Compost and Organics!
Image by mjmonty via Flickr
Gardens need compost to help them thrive in those trying conditions, where the weather simply takes a toll on them, pulling them from what could be their potential. But you shouldn’t really rely on compost that just lies around because they’re not exactly the perfect one for your garden.
Why? There are a number of factors that these nature-made substances that don’t fulfill the nutrients needed to help the garden be its best. First is that these random composts don’t match the correct carbon-nitrogen ratio and water content. The main thing you have to understand about composts that for it to be the ideal one, the decomposition that is inherent in this process must be controlled and stabilized by the gardener.
Definition
Contrary to the popular belief of what is compost, a stinky heap found at the edge of you garden isn’t exactly the correct description for it. Rather, no pungent smell exists around the heap and there are no flies that fly around it.
The thing is it is not just some decayed organic matter. It is much more complex than that, which has been discovered and developed by microbiology, all designed to benefit the everyday gardener
Click here to continue readingUsing Worms for Compost!
Image by Getty Images via Daylife
Using worms, especially red worms, can compost a pile of food in no time at all. There is no need to wait months and sometimes years, waiting for the material to break down, if you include using worms for compost.
Worms will be attracted to any pile of decomposing food. They will hunt it out and immediately begin the process of eating, pooping, and aerating the pile of rubbish into a rich fertile organic material that is suitable for any garden.
To speed up this process, you could build your own worm bed. Preferably this worm bed would be up off the ground to protect the worms from critters such as the mole, whose main diet is worms and grubs.
Make the depth of the worm bed at least 6 to 12 inches deep. The depth will depend on the amount of material you intend on adding to it. Topsoil is not necessary, but it can be added as a base for the worms. Remember, that the worms live under the ground so make sure your worm bed is not in direct sunlight.
Wait until your worm bed is half full of material then proceed to
Click here to continue readingComposting: Let’s Talk Dirt!
If you truly want an organic garden, you must have compost. Compost is composed of organic matter such as kitchen scraps, manure, leaves, garden clippings and grass. These components are left to decompose for a period of time, resulting in a very nutritious conditioner for soil. By adding compost to your garden, you help to improve your garden’s structure and water capacity, attract beneficial bugs and create an ideal environment for plants to grow.
A compost heap can be very easy to produce and can take little effort. With a little prep work, you can have a beautiful pile of compost waiting to nourish your garden in just a few short weeks. You will need to start off with a variety of plant and organic materials. Kitchen scraps, garden waste and grass clippings are an excellent source of nitrogen, while dried materials such as leaves and straw will provide much needed carbon to the heap.
Once you have your compost pile started, all you will need to do is mix your starter pile with other organic materials as they become available. It is suggested that you turn your compost pile every other week in order to speed up the decomposition
Click here to continue reading