Organic Gardening News

Cleaning out compost bins is a dreaded chore for many, but it’s necessary. Creating compost is a great way to reuse garden and kitchen scraps and to enrich your soil in a natural way. And if you have curbside compost bins, you can send your scraps off to be reused. In either case, the bins you use to collect and make compost must be cleaned to avoid odors and keep producing good, rich compost. Why Keeping Compost Bins Clean is Important If you have curbside pickup of compost, you have a bin dedicated to stinky, rotting vegetables and other food and garden waste. Unlike garbage bins that usually contain bagged trash, for these bins, you simply throw the food in. This strategy is simple, but it also makes for a stinking mess, especially during the summer. You’ll need to clean it regularly to prevent pests, like flies, and an unbearable

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Many more people are composting today than a decade ago, either cold composting, worm composting or hot composting. The benefits to our gardens and to the earth are undeniable, but what if you could double the benefits of composting? What if you could use compost as a heat source? Can you warm a greenhouse with compost, for instance? Yes, heating a greenhouse with compost is, indeed, a possibility. In fact, the idea of using compost in greenhouses as a heat source has been around since the ‘80s. Read on to learn about compost greenhouse heat.  About Compost Greenhouse Heat The New Alchemy Institute (NAI) in Massachusetts had the idea to use compost in greenhouses to generate heat. They began with a 700-square-foot prototype in 1983 and carefully recorded their results. Four detailed articles on compost as a heat source in greenhouses were written between 1983 and 1989. The results were

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Soil amendment is an important process for good plant health. One of the most common and easiest amendments is compost. Combining soil and compost can increase aeration, beneficial microbes, nutrient content, water retention, and more. Plus, you can make your own in a cost-saving process that uses your yard waste and kitchen scraps. Why Use Compost as Soil Amendment? Mixing compost with soil is a win-win for the garden. Amending soil with compost provides numerous benefits and is a natural way to enhance soil health. However, using too much compost as soil amendment can cause certain problems, especially with specific plants. Learn how to add compost to soil at the correct ratio to optimize the advantages of this common soil amendment. Mixing compost with soil provides nutrients for plants today but also enhances soil for future years. The amendment naturally breaks down, releasing important macro- and micronutrients while feeding the

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Creating compost out of kitchen and yard waste is a great way to be more environmentally sustainable. But if you’re wondering, “where do I put compost,” you may need some guidance on what to do next. This is especially true if you don’t actually garden or have a very big yard. There are many useful things you can do with that kitchen compost. Compost Uses in the Garden Compost is called ‘black gold’ for a reason. It adds nutrients and richness to soil to help plants grow better, healthier, more fully, and more productively. Here are a few of the basic methods for applying compost and making use of this natural material: Mulch. You can use compost as a layer of mulch around plants in your garden beds. Like any mulch type, it will help hold moisture in the soil and keep the soil warmer. Compost mulch also gives plants

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Composting is one way many gardeners recycle garden waste. Shrub and plant trimmings, grass clippings, kitchen waste, etc., can all be returned to the soil in the form of compost. While seasoned composters know from experience when their compost is ready for use, newcomers to composting may need some direction. Read on for help in learning “when is compost done.” Is My Compost Finished? There are many variables that contribute to the timing of finished compost. It depends upon the particle size of materials in the pile, how often it is turned to supply oxygen, the moisture level and temperature of the pile, and the carbon to nitrogen ratio. How Long Does Compost Take to Mature? It can take from one month to a year to achieve a mature product, factoring in the above variables, plus the intended usage. For example, to use compost as a top dressing takes the

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Testing and maintaining adequate soil nutrients is an essential aspect of growing a beautiful home garden. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are all nutrients which are essential to healthy plant growth. While nitrogen helps plants to produce lush leaves and foliage, phosphorus assists in flowering and the formation of seeds and strong roots. Monitoring and correcting high phosphorus levels in soil will be essential in ensuring optimal plant growth in the garden. About Excessive Phosphorus Having a garden soil sample tested is a great way for gardeners to learn more about the needs of their garden. Becoming more familiar with the nutrients present in the soil can help growers adapt their garden beds for the best results. Unlike other plant nutrients, phosphorus does not leach in the soil. This means that too much phosphorus in the soil can build up over the course of several growing seasons. Excessive phosphorus can occur

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Potassium is a critical nutrient that plants absorb from the soil, and from fertilizer. It increases disease resistance, helps stalks to grow upright and sturdy, improves drought tolerance and helps plants get through the winter. A little extra potassium generally isn’t cause for worry, but potassium-rich soil can be a problem. Read on to learn how to reduce potassium in soil. Problems Caused by Too Much Potassium As important as it is, too much potassium can be unhealthy for plants because it affects the way the soil absorbs other critical nutrients. Lowering soil potassium can also prevent excess phosphorus from running into the waterways where it can increase growth of algae that can eventually kill aquatic organisms. How to tell if your soil has too much potassium? The only way to know for sure is to have your soil tested. Your local cooperative extension office can send soil samples to

