After a backyard barbecue or cozy fire in the fireplace, you’re left with a pile of ash and charred leftovers. This brings up the question – is it safe to add coal ash to your compost pile? Or will that cause harm? Let’s explore the potential risks and alternatives for disposing of coal ash responsibly. … Read more
The Perfect Soil Temperature for Tomato Plants to Thrive Growing juicy, flavorful tomatoes begins with paying close attention to soil temperature. The ideal soil temperature range varies for germinating seeds, transplanting seedlings, flowering, fruit set, and ripening. By optimizing temperatures throughout the growing season, you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful tomato harvest. Why Soil Temperature … Read more
As a gardener, you’re always looking for ways to nourish your plants and improve your soil. Have you considered tapping into an unexpected yet plentiful source right under your nose? Believe it or not, guinea pig manure makes an excellent organic fertilizer. Let’s explore the benefits of using cavy poop in the garden and how … Read more
Potato plants are a common crop grown by home gardeners and farmers. As the potato growing season comes to an end, the question arises – can I compost potato plants? The stems, leaves, and haulms (foliage) contain valuable nutrients that could enrich a compost pile. However, there are also some potential risks to be aware … Read more
Coffee grounds can be an excellent addition to your worm bin, providing nutrients and grit that is beneficial for your worms. However, too much coffee can cause some issues that need to be managed. Used in moderation and balanced with carbon-rich materials, coffee grounds can improve your vermicomposting results. Why Worms Like Coffee Grounds Worms … Read more
When it comes to mulching flower beds, using a fine-textured mulch offers some distinct advantages. Compared to coarse chunky mulches fine mulch creates a more uniform appearance and allows you to easily replant and rearrange plants without disturbing the mulch layer too much. It also tends to be more effective at suppressing weeds. But not … Read more
Mulch and compost are two of the most important tools in a gardener’s toolbox But there is a lot of confusion about whether they are the same thing or not The short answer is no, mulch and compost are not the same. While both are organic materials that enrich the soil, they serve different purposes … Read more
Manure Compost vs Mushroom Compost Which is Better for Your Garden? When it comes to improving soil quality and providing nutrients for plants, two of the most popular options are manure compost and mushroom compost. Both can enrich soil with organic matter and essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. However, there are some key … Read more
As a tomato gardener, you likely know that mulching your tomato plants is essential for their growth and yield. But when it comes to choosing the right mulch, oak leaves are often overlooked. Many gardeners steer clear of using oak leaves as mulch due to myths surrounding their high tannin content. However, oak leaves can … Read more
Soil conditioners are materials added to the soil to improve its texture water drainage nutrient availability and overall plant growth. But with so many options, how do you know how much soil conditioner to use? Follow this simple guide to determine the right amount of conditioner for your garden or lawn. Why Soil Conditioners Are … Read more