compost Key to Nutrition

Compost Key to Nutrition

Who would think that there is a link between well-makde compost and nutrition? We are literally what we eat! There are 23 elements needed for human health that come from healthy soil and are converted by plants. These nutrients include amino acids, carbohydrates, essential fats, vitamins, minerals, enzymnes, and fiber. When plants are grown properly in nutrient-rich soil, their absorption of these 23 mineral nutrients can be maximized, boosting the nutrition of the food. So keep adding that compost to your garden it's good for the soil and you!

Alternative to raking leaves out with the trash

Composting

Consider alternatives to raking leaves out with trash, needlessly ...Birmingham News - Birmingham,AL,USA... Composting at home saves transportation and disposal costs and provides an environmentally sound way to manage yard waste.

Composting ...

Organic news

Organic garden

Katrina and Rita destroyed residents' sense of selfNorthJersey.com - Hackensack,NJ,USA... of about 35,000, the Camellia City, known for the plentiful and colorful flowers that dot ... He had the best organic garden I have ever seen in his back yard and ... FREDERICKSBURG TRANSPLANT GETTING HER GREENS Laura Shepherd ...The Free Lance-Star - Fredericksburg,VA,USA... Also that day, Shepherd helped Goplen weed borders, transplant flowers and move bushes. ... In exchange for unlimited cups of her favorite organic latte, she hauls ... Agro-exporters say return of DDT will be devastatingEast African - Nairobi,Kenya... exports of coffee, fish, tea, tobacco, cotton, cut flowers, cocoa beans ... protect human health and the environment from persistent organic pollutants, including ... Eco-Friendly Food Of The WeekIndependent - London,England,UK... into dishes such as a dessert of "eight pure flavours of organic chocolate". ... All the fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers grown on site are incorporated into ... Garden color out of the blueArizona Daily Star - Tucson,AZ,USA... of organic matter. ● Cleveland sage is a mounding plant that grows 3 to 4 feet high and up to 6 feet wide. It has blue to violet-blue flowers, arranged in a ...

Why compost leaves first?

Using Leaf Compost

Why compost leaves first? If newly fallen leaves are added dirctly to the soil without first being composted, the microbes that decompose the leaves complete witht he growing plants for soil nitrogen. The temporary nitrogen shortage caused by the microbes can reduce plant growth. To reduce or eliminate this competion for nitrogen, composting of the leaves is recommended prior to incorporating them into soils. Using leaf compost

Orangic Flower and Garden Tips

organic flowers Gardening Diamond Frost one tough flowerBiloxi Sun Herald - MS, USA... after it rains, then by all means loosen the clay with organic matter or ... performance with the exception of producing hundreds of tiny white flowers instead. ... Healing gardensMartinsburg Journal - Martinsburg,WV,USA... She specialized in herbs and organic gardening ... planted medicine wheel gardens wherever she lived, picking up gardening techniques and plants or flowers she liked ... Local flower growers find support at the Watsonville farmers ...Santa Cruz Sentinel - Santa Cruz,CA,USA... "People really love the country flowers," Anna said. The Ruvalcabas have been growing mostly organic flowers near Prunedale for the past 17 years. ... Vermont stays focused on organic farmingBurlingtonFreePress.com - Burlington,VT,USA... Could natural foods stores around New England sell Vermont organic milk at a ... benefit from the freshest, locally produced fruits, vegetables, flowers, eggs, milk ... Get Out GuideOregonLive.com - Portland,OR,USA... Beaverton Farmers Market: More than 100 vendors offer farm-direct organic and traditional produce, fresh flowers, hanging baskets, plants, herbs, bulbs, trees ... Growing fall astersFranklin County Courier - Enosburg,Vermont,USA... It is covered with purple flowers through a long period in the fall, and unlike ... fertilizer such as one-fourth to one-half cup of an organic fertilizer early in ... East Coast to Central CoastSan Luis Obispo Tribune - San Luis Obispo,CA,USA... She practices organic gardening and has never sprayed with insecticide and uses no synthetic ... Dailey loves birds, and she plants many flowers to attract them. ... Best of the restThe State - Columbia,SC,USA... 3, beginning Sept. 8. Open-air market with flowers, organic produce, specialty gifts, art, handmade crafts. 1230 Main St. on First Citizens new plaza. ... What’s New in Greater Phoenix? (September 2006)TravelVideo.tv (press release) - USA... Each open-area plot will grow organic vegetables such as lettuce, carrots, celery, heirloom tomatoes, along with a variety of herbs and edible flowers. ...

Why Compost?

Why Compost?

Nothing warms a gardener’s heart like the sight of compost, the rich, organic material made from recycled vegetable peelings, grass clippings, leaves, twigs, and even coffee grounds. The gardener who has only a few Big Boy tomato plants in between Dark Red Irene geraniums and Bells of Ireland still appreciates a ripe pile of black, nutritious dirt. Recycling is more popular than ever as conspicuous consumption gives way to a growing ecological awareness. Creating a compost pile, even a simple one, contributes to a healthier ecosystem. The person who recycles cans, glass, and newspapers, and who composts vegetable peelings, leaves, grass clippings, and so on, has taken a small step toward ecological balance. Once you start recycling, you will be reluctant to throw even one apple peeling into the garbage. Besides, most town dumps no longer take any yard waste: grass clippings, leaves and weeds, twigs, and basic yard material. More tomorrow...

Composting

Orangic Flower and Garden Tips

Organic flowers and gardening Gardening challenges can be overcomeAkron Beacon Journal - Akron,OH,USAMy workweek was filled with site visits, including stops at an organic vegetable farm ... if the farmer happens to be growing vegetables, flowers or turf ... Landscaping may be a holy endeavourToronto Star - Ontario, Canada... of neglecting and then over-watering our plants and flowers. ... There is an organic connection between our souls and ... But walking by lawns that draw my eyes to ... Go tropical with fatsia's fabulous foliageNews & Observer - Raleigh,NC,USA... One of my favorite plants in this category is Japanese ... Following bloom, the flowers give way to clusters of black ... moist soil that is high in organic matter, it ... Organic flowers and gardneing

Organic Flowers

organic flowers Now is a good time to give glory lily a tryContra Costa Times - CA,USA... The flowers are spidery, lilylike, with six bright red petals with yellow margins and long ... In the landscape, plant them in organic-rich, well-drained soil. ... Fresh Crop: FirstGarden Unites GenerationsSouthern Pines Pilot - Southern Pines,NC,USA... Flowers, such as sunflowers, marigolds and zinnias, grow nearby, serving double duty to ... reviewed their study of weeds and their control in the organic way. ... Lazy Gardener Morning search nets best bloomsHouston Chronicle - United States... An avid organic gardener, Wadsworth loves the sunflowers for both their beauty and their habitat use. ... They can demolish whole flowers in a very short period. ... The Valverde codeChronicleHerald.ca - Halifax,Nova Scotia,Canada... Valverde also uses oil pastel for added texture and varies his lines between hard-edged and gestural for an organic spill of flowers within a more rigid ...