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To learn more about our editorial integrity policy and how we make money through affiliate partnerships, read our full disclosure here. You may very well have one of the peskiest animals in your yard right now. They may be minuscule, but they’re a huge nuisance. Mosquitoes are a homeowner’s nightmare. But don’t worry. There are ways to get them out of your yard — and keep them out.  Bug repellent spray works well, but it stinks, and you probably don’t want to douse yourself with it every time you have to step outside. We’ll present some ways to keep mosquitoes away, followed by some methods of preventing them from returning. Some of these methods are backed by scientific research, but others have only anecdotal evidence. However, all these methods are safe and inexpensive, so they’re worth a try. In This Article: How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes How to Prevent and

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If you’re looking for a natural mineral fertilizer that meets the standards for organic growing, put langbeinite on your list. Read up on this langbeinite information to decide if it’s a natural fertilizer you should be adding to your garden or indoor plants. What is Langbeinite Fertilizer? Langbeinite is a mineral that is made of important nutrients for plants: potassium, magnesium, and sulfur. It’s found only in a few places. In the U.S., langbeinite is extracted from mines close to Carlsbad, New Mexico. The evaporation of ancient oceans left behind unique minerals, including this one. What is Langbeinite Used For? As a fertilizer, langbeinite is considered potash, meaning it supplies potassium. However, it also contains magnesium and sulfur, which makes it even more desirable as a well-rounded fertilizer. Because all three elements are combined in one mineral, any sample of langbeinite has a uniform distribution of the nutrients. Another aspect

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It is certainly no secret that growing a garden can quickly establish a sense of closeness and comradery among its participants. This is especially true for those who grow in local community gardens or shared growing spaces. Gardening with friends can add fun, excitement, and laughter to otherwise mundane chores. If you don’t have access to gardening groups where you live, you can still enjoy gardening with friends. Exploring new ways to invite friends in the garden will help to further create a growing environment that truly thrives – in more ways than one. Gardening with Friends Gardens and friendship often go hand-in-hand. It is fairly obvious that fellow growers will be eager to share tips and techniques learned throughout the years. With the creation of online gardening communities, growers can easily communicate with those who share their passion. Specialized growing groups and official garden societies further cement this relationship.

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If you’re a gardener at heart, you’ve found lots of ways to enjoy the garden. You likely look at your garden as more than a chore to benefit your family and your purse-strings. Maybe you wish for someone to share those major accomplishments that none of your friends and family really seem to understand or appreciate. It’s always nice to have someone that shares your passion and love for gardening. Sharing Plants and Gardening Stories No one really understands your triumphs and hardships like a fellow gardener. If your close family and friends don’t share your gardening enthusiasm, it’s unlikely they’ll change. There are just some people that get animated when discussing the garden and, unfortunately, some that don’t. That’s not your fault. Making new friends through your gardening efforts can lead to people who understand how difficult it was to grow that perfect melon. Or those that can relate

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Community gardens continue to grow in popularity throughout the country and elsewhere. There are lots of reasons to share a garden with a friend, neighbor or a group of the same. Usually, the bottom line is getting fresh and often organic produce to feed your family, but not always. Flowering gardens are sometimes shared across a property line, improving the appearance of more than one landscape. Perhaps, you’re growing a cutting garden with plenty of blooms to supply fresh flowers for two households. While most garden sharing is for the food, keep in mind there are other reasons too. What is a Shared Garden? Communal gardening may spring from a community garden or simply from sharing and working a plot of land with one or more neighbors. A long-term joint garden may result in fruit and nut trees that produce heavily after a few years, saving you money at the

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To learn more about our editorial integrity policy and how we make money through affiliate partnerships, read our full disclosure here. Gardening might be your passion, but lawn care can be another beast entirely. You might have infinite patience to tend to your flowers or vegetables but lose your temper with a lawn full of weeds. You’re not alone. Even the most avid gardener needs to call in the cavalry for the big jobs. If your neighbors know you love to garden, you probably want to have a tidy lawn to match. If you haven’t got the time, ability, or desire to put that much work into patches of grass, consider hiring one of the many professional lawn care companies who can do it for you, or at least put you on the right path. Additionally, lawn care maintenance professionals usually have the kind of equipment and products that a