Organic Flowers

Organic Gardening-

Bugs, beetles, borers and caterpillars are bugging gardeners this summer.While it might be tempting to get rid of all of them, a closer look reveals that many insects are beneficial, as natural predators of garden pests or as pollinators and honey producers. Gardeners, then, are seeking ecologically sound ways to control specific pests that threaten to eat, defoliate or discolor their flowers and vegetables. For many people, a goal of keeping pesticides out of waterways and sparing beneficial insects means that they will use more hands-on controls and learn about the effects of organic products they apply...

Your compost garden news

Your compost garden

THE GARDENER WITHIN: Getting to know the enemy: Japanese beetlesSacramento Bee - CA, USA... The adults eat flowers and skeletonize the leaf tissue between the veins, leaving behind ... on the roots of turf-grass and other various plants and organic matter ... Farmers' market provides its customers with varietySouthCoastToday.com - New Bedford,MA,USA... might not associate with a farmers' market, such as organic insect repellent ... a wide selection of organically grown products, as well as flowers and plants. ...

Formula for Powdery Mildew

Formula for Powdery Mildew

Milk works in two ways: It has a germicidal effect--it kills the fungal spores-- and it also appears to stimulate plants in such a way that they become more resistant to the disease. In recent university tests, the milk and water spray was found to be more effective than the two most popular synthetic fungicides on the market today. Using milk as a fungicide is not new.

Here's the recipe:

1. Mix 1 cup of milk with 9 cups of water.
2. Put the solution in a sprayer and spray the entire plant including the undersides of the leaves.
3. Do this twice a week and your powdery mildew problem should disappear.

Sprinkle powder milk around your tomato plants every other week and watch your plants grow. Formula for Powdery Mildew

Composting news

Composting news -

Composting easy to beginRocky Mountain News - Denver,CO,USA... Effective composting requires a temperature range of 70 to 140 degrees, with breakdown occurring more rapidly at higher temperatures. ... Public Comments Requested on Proposed Livestock Composting ...Kansas City infoZine - Kansas City,MO,USA- infoZine - The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is requesting public comments on a proposed livestock composting facility, Midzell Farms ... Composting News

The good, the bad and the weedy

The good, the bad and the Weedy

A weed is defined as a plant that's out of place. But the distinction between a weed and a flower isn't as clear-cut as you might think. In fact, some of the weeds we try to banish can benefit our yards and gardens, while some that look as pretty as flowers can wreak havoc. We take a closer look at five common weeds, what they do, and what you can do about them...

Don't lose your cool over summer pests

Don’t lose your cool over summer pests

America’s most popular home crops, including tomatoes, corn, peppers, squash, melons and beans, demand the heat of the summer to produce their fruit. To get the most productive output from your garden during these months, you’ll want to be vigilant about a few things. First, make sure your plants are getting adequate water. Most plants need 1 to 1 1/2 inches each week. Soaker hoses are a great way to deliver this water to the plant through drip irrigation as the water seeps out slowly. This method is very effective because it places the water at the soil level. Evaporation is eliminated, the root zone is soaked and the foliage stays dry. Besides drought, the other major threat to your garden in the summer is pests. Fortunately, there are several ways to control any pests you may find. First, inspect your garden as often as you can to control populations and minimize damage as early as possible. Be sure to identify the bug you think may be a pest. Only about three percent of bugs and insects are considered pests. The others are beneficials (good for the garden) or neutral. Whenever possible, handpick any pests you can. Dropping the offenders into a cup of soapy water will finish the job. This works well for most pests including squash bugs, potato beetles, and cutworms. In my opinion, the second line of defense in pest control is to use the least-toxic methods available. This includes organic controls such as B.T or Bacillus thuringiensis. B.T is a bacteria that when ingested, paralyzes the digestive tract of certain insect larvae. B.T products are pest specific, so they don’t harm beneficial insects, and they are non-toxic to mammals. Next in your arsenal of pest defenses should be insecticidal or horticultural oils. These products are derived from plant and petroleum oils, which kill eggs and immature stages of insects by blocking their supply of oxygen. Don’t apply these products to plants during times when temperatures are below 40 or above 85 degrees or when plants are under stress. Applications at these times can damage the plants. Insecticidal soaps are another good choice, comprised mostly of fatty acids. These products act on contact by paralyzing the insects and work well for pests such as aphids, whiteflies and spider mites. The best time to apply insecticides is in the evening. At this time, most pollinating insects have retired for the night, and pollen-filled flowers have closed until morning. By then, much of the toxicity has broken down, and exposure to beneficials will be greatly reduced. Do not apply non-selective pesticides in the morning as this would certainly wipe out many lady beetles, soldier bugs and pollinating insects such as honey and bumblebees. Summer is a great time to garden. Remember, knowledge is power. The more you know about gardening, the more confidence you’ll have to accept and welcome the challenges you’ll face.

Help your garden make the most of summer's heat

Help your garden make the most of summer's heat

America's most popular home crops including tomatoes, corn, peppers, squash, melons, and beans demand the heat of the summer to produce their fruit. To get the most productive output from your garden during these months, you'll want to be vigilant about a few things. First, make sure your plants are getting adequate water. Most plants need 1 to 1 1/2 inches each week. Soaker hoses are a great way to deliver this water to the plant through drip irrigation as the water seeps out slowly. This method is very effective because it places the water at the soil level. Evaporation is eliminated, the root zone is soaked, and the foliage stays dry. Besides drought, the other major threat to your garden in the summer is pests. Fortunately, there are several ways to control any pests you may find. First, inspect your garden as often as you can to control populations and minimize damage as early as possible. Be sure to identify the bug you think may be a pest. Only about three percent of bugs and insects are considered pests. The others are beneficials (good for the garden) or neutral. Whenever possible, handpick any pests you can. Dropping the offenders into a cup of soapy water will finish the job. This works well for most pests including squash bugs, potato beetles, and cutworms. In my opinion, the second line of defense in pest control is to use the least toxic methods available. This includes organic controls like B.T or Bacillus thuringiensis. B.T is a bacteria that when ingested, paralyzes the digestive tract of certain insect larvae. B.T products are pest specific, so they don't harm beneficial insects, and they are non-toxic to mammals. Next in your arsenal of pest defenses should be Insecticidal or Horticultural Oils. These products are derived from plant and petroleum oils, which kill eggs and immature stages of insects by blocking their supply of oxygen. Don't apply these products to plants during times when temperatures are below 40 or above 85 degrees or when plants are under stress. Applications at these times can damage the plants. Insecticidal Soaps are another good choice, comprised mostly of fatty acids. These products act on contact by paralyzing the insects and work well for pests such as aphids, and whiteflies, and spider mites. Lastly would be the use of synthetic insecticides. These are the very effective manmade chemicals you buy in garden centers and go by many different names. Most of these products are nonselective meaning they kill any insect they come in contact with, bad or beneficial. They can also be highly toxic to humans and other animals. If you choose to use these in your garden, be sure to always read and follow the label instructions. The best time to apply insecticides is in the evening. At this time, most pollinating insects have retired for the night, and pollen-filled flowers have closed until morning. By then, much of the toxicity has broken down, and exposure to beneficials will be greatly reduced. Do not apply non-selective pesticides in the morning as this would certainly wipe out many lady beetles, soldier bugs and pollinating insects such as honey and bumble bees. Summer is a great time to garden. Remember, knowledge is power. The more you know about gardening, the more confidence you'll have to accept and welcome the challenges you'll face.

Compost and Leaf Mold

Compost and Leaf Mold

All soils benefit from the addition of homemade garden compost and leaf mold - add them when you are digging or planting or use them as a mulch. Both are easy to make and they don't cost a thing.

You will need something to contain the compost heap - either a commercial bin or a homemade one, such as a timber or wire-netting enclosure. Compost bins also are easily constructed from spare timber.

Almost any garden and kitchen waste can be turned into good compost if properly mixed. However, you should never add meat or fat - you will only attract rats and other vermin.

One of the secrets of ensuring rapid decomposition is not to allow large quantities of one particular material to build up in the heap.

Leave of deciduous trees and shrubs can be composted on their own to make leaf mold, which is rich in plant foods, especially nitrogen. A fast, space-saving alternative is to pack the leaves in black polyethylene bags that have been perforated to allow in air. Tied at the top and kept in an out-of the way corner of the garden, the sacks will form good leaf mold that can be used the following spring. Leaves that are kept in open bins may take longer to decay.

Composting

Water district suggests even, odd watering daysOregonLive.com - Portland,OR,USA... Aerating the lawn is recommended once a year. Use composting or other soil amendments to improve water absorption and water-holding capacity.

Composting

Boil water to foil weeds

Tips on killing weeds the organic way.

1. You don't need to use chemicals and expensive weedkillers. Pour boiling water on weeds growing in the creacks of your cememt or flagstone walks. It will kill the existing weeds, as well as the seeds waiting to grow.

2. Use vinegar and salt, pur in a spray bottle, and spray directly on weeds. Becareful not to get on your flowers.

3. Baking soda used directly on crabgrass, but avoid getting it on the surrounding lawn. Works best in warm climates where warm-weather grasses, like St. Augustine, Bermuda, and Bahiagrass, flourish.

Happy gardening

Five Tips on Composting

Five Tips on Composting

The great thing about composting is that you can throw a bunch of leaf clippings, food scraps, and dried leaves into a pile and they will decompose into crumbly, nutrient-rich compost for your garden. Depending on the size of your compost pile, what you put in it, and how you tend to it, this process can take 3 months to 2 years. If you want to get compost in a hurry, there are a few things you can do to speed the process along...more Five Tips on Composting

Organic Gardening

Organic Gardening

Not everyone has room for a garden, but some things, such as tomatoes, carrots and melons, can be planted among flowers and even grown in pots.

There is a difference between chemical fertilizers and organic plant food. Chemicals cause rapid growth with the plant having an overabundance of water in the cells, Armstrong said. This makes the plant weak and also attracts many more insects.

Organic plant food builds a healthy soil with abundant microorganisms that provide nutrients for the plant and allow more oxygen to get to the root.

"The plant will be stronger, more vigorous and will suffer fewer problems from insects," Armstrong said.

Organic Gardening

Organic Gardening

Organic Gardening

Lettuce That Can Stand the HeatWashington Post - United States... feet in height if you let it, and eventually making flowers. ... types, which are so crunchy and sweet my boys pick ... Use a soil rich in organic matter to hold soil ... Summertime…and the Eatin’ Is EasyNashville Scene - TN, USA... Tennessee’s oldest organic farm, Long Hungry Creek Farm, is ... Harvest grows a wide variety of flowers, available by ... like I needed to figure out my priorities. ... Organic Gardening

Carpenter Bees-Friend or Foe?

Carpenter Bees-Friend or Foe?

Although they are big and fearsome looking, carpenter bees don’t sting people (as with other Native bees, the males can’t and the females don’t). But they are great pollinators who will double the amount of food and flowers in your gardens. AND they rarely—if ever—cause any real damage to wood. The bees are just starting to build this year’s nests in preparation for mating. If you act quickly, you may be able to ‘move’ them without killing any wonderful buzzers-to-be. Wait till they’re all out looking for flowers on the next warm sunny day, and quickly plug up their holes with steel wool or metal screening stapled overtop. You could also spray or brush some almond oil around the area—Cornell researchers found that it repels carpenter bees. Just don’t spray the bees! (You can find almond oil in bulk anywhere massage therapists buy their supplies.) Then drill some ‘starter holes’—same size as the bees make—into big unfinished blocks of cedar, pine or other soft wood and hang them in a protected area facing South or East near the deck for the bees to use instead. Long term, you’ll need to paint, varnish or replace (with metal or fiberglass) unfinished softwoods like cedar and redwood on the outside of your home. Yes, I know you used those woods because you thought you wouldn’t have to do those things, but they are very attractive to wood-boring bees. Again, these big buzzing puppies are beneficial in the garden, don’t sting, and don’t cause structural harm. Honest. Reference books note that homeowners almost always overreact to the non-threat they pose. So take a chill pill and enjoy the extra flowers.