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Does your neighborhood look a bit humdrum? Does it lack color and vibrancy? Or perhaps there are areas that need updating, like near the entrance to the neighborhood? Planting a perennial garden for neighbors near the entrance is one way to make the neighborhood more welcoming.  Planting a Friendly Neighbor Perennial Garden Another way to rejuvenate the looks of your city block or suburban housing development involves landscaping with neighbors. With this type of project, you can plant perennials in the neighborhood to not only add sparkle, but also create a sense of unity. In a day and age when neighbors rarely know each other, this type of project can bring neighbors together. Engaging in a community wide “perennial garden for neighbors” project, can also improve property values and attract homebuyers to the area. Here are a few examples which illustrate why planting perennials in the neighborhood is beneficial: Updated

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Gardening with the family is rewarding and fun for everybody. Put a few family-friendly garden ideas into action, and your kids (and grandkids) will learn basic biology and the fundamentals of growing plants. In the process, they’ll understand where food comes from, and the importance of being a responsible steward of the environment. Family-friendly garden design needn’t be expensive or complicated. Here are a few simple ideas to pique your creativity. Family-Friendly Garden Ideas Here are some great ideas to get everyone involved in the garden: Worm Farming Worm farming (vermicomposting) is easier than you may realize, and it’s a great way for the entire family to learn basic principles of composting. Start with a small closed bin, which is easier for kids to manage and won’t require a lot of space. Make sure the bin provides air circulation. Begin with red wigglers, which you can purchase online if they

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“Help, all my plants are dying!” is one of the most common issues of both newbie and experienced growers. If you can identify with this issue, the reason likely has to do with problems with the plant roots. Plant root problems run the range from the most simplistic to more dire explanations, like root rot diseases. To diagnose the problem, it’s a good idea to answer some questions. For instance, do all the plants keep dying in the same spot? Help, All My Plants are Dying! Never fear, we are here to help figure out why all your plants are dying. Again, the most likely reason has to do with plant root problems. Roots perform many vital functions. They take up water, oxygen, and nutrients from the soil. When roots are damaged or diseased, they cease to be able to function properly which, indeed, can kill a plant. Why are

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Companion planting is a time honored practice that provides for plants that complement each other in different ways. They may prevent certain pests, provide support, or even attract pollinators, increasing yields. Using wormwood as a companion can prevent many nuisance insects. There are many good wormwood companion plants. However, there are a few that should not partner with this herb. Learn what can and what shouldn’t be planted with wormwood here. Using Wormwood for Pests Wormwood is an herb which is most noted for providing the classic flavor of vermouth. Its silvery gray leaves make an impressive impact against green foliage and bright flowers. The plant contains absinthin, which was once used to make a beverage by a similar name. There are many plants that grow well with wormwood but it should be avoided in the edible garden and among certain herbs. Wormwood’s natural harsh taste and strong odor tend

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To learn more about our editorial integrity policy and how we make money through affiliate partnerships, read our full disclosure here. Most pest infestations are incredibly difficult to treat on your own. Often, the pests you see are far outnumbered by the ones hiding away, so pulling the problem up by the root, so to speak, is nearly impossible. Professional pest control services have the equipment, products, and training to get the job done right the first time, so many homeowners turn to the pros to get rid of termites, mosquitoes, bed bugs, and more. Choosing the right pest control company can pose its own hassle. You need to balance thoroughness of service against your budget while taking expediency and customer service into account. To this end, we’ve taken a close look at a prominent national company — Orkin Pest Control — and reviewed its services, costs, availability, and more

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Most gardeners have a plant, or two, or three that they struggled with over the years. This likely includes some unruly perennial plants that were simply a mistake to put in the garden. Perennials are generally easy plants that come back each year, but some will cause you a headache. Learn from the mistakes of others, and avoid these difficult plants. How Can There Be Perennials to Avoid? For a gardener and plant lover, it can be hard to face the fact that there are some plants you just need to avoid. In some cases, it’s because they aren’t suited to your particular location. For instance, you’ll get nothing but trouble trying to grow a succulent in your waterlogged rain garden. On the other hand, there are perennials that are just hard for anyone to love, no matter the local environment and conditions. Some take over and grow out of

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Once you get your kids hooked on gardening, they’ll be addicted for life. What better way to promote this rewarding activity than easy flowerpot crafts? DIY flowerpots are simple and inexpensive. They often use materials you already have around the house or provide a useful way to upcycle things that would otherwise end up in the landfill. Read on to learn about easy flower pot crafts to try. Fun Crafts for Families: Making Creative Planters with Kids Here are a few ideas to pique your creativity: Keeping things neat: Making DIY flowerpots can be messy, so begin by covering the table with a plastic tablecloth or large trash bag. Save a few of Dad’s old shirts to protect clothing from paint or glue. Toy truck planters: If your kids no longer play with toy trucks, just fill the truck with potting soil to create an instant flowerpot. If you don’t

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