Organic Flowers

How Green Are Your Mother's Day Flowers? Organic Flowers SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, -- OrganicBouquet.com, America's first online organic florist, offers Mother's Day bouquets grown free of harsh pesticides and chemicals helping to protect all the women in your life including Mother Nature herself. "The organic story is now broadening far beyond the health benefits of pesticide-free foods," said Gerald Prolman, CEO of OrganicBouquet.com. "Organic farming, whether asparagus, strawberries, cotton or our own beautiful flowers, helps protect Mother Nature – it's that simple." Grown without the use of synthetic chemicals, organic flowers thrive in living ecosystems: beneficial insects including wasps eat the aphids, while natural fertilizers transform the warm, humid soil of the greenhouses into a hotbed of radiant colors and floral hues. Consumers can sweeten the gift with organic and fair trade chocolates accompanied by a recycled, hand-blown, green glass vase. Featured Mother's Day bouquets include: o Fragrant Garden Bouquet – 20-stem arrangement includes Fragrant Lilies, Pink Spray Roses, White Asters, Pink Hypericum, Gypsophillia and Godetia. o Purple Mountain Bouquet - 20 of Organic Bouquet's favorite purple blooms, Purple Statice, Mardi Gras Asters, Agapanthus, Trachelium and a touch of pink roses for a truly regal presentation. o Bountiful Tulips – 20-stem bouquets are grown in California using certified organic farming methods and include a glass vase with each order. Organic production methods demonstrate viable alternatives for a floral industry increasingly responsive to consumer demands for more environmental options. Organic flowers are a budding sector of the $13 billion organic market. U.S. sales of organic flowers grew to $8 million in 2003, an estimated 52 percent growth spurt from the previous year. Sales are expected to continue to grow 13 percent annually through 2008, according to the Organic Trade Association. Driven by a passion for the environment and a commitment to the health of farm laborers, Organic Bouquet works with small farmers, corporate growers, and retailers to establish a thriving domestic and international market for organic flowers. About Organic Bouquet: Established in 2001, Organic Bouquet (www.organicbouquet.com) has pioneered the organic flower market. As a leading voice in the organic movement, it is raising public awareness of critical environmental issues, using sustainably grown flowers as a catalyst for change. /SOURCE: Straus Communications/Organic Bouquet

Discover composting for growing organic flowers-ebook resource guide

Discover composting for growing organic flowers-ebook resource guide

Using Organic Fertilizers Part 3

Using Organic Fertilizers Part 3 Liquid Organic Fertilizers

Use liquid fertilizers to give your plants a light nutrient boost or snack every month or every two weeks during the growing season. Plants can absorb liquid fertilizers through both their roots and through leaf pores. Foliar feeding can supply nutrients when they are lacking or unavailable in the soil, or when roots are stressed. Compost tea and seaweed extract are two common examples of organic foliar fertilizers. You can make your own liquid fertilizer by brewing up compost or manure in water. Use a mild soap 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of spray, to ensure better coverage of leaves. The best time to spray is in the early morning and early evening, when the liquids will be absorbed most quickly and won't burn foliage. Spray until liquid fertilizers run off the leaves. Compost tea:Soak a cloth bag full of compost in a watering can or barrel for a couple of days. Dilute the resulting solution to a weak-tea color.

Using Organic Fertilizers Part 2

Dry Organic Fertilizers

Dry organic fertilizers can be made from just a single material, such as rock phosphate,lime, or kelp, or can be a blend of many ingredients. Blends are specially formulated to provide balanced amounts of potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as micronutrients. You can buy commericial blends, but you can make your own. Nitrogen- 2 parts blood meal Phosphorus-3 parts bonemeal Potasium-1 part kelp meal The most common way to apply is to spread it on the soil and rake it into the top 4"-6" of soil. The advanage of using organic fertilizers is that they are nonburning and will not harm your flowers or plants. Part 3 will be on Liquid Organic Fertilizers

Using Organic Fertilizers Part 1

Organic Fertilizers Part 1

If you are planning to to make the switch from chemcal to organic fertilizers, you may be afraid that using organic materials will be more complicated and less convenient than using premixed chemical fertilizers. This is not so! Commercially formulated organic fertilizer blends can be just as convenient and effective as blended synthetic fertilizers. If you want to try a plant-specific approach to fertilizing, you can use a variety of specialty organic fertilizers that are available from mail order supply companies or at many well-stocked garden centers. For example, you can use blood meal, chicken-feather meal, or fish meal as nitrogen sources. Bonemeal is a good souce of phosphorus, and kelp or greensand are organic sources of potassium. Part 2 will be on Dry organic fertilizers and Liquid organic fertilizers. Organic Fertilizers Part 1

It starts with the soil

Soil testing The Rutgers Cooperative Research & Extension Soil Testing Laboratory serves New Jersey farmers, nursery and landscape businesses, and home gardeners. Soil testing kits can be purchased from local county Extension offices. Why test soil?

• Healthy plant growth requires optimum soil pH and nutrient levels.
• It's economical. Don't spend money on fertilizers you may not need.
• It's environmentally responsible. Excessive application of fertilizers can cause water pollution.

For more information and list of research and extension offices in your area, visit www.rcre.rutgers.edu/soiltestinglab

Simple organic solutions for pest problems

Organic solutions for pest problems

We certainly understand that many gardeners become anxious when they see pests on their plants and want to react decisively when they see their plants damaged. But we must remind you of the central principle of organic gardening: growing flowers and plants in harmony with Mother Nature. And insects, even those that eat your plants, are a crucial part of that system. When you see insects in your garden, take some time to really watch what they're doing. Are they actually destroying the plant or just nibbling it a bit? Many plants can outgrown minor damage. Healthy Soil, Healthy Plants-in many cases, insects attach stressed out plants. Beneficial Insects-Most importantly, encourage the natural predators of pest insects to hunt in your garden. For instance, keep a water source nearby for them and by not wiping out the entire population with a pesticide, sending the beneficials elsewhere in search of food. Grow plats with small blossoms like sweet alyssum and dill, which attract predatory insects who feed on flowers' nectar between attacks on pests. Use Barriers & Traps-Barriers such as row covers, netting and plant collars very effectively protect crops from pests.

Growing Organic Asparagus

Growing Organic Asparagus

Asparagus grows well throughout the US except the Deep South and a few other areas that experience mild winters. The most efficient way to grow asparagus today is to purchase 1-2 year old roots and plant them in an asparagus bed that has been prepared beforehand. The best time to plant is in early spring when the soil can be worked.

To make an asparagus bed, dig trenches 15-18 inches deep and 18 inches wide, allowing 4 feet between trenches. Line the bottom of the trench with approximately 6 inches of soil and compost or aged manure. Mound up this mixture in the center of the trench and drape the asparagus roots over the mound. Space the crowns 18 inches apart. Space the crowns 18 inches apart. The crowns should be about 6 inches from the surface. Fill in the trench with more soil and compost mixture until the crowns are covered with 1 inch of soil. As the shoots emerge continue to cover them until the trench is completely filled and level with the soil surface. Keep the bed weeded and well watered and allow the plants to grow into ferns the first year. In the fall, cover the bed with dried cow manure and cut off the ferny growth. In the second year, harvest only a few shoots, no more than three, and in the fall dress the bed as before. During the third year, regular harvesting can begin. Each root should produce a minimum of 5 spears.

The importance of soil Chemistry to the perennial garden

Organic Gardening

The importance of soil chemistry to the perennial garden

The chemistry of the soil is one of the most critical considerations for any gardener, but it can be particularly vital when it comes to gardening with perennials. That is because, whereas annuals provide a fresh start year after year, gardening with perennials means that the plants stay in the ground, and the chemistry of the soil can greatly affect all types of perennials.

It is difficult to overestimate how important proper soil chemistry is, since the soil provides all the nutrients the plants need to grow and thrive.

Most types of perennials are quite hardy, but it is very important to prepare the flower bed properly. A properly prepared bed is the first step to enjoying a healthy garden full of perennials. As with all plants, it is important for all varieties of perennials to have plenty of healthy soil, enough water and the right amount of sunlight.

One of the most common problems with perennials is that of an uneven growth pattern. There are many types of perennials, and they all have different growth rates. It is normal for different types of perennials to grow faster or more slowly, but if identical varieties of perennials show very different growth patterns within different parts of the garden, soil chemistry may be to blame. Many gardeners assume that the same garden plot will have the same chemistry everywhere, but this is not always the case. Soil chemistry can vary even on the same properly, sometimes even within the same garden plot.

If you suspect that soil chemistry may be to blame for uneven growth patterns, it is important to have a thorough soil analysis done to either confirm your suspicions or rule them out. A good testing lab can quickly point out problems like an uneven pH level, insufficient organic materials in the soil, or insufficient nutrients. The analysis will also give you a good baseline to go from as you improve the soil with various additives.

The pH level of the soil is an important consideration for the perennial garden. Most varieties of perennials will grow quite well in soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0, but some perennials have different requirements. If you do not know which plants will grow best in your soil, be sure to check with your nursery or garden center.

If the pH level is excessively alkaline or excessively acidic, it can be brought back into balance by adding humus. You can easily make your own humus by using a compost bin to break down organic material, or humus can be purchased directly from a garden center or nursery. If the humus is unsuccessful, limestone can be added to make the soil more alkaline, while adding sulfur will help make it more acidic.

After the baseline soil chemistry is known, it will be easier to monitor the quality of the soil going forward. A bed of perennials should be checked for soil chemistry quality anytime a significant change in the quality or number of blooms is noticed. Keeping on top of the quality of your soil, and making changes as needed, is the best way to keep your perennials blooming season after season.

Organic Gardening

Getting Rid of Weeds

Getting Rid of Weeds

Spring is here! This is the beginning of the gardening year and busy period for gardeners. The most common, cool-season annual and perennial weeds are beginning to germinate. Yes, weeds, right along with the daffodils and the tulip bulbs that are appearing.

A few weeds are poisonous. Some are a nuisance and you will need to find ways to discourage or eradicate them.

Home gardeners spend more than 200 million dollars a year on chemical herbicides to kill weeds and unwanted plants. Chemical herbicides pollute groundwater, degrade soil, and are often carcinogenic. Fortunately, there are plenty of effective organic techniques for weed control. Just bend over and pull them up; or walk around the garden with a cultivator in hand. If you can't dig them as soon as you see them, pinch off the flowers so they won't go to seed.

The simplest way to prevent an abundance of weeds is to pull weeds before they set seed, but here are a few home solutions for you.

1. Heinz white vinegar poured directly on the weeds. To kill weeds in the garden or between the cracks in the sidewalk and driveway.
2. Pour salt on weeds on a dry, sunny day kills weeds. Avoid getting salt on any plants you want to thrive.
3. Give your weeds a stiff drink of Vodka. Mix three tablespoons vodka and two cups water in a trigger-spray bottle. Spray weeds well, without getting the alcohol solution on other plants. The vodka dehydrates the weeds.
4. You can find corn gluten based products for an organic approach as well. Follow the label directions for application rates and where to use.
5. Use boiling water in order to scald the foliage and roots.

Making seed compost

Seed Compost In order to produce compost for seed starting, a further step is necessary. Take a portion of the compost to make a new, small pile in the spring, and keep it covered fro up to a year. Compost should be two years old and thoroughly decomposed. For best results, sieve the soil through screening before using. If your mail-order plants arrive too early, try... heeling-in - the idea is that you make a trench, stand the still-wrapped plants in it at about a 45-degree angle, and heap soil over the roots. To protect heeled-in plant roots from freezing, it's wise to cover the soil with a layer of mulch. If you have only a few comparatively small plants and bulbs, unwrap them as usuall to check and adjust moisture levels around the roots, rewrap, and put them in the refridgerator. This will keep them until ready to plant.

Popular perennials for the garden

Popular perennials for the garden

Perennials are one of the most popular types of flowering plants, both for the beginning and experienced gardeners. Gardeners of all types and abilities enjoy the beauty, hardiness and ease of planting of these find plants.

In addition, perennials come in every color of the rainbow, and in all shapes and sizes, making them a great choice for any garden. What makes perennials special, however, is their ability to come back year after year. While the actual life span of a perennial will vary from species to species and planting to planting, some types of perennials have been known to last for decades.

Perennials can be used anywhere in the garden, and anywhere around the home as well. Many varieties of perennials are great as landscape plantings, and their ability to regenerate makes them perfect for areas of the garden that are hard to reach. Using perennials to line a driveway, surround a flagpole or accent a front porch is a great idea for any gardener.

In fact, the hardest part of perennials for many gardeners is choosing the right ones. There are so many different perennials at your local garden center that it can be difficult to choose the right ones. This article attempts to help with that problem, by providing a brief overview of some of the most popular perennials for the home garden, as well as some brief care tips.

Name: Achillea

Common name: Yarrow

Needs: Full sun, moderate water (less watering once fully established)

Name: Anemone

Common name: Japanese Anemone

Needs: Partial shade, regular watering

Name: Aster

Common name: New England Aster

Needs: Full sun, partial shade in hot climates, regular watering

Name: Astilbe

Needs: Partial to full shade (some sun OK in cool climates, regular watering

Name: Chrysanthemum

Common name: Shasta Daisy

Needs: Full sun, partial shade in hot climates, regular watering

Name: Coreopsis

Common name: Threadleaf Coreopsis

Needs: Full sun, moderate to little watering

Name: Delphinium

Needs: Full sun, regular watering

Name: Echinacea

Common name: Purple Coneflower

Needs: Full sun, moderate watering

Name: Geranium

Common name: Geranium

Needs: Full sun or partial shade. Must have afternoon shade in hot climates. Regular watering

Name: Helleborus

Common name: Lenten Rose

Needs: Full sun in winter; partial to full shade in spring, summer and fall. Regular watering

Name: Nepeta

Common name: Catmint

Needs: Full sun, moderate watering

Name: Paeonia

Common name: Peony

Needs: Full sun, partial shade in hot climates, regular watering

Name: Papaver

Common name: Oriental Poppy

Needs: Full sun, regular to moderate watering

Name: Penstemon

Common name: Beard Tongue

Needs: Full sun; light shade in hot climates. Regular watering.

Name: Phlox

Common name: Summer Phlox

Needs: Full sun. Flowers may fade in hot climates. Needs regular watering.

Name: Redbeckia

Common name: Black-Eyed Susan

Needs: Full sun. Regular to moderate watering.

Name: Salvia

Needs: Full sun. Regular watering.

Name: Sedum

Common name: Autumn Joy

Needs: Full sun or partial shade. Moderate to little watering.

Name: Veronica

Needs: Full sun. Regular watering.

Making compost for your organic garden

Making Compost for your Organic Garden

Leaving the garden bare over the winter can result in a loss of nutrients and soil erosion during the spring thaw. This is why it is essential that every organic gardener maintains a compost pile. All of the waste produced in the garden, the scraps and leftovers from the kitchen, and leaves and grass clippings from mowing can be recycled into a wonderful fertilizer for the garden. Start by building a compost pile in specific layers rather than at random will work best for you. Start with woody material at the bottom to allow air into the pile. Follow this with a layer of green materials such as grass clippings, weeds, and kitchen waste, and then add a layer of manure. Follow up with a layer of brown materials, such as dried leaves, straw, or dry plant debris. Repeat this layering process until the compost bin is full. You will need to wet the pile, but not soaking wet. Cover if necessary if pile is too wet from a rainy season. Turn the pile often to keep the pile cooking.

Compost Rejects

Cooked kitchen waste and meat scraps produce a strong ordor and will attact animals.

Diseased plants or pest-infested plants.

Manure from dogs and cats may contain diseases.

Weeds with a high seed content.

Grow your garden, kids together

Grow your garden, kids together By DAN GILL LSU AgCenter Published: Mar 9, 2006 Parents often struggle with trying to provide something for their children to do. Why not turn off the TV and start a gardening project? You can introduce your youngsters to the joys of gardening and at the same time exercise their bodies and brains. To be successful during spring and summer, you’ll need to plant seeds or use plants that will thrive in our hot, humid climate. A good selection of flowers, vegetables and herbs can be grown. Whatever you decide to grow, be sure to start with a well-prepared bed, or, if gardening in containers, use a good potting soil and the proper size containers. To prepare a garden bed, remove any weeds or grass from the area. Next, dig the soil to a depth of 8 inches. For small children this can be a physically difficult task, and your assistance will be required. But you can try to find tools that are designed for kids to use and get them involved. Next, sprinkle a complete granular fertilizer following the label directions and then spread a 2-inch layer of organic matter over the area and dig it in. Most often compost, aged manure, peat moss, leaves or grass clippings are used as a source of organic matter. Thoroughly incorporate everything into the soil of the bed by turning it in with a shovel. Children might ask why you need to add fertilizer and organic matter to the soil. The simple answer is that the fertilizer provides nutrients needed by the plant. You could compare a fertilizer to vitamins. Just as getting enough vitamins is important to our growth and health, fertilizers provide nutrients that make the plants healthier and more productive. You can also mention that although we call fertilizers “plant food,” plants actually make their own food through a remarkable process called photosynthesis. In this process, plants absorb the energy of the sun and use it to create the food they need to live and grow. As for the organic matter you add, it helps to put nutrients in the soil, creates air spaces and aids in drainage of excess water from the soil. The air spaces allow oxygen to be present in levels needed to maintain a healthy root system. A loose soil also helps the roots grow through it easier. Most kids are familiar with the recycling of aluminum, paper and glass. You can introduce them to the recycling of organic yard waste through composting. Compost is a valuable soil amendment you can easily make yourself with grass clippings, leaves and vegetable and fruit peelings from the kitchen. The LSU AgCenter has excellent free information on establishing a compost pile. Contact your parish’s LSU AgCenter Extension office or visit www.lsuagcenter.com to obtain copies. For container gardens, choose commercial potting soils that are light and drain well. Make sure the containers you use have drainage holes to allow excess water to drain away when you water. Choose larger containers, since they will need watering less often and you can grow a wider variety of plants in them. Use your favorite water-soluble fertilizer or a slow-release formulation. Follow label directions and repeat as indicated. You can start your plants from seeds or purchase transplants from local nurseries. Why not try both ways? Some of the flowers that will grow well in the summer include: marigold, zinnia, sunflower, cosmos and balsam. Better yet, those flowers and vegetables such as peanuts, yard-long beans, hyacinth beans and luffa are very easily grown from relatively large seed that children can handle easily when planting. Other flowers that grow well in summer are salvia, periwinkle, portulaca, verbena, gomphrena, wishbone flower, melampodium and pentas. Vegetables you can be successful with include eggplant, hot peppers, okra, sweet potatoes, banana pepper and Gypsy pepper. For the plants, such as beans and luffa, that need something to climb on, you can make a teepee in your garden out of bamboo stakes. The bonus is the kids get to sit inside. A few herbs also would be fun to plant. Choose plants such as basil (the spaghetti sauce herb), oregano (the pizza herb) or spearmint (the toothpaste herb). You might also consider planting a butterfly garden. Children are enthralled by the different stages (egg, caterpillar, chrysalis and butterfly) in the life cycle of these fascinating insects. In the caterpillar stage, they are voracious leaf eaters, and plants that they like to eat are planted in the butterfly garden for them to feed on. The adult female butterfly will lay her eggs only on those plants that will properly nourish her offspring (so you don’t have to worry about butterfly caterpillars eating your other plants). Many gardeners say that an adult introduced them to gardening when they were children. Gardening is one of the best ways to put children in touch with nature. Why not take some time to open a child’s eyes to the wonders of gardening this summer?

home gardeners 5-10-5 replacement

What can the home gardener make from refuse, etc., to take the place of 5-10-5 and nitrate of soda?

Make a compost pile of straw, weeds, grass clippings, leaves, and other plant parts. In making a compost pile, is it more advisable to pile up on top of ground, or to dig a pit and gradually fill it in? In dry climates, a slight depression is best, but elsewhere, pile should be on level ground. If you have any questions on composting, please ask.

Spring is here?

Crocus It is always a joy to see the first signs of spring. It's still cold here in New Jersey and we have been having alternating warm and freezing days. In spite of that they have popped up anyway. These bulbs are four years old and still going strong multiplying every year. Sometimes I miss out seeing them because I have them covered with leaves to protect them through the winter. It is still too early to take off the leaves that are surrounding them, but they are in an area along side of the house that gets a lot of sunlight and is also protected from the wind. Tips - What can be done with spring-blooming bulbs which come through the ground in winter, due to a warm spell? If they are planted very shallowly, cover with a layer of soil, leaves, or whatever plant litter is available. However, some bulbs make early foliage naturally. Should tulips, crocus, daffodils, and hyacinths have mulch over them in fall? Not necessary except in extremely cold sections unless you are in an area subject to frequent alternate freezing and thawing. Damage is then from "heaving" of roots and bulbs from the soil. Under these conditions cover after the ground has frozen hard, with leaves, compost, march hay. This keeps ground uniformly cool and prevents damage to roots by heaving. Uncover gradually when growth appears. Crocus

Why you should consider organic gardening

Organic Gardening

Organic gardening is one of the fastest growing facets of gardening, and more and more people are discovering that it is possible to enjoy a beautiful, thriving garden while still keeping the use of chemicals and pesticides to a minimum. One reason to avoid the use of chemicals and pesticides is that long term use of such chemicals can deplete the soil and leave it unable to sustain further growth. In many cases beds of perennials suddenly stop blooming for no apparent reason, and the culprit is often found to be the overuse of chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. Concern for the health of the gardener’s family members, pets and the environment as a whole is another reason many people choose organic gardening methods. Runoff from many commercial pesticides and chemical fertilizer can leach into ground water, damage wells, and cause problems with fish ponds and other parts of the landscape. In addition, a well planted and well landscaped home interior has been shown to improve the value of the home, and when that garden is an organic one its value is further enhanced. A beautiful organic garden can be a great way to provide a cost effective enhancement to any landscape. Pest control is one of the places where organic gardening can actually be superior to chemical methods. Instead of using harsh pesticides to get rid of garden pests, it is often better and more effective to use beneficial insects to get rid of harmful ones. Harmful insects are often unable to compete once more beneficial insects have been brought in to the organic garden. One of the most common pests encountered by gardeners, and one of the biggest reasons they use chemical pesticides, is aphids. These common garden pests can be organically controlled by spraying the infested stems, leaves and buds with a diluted mixture of soapy water, then an application of fresh, clear water. This technique has been used by organic gardeners for many years, and it is effective even against heavy infections of aphids. Selecting the right plants is also important to success as an organic gardener. Choosing the right fertilizer is an important consideration as well, since there are organic equivalents for just about every type of chemical fertilizer. When choosing plants and fertilizers, be sure to research the best plants and organic fertilizers for your own area. If you have an organic gardening club in your area, you may want to join in order to swap tips about the best types of plants and fertilizers. One great element of any organic garden landscape is a good ground cover. Planting ground covering plants in areas where grass has a hard time taking hold not only enhances the beauty of your home, but it provides better soil drainage and water retention as well. Many homeowners have discovered the power of using native species as natural ground cover. Flowering vines are another popular centerpiece of many organic gardens. Flowering vines are great for enhancing the beauty of fences, walls, sheds and other structures, since they can easily be trained to grow along these structures. These any many other plants and flowers can enhance any organic garden and make it the showcase of the community. Growing an organic garden is a great way to protect your home, your family and even the environment.

Organic Gardening

There are a few annuals that will stand early planting.

organic flowers Mail-order Seed Companies Offer Colorful Variety Gilroy Dispatch (subscription) - Gilroy,CA,USA... you haven't gotten around to thinking about what new flowers and vegetables ... specializes in a broad assortment of holistic garden supplies and organic pesticides ... There are a few annuals that will stand early planting. Sweet-alyssum, scabiosa, candytuft, sweet peas, cosmos, cornflowers, larkspur, Shirley poppy, pricly poppy. For indoor propagation of flower seeds - Use a sterile starting medium, adequate sunlight or a growing light, steady mositure, good air circulation , and suitable temperature.

composting Waste agency bins promote composting Contra Costa Times - CA,USA... for us is showing that you can avoid or minimize the problems about odors and flies that worry people," said Bart Carr, composting program coordinator for the ... Composting Tips

• Add as much material as possible at one time.
• Add a mix of lush green material and tough brown material.
• Keep the pile mosit but not waterlogged. Cover the compost pile if necessary.
• Build air into the heap, by placing branches or plastic pipes with holes drilled into it.
• Do not put into the compost pile cooked kitchen waste or meat scraps.
• No deseased plants or pest-infested plants.
• Manure from pigs, dogs, and cats. They may contain diseases that affect humans.
• Weeds with a high seed content.
• Metal and plastic objects.
• Roots of invasive weeds.

Tulips and Daffodils starting to push through the soil

Tulips and Daffodils starting to push through the soil

It's almost spring! Of course Mother Nature still has the last word. Eventhough, my daffodils and tulips are starting to push through the soil, it is back to cold weather again. It's always exciting to see the bulbs that you planted in the fall start to come up. Here are some tips to keep your tulips and daffodils blooming for a long time.

Tulips - unlike many of their spring-blooming bulb counterparts, aren't reliable perennial. The first year they come on strong. The second not so showy and the third, just some leaves. Keep the tulips going longer by doing the following:

• Choose long-lasting species. Bulbs that are described as species or botanical tulips. These come back year after year. Look in the catalog descriptions that use the word perennials.
• Keep the bulbs good draining soil.
• Deadhead spent blooms so that energy can be diverted from flower and seed production back into the bulb. Leave on the foliage until they turn brown and can be with a gentle tug pull from the bulb in the ground. You can also plant annuals around the leaves to hide the maturing bulb. What I do also is put fresh compost and mulch around the leaves cover them over. This saves a step and the leaves will add to the compost.
• When you plant the bulbs in the fall, plant tulips deeper (9 inches). Shallow planting encourages bulbs to split into smaller bulbs.

Daffodils - with care they will bless your garden for years. About every three years dig up your bulbs and spilt the clump and spread the extras to another part of the garden. If you find your daffodils aren't blooming but their foliage looks great. You may have been over fertilizing. To solve the problem go easy on the fertilizer and give them a shot of a low-nitrogen organic fertilizer made for stimulating root development. Or, scratch in a little wood ash from the fireplace. Potash will help the bulb replenish itself and be back blooming it's yellow head once again.

If you see light and dark spots of extensive gray blotches on leaves and flowers you have botrytis blight. Dig up the bulbs to prevent the spread of blight to other bulbs. If blight recurs a second spring, try treating with wettable sulfur.

Methods of Composting

Composting

The most fundamental part of organic gardening is to recycle nutrients and organic matter back into the soil by making compost. Most of the items that you use in the compost is waste that many people pay to have hauled away.

Making Compost

There are two ways to build compost piles. One is to build a pile in layers so that it heats up. This method can take a couple of months.

Making a hot compost pile is a little more complicated because it is usually built all at once in layers to ensure a good even mix of green and brown organic matter and manure. Start with a layer of small woody branches and sticks at the bottom. Next, a layer of green, succulent organic matter, such as grass clippings, kitchen waste, and weeds (the heat will kill weed seeds). On top of this layer add your manure. Add a thin layer of soil, and top of this add straw of other semi-rigid brown organic matter. You can continue adding layers to the pile in the same order: green organic matter, manure, soil and brown organic matter until you get to the top of your bin or container.

Check the temperature of the compost regularly and keep an eye on the moisture content of the pile. You do not want the pile to become waterlogged, but wet. If the pile to too dry, water it liberally to keep the compost working.

The other way is to make a cool compost pile by continually tossing whatever organic matter you have into the pile. This can take as much as a year or more.

Start a pile by laying small woody branches and sticks at the bottom of the pile. This will allow air to infiltrate. Add garden debris, grass clipping, and kitchen waste to the pile. Consider adding an activator, such as manure. The combined effect of turning the pile and an application of activator will speed up the process of a completed compost.

Can you apply compost in the Winter?

Finished compost is a versatile material that you can apply freely at any time of year without fear of burning plants.

Compost

Know your soil chemisty for depleted soil

Know your soil chemisty for depleted soil

What is the quickest way to bring an old used garden spot back into quick production?

Spade in organic matter in the fall. In the spring, apply superphosphate, hoe, rake, and plant. Apply natural fertilizer just before planting, and again during summer.

For any garden - Pay attention to soil chemistry The chemistry of the soil is one of the most critical factors to the success, or lack of success, in the home garden. If the soil in your area is poor, chances are you will be unable to grow those beautiful blooms until the soil has been amended to provide the nutrition the plants need. One mistake many gardeners make is to assume that the soil chemistry will be the same all over their property. It is important to have each part of your property you plan to use for flower growing tested, especially if the areas are far apart. This can be particularly important if part of your property lies on a downhill slope, or if it has been used for other purposes in the past. It is also important to take into consideration such things as the slope of the land and the type of soil in your area. A thorough soil analysis will give you a good baseline to go by and a great way to monitor the quality of the land as your garden grows. Know what your plants require Chances are you already have some plants in mind for your new garden, and if so it is important to understand what those plants need in order to thrive. While most common varieties of annuals, perennials and bulbs will grow in a wide range of conditions, some other varieties can be a bit more demanding. If you plan to grow roses in your garden, for instance, it is a good idea to know the pH level of your soil, and amend it if necessary. Most roses are acid loving plants, and therefore they may not grow properly in soil that is very alkaline. The good news is that alkaline soil can often be brought into balance by adding a good quality humus and working it through the soil. If the humus alone is not sufficient, the addition of sulfur to the soil can often help turn the soil more acidic. Watch the nutrition The nutrients contained within the soil are also vital to the success of your garden. For instance, if the levels of phosphorus, nitrogen and other organic matter is not high enough, your plants may not get the nutrition they need to grow and bloom. Nutrients can be added to poor soil through the use of humus, or by using a good, high quality organic fertilizer. You can see why soil chemistry is such an important first step toward growing the perfect garden. Growing the best flowers in town is a worthy goal. Be sure your soil is up to the task.

Know your soil chemistry for depleted soil

organic flowers

Virginia team discovers growing cut flowers is fun and profitable American Farm - Easton,MD,USA... couple sells its flowers and about 100 species of produce at the Richmond and Williamsburg Farmers Market. Their certification as USDA Organic Market Growers ... New angelonias headed for your local garden center Fort Wayne News Sentinel - Fort Wayne,IN,USA... Their spiky flowers are a welcome sight in the world where round flowers seem to dominate. Plant them in well-drained, well-prepared beds rich in organic matter ... Consider organic gardening Belmont Citizen-Herald - Lexington,MA,USA... risk if you use chemical pesticides and fertilizers on your lawn, flowers or vegetable ... simple steps you can take to establish and maintain an organic lawn care ...

Starting your seeds the right way

With Springtime just around the corner, it is time to think about starting your seeds. When it comes to gardening, gardeners are of two minds. While some gardeners prefer to buy young seedlings and transplant them in the garden, other gardeners prefer the control and the sense of accomplishment that comes with planting flowers and plants directly from seeds. Planting from seed has a lot to recommend it. For one thing, although transplanting seedlings can provide a good head start for the gardener, it can also introduce problems like disease or insect infestation to an established garden plot. Planting from seed helps gardeners to avoid these problems. It is not difficult to plant from seed, but it is vital to read and follow the instructions on the seed packet for best results. As with other types of gardening, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. It is also important to protect the seeds and the delicate seedlings as they grow. Whenever you plant seeds, it is a good idea to use a quality growing tray. It is important to choose the right growing tray, and you can get recommendations from your local nursery or garden center on the best type of tray for your needs. After you have the tray and the seeds in hand, the next step is to fill that growing tray with a high quality seed mixture. This type of product is also called a seed starting mix, and it is similar in consistency to potting soil. Another advantage of the seed starting mix is that it is sterile, and free of diseases and garden pests. After the growing tray has been prepared, the seeds should then be placed in the seed starting mix. The rule of thumb when planting seeds is to plant them at least twice their own depth. In some cases, such as with very small seeds, you may want to simply dust the seeds with a light coating of seed mix, since if they are buried too deep they may not be able to sprout. After the seeds have been planted in the tray, they should be labeled, using either sticks printed with a waterproof marker or actual nursery labels. Do not use the seed packets as labels, since they will quickly disintegrate from moisture as the seeds are watered. Only a misting sprayer should be used to provide water to the newly planted seeds. If you use a hose or watering can, you could inadvertently dislodge the seed medium or uncover the seeds. The growing tray should be covered in order to prevent the moisture from evaporating. A covered tray will also encourage the germination of the seeds. Here is a quick tip. Save your eggshells to start your seeds. You can also use the cardboard eggcartons that the eggs come in. When it is time to plant just put the eggshells or the eggcarton sections right into the ground.